The ‘personable, hardworking, knowledgeable and available’ group at Dentons is well-versed in complex commodity, trade, receivables, export and structured financings. Leveraging the firm’s extensive global network, the team commodities, trade and export finance practice is a key adviser to financial institutions, brokers, dealers, investment funds, energy producers, suppliers, transporters and end-users around the world. Ian Clements leads the outfit in London and handles commodity financings across many asset classes in western Europe, Latam and Africa. He recently assisted ING Bank with the refinancing and repapering of a secured uncommitted borrowing base facility based on Green Loan Principles for TrailStone Renewables. Paul Holland is sought after for export credit-backed financings in Brazil, Angola, Ghana, Uganda, Jordan and elsewhere. Mark Cheney’s work includes structured trading and financing arrangements in the refining and power sectors, while James Francis is an emerging talent in ECA-supported cross-border financings. Simon Prendergast left the firm in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Personable, hardworking, knowledgeable and available.'
- 'James Francis is hard working and personable, whilst maintaining clear focus on getting projects done as quickly as possible. Flexible thinker.'
Key clients
- Shotton Mill Limited
- Rhône Energies Fos-sur-Mer (an investment vehicle owned by Trafigura and Entara Partners LLC)
- Crossbridge Energy AS
- ING Bank N.V.
- Ghana Cocoa Board
- Coöoperative Rabobank U.A
- E D & F Man Group
- Natixis
- UK Export Finance
- Trafigura
- FBNQuest Merchant Bank
Work highlights
Advising Lloyds Bank PLC (as documentation agent and facility agent) together with a syndicate of international banks (including Natixis, Société Générale, MUFG and NatWest) in respect of a new secured, committed borrowing base facility made available to Greenergy Fuels Limited and Inver Energy Limited, companies in the Trafigura Group.
Advising ING Bank N.V. (as co-ordinator and facility agent) together with a syndicate of international banks in respect of the refinancing and repapering of a secured uncommitted borrowing base facility based on Green Loan Principles and made available to TrailStone Renewables GmbH, a company in the Engelhart Group.
Advising Shotton Mill Limited on a financing transaction for the conversion of an existing paper mill in North Wales, comprising Finnvera and SERV buyer credit facilities, a UK Export Finance export development guarantee backed facility (with a tied commercial facility) and a commercial facility – it has been designated a green loan.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ian Clements
Other key lawyers
Paul Holland; Mark Cheney; James Francis