A standout feature of the cross-practice emerging markets team at Mayer Brown International LLP is its strength in Central and Latin America. Areas of expertise for the London office include major financings and contentious and regulatory work covering bribery, corruption and sanctions. Ashley McDermott concentrates on complex cross-border financings and has particular specialisms in export finance and structured trade and commodity finance. Rachel Speight is experienced in projects in the mining and infrastructure sectors, with an emphasis on deals across Africa. Other practitioners of note include Raid Abu-Manneh, Bob Palmer and Kwadwo Sarkodie.
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Testimonials
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- 'Business oriented - effective service.'
- 'Great people to work with.'
Key clients
- African Export-Import Bank
- Africa Finance Corporation
- Citibank
- Coris Bank
- Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB)
- Gemcorp
- Gramercy
- JPMorgan
- SACE
- SMBC
- Summit Group
- U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Work highlights
Advised Citibank (as coordinator) and SACE on a USD 400 million syndicated, SACE-covered loan facility to Eletrobras, the main Brazilian electricity company and the largest in Latin America. The loan forms part of SACE’s Push Strategy and aims to facilitate new opportunities for “Made in Italy” exports to Brazil in the energy sector, with a special focus on renewables.
Advising the DFC on a USD 150 million financing for Twigg Exploration & Mining, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian Syrah Resources Ltd., for the expansion of the Syrah Balamagraphite mine in Mozambique.
Represented a former employee of Glencore in the SFO criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption relating to Glencore’s oil activities in Africa.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ashley McDermott; Rachel Speight
Other key lawyers
Raid Abu-Manneh; Bob Palmer; Kwadwo Sarkodie