Projects, energy and natural resources
Watson Farley & Williams LLP leverages its ‘powerful’ cross-border expertise to deliver ’tailored’ advice on project development, financing, M&A, and disputes spanning conventional power assets, grid infrastructure and transition fuels. Global energy head Henry Stewart brings extensive finance, commercial and corporate experience. The ‘excellent’ Daisy East specialises in project financing transactions in the sector, acting for sponsors and lenders. Julian Nichol specialises in gas- and coal-fired plant development and limited-recourse financings, while Jennifer Charles is active in UK battery storage project financing.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
PARTNER IN THE ENERGY GROUP
Position
Daisy specialises in advising sponsors and lenders on all aspects of project-related finance transactions in the energy sector, particularly big ticket and mid-market financings. On the lender side, she works with commercial and investment banks, export credit agencies, institutional lenders and private debt funds.
Her expertise includes project and acquisition financing using conventional, Islamic, ECA-backed and mezzanine techniques in the renewable, conventional power, mining and metals, and infrastructure sectors.
Daisy is recommended as an expert renewable energy lawyer by leading legal directory Legal 500 UK 2021, where she is described as having “outstanding experience in the energy sector” and being “able to summarise and communicate complex matters in a way which enables her clients to make informed decisions”.
Career
Partner Watson, Farley & Williams 2012.
Memberships
Law Society of England & Wales.
Content supplied by Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An extremely strong team that provides a full service in their focus sectors. Their cross border knowledge and expertise is especially powerful.’
'The team led by Emmanuel Ninos excels in contract negotiation. They know the market very well, and can effectively help us close the deal with acceptable level of risks.'
'Consistently demonstrates an impressive ability to integrate seamlessly with in-house legal and commercial teams. Their business-oriented approach ensures that the advice they provide is not only legally sound but also commercially pragmatic.'
'Emmanuel Ninos brings exceptional sector knowledge and a deep understanding of the commercial landscape in which his clients operate. His ability to grasp not only the legal dimensions but also the strategic and operational priorities of his clients makes him a highly effective and trusted advisor.'
'What sets Henry Stewart apart is his creativity in developing legal solutions that are not just technically sound, but also commercially astute. His combination of legal excellence, commercial awareness, and innovative thinking makes him a valuable asset on any transaction or legal matter.'
'Emmanuel Ninos has shown his skill and expertise across the corporate aspects of the energy sector and is a trusted pair of hands.'
‘Daisy East is an excellent lawyer who is commercial, focused and delivers a top quality product.’
'Emmanuel Ninos is a first-class construction lawyer. He perfectly understand our business and our commercial objectives. He is very persuasive in contract negotiation, with a calm demeanor, and gains the respect of our counter-party too.'
Key clients
- Mizuho Nord /LB Shell Energy Europe Limited UCED GGE Palestine Power Generating Company Star Energy (formerly IGas Energy Plc) Volta Partners Ltd
Work highlights
Advised Star Energy on its acquisition of a majority stake in a company with geothermal assets in Croatia.
Advising Palestine Power Generating Company on the development and financing of Palestine’s first project-financed gas-fired power plant, the 455 MW Jenin Power Generation Plant.
Advising Volta Partners Ltd as the owners of 3 proposed electricity interconnector projects between the UK and, respectively, Germany, Denmark and Belgium in relation to the sale of a majority equity interest in each project to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.