Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Allens Arthur Robinson retains its status as a top tier firm with its “impressive work in the projects and energy space”, says one client. The firm’s dedicated energy and natural resources team is able to manage complex regulatory requirements and negotiate ... [more]

Allens Arthur Robinson retains its status as a top tier firm with its “impressive work in the projects and energy space”, says one client. The firm’s dedicated energy and natural resources team is able to manage complex regulatory requirements and negotiate deals for both domestic and international clients.

Leader of the Hanoi practice, Bill Magennis, is a multi-talented lawyer and an expert in the oil and gas sector. His innovative solutions are highly regarded by peers and clients, who describe him as “the heart and soul of the Hanoi practice”. Partner Thomas Miller is an experienced practitioner in banking and project finance, and offers sharp and refreshing advice that has earned the praise of clients and peers.

[hide]

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was one of the busiest firms in the energy and natural resources sector last year. The size and the value of the transactions involving the firm led peers to comment: “Freshfields is definitely the power player in this ... [more]

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was one of the busiest firms in the energy and natural resources sector last year. The size and the value of the transactions involving the firm led peers to comment: “Freshfields is definitely the power player in this sector.”

The firm’s international transactions included advising AES Corporation on the US$2.1 billion development and financing of the 1200MW coal-fired Mong Duong 2 power plant. The firm also represented an international power consortium in relation to the US$1.5 billion development and financing of Nghi Son 2 power project.

As a demonstration of its domestic prowess, the firm advised ONGC Videsh on the US$1 billion transfer of all of BP’s interests and assets in Block 06.1 in Vietnam to TNK Overseas.

[hide]

Frasers’ practice is led by Mark Fraser and Pham Ba Linh, who are both very experienced in “advising on a wide range of energy and resource deals, especially major infrastructure projects involving oil and gas”, says one client. The firm prides itself ... [more]

Frasers’ practice is led by Mark Fraser and Pham Ba Linh, who are both very experienced in “advising on a wide range of energy and resource deals, especially major infrastructure projects involving oil and gas”, says one client. The firm prides itself for its work on unique and complex transactions that are often identified as legal ‘firsts’ in this still emerging jurisdiction.

The firm’s deal highlight over the last 12 months was providing corporate and commercial legal advice to a client that would like to sell its shares and then transfer the BOT power project to its partner in the company. This complex matter required working in conjunction with many state authorities and other stakeholders.

[hide]

Vilaf-Hong Duc’s particular expertise in the area of project finance and energy projects has helped the firm build a strong reputation among both domestic and international clients.The firm advised a Japanese consortium in bidding to sponsor the 2 x ... [more]

Vilaf-Hong Duc’s particular expertise in the area of project finance and energy projects has helped the firm build a strong reputation among both domestic and international clients.

The firm advised a Japanese consortium in bidding to sponsor the 2 x 600MW Nghi Son 2 coal-fired thermal power plant project in Vietnam. This landmark transaction is only the second power plant to be tendered by the Vietnamese government for foreign participation in the last decade.

Continuing its strong work for international clients, the firm advised China Southern Power Grid in a joint venture with Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group in the development of a 2 x 600MW coal-fired power plant on a BOT basis in Vietnam.

[hide]

YKVN’s strength in the energy sector is particularly noted, having been involved in industry transforming transactions and complex foreign investor-related projects. The firm assisted BP in the selling of its Vietnamese energy assets to TNK-BP, a Russian ... [more]

YKVN’s strength in the energy sector is particularly noted, having been involved in industry transforming transactions and complex foreign investor-related projects. The firm assisted BP in the selling of its Vietnamese energy assets to TNK-BP, a Russian company in which BP was a joint venture party.

Another notable deal highlight involved assisting IFC in advising Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry & Trade on all phases of the development of the Nghi Son II 2 x 600MW BOT coal-fired power project in central Vietnam. This included advising on the selection of investors and the negotiation of project documents – in particular, the power purchase agreement.

The firm’s busy year also included advising PetroVietnam Exploration & Production Corporation in its acquisition of a major interest in a potential Peruvian oil field from a major US oil corporation.

[hide]

DFDL Mekong’s involvement in the energy and infrastructure sector has helped the firm nurture a reputation as an innovative operation that reliably provides solutions for clients.The firm advised the Ministry of Industry & Trade in preparation of the ... [more]

DFDL Mekong’s involvement in the energy and infrastructure sector has helped the firm nurture a reputation as an innovative operation that reliably provides solutions for clients.

The firm advised the Ministry of Industry & Trade in preparation of the project agreements on a BOT coal-fired power project, valued at US$2 billion.

Leveraging off the firm’s international ties, DFDL assisted a French hydropower plant manufacturer of small and medium size power plants on its investment in Vietnam through the acquisition of a 40% equity stake in a licensed local company.

[hide]

The Mayer Brown JSM practice is led by Dao Nguyen, who is one of the most recognisable figures in Vietnam. Renowned for advising a wide range of clients on leasing and land acquisitions, the firm has had another strong year in the natural resources sector. ... [more]

The Mayer Brown JSM practice is led by Dao Nguyen, who is one of the most recognisable figures in Vietnam. Renowned for advising a wide range of clients on leasing and land acquisitions, the firm has had another strong year in the natural resources sector. Co-leader of the practice is Kevin Hawkins, who specialises on matters relating to oil, gas and power.

The firm advised Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group as borrower in relation to a US$100 million syndicated loan agreement. This involved Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and JBIC as lenders.

[hide]

Vision & Associates Renowned for its expertise in corporate services, the energy and natural resources team of Vision & Associates has slowly been growing. It recently advised a consortium of multinational banks, led by HSBC, on a syndicated ... [more]

Vision & Associates

Renowned for its expertise in corporate services, the energy and natural resources team of Vision & Associates has slowly been growing. It recently advised a consortium of multinational banks, led by HSBC, on a syndicated US$900 million loan to a power project in Vietnam.

EPL Legal

EPL Legal has considerable experience handling various legal issues that arise from working with leading oil and gas companies in Vietnam. The firm acted for BW Offshore in a contract negotiation with PTSC for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract in offshore Vietnam. This was one of the few international oil field services contracts in Vietnam governed by Vietnamese law.

[hide]