Mourant Ozannes at the forefront of aviation and ship financing in Asia

Mourant Ozannes' Hong Kong banking and finance team has been successful in advising on a number of asset financing deals in the Asian market over the last year, reinforcing the strength of its specialist asset finance practice.

The global offshore law firm has recently been recognised by China Business Law Journal's "Deals of the Year" for the landmark deal advising China's Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) Leasing on its first ever ship lease financing, a US65.5m sale and leaseback transaction with Eletson Corporation, a Greek tanker owner and operator. Mourant Ozannes provided BVI law advice in connection the loan and lease financing of four second-hand long range product tankers.

The team was also acknowledged by Asia Business Law Journal's "Deals of the Year" for acting as counsel for Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (CACIB) on the US$65m commercial financing of 14 engines for Asia Aviation Capital Limited, the leasing arm of AirAsia. Mourant Ozannes acted as Cayman Islands counsel on the financing, involving CACIB, Korea Development Bank and NTT Finance as lenders.

Mourant Ozannes Hong Kong banking and finance partner, Danielle Roman, said: "Both of these deals are great examples of the high value aircraft and ship finance work we have undertaken over the last year. These specific deals highlight our team's expertise in advising on complex structured asset finance transactions, positioning us as a clear market leader for offshore asset financing in Asia."

The team advising CSIC was led by partner, Danielle Roman, with associate Peter Vas who worked alongside Watson Farley and Williams in Hong Kong. The CACIB team was also led by Danielle Roman, with legal assistant Tracey Forbes who worked alongside Holman Fenwick Willan.

The firm was also named Best Law Firm for Aviation and Shipping by China Business Law Journal, and Danielle Roman has been recognised as a 'Leading Aviation lawyer' by Corporate Jet Investor, by Who's Who Legal: Aviation 2018 and as a 'Rising Star' by Expert Guides.