Mourant Ozannes receives China Business Law Journal 'Deal of the Year' recognition

Mourant Ozannes' market leading Hong Kong banking and finance team has received China Business Law Journal's 'Deal of the Year' recognition for two of their most successful transactions in 2017.

The firm has been recognised for its work advising in the high profile Karot hydropower plant project in Pakistan, the first infrastructure project to be announced under China's 'One Belt, One Road' economic development initiative to increase global trade and regional connectivity. The team advised Export-Import Bank of China, China Development Bank, Silk Road Fund and International Finance Corporation in connection with a US$1.392 billion facility provided to Karot Power Company (Private) Limited.

It has also been acknowledged for 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 with a bank and lease financing of The Antikeros, The Shonoussa, The Polyaigos and The Strofades vessels.

Mourant Ozannes partner, Simon Lawrenson, said: "This recognition is another example of the strength of our banking and finance and restructuring practice, which is regularly instructed to work on the most high profile and complex matters and is now one of the largest dedicated offshore finance teams in Asia.

"The hydropower project, which involved a range of cross border issues spanning China, Pakistan, Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands, is particularly noteworthy as it is likely to set a precedent for the structuring of large scale renewable projects in other Belt and Road regions.

"The CSIC Leasing is also a landmark transaction which highlights our team's market leading skills in advising on complex structured asset finance transactions."

The Karot hydropower project team was led by partner, Simon Lawrenson, with senior associate, Paul Trewartha, who worked alongside a range of international counsel including Shearman & Sterling Shanghai. The team advising CSIC was led by partner, Danielle Roman, with associate, Peter Vas, who worked alongside Watson Farley & Williams in Hong Kong.