White & Case Dominates APAC Project Finance and Infrastructure Sectors

Global law firm White & Case LLP has solidified its position as the leading legal advisor in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region's project finance and infrastructure sectors, according to the latest rankings from IJGlobal. The firm has been named the #1 project finance legal adviser and infrastructure legal adviser in APAC by deal value in IJGlobal's H1 2024 Infrastructure and Project Finance League Table Report. This recognition follows White & Case's designation as the 2023 "Legal Adviser of the Year for APAC" by IJGlobal.

Powering the APAC Region's Transformative Projects

Navigating Complex Cross-Border Transactions

White & Case's APAC team has demonstrated its expertise in handling the region's most intricate project finance and infrastructure deals. The firm's work highlights during the first half of the year include representing MidOcean Energy, a liquefied natural gas company formed and managed by EIG, on its acquisition of Tokyo Gas' interests in the Australian Gorgon LNG, Pluto LNG, and Queensland Curtis LNG projects. This complex cross-border transaction showcases the firm's ability to navigate the nuances of international energy projects and facilitate strategic partnerships that drive the APAC region's energy transition.

Enabling Sustainable Infrastructure Development

The firm's project finance and infrastructure expertise extends beyond the energy sector. White & Case advised Bank of New Zealand and MUFG Bank Ltd. on the project financing of the 63 MW Lauriston Solar Farm near Christchurch, New Zealand, demonstrating its proficiency in renewable energy infrastructure projects. Additionally, the firm represented Neoen on its AUD.1 billion portfolio financing in Australia, enabling the refinancing of approximately AUD0 million of single asset-level debt and the financing of new assets. These transactions highlight White & Case's commitment to supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure across the APAC region.

Facilitating Strategic Divestments and Acquisitions

White & Case's APAC team has also played a pivotal role in facilitating strategic divestments and acquisitions in the infrastructure and energy sectors. The firm advised TotalEnergies on the signing of an agreement with OMV to acquire its 50 percent interest in Malaysian independent gas producer and operator SapuraOMV Upstream Sdn for a consideration of US3 million. Furthermore, the firm represented Aberdeen Global Infrastructure Partners Fund II (abrdn) and Macquarie Capital's Infrastructure and Energy Capital division on the legal aspects of the disposal of interests in Western Australian Schools PPP and ACT Law Courts PPP, as well as abrdn's disposal of its interest in Perth Stadium.

Trusted Advisor to Industry Leaders

Brendan Quinn, partner and head of the Project Finance group in Asia-Pacific, highlighted the firm's leading market position and the trust its clients place in White & Case. "While there are less transactions in the market this financial year than last year, the APAC project finance market remains buoyant, driven by cross-border transactions and energy transition. These rankings reflect our leading market position and the trust our clients place in us to handle the most complex project transactions in the region. We are grateful that our clients trust us to handle their transactions in a broad range of sectors."White & Case's consistent recognition as the top legal adviser in the APAC project finance and infrastructure sectors underscores the firm's deep expertise, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results for its clients. As the region continues to witness transformative projects and strategic investments, White & Case is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of infrastructure and energy development in the APAC market.