LEGAL ISSUES IN COMMODITIES
has seen significant growth. For example, we were heavily involved in the Ecom/Armajaro acquisition, which was much reported. We are assisting other clients
in buying and selling
other complementary physical derivative books, and desks,” explains Perrott. “Because we understand the commodity book, we can assist clients in assessments and their requisite due diligence. That is a unique offering, and one very much valued by clients we work with. The team here is also developing a particularly close relationship with mining companies, from BHP Billiton to FMG, offering them a diverse commodities skillset that is fit for all their legal needs,” he adds. And as trading companies
move up and down the supply chain, diversifying their interests, specialised transactional practice is on hand to advise on M&A activity. “All our lawyers aim to provide commercially focused advice,” insist Clyde & Co. As a firm, HFW are committed
to offering clients a 24hr service – increasingly the case in today’s complex global business environment. “The ideal scenario for me is the seamless progression
joining HFW, Perrott was head of litigation for Cargill, a US trading house at the forefront of innovation, with his repertoire extending from tackling GMO issues to protests by Greenpeace. At HFW, he acts for clients across all soft and hard commodities.
of a case, a resolution or an acquisition, When London sleeps Singapore works or when Singapore or Australia sleep, London works ...” For Reed Smith clients the major issues for commodity clients
have been regulatory changes in the US and Europe and the creation or adjustment of compliance programmes to match, as well as the challenges posed on producers as a result of slowdown in global demand for certain commodities, e.g. coal and iron ore. The divestiture of assets caused by
“... we have, of course, seen many of the banks
retreat from physical trading only to be acquired by acquisitive trading houses or energy enterprises”
“As a firm we are able to offer
the acquisitive commodity player legal support in acquiring other complementary businesses – and it is this area of our practice that
36 March 2014
US regulatory and Federal Reserve changes in rules for US banks has also been of prominence, as has government interference on many levels ranging from changes in taxation
and regulatory regimes to straight-forward confiscation and expropriation – “some governments being notorious for this.” Reed Smith have also been expanding into new markets and
regions including Houston, in Kazakhstan, and Singapore. Growth has been robust, particularly in London – and especially
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