International
Our international reach distinguishes us from most of our peers.
With some twenty five percent of our people based in Asia, for example, we are exceptionally well placed to advise client businesses in the region, whether they are developing within Asia or looking to wider international markets for expansion.
Our international clients tell us they particularly value Stephenson Harwood's ability to meet their English law requirements worldwide. Many of them do so because they recognise the benefits of using English law to structure international deals or resolve disputes.
Through our network of offices and affiliates, we provide quality resources and expert local knowledge in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. With thirty-plus languages spoken across the firm, we provide effective support to our clients, no matter where in the world they are operating.
Around the globe: snapshots of SH at work
In this section
Latin America
Last year, we successfully represented Venezuela’s national oil company, PDVSA, and the government of Bolivia in two landmark cases which together are precedent-setting for the role of the English courts in policing international disputes. In both these cases the Stephenson Harwood team succeeded in lifting multi-million dollar freezing injunctions against our clients.
Africa
We are currently acting for Nigeria's national oil company, NNPC, in defending attempts to enforce in London a US$200m arbitration award made against the company. The case raises important legal issues in relation to the enforcement of New York Convention awards – and is particularly high profile because Nigeria is one of the world's largest oil producers.
Europe
Last year, we acted for St. Martins Property Investments on its £400m acquisition from British Land of the iconic, Norman Foster-designed Willis Building – the biggest property deal in the City of London since the onset of the credit crunch.
Asia
With twenty five per cent of our people operating out of Asia, we attract many of the most eye-catching deals and disputes in the region. Over the past three years, we advised on more AIM listings of Asian companies than any other firm; acted on the financing of the largest vessel ever built in China; and won the award for Asia aircraft leasing deal of 2008.
Middle East
With long-established relationships among Middle Eastern banks and companies, our Islamic finance practice has always – and continues – to work at the cutting edge. Most recently, in 2009, we advised Bahrain's Seera Investment Bank on the secondary buy-out of BWA Water Additives - the first ever Shari'a-compliant secondary buy-out in the UK, which was awarded voted Islamic Finance Deal of the Year in the Banker Awards 2009.