19 April – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Bruce takes over the leadership of the practice from Alan Black, who has led the practice since 1993. During that time, Linklaters has developed one of the world’s pre-eminent projects practices, with more than 120 lawyers involved in headline energy and infrastructure projects across the globe. Its reputation across the full spectrum of projects is without peer. After twelve successful years in this role, however, Alan has decided he has spent enough time in management and wants to return to the practice full time.
Linklaters has had particular success in the past 12 months. The global projects team closed in excess of 45 deals, in over 25 countries with a value in excess of US$30bn. We advised on most of the major and precedent-setting transactions in the market.
In 2004, the 120-strong group was boosted by three new partners based in Russia, Hong Kong and the UK and, have this weekend, appointed 5 new partners. Charlotte Morgan and Matthew Keats are to become partners in London, Simon Ratledge will become a projects partner in Paris, whilst Jan Endler and Paul Lignières, who both work with on projects in Berlin and Paris respectively, will become partners, focusing on public law .
Bruce White has been a partner in our global project finance group for 10 years, specialising in PPP transactions in the UK and across Europe. He has been the key player in establishing Linklaters’ leading European PFI/PPP practice. Last year alone his team completed the first CGF project for HM Treasury, the first UK DBFT rail project (project Evergreen) and the first PPP projects in each of Austria and Hungary. They are now helping Linklaters Asian offices to develop PPP in Asia.
Giles White, head of Linklaters’ Global Finance and Projects group, said:
“I would like to thank Alan for his enormous leadership contribution to the worldwide development and reputation of our project finance practice. I also welcome Bruce to his new role. I am sure that under him the global project practice will continue to go from strength to str ength.”
Further changes to the London projects team include Stuart Salt’s move to Hong Kong with effect from 1 May 2005. Stuart will become Head of Banking and Projects in Asia to capitalise on the opportunities and growth potential that the region presents.
Bruce White, head of Linklaters Global Projects practice, said:
“Under Stuart’s leadership, this move will enable Linklaters’ global Projects practice to service our clients on a truly international basis.”
