The Reed Smith team advising on the transaction negotiated an English law sale and purchase agreement to allow the transfer of vessels in exchange for publicly-listed shares. The complex transaction required cross-practice and cross-office teamwork on corporate M&A and capital markets, alongside deep knowledge and understanding of shipping markets.

Rob Wilkins, co-head of Reed Smith’s global Transportation Industry Group, said: “Reed Smith is honoured to be awarded Seatrade’s ‘Deal of the Year’ and to be recognised for our work in partnership with our clients on this transaction.  This deal demonstrates how our leading global shipping, investment funds and corporate M&A teams work together to support our clients on some of the biggest and most complex deals in the market.”

The team was led by Global Corporate Group partner Mark Sanders, who was supported by senior associate Johnathan Webber, Financial Industry Group partner Panos Katsambas, Transportation Industry Group co-head Rob Wilkins (all London), and partner Greg Chase as well as Global Corporate Group partner, Danielle Carbone (both New York).