International law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has appointed Tom Nicholls as a partner in its corporate practice. Tom joins from Lawrence Graham LLP where he was head of the energy and natural resources sector group.
Tom’s focus is on M&A and equity fundraisings – both on the Main Market and AIM. His expertise complements one of the Stephenson Harwood corporate finance team’s key sector strengths in energy (both oil and gas and renewals) and enhances our mining and natural resources capability.
Recent matters led by Tom include advising The Parkmead Group plc on its recommended takeover of DEO Petroleum plc; advising Patagonia Gold Plc on its dual listing and subsequent fundraisings; advising Zenergy Power Plc on its divestment of its operating subsidiary and its subsequent reverse takeover of Synety Limited and re-admission to AIM; and advising on the AIM IPO of China Chaintek United Co.
Sharon White, head of the corporate practice and chief executive at Stephenson Harwood said: “Tom’s appointment reflects the firm’s focus on hiring corporate partners who will complement and enhance the existing strengths of our practice. Tom has an excellent reputation within the equity fundraising market with sponsors, advisers and corporate clients, as well as in the energy sector, where his work with various oil and gas companies has been well regarded. This experience fits well with that of Stephenson Harwood’s corporate finance practice, as highlighted recently with our work for Eland. We also look forward to Tom’s knowledge enhancing our mining and natural resources client offering.”
Last year, Stephenson Harwood advised Eland Oil & Gas PLC, a Scottish oil and gas exploration company operating in West Africa, on the US$154 million acquisition of a 45 per cent interest in Oil Mining Lease 40 (OML 40) via its Nigerian joint venture company, Elcrest Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited. The acquisition was funded out of Eland’s IPO which raised £118 million – the largest AIM oil & gas IPO by monies raised in the preceding 5 years.
Tom Nicholls commented “I’m looking forward to joining Stephenson Harwood, where I feel there are clear synergies between my work to date, particularly in the mid-market energy and corporate finance arena, and the sector driven and market focussed corporate finance practice at Stephenson Harwood.”
