Hogan Lovells advised the OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY “RUSNANO” (“RUSNANO”), a major Russian investment and development company controlled by the Russian Government, on its investment in BiOptix Diagnostics, Inc. (USA) (“BiOptix”), a start-up analytical instrument company which uses a novel technology to enable label-free detection of biological samples.  The deal completed on 18 March 2011.

Baker & McKenzie has advised the shareholders of JSC Novatek, Russia’s largest independent gas producer, on the sale of a 12% stake to Total SA as part of a strategic partnership.

International law firm Dechert LLP’s Moscow team is representing Kinross Gold Corporation (“Kinross”) (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) on its US$350 million acquisition of a 25% stake in Chukotka Mining and Geological Company (CMGC), the 100% owner of the Kupol gold and silver mine in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug of the Far East Region of the Russian Federation. CMGC is currently owned 75% by Kinross and 25% by the State Unitary Enterprise of the Chukotsky Autonomous Okrug (Chukotsnab). The proposed acquisition – which signed on 4th April – would bring Kinross’s total stake in CMGC to 100%. The consideration is subject to adjustments equal to the amount of the attributable dividend payments. Kinross intends to finance the acquisition costs in part though a non-recourse debt facility of approximately US$200 million, on which Dechert is also advising Kinross.