მთავარი

Expertise. Experience. Efficiency.

News

BGI advises TEPCO in acquisition of stake in Georgian HPP

BGI has acted for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), Japanese energy giant, in one of the most significant M&A deals in Georgia in recent months. The deal was closed successfully on 28 April 2020 despite fundamental challenges posed by the state of emergency imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions and closures.

TEPCO has acquired 31.4% of the shares in Dariali Hydropower Project, located in Kazbegi Municipality, Georgia. Dariali HPP commenced commercial operations in December 2015, supported by a 15-year power purchase agreement with ESCO, the market operator in Georgia’s electricity sector. Dariali HPP’s annual energy generation amounts to 510 million kWh. It is also the first carbon-neutral project in Georgia and among all EBRD-financed projects worldwide.

“TEPCO brings much-needed know-how and experience to Georgia, strengthening the country’s energy security and independence. This deal complements our impressive portfolio of hydropower projects, highlighting that BGI remains the market leader and the law firm of choice for major foreign investors” said Partner Sandro Bibilashvili, who led the BGI team working on this transaction.

Legal director Unana Gogokhia focuses on financial transactions, and stands out for her experience of capital markets and derivatives. Clients appreciate her ability to "look at the issue very scrupulously and bring up points in the transaction that none of the other parties spotted." Sandro Bibilashvili is increasingly recognised in the market. He is involved in some of the firm's biggest project finance mandates and has recently been active working on energy projects. Counsel Tamara Tevdoradze enters the rankings on the back of positive praise. "She is very reliable, accurate and punctual, thinks in a very logical way and has very strong arguments," a client says

Chambers Global - 2017

Excellent team known for acting on high-profile and significant mandates. Clients commend the team's expertise, saying: "They are all very solid, have excellent knowledge, are hard-working and give great practical advice." They further praised the service adding that the lawyers are "client-oriented, quite patient and understand the client's internal procedures."

Chambers Europe - 2017

"One of the leading firms in Georgia adept at both finance and corporate work". Client feedback: "Very good law firm for this jurisdiction. Strong knowledge." - Banking and finance, Restructuring and insolvency. Of Lasha Gogiberidze: "Good communication skills, responsive." Previous comments have included: "BGI Legal is one of the leading firms in Georgia adept at both finance and corporate work...Very good law firm for this jurisdiction...very knowledgeable, they get the job done on time and on budget". Lasha Gogiberidze is described as "prompt and quick to point out problems and pitfalls".

IFLR1000 - 2018