Addleshaw Goddard advises China’s State Grid on landmark USD1 billion Oman electricity sector privatisation

Addleshaw Goddard has advised China’s State Grid International Development Limited (SGID) on its successful circa USD1 billion acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Oman Electricity Transmission Company.

The market-changing deal entered into with Oman Electricity Holding Company (also known as Nama Holding) marks the completion of this phase of Oman’s electricity sector privatisation programme. Nama Holding received bids from a number of leading local and international investors, both individually and in consortia. SGID’s winning bid makes it the largest single Chinese investor in Oman to date.

The AG team was led by Oliver Stevens and included lawyers from its Muscat, Dubai and UK offices, including Ma’athir Al Busaidi, Kate Searle, Gorvinder Pannu, Nic Henrikson, James Shaw, Eithar Al Kiyumi, Luke Aylett, Joanna Keating, Ahlam Souccarieh, Nayomi Skinner, Richard Goodfellow and Helen Bailey.

Oliver Stevens said, “It is fantastic to have been able to advise SGID on such a high-profile transaction. The deal not only marks another important step in China’s fast-moving Belt and Road Initiative, it will also play a key part in helping to deliver the Oman Government’s objectives of attracting foreign direct investment and promoting private sector participation. We are delighted to have been able to lend our expertise to help make this happen.”