Ashurst-strengthens-resources-and-infrastructure-team

Ashurst is pleased to announce the appointment of two new partners, Michael Harrison and Richard Guit, to its resources and infrastructure team.

Both partners join the firm from Minter Ellison. Michael will be based in Ashurst's Sydney office and Richard will be based in Perth, with both partners expected to commence by the end of November.

Michael is one of Australia's leading energy and resources, projects and transactional lawyers. His industry focus spans all aspects of the energy and resources sectors, from power to mining to oil and gas. Many deals on which he advises are cross-border matters throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea and Western Australia.

In addition, Michael works for clients (including government clients) in the transport (ports, shipping, rail and road), waste and water industries (including Public Private Partnerships [PPPs]). Michael advises on the development and finance, commercial, corporate, construction and engineering, licensing and regulatory aspects of projects and transactions.

Richard is a leading lawyer in infrastructure transactions and the energy and resources sector. He advises on infrastructure development, operation and divestment - acting for governments, sponsors, lenders and investors on all aspects of these transactions. He specialises in project documentation, financing, credit enhancement and security packages. He is active across all sectors and has extensive experience in PPPs, having advised on major economic and social PPPs in both the UK and Australia.

Commenting on the new appointments, Mark Elsey, Global Head of Ashurst's Resources and Infrastructure Industries said: "Resources and infrastructure are areas of key strategic focus for the firm. Energy and resources have long been significant contributors to the Australian economy and in recent years there also has been a significant growth in investment in social and transport related infrastructure projects.

The Asia Pacific region more broadly also continues to present major opportunities in those sectors. Ashurst has a market leading position advising clients in energy, resources and infrastructure and the appointment of Michael and Richard will help to drive this even further
forward."

Geoff Gishubl, Global Co-head of Ashurst's Corporate Division added:
"Michael and Richard have exceptional credentials and they are both highly skilled lawyers with impressive market reputations. We have continued to make significant investment into our resources and infrastructure teams and our two newest partners, combined with other recent appointments to the team, will further deepen and strengthen our international and regional offering to clients. We are confident that Michael and Richard will play a key role in developing the practice and helping us to capitalise on all opportunities."

Ashurst continues to advise clients involved in some of Australia's most high profile and complex infrastructure projects including:

• A$43 billion National Broadband Network Project - Australia's largest infrastructure project
• A$15 billion WestConnex Motorway Project in NSW - the largest road project in Asia- Pacific
• A$8.3 billion North West Rail Link PPP in NSW - the largest rail project currently being undertaken in Australia
• A$2.1 billion Sydney Light Rail PPP
• A$250 million University of Wollongong New Student Accommodation Project - the largest education project in Australia in the past year
• A$1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing - one of Queensland's highest priority infrastructure projects