Field Fisher Waterhouse advises the government of Turkmenistan on contract to launch the country’s first satellite
28 November 2011
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has advised the
Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan on a deal to build and
launch the country’s first communications satellite. The
contract was awarded to Thales Alenia Space, a European leader in
satellite systems and was supported by Space Systems International
Monaco.
China Great Wall Industries Corporation will
be launching the satellite from its Xichang launch centre.
The satellite will be located at 52° east, with a footprint
spanning Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Field Fisher Waterhouse communications and
technology partner John Worthy led the firm’s team on the deal,
assisted by construction partner Alan Woolston, associate Nick Ball
and solicitor Emma Brownlow-Smith.
John Worthy said: “This project is key to the
development of Turkmenistan’s communications infrastructure and is
a further example of the growing prominence of satellite projects
in emerging markets. This transaction also reflects a growing
trend by adopting a collaborative structure to deliver the benefits
expected by Turkmenistan. The deal highlights our increasing
profile as one of the leading law firms in the satellite sector and
builds on our successes in the CIS region.”
Field Fisher Waterhouse has a market leading
telecommunications and satellite practice with clients that include
Vodafone, Orange and China Telecom. This deal follows on from
the firm’s advice on the Azerbaijan government’s satellite joint
venture project for which will deliver and launch the country’s
first satellite, scheduled for late 2012.
The firm worked alongside international law
firm, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP on the
Turkmenistan deal.
For further information, please
contact: Paula Nugent, PR Executive, Field Fisher
Waterhouse LLP on 020 7861 4526
Notes
John Worthy has advised on satellite and space
projects for nearly 20 years and has advised many of the major
players in the sector on satellite manufacture, launch and
operation transactions, joint ventures and regulatory and financing
issues. In recent years, John has advised on numerous major
satellite transactions in Europe, CIS, Middle East, Africa and Asia
Pacific.