Law firm Watson Farley & Williams has hired a new partner Thomas Rabain in Paris, France, for its energy practice.
Rabain (pictured) was previously with Norton Rose Fulbright also based in Paris.
He focusses on energy-related corporate matters, particularly renewables, mergers and acquisitions as well as projects.
He has over 17 years’ experience advising investment funds and industrial companies on both domestic and cross-border disposals, acquisitions, joint ventures and financing transactions.
WFW Paris office head Romain Girtanner said: “Not only does Thomas joining us expand and broaden our French corporate practice generally, his extensive experience advising on renewable energy transactions compliment perfectly the firm’s special focus on the energy and infrastructure sector.
“Following on from the hire last year of Philippe Wolanski as a new finance partner, we are ideally placed to provide our clients with a truly first class, comprehensive non-contentious French law service in the energy and infrastructure space.”
Rabain said: “Given its excellent reputation both for its energy and infrastructure expertise and its commitment to client service, joining WFW represents the perfect opportunity for me to expand both my practice and client base.
“I greatly look forward to working with all my new colleagues across the firm’s global network.”
Meanwhile, WFW advised Danish investor Nordic Solar Energy on the acquisition of a 14MW photovoltaic portfolio in Italy from Sella Investment.
The portfolio comprises 14 rooftop and ground mounted solar plants in the Italian provinces of Pordenone, Genova, Siena, Latina, Roma and Teramo.
The WFW Italy team advising Nordic Solar Energy was led by partner and WFW Italy head Eugenio Tranchino assisted by counsel Luca Sfrecola and associate Giovanni Benedetto.
Partner Tiziana Manenti advised on the administrative law aspects of the transaction, assisted by associates Cristina Betti and Gianluca Di Stefano.