Herbert Smith Freehills has advised CGN of China on its proposed US$2.3 billion acquisition of the energy assets of Edra Global Energy Berhad.

The assets include interests in 13 power plants in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

The signing of the transaction was formally announced on 23 November after a bid process during recent months.

Singapore-based energy partner David Clinch led a multi-jurisdictional, cross-practice team from Herbert Smith Freehills to advise CGN, drawing on additional support in Southeast Asia, Australia, China and the UK.

"We're delighted to have assisted CGN with this cornerstone transaction. Our team worked tirelessly to deliver the deal in an exceptional timeframe, particularly given its size, market profile and complexity," said David. "Colleagues in our energy, general corporate, tax, disputes and antitrust teams worked seamlessly across time zones."

    * In Singapore, David was assisted by energy senior associates Marc Dornbierer and Jon Ornolfsson and trainee Niall Crean, and on corporate matters by partner Brian Scott, senior associates Sally Austen and Amy Hale, and trainees Rhianna Dowdeswell and Ian Cheong.
   
    * Singapore based finance partners Adrian Cheng and Philip Lee advised on financing matters, assisted by senior associate Preeti Kamat and associate Rakhee Patel.
   
    * Disputes input was provided by partner Alastair Henderson and senior associates Gitta Satryani and Daniel Waldek in Singapore.
   
    * Asia Head of Competition Mark Jephcott and senior associate Adelaide Luke advised on antitrust aspects of the deal from Hong Kong, with Head of Competition, Regulation & Trade James Quinney and senior associate Chris Sherwin in London.
   
    * Tax issues were handled by London Head of Tax Isaac Zailer, senior associate Perminder Gainda and associate Jai Popat.
   
    * China-related matters were handled by corporate partner Matt Emsley and Victor Ding and trainee Jocelyn Heng in Hong Kong, with energy partner Monica Sun, senior associate Hao Su and associate Blair Feng providing support in Beijing.