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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.
Fieldfisher 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.”
Fieldfisher 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, Fieldfisher 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.