International law firm Gowling WLG has advised CPCS Transcom Ltd. and InfraCo Africa on a historic partnership to develop Liberia's first open-access commercial, modern warehousing facility and operations.
The firm's Corporate Finance and Tax, and Projects and Infrastructure teams represented InfraCo Africa, a publically funded, UK registered developer of sub-Saharan infrastructure projects to successfully facilitate exchange of contracts on a multi-million dollar joint venture deal, set to deliver significant infrastructure development in Liberia. Gowling WLG's Projects and Infrastructure team continues to advise on the EPC contract and other commercial contracts as part of the first of its kind project.
InfraCo Africa and Global Logistics Services, Liberia's leading, integrated logistics services provider (GLS), will jointly develop, construct and operate a state of the art, inland storage, distribution and general warehousing facility, the Liberia Inland Storage Facility Project. InfraCo Africa Limited and GLS will provide the anticipated investment of circa US$7.5 million, together with land for the project.
Partner Gareth Baker led on the cross border deal, alongside Head of Africa Group Partner Jonathan Brufal, supported by Senior Associates Robert Currall, Lauren Grieve and Frank Beeton, successfully preparing and negotiating the detailed joint venture agreement together with a range of contracts in connection with the project.
Gareth Baker, said "For InfraCo Africa this deal marks the successful beginning of the first of many potential projects in the region and is set to bring much needed investment to sub-Saharan Africa. We're hopeful the project will have an impact on the Liberian economy by creating jobs and adding value to commodities. It was a great pleasure to work with InfraCo to support them in delivering this historic first for Liberia."
Jonathan Brufal, said "Logistics is an increasingly important and active sector in Africa and this deal builds on the work we have done elsewhere on the continent including advising the Government of Rwanda on the successful development of the Kigali Logistics Platform with DP World."
The deal marks another success for the firm advising governments and developers on the implementation of projects in challenging new jurisdictions using new contractual models, across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
With proven ability on all stages of a project, the firm's global Projects Group offers an international perspective and a specialised full-service platform, providing industry-leading legal support and sector expertise to achieve local, national and international business intentions while managing legal risk whatever the requirement.