Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestments
Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestments:
Navigating complex business transactions can be challenging without the right guidance. Michael possesses the experience to provide business owners, executives, and investors move through every phase with clarity and confidence.
From strategic planning and due diligence to contract negotiations and post-transaction integration, Michael focuses on protecting your interests and minimizing risk at every turn. Whether you’re acquiring, merging, or divesting, the goal is to structure deals that align with your long-term business objectives—helping you achieve a smooth transition, maximize value, and position your company for lasting success.
Representative Transactions
- TransGlobe Energy Corporation: Stock-for-stock business combination whereby VAALCO Energy, Inc. acquired all shares of TransGlobe valued at $307 million; received the individual “Market Maker Award” from the International Financial Law Review.
- Salsol Gabon: $44 million acquisition of Sasol’s interest in oil producing asset in Gabon.
- Barbados: New country entry and execution of two exploration licences, culminating seven years of government negotiation and engagement.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Acquisition of seven blocks in three bid rounds and two blocks pursuant to farm-in with work commitments over $700 million.
- Brazil: New country entry and acquisition of two blocks in Round 11.
- Mexico: New country entry pursuant to the country’s energy reform.
- Exxon-Mobil Merger: $81 billion merger forming ExxonMobil Corporation; served on merger team as Exxon’s Exploration representative and prepared submissions to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Guyana: New county entry and execution of Production Sharing Contract for Exxon’s Stabroek block, currently producing approximately 650,000 barrels of oil per day.
- Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Falkland Islands: Contract terminations and country exit.
Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Disputes with customers, service providers, partners and third parties happen. Michael believes in proactively addressing disputes and negotiating resolutions before matters escalate to costly and time-consuming litigation.
If arbitration or litigation becomes necessary, Michael can manage the outside counsel team to develop case strategy, reduce costs and mitigate disruptions to company management.
Representative Matters
- State-Owned Company: Significant recovery related to a heritage joint venture.
- Penn West: Indemnification for environment cleanup in Canada.
- Lloyds of London: Insurance litigation related to the EXXON VALDEZ oil spill resulting in a favorable verdict and eventual recovery of $780 million; member of the litigation team named Commercial Prosecutors of the Year by the International Commercial Litigation Journal.
- EXXON VALDEZ Oil Spill: Criminal and civil litigation associated with the Exxon VALDEZ oil spill; assigned to Exxon’s VALDEZ litigation group and worked closely with lead trial attorneys.
Major Procurement Contracts
Business require a wide variety of contracts to operate. Michael can assist with drafting and negotiating contracts assuring your interests are protected.
For reoccurring contracts (e.g., master services contracts, purchase agreements, consulting agreements) Michael can assist preparing templates to streamline the contracting process and increase consistency.
Representative Transactions
- World Carrier Offshore Services: Bareboart Charter and Operating Agreement for a Floating, Production and Offtake vessel in Gabon.
- Borr Drilling: Drilling rig contract for Gabon.
- Vantage Drilling International: Drilling rig contract for Gabon.
- Transocean: $395 million drilling rig contract for Trinidad and Tobago.
- PGS: Seismic acquisition contracts for $150 million seismic for Trinidad and Tobago and $90 million for South Africa.
Compliance & Governance
Staying compliant isn't just about avoiding penalties, but rather building a company culture rooted in integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Having served as a Chief Compliance Officer, Michael can facilitate a robust compliance program including policies/procedures, risk assessments, third party due diligence, training, incident reporting and internal investigations.
With the background as Corporate Secretary, Michael can advise your executive team and board to maintain a strong governance framework.
Matters
- Security and Human Rights: Compliance program for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights; developed policies and trained venture offices.
