Steve Blakeley is the partner in charge of the firm's London office and heads the firm’s English law corporate practice in London. Mr. Blakeley’s practice encompasses all aspects of corporate law, with special emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and cross-border transactions. He has represented both public and private companies in a wide variety of industries.
Mr. Blakeley has represented buyers, sellers and investors in a number of substantial international transactions. In particular, he has acted for a number of acquisitive Russian companies. He has more recently been involved in significant cross-border joint ventures in the oil and gas industry.
In 2010 Mr. Blakeley represented Bridas Energy Holdings Ltd. in its sale of 50% of Bridas Corporation to CNOOC International Limited for $3.1 billion and the subsequent agreement by Bridas Corporation to acquire the outstanding 60% interest in Pan American Energy LLC, Argentina’s second largest oil and gas producer, from BP for $7.1 billion.
Mr. Blakeley’s clients come from a broad range of industry sectors, including asset management, oil and gas, minerals, telecoms, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, business services, toxic and hazardous waste treatment and disposal, and information systems and data processing.
Mr. Blakeley has significant management as well as legal experience. He was the managing partner of a London City firm from 1994 to 2000, when he led it into a successful merger with a larger firm. He was the managing partner for strategic initiatives and then deputy chief executive from 2000 to 2004.
Mr. Blakeley received his M.A. from Oxford University (Trinity College) in 1977. He acquired training at the College of Law in Chester and London and qualified as a solicitor in 1980.