The new business will provide strategic consulting and guidance, and transaction advisory services. The business will also be a start-up and growth company accelerator for the energy sector.
The energy advisory business is to be run as a separate independent business to avoid conflicts of interest, but will work with the law firm.
This reflects Norton Rose Fulbright’s desire to look at ways in which the depth of services to its clients can be enhanced beyond those traditionally found in a law firm. Simon and Vincent will in the future become senior consultants to the firm.
Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in Australia Wayne Spanner commented:
“Our firm believes that there is a demand for a more holistic approach to the provision of specialist services to clients and we are very pleased to be able to support this innovative venture, which will allow Simon and Vincent to utilise their extensive market knowledge in new ways, as well as retaining their relationship with Norton Rose Fulbright.”
Norton Rose Fulbright business law practice group leader in Australia, Alison Deitz, commented:
“We believe our clients will welcome the connectivity between our firm’s leading global and domestic legal capability and Simon Currie and Vincent Dwyer’s deep energy market insight. We see great opportunities for our clients focussed on the Australian market, but also the Asia-Pacific region and right around the world.”
Simon Currie commented:
“The energy sector is being transformed. Large energy companies are rebranding and changing their focus. New players are entering the sector as it converges with other sectors such as real estate, transport, infrastructure and agriculture. With the help of Norton Rose Fulbright’s high quality global and Australian energy teams, we will work with companies across the sector and help them thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.”