White & Case Advises Hitachi Plant Technologies In The Acquisition Of A Stake In Water And Sewage Operation In The Maldives

Tokyo, February 8, 2010 ... Global law firm White & Case LLP represented Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. ("HPT") in its agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Maldives to acquire a 20 percent shareholding in Male' Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd. ("MWSC"). The agreement will enable HPT to participate in the operations of MWSC.

MWSC presently operates water supply and sewage systems on seven islands, including Male', and its services extend to approximately 40 percent of the entire population of the Maldives islands. It has also acquired licenses for similar operations on six more islands and is expected to further expand its business going forward.

HPT's involvement will lead to the upgrading of water supply and sewage services of the Maldives.

The agreement required White & Case to utilize lawyers in the projects and corporate/M&A groups to advise on the transaction, including in relation to understanding and protecting MWSC's utility business and the negotiation of the shareholders' agreement.

"This transaction reflects the growing trend of investment in water and waste-water projects by companies developing their expertise in the sector, as well as expanding their investments in comprehensive water services," says partner Mark Goodrich who led the White & Case team advising HPT and was assisted by Eric Marcks and Emer Delaney, "Hitachi Plant Technologies is a leader in water and waste-water projects, and its involvement will bring enormous benefits and experience to MWSC’s operations."

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Bronwyn Eynon-Lewis
Marketing Director, Asia-Pacific
White & Case
+ 852 2822-8739