Norton Rose Fulbright advises Deutsche Bank AG and Acre Impact Capital on financing of Gabon’s Water Production and Distribution Improvement Project

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Deutsche Bank AG and Acre Impact Capital on the financing of the Republic of Gabon's water production and distribution improvement project in several cities across the country, led by SUEZ International.

The project is intended to ensure continuous access to high-quality drinking water for the entire Gabonese population. Through the Société d'Energie et d'Eau du Gabon (SEEG), the Gabonese authorities will draw on SUEZ's expertise and technologies to bring water services up to international standards.

The financing comprises a facility guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export and a commercial financing facility.

Deutsche Bank AG structured the overall financing and acted as arranger, agent, ECA agent and lender under the facility guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export.

This Bpifrance Assurance Export-backed facility was complemented by a commercial financing facility, for which Deutsche Bank AG also acted as arranger. Acre Impact Capital acted as commercial lender through its fund Acre Export Finance Fund I LP.

Alexandre Roth commented:

"We are delighted to have assisted Deutsche Bank AG and all of the lenders in the implementation of this landmark financing for access to drinking water in Gabon. This transaction demonstrates our continued commitment to, and deep understanding of, this type of financing across the African continent and in Gabon in particular. It also highlights our experience in export support mechanisms provided by export credit agencies, and in particular Bpifrance Assurance Export in this transaction, which enabled us to successfully meet the needs and requirements of every stakeholder in this project."

The Paris-based Norton Rose Fulbright team advising Deutsche Bank AG and the other lenders on this transaction was led by banking and finance partner Alexandre Roth, assisted by associate Elahé Hoseiny.

Norton Rose Fulbright was assisted in Gabon by Cabinet Juridique Biassaly.