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Briefings in English - 2008

Public Private Partnerships in Russia: key themes from the seminar on PPPs in Russia

An international assembly of delegates from funders, industry players and public sector institutions attended a seminar entitled ‘Public Private Partnerships in Russia’ hosted by the PPP Forum and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer on 13 November 2008. (November 2008)

Public Private Partnerships in Russia: an overview

Russia’s need to improve its infrastructure has led to a concerted move to embrace Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). For investors looking for established methods of entering emerging markets to shelter from the credit crunch, PPPs present an attractive option.

Treatment of infrastructure improvements under FIRPTA

On October 30, 2008, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service gave notice that it proposes issuing regulations treating a governmental permit to lease, own or use a toll road, toll bridge or other infrastructure project (such as a concession agreement) as an interest in U.S. real property subject to U.S. tax under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. The notice itself and the regulations if proposed will significantly affect non-U.S. investors’ approach to U.S. infrastructure projects. Comments on the proposed rulemaking are due by January 29. (November 2008)

Rolling stock leasing: a clean bill of health for the ROSCOs?

The Competition Commission has published its provisional findings in its inquiry into rolling stock leasing in the UK. This briefing outlines the provisional findings and the Department for Transport’s options. (August 2008)

Port reform in France

The French government’s declared objective of this reform is to implement measures to restore the competitiveness of the French seaports from their current state. The main features of this reform are: redefinition of the role and responsibilities of the autonomous ports (ports autonomes), renamed ‘major seaports’ (grands ports maritimes); and the regrouping of all terminal operation activities that could be exercised by independent port operators. (July 2008)

Outlook for infrastructure: 2008 and beyond

A report on the outlook for the infrastructure industry based on our survey of leading executives. (July 2008)

Major shake-up for the water and sewerage sectors

Ofwat has recommended a series of changes to the UK’s water regime. This briefing considers possible winners and losers under a regime in which households could choose their water suppliers – and whether a new regime could offer more merger opportunities within the sector. (June 2008)

Infrastructure: the current climate

Following the Infranews event that we hosted at the end of February, this briefing examines the current state of the infrastructure market. (April 2008)

The effect of the liquidity crisis on infrastructure as an asset class

Over 200 representatives from banks, infrastructure funds, monoline insurers, financial advisers, the public sector, technical advisers, accountants and lawyers attended the Infra-News seminar 'Investing in European Infrastructure as an Established Asset Class' hosted by our firm on 28 February 2008. This briefing examines the key themes from the seminar.

The Banker's Leadership Series

Freshfields are pleased to be associated with The Banker's Leadership Series, a structured quarterly debate on global infrastructure issues. The inaugural round table was held in collaboration with Macquarie, Fitch ratings, Partnerships UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers and addressed the issue of current and future drivers in infrastructure investment.
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Briefings in English - 2007

Infrastructure: stronger restrictions on foreign investments in Germany

The German government is considering enacting stronger legislation against foreign investors that it deems a threat to public security or order. The proposed regulation may (either implicitly or explicitly) cover strategic infrastructure. A first draft for an amendment to the Foreign Trade Act and its implementing ordinance was circulated to the federal ministries for comments at the end of October 2007. This briefing explains its implications. (December 2007)

Infrastructure development in Vietnam

The Vietnamese Government has issued a new decree relating to BOT projects. Although the decree takes some steps forward, it is insufficient to make large scale foreign investment in BOT projects more likely to succeed. A truly common and clearly defined legal framework has not yet been achieved. This briefing examines the provisions of the decree. (July 2007)

Briefings in English - 2006

MoD standardisation - the next generation

The Ministry of Defence has issued a new version of the standardised terms for defence PFI projects and related guidance. In addition to standardising terms for defence projects, the document structure is intended to act as a project management tool. (September 2006)

Construction regulations

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a consultation document in March 2005 on proposals to revise and consolidate the provisions of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 into a single regulatory package. This briefing provides an update on the main issues that have emerged from the consultation exercise and the timetable for the implementation of the proposed regulations. (July 2006)

English law - potential hazards

This briefing examines how the English law approach to certain contractual issues may sometimes surprise parties who are familiar with the law in other common law jurisdictions. These issues are of particular relevance to major construction, engineering and infrastructure projects. (April 2006)

Briefings in English - 2005

New regulations for the construction industry

New regulations aimed at improving safety and reducing overall costs in construction projects have been issued by the Health and Safety Executive. (June 2005)

Corporate manslaughter Bill finally published

The government published its long-promised draft Bill on the creation of a new criminal offence of corporate manslaughter just before the general election. (May 2005)

Draft Directive on services in the internal market

A proposed Directive on services in the internal market raises concerns over health and safety risks. In this briefing we consider the terms of the Directive and the current reaction to it. (March 2005)

Briefings in English - 2004

Green paper on defence procurement published

The European Commission recently published a green paper setting out its proposals on developing a transparent and competitive European defence equipment market. This briefing looks at the current main obstacles the Commission is facing in trying to achieve its aim, and how it proposes to overcome these hurdles. (December 2004)

Partnering and PPP: a way forward?

Partnering is increasingly being used on PFI and PPP projects. This briefing summarises what is meant by partnering, what it might offer and at what cost, and the risks it can give rise to. (January 2004)

Flying in the face of demand

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