Adam C. R. Schmelzer focuses his practice on strategic and private equity transactions in industrials, energy and natural resources, and new economy sectors. Mr. Schmelzer has represented investors, national oil companies, private energy companies, project developers and other entities on construction and development, joint venture and shareholder arrangements, mergers and acquisitions and other strategic international transactions. He also acts on behalf of investment corporations and funds in their direct and indirect investments, including in several take-private transactions.

Mr. Schmelzer has also been based in the firm’s Hong Kong and Beijing offices and advises on both outbound and inbound transactions, including multinational companies on China-related corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment and private equity. He has considerable experience advising multinationals in the telecommunications, media and technology sectors, including in sensitive industry investments into the United States and cybersecurity-related matters in China.

  • Energy & Natural Resources

    • Sinopec in its US$11 billion strategic joint venture with SIBUR of the Amur petrochemical complex, set to house one of the world’s largest and most advanced polymer production facilities. Recognised as Projects & Energy Deal of the Year by China Law & Practice and Deal of the Year (Russia) by CEE Legal Matters. 
    • Energy Harbor Corp. in its proposed acquisition by Vistra Corp., a leading Fortune 500 integrated electricity and power generation company, to combine nuclear and clean energy power generation assets.
    • Sinopec in connection with its acquisition of a 10% stake in SIBUR, Russia’s largest vertically integrated gas processing and petrochemicals company, as a strategic investor.
    • Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation on its overseas divestment of oil assets in Argentina to Compania General de Combustibles SA (the first prominent overseas divestment by a China state-owned oil and gas company).
    • A Chinese state-owned company in relation to project development and financing of a refinery in a West African country.
    • A Chinese state-owned company in relation to its long-term LNG supply arrangements and various Master LNG Sale and Purchase Agreements with five suppliers.
    • A Chinese state-owned company in connection with its proposed divestment of its oil and gas business in an African country.  
    • A shareholder-broker regarding a US$60 million equity stake in a coal-fired power plant and mining consortium project in Indonesia.
    • A Chinese company in its EPC contract dispute before the SIAC regarding a coal-fired power plant in Indonesia.
    • A U.S. private equity group in its shareholder rights dispute in a Mongolian mining venture.

    Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity

    • Sinopec Capital in the investment of 10% shares in LanzaTech, a global biotechnology company engaged in developing microbial catalyst technology to convert CO and CO2 into energy.
    • A North American manufacturer in its US$30 million strategic acquisition of an automation company.
    • A U.S. insurer in its US$20 million strategic acquisition of a software company.
    • An industrial software company in its proposed sale to a multinational strategic buyer.
    • A private equity consortium in numerous US$10-50 million biopharmaceutical industry investments in the United States.
    • An East Asian investment fund in several US$20-60 million semiconductor industry investments in the United States.
    • A Chinese private equity group in several US$10-30 million offshore investments in new economy targets such as aerospace and e-vehicles sectors. 
    • A Chinese conglomerate in its proposed US$400 million share purchase of an Australian logistics company and US$900 million acquisition of a European cold chain logistics company. 

    Telecommunications, Media and Technology

    • A global cloud services company in structuring its operations and services in China and greater East Asia.
    • A global technology company in its Asia-wide call service provider Master Services Agreement.
    • An American film studio in its US$100 million slate financing deal with a Chinese partner. 
    • A Chinese film studio in its US$20 million film production investment and related credit facility. 
    • Numerous U.S. media technology companies on their offerings, operations and partnerships in Greater China in respect of cybersecurity and commercial matters.

  • China Law and Practice, Alternative Energy & Power 2020 Guide, Chambers and Partners (August 2020) 

    • Association of International Energy Negotiators
    • Law Society of Hong Kong
    • Minnesota State Bar Association
    • American Bar Association