Biography: Oil and Gas

Fadi Sarkis is the managing partner at Sarkis & Associates, joining the firm in 1996 after completing an LLM in International Economic Law from University of Warwick, UK. In addition to pioneering the incorporation of conventional and Islamic banks in Syria and the experience in the insurance and real estate development sectors, Fadi acquired vast experience as a legal expert and consultant for various donor projects in Syria and abroad.

The firm's experience in the energy and oil sector was extended in year 2000 when we implemented the first project finance transaction for IFC in Syria for the largest petrochemical plant in the Middle East for a loan of US$13.4 million.

Since then, Fadi has developed the firm's expertise, working with clients in the oil and energy sector and in other natural resources sector on a broad range of matters, including asset acquisitions and dispositions, project financing, operating agreements, regulatory issues, joint venture and participation transactions, general commercial advice, including opinions and interpretation of contracts and contracts drafting, resolution of corporate governance issues and providing independent counsel to boards of directors and dispute resolution and litigation of every description.

He has excellent knowledge of Production Sharing Agreements, their application, negotiation, execution and all related financial aspects. He has advised on various international transactions including for example one of the largest acquisitions in the oil field in 2008, which involved a Canadian Company that had two PSA in Syria and another acquisition of PSA operator by leading Chinese petroleum services company. He also acted as lead local counsel on the first IPP project in Syria.