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Back to topLeading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and its associated Indonesian firm Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung (HBT) have advised Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) on the joint US$400million divestment (along with Vale Canada Limited) of a 20% interest in PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) to Indonesian state-owned enterprise MIND-ID.
The combined Japan and Indonesia-based team supported SMM on the negotiation of the transaction documents, including SPA, Investor Rights Agreement and Offtake Framework Agreement, as well as assisting on the necessary merger control filings, including in Germany. Completion of the transaction is anticipated to occur in Q4 2020.
Indonesia is one of the world's biggest producers of nickel ore, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. This transaction was implemented to comply with the local divestment requirements under the Indonesian Mining Law. While there are still a number of deals of this type to come, the Indonesian mining industry has now largely transitioned towards compliance with the local divestment requirements and this has marked a period of stability and consolidation in the sector. Notably, foreign ownership in the downstream mining sector remains unrestricted and is continuing to attract significant foreign investment.
“We were delighted to have had the opportunity to support SMM on this strategically important transaction; the recent COVID-19 restrictions complicated the negotiations, between Canadian, Indonesian and Japanese counterparties, but it was great to see the transaction sign and participate in the “virtual signing ceremony” to mark this significant milestone” said Tokyo partner Andrew Blacoe.
“Our Japanese clients are actively pursuing deals in critical sectors despite the pandemic, and particularly in Southeast Asia,” said Jakarta-based partner and HBT senior international counsel Matthew Goerke. “Seamless teamwork between Tokyo and our HBT colleagues in Jakarta demonstrates our strength and expertise advising on Japan-Indonesia corridor deals, such as this.”
Andrew and Matthew led the team, supported by senior associate Patrick Corrigan, associate James Donnelly in Tokyo, and senior associate Renny Soependi in Jakarta.
We are also advising SMM on the joint development and financing of a high-pressure acid leaching nickel processing plant in Pomalaa, Indonesia with PT Vale, which was announced in November 2019 and is proceeding towards FID.
