Joint Ventures

The term “joint venture” (or JV) describes a variety of business structures where parties work together to share resources with a view to profit. These include: (i) corporate joint ventures, where each co-venturer’s interest is held as a proportion of the JV company’s shares; (ii) partnerships; (iii) “hybrid” models such as limited liability partnerships; and (iv) contractual JVs that exist as a matter of contract but not as a matter of legal identity. In the maritime sector JVs often involve shipowners, managers, cargo interests, agents, entrepreneurs and suppliers.

How can we help?

Our experienced team can guide you through the options and issues that commonly arise in these arrangements including exit strategies, dispute resolution, dilution and compulsory transfer arrangements.

Why Choose MFB?

Expertise and Experience

With years of experience of dealing with joint ventures in all of their various formats and sizes, our team brings a wealth of knowledge to every case. We understand the nuances of this specialised field and provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each project.

Examples:

By way of illustration, we have advised:

1. a global maritime transportation company on the establishment of a pan-European network of port agencies in joint venture with local interests;

2. three entrepreneurs in connection with their JV to open and run an international marine claims handling business operating in the UK, US and Singapore;

3. the European arm of an American salvage operator on a strategic alliance in Gibraltar;

4. a German shipowner on the establishment a fleet of vessels in JV with a steel intermediary in Abu Dhabi;

5. the shipping arm of a global conglomerate in respect of their joint ownership and operation of vessels engaged in Sakhalin Islands oil and gas exploration;

6. Japanese interests on: (i) their 1890 Partnership with French interests for the construction of a bulk carrier; and separately (ii) their joint ownership and maintenance arrangements with the Norwegian state-owned gas company, for two LNG carriers;

7. a private client on fractional ownership proposals in respect of a superyacht; and

8. one of the largest bunker traders on arrangements to build a series of modular cargo vessels in joint venture with Dutch interests, as to research, development and construction.