Bell Yard was approached by the beneficial owner of companies with rights to a large onshore oil & gas field in Azerbaijan. His companies were suing the investment bankers (Credit Suisse) he had appointed as M&A advisors. The claimants alleged breach of contract and negligence in relation to the sale of the companies’ 51% stake in the asset, alleging the sale was forced by Credit Suisse at a US$700m undervalue.

Bell Yard secured a number of high-profile media placements around the date the claim was first filed. Thereafter, we retained the media focus at tactically important times in the litigation both pre & during trial. We engaged both international and Swiss media, given the nature of the claim and its parties.

While the media spotlight did not cause defendant to settle it did make uncomfortable reading for the bank and its key individuals named in the filing.

Ultimately, the bank successfully defended most aspects of its case but under scrutiny, with implications for the managers involved.