I am head of the CIS Group at Fieldfisher, the largest such practice group in the City of London, comprising over 100 experienced specialists drawn from key practice areas, of which more than 30 are Russian speakers.
I have built close relationships with a number of key clients and contacts from Russia, Ukraine and the CIS, and now manage the firm's significant portfolio of CIS-related work across a number of departments and practice areas.
I regularly advise clients on high-value commercial disputes, including English High Court proceedings, international arbitration and international investment treaty disputes. I also advise clients on arbitration proceedings under the LCIA, ICC, ICSID, SCC and UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.
Some of the significant matters I have managed for clients include:
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Representing Igor Kolomoisky in a US$1.9 billion claim by PrivatBank seeking compensation for the alleged misapplication of the bank's assets;
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Acting for Igor Kolomoisky in a US$350 million claim by Russian state-owned oil company, PJSC Tatneft;
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Successfully defending Igor Kolomoisky in a multi-million dollar claim brought by Israeli/Ukrainian businessman, Vadim Shulman, regarding an alleged partnership agreement and breaches of obligations arising from that alleged agreement;
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Representing Littop Enterprises and related companies in a US$5.5 billion claim under SCC Rules brought against Ukraine under the Energy Charter Treaty relating to investments made into Ukrnafta, the largest Ukrainian energy company, and representing the clients in a successful connected claim under LCIA Rules brought against PJSC Naftogaz, a state owned gas company in Ukraine;
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Representing Gilward Investments BV in a multi-million dollar Bilateral Investment Treaty claim under ICSID Rules relating to an investment made in a household name transport business in the host State (Ukraine);
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Representing a well-known CIS football club in an ICC arbitration against a German counterparty in disputes arising from the construction of the club's new stadium.
I also advise on corporate transactions, including acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures and restructurings.
These have included advice to a CIS-based bank on the sale of 100% shares in its subsidiary for approximately US$50 million; a multi-million dollar acquisition of a mining complex; a multi-layered restructuring and share swap agreement involving assets and holdings in the metals industry; and the acquisition of a sea port infrastructure and natural gas transportation facility.
A significant part of my work involves acting for various high net worth individuals and assisting clients on tax, property and private client matters.
In addition to English, Arik also speaks Russian and Armenian.
