1. The Associated European Energy Consultants
- Answer to challenges of a globalised consulting market -
Venice, 23 September 2013
Christian Held, Chairman AEEC

2. /
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

3. Becker Büttner Held and AEEC (1)
BBH has been operating as a law firm since 1991
Until 31/12/2001, Becker Büttner Held (BBH) had its focus exclusively on legal advisory services
Due to changing demands of clients acting in the early liberalisation period of European energy markets, BBH merged with an auditing and tax consulting firm
Since 1/1/2002, BBH has offered fully interdisciplinary and holistic legal, economic, and technical advice
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

4. Becker Büttner Held and AEEC (2)
Today BBH is the leading law firm for the energy and infrastructure industry in Germany
The decentralised utilities, the industry, investors, intermediaries and political bodies, like the European Commission, the Federal Government, the Federal States and public corporations and many more appreciate BBH’s work
A staff of over 500 employees, including more than 250 professionals, are at the clients’ service.
BBH provides advice to more than 3,000 clients.
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

5. Becker Büttner Held and AEEC (3)
BBH has been actively involved in the liberalisation process of energy markets
Liberalisation is not confined to national markets - there are European and global impacts
Energy markets have seen and will see a profound transformation:
Development and integration of energy generation from renewable energy sources
Liberalised and cross-border energy markets
Discussion about the right degree of regulation and the introduction of capacity markets, etc.
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

6. Becker Büttner Held and AEEC (4)
How to be competitive and successful in a changing environment?
Creation of international structures
Specific technical expertise
The answer:
Establishment of AEEC in 2000 with 5 founding members from different EU Member States
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

7. The AEEC Network (1)
AEEC is a European-based network of leading law firms in energy law
Founded in 2000, AEEC has seen a permanent and lately rapid growth – with now 26 members covering most of the EU Member States and other important European States (Albania, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine)
With the liberalisation of energy markets in Europe, a European approach for our legal advice to clients became necessary – AEEC the answer
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

8. The AEEC Network (2)
AEEC has established best-friend relationships with other networks and law firms (USA, Kazakhstan)
AEEC members have a recognised expertise in energy law but are also renowned experts in other practice areas (e.g. tax law, antitrust law, general civil and commercial law, corporate law)
It is ranked No. 1 network by Chambers & Partners 2013
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

9. AEEC Philosophy (1)
To act as a forum and network for the exchange of information and discussion on all issues related to European and national energy law
To provide AEEC’s members with information on recent and upcoming energy policies at European and national level
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

10. AEEC Philosophy (2)
To foster regular dialogue between energy law experts and all stakeholders from diverse legal backgrounds
To promote a holistic, client-oriented energy advisory practice and
To find common answers to current and future challenges against the background of rapid market transformation
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

11. A Network of Business Opportunities (1)
Through its Brussels office and the national member base in all important European energy markets, AEEC is at the forefront of the legal and political development
Our clients look for:
Expertise and advice on multinational transactions and projects on the basis of a lively and close cooperation of member firms
The possibility to monitor and influence European energy legislation
Answers to the liberalisation and privatisation of the European energy markets
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

12. A Network of Business Opportunities (2)
Some references (common projects of the member firms):
Advice on M&A, project finance and energy law for offshore wind farms
Advice on compliance to a major US-based company
Consultancy in the field of international energy trade
Legal advice to utilities on drafting and negotiating contracts
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

13. A Network of Business Opportunities (3)
References cont.:
Expert opinions and studies for the European Commission on the implementation of energy legislation
Establishment of the Energy Arbitration Center Switzerland (EACS)
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

14. Current Trends Energy markets are becoming increasingly global
Energy law is closely linked with technical, economic, and auditing issues (e.g. regulation) – structural links are increasing
A cooperation of AGN and AEEC could
Offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to clients’ needs
Find common answers to European and global trends of energy markets
Open new markets and business opportunities
AGN World Congress
Venice, 23 September 2013

15. Thank you very much for your kind attention
Contact: Christian Held, chairman AEEC
Associated European Energy Consultants e. V.
Magazinstraße 15-16
10179 Berlin
Tel.  +49 (0)30/
Fax. +49 (0)30/