Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP

International Trade & Finance Law
Corporate & Securities Law

                               Mergers & Acquisitions
                               Investment Funds
                                Energy, Oil and Gas Law

John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of the Firm, is a globally recognized expert in the areas of International Trade & Finance Law, Corporate Law, Securities Law and Mergers & Acquisitions, and has been ranked as one of the Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers in the United States for the past 4 years in a row by the United States Lawyer Rankings - 2009 Edition, 2008 Edition, 2007 Edition and 2006 Edition.

Mr. Maalouf regularly counsels clients on matters involving International Finance, IPO's, M&A's, private placements, international banking, foreign investment in China and the Middle East, and onsecurities offerings by multilateral financial institutions and government sponsored enterprises. John also specializes in the creation of U.S. and international private investment funds, as well as traditional hedge funds, private equity and venture capital funds.

John also represents clients in connection with IPO's on foreign stock exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange's Alternate Investment Market (AIM). To date, Mr. Maalouf's cases have been featured on the American television programs 60 Minutes and 20/20 as well as being on CNN and in the Wall Street Journal. Mr. Maalouf splits his time between the firm's New York and Hong Kong offices.

John is ranked as one of the Nation's Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers by the United States Lawyer Rankings, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 Editions, and is also AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell's highest recognition for legal ability and ethical standards. Mr. Maalouf is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and New York, and is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of International Trade and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. John is a member of MENSA, (September 2006 International Mensa Journal article on John Maalouf), and of the Shaolin Temple.

Represent a major U.S. based electronics company in connection with the merger & acquisition of a competitor with annual sales of over US$2.6 Billion.

Represented two individuals in connection with a small, high tech start-up company in 2005. Further represented company in private placements of securities in 2006, and then in acquisition of two competitors. Company is now worth in excess of $175 million.

Represented a major U.S. chemicals company in its acquisition of the textile chemicals division of an EU-based competitor, division having annual sales of approximately US$1.6 billion and eleven manufacturing facilities

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Represented western oil and gas company in connection with the construction of offshore drilling platforms and related facilities in the South China Sea.

Represented an international consortium of banks in connection with a large revolving credit facility provided to a major electrical transmission distribution company.

Represent a Hedge Fund and Investment Advisor in setting up both domestic and offshore Funds using a Master-Feeder Structure for tax purposes.

Represented an Indian Real Estate Investment Fund based in connection with a US$560 land use development project.

Successfully defended individuals accused of insider trading in violation of SEC Rule 10b-5.

Represented a Canadian chartered bank in connection with a credit facility extended to an electronic transaction processing organization, secured in Canada, the US, UK and Australia.

Represented an international energy company in the US$1.2 billion sale of its energy operations in Western Africa, including gas concessions and a natural gas processing facility.

Represented a European bank in a US$200 million cross-boarder financing of project in northern Russia.

John received his B.S. in Economics from Boston University, (1990) his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law (1993) and his LL.M. in International Banking and Financial Services Law from Boston University School of Law (1994). While in law school, Mr. Maalouf was on the Dean’s List and received the American Jurisprudence Award for Academic Excellence.