FFW scores AIM flotation mandate for Trap Oil Group

A team led by corporate partner Anthony Brockbank acted for independent oil and gas exploration ­company Trap Oil Group on one of the biggest AIM ­listings of the year.

Brockbank was assisted by corporate partner George Cotter, senior associates Brad Isaac and Mark ­Gearing and solicitor Ed Westhead on the flotation, which raised £60m at a market capitalisation of just under £80m.

The funds will be used by Trap Oil, which focuses on exploration in the UK ­Continental Shelf region of the North Sea, for its ­acquisition programme and planned future growth.

The deal comes after FFW advised KPMG ­Corporate Finance and Mirabaud Securities on the £83m flotation of resource company Central Asia ­Metals, as well as oil and gas exploration company ­President Petroleum on its $50m (£30.9m) placing.

“This listing is a key step in Trap Oil’s growth and development, and as such our client needed the ­knowledge and experience of AIM specialists,” ­commented Brockbank.

Strand Hanson acted as nominated adviser to the placing, advised by Hunton & Williams partner Paul Tetlow.