Leading Transactional Lawyer John F. Sheedy Joins Moscow Office of Baker Botts L.L.P.

New Partner Brings Broad Experience in Oil and Gas, M&A and Private Equity Transactions to Firm

MOSCOW, January 19 - John F. Sheedy, who has built an extensive legal practice in oil and gas,
natural resources, mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions,
has joined the Moscow office of Baker Botts L.L.P. as a partner in the firm's
Global Projects department.

Sheedy has more than 20 years of experience in representing both Russian
and foreign clients in transactions involving Russia. His legal practice has
focused on cross-border corporate, M&A and finance matters in a diverse range
of industries, including energy, consumer and food products, manufacturing
and the financial sector.

"John's deep experience in transactions involving the Russian Federation
makes an excellent fit with our growing Moscow office and with our commitment
to provide exceptional service to our clients in strategic markets around the
world," said Baker Botts Managing Partner Walt Smith.

During his two decades of work in Russia, Sheedy has represented a number
of energy companies in a variety of projects, including oil and gas ventures,
well workover projects, pipeline projects and, most prominently, production
sharing agreements (PSA). When the Russian economy diversified in the late
1990s and early 2000s, his client base expanded to include cross border
mergers and acquisitions in the country, including private equity deals.

"John will provide additional senior oil and gas expertise for us in
Moscow, which has been a part of the strategic plan for our Global Projects
department for a number of years," said Steven Wardlaw, Partner in Charge of
the firm's Moscow office. "John will help us continue to build our in-country
client base, which has been instrumental in the growth of our office during
the past few years, and will stand us in good stead for our continued growth
here."

Sheedy earned his undergraduate degree in Russian and linguistics from
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and his law degree from the
University of Michigan. Prior to joining Baker Botts, he was a partner with
Orrick (CIS) LLC, an affiliate of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, and
formerly had practiced with Coudert Brothers.

About Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P., dating from 1840, is a leading international law firm
with offices in Abu Dhabi, Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Dubai, Hong Kong,
Houston, London, Moscow, New York, Palo Alto (California), Riyadh and
Washington. Baker Botts provides a full range of legal services to
international, national and regional clients. For more information, please
visit www.bakerbotts.com.

International Media, Nadia Christodoulou, International Business Development Manager, +44-20-7726-3490, nadia.christodoulou at bakerbotts.com, or U.S. Media, Michael Cinelli, Associate Director, Public Relations, +1-713-229-1764, mike.cinelli at bakerbotts.com, both of Baker Botts L.L.P.