STRUCTURED TRADE,
COUNTERTRADE AND OFFSETS

     The ability to enter into complex structured trade, countertrade and offset transactions has, for years, been one of the hallmarks of the aggressive multinational trading companies.  James Nobles LLC is one of the few law firms in the U.S. having experience and expertise in this area.  Some of the specific services we offer in the structured trade, countertrade and offset areas include:

• Countertrade Structures     We develop and implement complex countertrade structures and assist clients in conducting due diligence and feasibility on proposed countertrade programs.
  
  
• Soft Currency Liquidity Programs     Multinational companies need to exchange soft currency to hard currency.  James Nobles LLC advises companies in negotiating the offset agreements and memorandums of understanding as well as working with these companies and third parties to fulfill offset obligations.
  
  
• Offset Negotiation & Fulfillment     Around forty (40) countries impose offset obligations requiring multinational suppliers of equipment and infrastructure to produce or invest in their countries.  James Nobles LLC advises companies in negotiating the offset agreements and memorandums of understanding as well as working with these companies and third parties to fulfill offset obligations.
  
  
• Forfait Markets     One of the many tools in international structured trade transactions to liquidate obligations are the forfait markets.  James Nobles LLC has established relationships with international forfait houses which we use in structured trade and countertrade transactions.
  
  
• International Risk Insurance     International political risk and related insurance offers an opportunity to transfer a part of the risk of an international countertrade transaction to a third party.  James Nobles LLC works with Lloyd's of London and other international insurers to use insurance to reduce the risks of international transactions.
  
  
• Escrow Accounts     Escrow accounts are the key to the success of many structured trade and countertrade transactions.  James Nobles LLC develops structured trade and countertrade escrow arrangements and assists clients in identifying acceptable escrow agents.

     Mr. Nobles has written several articles on countertrade and is a frequent speaker at countertrade programs throughout the U.S., including the Defense Offset Association and the Global Offset & Countertrade Association based in Washington, DC, where he also serves as counsel.

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