Skadden is pleased to announce that Drew Baldinger has joined the firm’s Energy and Infrastructure Projects Group as a partner in our Houston office. Baldinger joins Skadden from the Houston office of DLA Piper.

Most recently the U.S. co-chair of the energy practice and vice-chair of the mergers and acquisitions practice at another global law firm, Mr. Baldinger represents energy companies, private equity sponsors and strategic investors in upstream, midstream and downstream M&A and joint venture transactions. He has extensive experience advising clients on offtake, gas supply, transportation and other key contracts in the oil and gas sector.

Mr. Baldinger also advises project developers, private equity firms and portfolio companies on M&A, financing and project development matters relating to conventional and renewable energy technologies, including gas-to-liquids, solar, wind and geothermal generation projects. He regularly negotiates purchase and sale, contribution, joint venture and operating, participation, power purchase, liquid purchase and other offtake agreements. Earlier in his career, Mr. Baldinger spent five years as an associate at Skadden.

“We are thrilled to have Drew rejoin the firm. His deep experience handling private equity transactions in the upstream, midstream and renewable energy sectors will be of tremendous value to our clients,” said Lance Brasher, partner and global head of Skadden’s Energy and Infrastructure Group.

Eric Otness, partner and head of Skadden’s Houston Corporate Group, added, “Drew has established himself as a preeminent practitioner in the energy sector, and his robust knowledge will enhance our capabilities in Houston. His team-oriented approach and dedication to client service make him an outstanding fit for our group.”

“Skadden’s energy and transactional practices are among the best in the world, and as the industry becomes increasingly globalized, the firm’s platform and resources will provide key opportunities in international markets,” Mr. Baldinger said. “I look forward to working closely again with many colleagues with whom I have long-established relationships.”

Mr. Baldinger is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and the University of Texas.