Sheppard represented Hong Kong-based Bronzelink Holdings in an international arbitration dispute over a failed effort to deliver satellite broadband internet access to sub-Saharan Africa. In the matter, STM Atlantic N.V., Emil Youssefzadeh and Umar Javed (Respondents) formed Global IP Cayman (GIP) to pursue the internet project, later entering Share Purchase and Shareholder agreements through which Bronzelink funded GIP and obtained a 75% controlling interest. Following disputes concerning control and alleged ouster, a Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre tribunal issued a merits award in 2023 and the award became final on February 21, 2025 for approximately $5.8 million in favor of Bronzelink and GIP.
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California recently granted Bronzelink’s petition to confirm the award, rejecting the Respondents’ argument that Bronzelink could not alone seek confirmation without GIP. The judge also disagreed with the Respondents’ argument that the award falls into one of the exceptions to enforcement enumerated in the New York Convention.
The team was led by Chuck Kreindler and Barbara Taylor.
The matter is Bronzelink Holdings Ltd. v. STM Atlantic NV et al., case number 2:25-cv-06783, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.