Cobbetts LLP has been ranked as the leading adviser to basic materials companies on AIM for the eleventh consecutive quarter, according to figures from Hemscott, the independent international provider of financial data.



Cobbetts held its pole position in basic materials, gaining two new AIM-quoted clients since April, the second double gain in the last three quarters, and extending its lead to five clients clear of its nearest rivals.

The equity capital markets team at Cobbetts has advised on a number of significant transactions in the sector since the start of 2011, including:
• The £6.2 million fundraising for AIM-quoted mining and exploration company, Stellar Diamonds
• The AUD$ 9 million fundraising and admission to the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) of GGG Resources
• The demerger of Aureus Mining from Afferro Mining, the subsequent admission to AIM of Aureus and its C$35.1m fundraise.
• The readmission to AIM of ASX-listed Leyshon Resources Limited, the mining investment company focused on China.
• The reverse takeover, placing and re-admission to AIM of China Wonder Limited, to be renamed Qihang Equipment Company Limited.

Cobbetts also recently advised mineral exploration company, Sheba Exploration (UK) Plc, on its proposed acquisition by gold mining production company, Centamin Egypt Limited; and on the sale of Hydra Mining Tools International to the UK division of US engineered products manufacturer, ESCO Corporation.

Cobbetts’ public markets team is led by partner, Andrew Wright, who was named by his peers as one of the world’s leading legal advisers in the mining sector in Who’s Who Legal 2011.

Andrew commented: “Mining stocks have kept up well as the price of precious metals, including gold, continues to rise and turns once dormant mines into economically viable and lucrative projects. We will continue to see AIM as one of the key sources of capital for international mining companies as they seek to capitalise on the buoyant market and access funding for investment."