Law360 reports that a Houston court of appeals refused to revive a $6.4 billion suit filed by Brenham Oil & Gas Inc. against ENI SpA and TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co. over a breach of an alleged production sharing contract with the government of the West African nation of Togo. The court upheld the trial court’s decision that the Texas lawsuit should be dismissed because the Republic of Togo afforded the parties an adequate and available forum to resolve any dispute.
Brenham argued in its appeal that because it was a Kemah, Texas-based company and because TGS had a principal place of business in Houston, Texas, suit was properly instituted in Harris County, Texas.
Brenham’s suit claimed tortious interference against TGS for alleged false statements to the Togolese government about Brenham’s experience in the oil and gas industry. Brenham added ENI to the suit for allegedly assisting TGS with the allegations.
TGS is represented by Gardere Partners Peter Scaff and Rhonda Weiner.
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