From Devex on iii14 Sep 2018 11:04
Talking of the changing Georgian “climate” I also wonder how much influence FRR’s lobbying has had here
SN and ZM are clearly very determined guys – and a quick refresh on the Open Secrets site in the US simply confirms this. We have yet to see Q3 returns but from this amazing site all sorts of information can be put together.
First FRR clearly have a quarterly arrangement with Cornerstone Government Affairs – one of the largest lobbyist consultancies in the US. $150,000 spent in Q4 20017 and Q1/2 2018. No less than 9 of the Cornerstone team list Frontera as one of their clients. These are serious lobbyists – all extremely well connected and experienced
Then add Akin, Gump et al – a very large and internationally respected specialist trade and commercial legal firm – with what looks like a quarterly $10,000 retainer over the same 3 quarters. 2 consultants here including partner Stephen Kho – a clearly renowned lawyer specialising in international trade disputes. $30,000 is in fact peanuts – so suggests this is more advisory than adversarial. Which I think is a very strong positive sign. (if this was adversarial the fees would be multiples of those quoted)
Then add the historic Atlantic Council involvement – with “sponsorship” of at least $100,00 per year in recent times, with Damon Wilson (no less than Executive vice President) consistently featuring in FRR dialogue. And of course Damon Wilson only this week inviting the Georgian PM and newly appointed Economy Minister to New York on September 24th (that is very short notice – I suspect the date was set long ago) - along with “leaders of major US companies”. As a heavyweight sponsor of the AC what is the betting that SN and/or ZM might just be there as well? Plus perhaps one or two “majors”?
And all this from a company that last year turned in revenues of less than $5 million.
I think things are this time clearly coming to a head – and any small company securing the resources stated above is a) very, very determined, and b) clearly very confident that they have an asset worth fighting for.
All of which supports the resilience of the large number of long term PIs in this company. Myself included.
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