Willkie represented UK-based fund manager Blue Water Energy LLP, which provides capital to growing and established companies in the international energy sector, in the global fundraising for its second private equity fund. Willkie client Blue Water Energy LLP announced the final closing of Blue Water Energy Fund II, (BWE Fund II), with total commitments in excess of $1.1 billion, surpassing its target of $1 billion after securing further commitments from a number of new limited partners. Founded in 2011, Blue Water Energy is a leading global middle market energy specialist private equity firm based in London. The firm primarily targets investments in the reserves, upstream and midstream/downstream sectors, while partnering with best-in-class management teams and utilizing a network of seasoned investment and operating professionals. Since raising its two funds, (BWE Fund I and BWE Fund II), Blue Water Energy has $2.5 billion under management and a global portfolio of 14 companies. For BWE Fund II, Blue Water will continue its buy and build strategy focused exclusively on opportunities in the exploration and production; upstream equipment and services and mid/downstream equipment and services sub-sectors. The cross-border, multidisciplinary Willkie deal team was led by partner Solomon Wifa and included partners Hillel Jacobson and Peter Haller; UK partners Henrietta de Salis and Judith Harger; and associates Colin Fulton, John Knapke, Caitlin Link and Ross Weinstein.