1. Simone da Costa Director
Background
Simone joined KPMG in October 2006 and has worked on dispute advisory projects since Simone has significant experience in valuing companies and loss of profits in the context of contentious valuation disputes. Simone has worked across a number of sectors including oil and gas, retail and automotive but has specialised in the telecommunications sector, building an understanding of the key factors affecting incumbent firms and other operators, the challenges of upgrading networks and incentivising investments, valuing businesses and investment opportunities, and the impact of regulation and design of policy on operators’ business models.
She has worked on a number of bilateral investment treaty disputes in the telecommunications sector; as well as multiple projects advising regulators, governments and operators on regulatory frameworks and policy.
Professional and industry experience
Simone’s experience of international arbitration and other dispute matters includes:
Leading a team in an expert witness project involving a dispute between two African mobile operators, with allegations of anti-competitive behaviour resulting in significant losses to one of the operators. We are engaged to review those claims of anti-competitive behaviour and address the estimates of quantum.
Quantifying the value of an international sea and river cruise company in relation to a dispute between the majority and minority shareholders. Involved valuing the business on a number of basis and dealing with complex accounting issues related to the working capital requirements of the business.
Managing a large team and two experts in an expert witness project involving a North African mobile operator who is allegedly in the process of being expropriated by the Government of the country. This has involved estimating the loss of profits using a DCF model and multiples analysis, forecasting the likely success of the business, and presenting key findings and lines of argument to senior client stakeholders. Numerous expert reports and presentations have been prepared over the course of the case which remains ongoing.
Assisting in preparing numerous reports (including an initial expert report, reply report and supplemental reports) for a mobile operator in a dispute over a subsidiary located in the CIS region. The dispute involved estimating the quantum for three heads of claim. The dispute was settled mid trial.
Quantifying loss of profits for a wireless internet operator in the Middle East, in which it was alleged that a breach of contract had occurred. This involved estimating the loss of profits using a DCF model, preparing the expert report and joint statement of experts, and preparing the expert and counsel for cross examination.
Assisting a mobile operator estimate the value of its business in Iran in preparation for a potential litigation by another mobile operator who alleged it should have been awarded the licence. This involved estimating the country risk premium and forecasting likely revenue growth.
Quantifying loss of profits for a duty free business in Eastern Europe, in which it was alleged that actions by the Government had prevent the business from operating as planned. This involved estimating the loss of profits using a DCF model, calculating the wasted costs of the investment and preparing the expert and reply reports.
Assisting a Middle East fixed line and mobile operator prepare its arguments for a potential dispute with its regulator on the calculation of interconnection costs.
Preparing an expert witness report on quantum in a claim involving tradable carbon emission allowances for a UK based combined neat and power station. The work involved economic forecasting and valuing the emission allowances.
Simone da Costa
Director
KPMG LLP 15 Canada Square London, E14 5GL
Tel +44 (0)
Mobile +44 (0) uk
Function and specialization
Dispute advisory
Education, licenses and certifications
BSc (1st Class) Hons in Economics, University of Bath
Passed Level 1 & 2 CFA