Firm Represents W-H Energy In Sale To Smith International

June 4, 2008

HOUSTON (June 4, 2008) — Bracewell & Giuliani LLP is serving as counsel to oilfield services company W-H Energy Services, Inc. in its proposed $3.2 billion business combination transaction with Smith International, Inc.  W-H Energy and Smith signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger on June 3, 2008.  Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2008, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

W-H Energy is a diversified oilfield service company that provides products and services used in connection with the drilling and completion of oil and natural gas wells and the production of oil and natural gas. The Company has operations in North America and select areas internationally.
Smith International, Inc. is a leading supplier of premium products and services to the oil and gas exploration and production industry through its four principal business units – M-I SWACO, Smith Technologies, Smith Services and Wilson.

Bracewell Corporate Partners Michael Telle and Edgar Marston led the team which included: Scott Sanders, Employee Benefits Partner; Greg Bopp, Corporate/Tax Partner; Tim Wilkins, Environmental Partner; Gari Lister, Anti-Trust partner; Elizabeth McGinley, Tax Partner; Shanna Kuzdzal, Corporate Associate; Eric McCord, Corporate Associate; Shannon Weinberg, Corporate Associate; Jackie Java, Anti-Trust Associate; Jennifer Kelly, Anti-Trust Associate; Brett Owens, Corporate Associate; Morgan Barsi, Employee Benefits Associate; Alex Jones, Tax Associate; and Kevin Strehlow, Corporate Associate.