Bahrain > Banking and finance
Banking and finance
Commended for its ‘excellent’ work and ‘smooth transaction management’, Baker & McKenzie Limited combines on-the-ground presence with multi-jurisdictional capabilities. The firm acts for investment companies and lenders in big-ticket work across the region, and maintains its strong reputation for Saudi deals. The firm recently advised Arab Banking Corporation on an acquisition finance facility of $230m to fund a share acquisition in Tunisia. It also carried out high-value work for longstanding client Arab Bank. Ian Siddell’s expanding department is also valued for its proactive approach.
The four-fee-earner team at Trowers & Hamlins is deeply rooted in Bahrain, and carries out both restructuring work and complex shari’ah-compliant multi-jurisdictional projects with ‘business acumen and industry knowledge’. Neale Downes’ team continues to handle the long-running administration of The International Banking Corporation alongside new work. The firm also acts for Naseej, the preferred bidder in the first social housing project in Bahrain. New clients include Tadhamon Capital and BMI.
Charles Russell LLP has seen an increase in activity thanks to the arrival of Nicholas Polley, picking up a range of Islamic finance work to supplement its traditional strength in private client. Clive Hopewell’s department is praised as ‘meeting international standards while understanding the nuances of the local market’. The team advised Centamin Egypt on a placing of new shares to raise $135m. It also continues to oversee the administration of Awal Bank for the Central Bank of Bahrain. Associate Sherif Hampton is ‘energetic and keen to be of help’.
Despite Dominic Harvey’s departure to Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.’s Dubai office, Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP remains a recognised brand. The firm is the preferred port of call for Bahraini government entities, including the Ministry of Finance, and is advising the Ministry of Works on the development of a wastewater plant in the Muharraq region. Associate Mark Adams is the contact on the ground, with Dubai-based partner Mohammed Paracha another contact in the region.
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners provides an attentive and proactive service, with Mike Durgavich valued as ‘practical and on-point’. Durgavich’s team advises international law firms such as Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP and Clifford Chance on all aspects of Bahraini banking law. The department recently assisted Sika Gulf in a major restructuring of Bahraini entities, and saw through the first Australian-owned investment vehicle for Codexa Capital.
A well-entrenched presence in the Bahraini market, Hassan Radhi & Associates is noted for its ‘extensive experience in banking and finance’. The firm enjoys a rich flow of work to match its reputation, advising banks on a range of issues from loans to company strategy. Hassan Ali Radhi is ‘an exceptional lawyer who provides robust, commercial legal advice’. The ‘knowledgeable, experienced and very charismatic’ Jalil al Aradi is also recommended. Noor Radhi and Raju Alagarsamy are other key figures in the team.
‘Long-term brand name’ Hugh Stokes of Hatim S. Zu’bi & Partners is one of the most experienced lawyers in Bahrain. His team has a long history of providing advice on both local and international matters. The five-lawyer team was recently involved in a multi-jurisdictional IPO, acting on behalf of Aluminium Bahrain. Hatim Zu’bi is also a name in the market.
Haya Rashed Al Khalifa Attorneys at Law & Legal Consultants receives a flow of work from large banks such as the Central Bank of Bahrain, and also advises international investment entities in relation to corporate and Islamic transactions.
Qays H. Zu’bi, Attorneys & Legal Consultants is known as one of the best firms in Bahrain, with managing partner Qays Zu’bi valued as a ‘top lawyer, with the best network of contacts’. The firm acts for major banks and financial institutions as well as private individuals. Highlights included acting for Standard Chartered Bank in connection with a $75m mezzanine development. Grahame Nelson is ‘a pleasure to work with’.
SNR Denton has enviable Middle Eastern resources, and has been building a presence in the Bahraini market since its arrival in May 2010, led by the ‘flexible and very helpful’ Christopher Aylward. Clients include HSBC Middle East and Standard Chartered.