Lebanon > Commercial, corporate and M&A > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

The ‘exceptional’ and ‘impressive’ team at Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is noted for its ‘supportive’ service and its ‘extremely ethical conduct, which is of utmost professionalism’. Carlos Abou Jaoude, Simon El Kai and Souraya Machnouk are key figures in the practice group, which has ‘extensive knowledge in the matters it tackles and an amazing network of partners’. Highlights included advising Sioufi Group on its 50-50 merger with Établissements Antoine Massoud, which included advice on tax structuring, transactional due diligence and related document reviews and drafting. The team also assisted a joint venture led by renewable energy company CTC Sal with the pre-qualification process for the development of the first-ever photovoltaic project in Lebanon. Also recommended is Eddy Maghariki, who was promoted to partner in 2018, and senior associate Chebl Atallah.

Abouhamad, Merheb, Chamoun, Chedid has expertise in a wide range of commercial and transactional matters, including M&A, corporate restructuring and commercial contracts such as distribution and franchising arrangements. Antoine J. Merheb is among the leading figures at the firm.

Abousleiman & Partners handles M&A and transactional due diligence, and also advises on general regulatory compliance. Managing partner Randa Abousleiman has experience of a wide range of corporate, banking and tax mandates, which include establishing joint venture vehicles, advising on corporate restructurings and negotiating distribution agreements. Clients include banks, public companies and joint venture vehicles.

Alem & Associates advises major domestic and international clients on M&A, shareholder arrangements and commercial contracts, including franchising and distribution agreements. Senior partner Mohamed Y Alem is advising regional investor Al Zaim Holding on the $10m acquisition of a stake in a cable manufacturer located in Syria. Additionally, Omar El Assir assisted Bakri International Energy Company with the SAR-denominated sale of its entire issued share capital to Jazan Energy and Development.

Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP is especially active in the oil and gas sector, where it advises on M&A, corporate restructuring, shareholder agreements and the establishment of joint ventures. Chadia El Meouchi is acting for LeapLearner in relation to a range of corporate structuring and fundraising matters; El Meouchi jointly heads the practice together with Carine Farran. Other names to note include Salim El Meouchi and Samia El Meouchi.

Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons has a reputation for advising on M&A, corporate restructuring, joint venture agreements and a wide range of commercial licensing and distribution matters, particularly in the retail and consumer product sectors. Elias R. Chedid advised a client on a cross-border share transaction in the financial services sector; he also assisted a private equity fund with the restructuring of certain international investments. Also recommended is senior associate Georgette Salamé.

Al Jad in collaboration with CMS is known for its work in the energy, digital technology and banking industries. Practice head Malek Takieddine has considerable experience acting for energy companies in relation to M&A, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance. Hassan Khalifeh left the firm.

El-Aref International Law Office is perhaps best known for its work in M&A, capital markets deals, and energy and infrastructure project developments, though the team also has experience in start-up and venture capital financing transactions. Practice head Aref El-Aref advised Telegram on the Lebanese law aspects of its highly publicised initial coin offering, which has attracted over $850m, globally, from some of Silicon Valley's most prominent venture capital investors.

El-Khoury & Partners Legal Counsel (EKP) is regularly instructed in M&A, corporate restructuring, franchising and licensing agreements, tax structuring and public equity offerings. The department is jointly headed by managing partner Ziad El-Khoury, Hadi Melki and Wissam Hassem. Among the team's significant highlights, Hassem assisted Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance Company with the due diligence and various transactional agreements in relation to the client's merger with Ahlia Cooperative Insurance Company. Additionally, the group is advising Waltzing Elephant with the establishment of an operating structure and the acquisition of special purpose vehicles for the commercialisation of certain innovative healthcare services. In the infrastructure space, Melki is acting for Saudi Fal in relation to a nationwide build-operate-transfer vehicle inspection project under a PPP structure in co-operation with the Lebanese government. Senior associate Bassem Chalhoub is also recommended. The firm ended its association with Holman Fenwick Willan LLP in January 2019.

Kabalan & Associates covers corporate structuring, M&A transactions, joint venture agreements, and other commercial deals including outsourcing, licensing and distribution arrangements. The team is advising a property developer on the corporate structuring and operational and licensing requirements of a $2bn waterfront project. Managing partner Noureddine Kabalan is a key contact.

Obeid Law Firm has experience advising on the establishment of joint ventures and investment vehicles, corporate structuring, shareholder agreements and various regulatory compliance matters. Contacts in the department include managing partner Ziad Obeid and counsel Marie Hayek, the latter of whom has particular experience in corporate insolvency and restructuring, privatisation and leveraged M&A.

Albert and Ziad Najm Law Firm has advised clients on the establishment of holding structures and joint ventures, M&A transactions, franchising agreements and various other commercial arrangements. Names to note include Albert H. Najm and Ziad Najm.

Baroudi & Associates has wide-ranging expertise across corporate and M&A transactions, employment law, capital markets deals and commercial agreements, including joint ventures and agency laws. Headed by Jean Baroudi, the team advised Turkish Airlines on the termination of a general sales agency agreement with a local cargo handling agent. Also recommended are Josiane Lahoud and Lea Ferzli, the latter of whom was promoted to senior associate in February 2018.

The ‘very knowledgeable, professional and responsive’ team at Eptalex - Aziz Torbey Law Firm handles corporate tax, structured finance transactions, joint venture agreements, corporate restructuring and M&A transactions. In particular, the firm is rated for its ‘practical approach to building a client's business’ in addition to its ‘comprehensive legal advice and flexible pricing options’. The ‘excellent, fast and accurate’ Ramy Torbey jointly leads the practice together with Marie Maalouly Torbey and founding partner Aziz Torbey. Senior foreign counsel Samantha Joyce Bradshaw left the firm in January 2018.

Hamdan Law Firm is best known for advising international clients on market entries, where it has developed expertise in commercial regulations and business expansion matters, including import, distribution and franchise agreements. Headed by Abdel Ghani Hamdan, the firm handled the renewal of franchise agreements for clients including a cosmetics manufacturer and a car manufacturer. Additionally, the practice group assisted two fashion designers with market entry requirements and trade mark licensing agreements.

Hannouche Associates is regularly involved in corporate governance mandates, general business transactions and the establishment of joint venture vehicles. Clients include start-up companies, financial institutions, investment funds and industrial corporations. Name partner Michel Hannouche is the key figure at the firm.

MENA City Lawyers is headed by Fady Jamaleddine, who has experience of licensing contracts, M&A, corporate structuring, joint ventures and other commercial agreements. Clients include pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and medical institutions, and telecoms companies.