Syria > Corporate and M&A
Corporate and M&A
The three-partner firm of Al-Ahmar & Partners, in association with Amereller Rechtsanwälte focuses largely on corporate and commercial work, but, in particular, is ‘famous for its intellectual property’ and technology transfer expertise. It is one of the few firms in Syria to have a formal connection with a Western law firm, which gives the firm additional resources and helps to attract a wealth of instructions from international clients regarding their Syrian operations. The team regularly advises on public tenders, and also handles all manner of dispute resolution work. The firm has acted for clients such as Bayer, BMW, and Siemens. Of counsel Kanaan Al Ahmar is highly recommended.
Al-Kherdaji & Diab Law Firm has a strong reputation for handling the full range of disputes, and recently secured a $600,000 arbitration award for a local company. The non-contentious element of the practice advises foreign companies on establishing or maintaining operations in Syria, particularly in the retail sector. It also acts for a growing number of embassies. Clients include Anwar Akkad Sons Group and the World Bank. Razi Antoine Diab heads the corporate team, which includes associate Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, formerly head of the Companies Department at the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Trade. Rifaat Associates is a partner firm in Lebanon.
Hakim Law Firm is ‘often seen in arbitration’, and is particularly noteworthy for its finance work. The group is a regular feature in the tourism and real estate sectors, and is often chosen by international law firms to act as local counsel. The firm represents international companies and institutions including the World Bank, Airbus, and the European Investment Bank. Youssef el-Hakim and Jacques ek-Hakim are highly recommended for contentious and non-contentious work, and have extensive experience in negotiating contracts between the government and foreign companies.
Karawani Law Firm reports significant growth in the real estate and finance markets, and recently acted for a cement factory on a $14m syndicated loan, advised Arbatech on the Jasmin Rotana Hotel, and assisted on the establishment of a $400m private equity fund. The firm regularly works with international firms, most recently working alongside Baker & McKenzie, Norton Rose LLP and Clyde & Co LLP. The firm has invested significantly in bringing itself in line with the International Organization for Standardization’s guidelines.
Sarkis Attorney at Law is recognised for its excellent work in the finance sector, and also regularly represents foreign companies engaged in disputes with local public-sector entities. The firm largely acts for insurance and banking clients, and has a good reputation for advising multinational clients on cross-border acquisitions. The firm has received instructions from clients such as Bank Audi Syria, Bank Al-Sharq and the Damascus Stock Exchange. Fadi Sarkis leads the four-partner team and is highly recommended.
International Legal Bureau covers the full spectrum of legal advice, acting on everything from investment and corporate law to family law. Its client base is heavily weighted with banking and insurance companies, with clients having included Honda Cars and Intercontinental Bank. The firm fields a mix of internationally and locally educated lawyers, a number of whom have extensive experience internationally from working in prominent Western law firms or for multinationals. Moussa Mitry is ‘one of the leading lawyers in the country’, while Mazen Khaddour, Rami Al Hassan and Azzam Khaddour are also recommended.
Kardous Law Office largely acts for EU and Gulf clients, and saw an increase in projects, real estate, banking and insurance work. It advised one client on a $5m investment in a private education facility, and has acted for clients such as Arab Finance, ExQuom Consult, Nokia-Siemens Network Solutions and New Mowasat Holding. the firm joined Alfa International, a global network of independent law firms, and has already received instructions as a result. The firm also entered into association with firms in Jordan and Beirut in 2010. Fady Kardous is the key contact.
Oussi Law Firm largely focuses on IP work, but has been expanding its practice to encompass more instructions relating to company formation, corporate and M&A work, and debt recovery. Recent highlights include representing a French company in a trade mark infringement dispute, and pursing patent infringement charges for international companies. The firm recruited three junior lawyers, taking the total to eight advocates. Founding partner Gabriel Oussi leads the practice.
Law Office of Dr S. Nofal focuses on advising foreign clients on commercial law matters, and has particular expertise in trade mark and patents work. Although the firm concentrates on non-contentious work, it also handles some dispute resolution work. Samer Nofal heads the three-lawyer team.
Syrian Arab Consultants Law Office largely acts for GCC clients across the banking, insurance, energy, and constructions sectors, and is noted for its experience in setting up banks, as well as advising foreign clients on contracts in Syria and handling disputes that arise. Antoun Joubran and Hani Bitar are the key contacts.
Syrian Legal Bureau offers local expertise from internationally trained lawyers via its offices in Damascus and Tartous. The firm’s practice encompasses corporate, commercial, dispute resolution, maritime, employment, IP and energy matters. Managing partner Hussein Khaddour is recommended for maritime and arbitration law.