Noted for its understanding of the regional regulatory landscape, Al Tamimi & Company fields a deep bench of experienced practitioners focused on commercial advisory, transactional and corporate structuring. Additionally, the practice has carved out an enviable reputation for its specialist knowledge in the growing sectors of fintech, foodtech, telemedicine and proptech. Practice head Rad El Treki is especially well regarded in the oil and gas sectors, handling a steady flow of complex cross-border M&A mandates. Associate Yara Frotan is developing a solid reputation among international and domestic clients, especially in setting up commercial entities and advising on Bahrain’s Commercial Companies Law.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Bahrain
Al Tamimi & Company
Practice head(s):
Rad El Treki
Other key lawyers:
Yara Frotan
Testimonials
‘This law firm stands out for its unique approach to client service. The team’s strengths lie in their deep understanding of the law and their ability to think creatively when it comes to problem-solving.’
‘Their team is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable in their respective areas of practice, but they also prioritize communication and collaboration with their clients. They truly listen to their clients’ needs and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for them.’
‘The individuals I work with at this law firm truly stand out in their dedication, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional legal services. What sets them apart is their deep understanding of the law and their ability to think creatively to find innovative solutions for clients.’
Key clients
Majid Al Futtaim
GFH Financial Group B.S.C. (previously known as Gulf Finance House)
Oliver Wyman
EdgeConnex inc
Dar Al Handasah
MS Pharma
Noga Holding
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
Raya Contact Centre S.A.E
Bahrain Financing Company (BFC)
Kitopi
EFG Hermes
Standard Chartered Bank
DSV Panalpina A/s
Raya Group
Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Infosys
HCL Technologies
Edamah (the real estate arm of the Bahrain Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Al-Ghalia Holding B.S.C. (C) (Bahrain)
Europ Assistance
Guardian Glass / Koch Group
Careem
Emaar Properties
Eagle Hills Diyar Company W.L.L.
SAP
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
Citibank N.A.
Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain) B.S.C. (Closed)
Delivery Hero
Dana Gas
Tata Steel
Olayan Group
Ajlan Group
Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain) B.S.C. (Closed)
ICICI Bank Limited
Credit Suisse AG – Foreign Branch
Julius Baer (Bahrain) B.S.C. (C)
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Mashreq Bank P.S.C.
National Bank of Bahrain
Work highlights
- Represented Sanabil Investments (the VC arm of Saudi Public Investment Fund), in connection with its increased stake in Unifonic, as part of Unifonic’s $125m Series B Funding Round.
- Represented a leading Egypt-based publicly listed outsourcing service provider on its acquisition of a business process outsourcing solutions company in Bahrain (with wider operations in Saudi Arabia and Dubai).
- Representing the energy investment and development arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Nogaholding, in its comprehensive internal restructuring and rebranding to Bapco Energies.
Baker & McKenzie Limited
Baker & McKenzie Limited has an impressive reputation among major domestic, regional and international corporates thanks to its capacity to deliver on complex M&A, joint venture and commercial mandates. Practice head Ian Siddell splits his time throughout a number of Gulf states and is well regarded for his restructuring expertise. Fatima Alhasan is also a practitioner to note, with a broad corporate practice encompassing private equity and investment fund work.
Practice head(s):
Ian Siddell; Fatima Alhasan
Testimonials
‘Baker & McKenzie in my opinion continues to be a cut above the rest in terms of the quality of the work. They are true to “value over volume” when it comes to the client work that they take on and also in the way they work with local counsel, which is very collegiate and collaborative.’
‘Fatima Alhasan is highly attentive to detail. She has a solid grasp of the law, which she combines with a sound commercial understanding of the industries which she serves. She is able to communicate complex legal issues with great accuracy, articulation and clarity. As a Bahraini woman, she is also renowned as an inspirational lawyer in private practice.’
Key clients
Arabian Centres Company
Alawwal Bank
Samba Capital & Investment Management Company
The Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative Insurance and Reinsurance Company (MedGulf)
Saudi Fransi Capital
The Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB)
Almarai Company
Riyad Bank
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Al Rajhi Banking and Investment Corporation
NCB Capital
Riyad Bank
Olayan Financing Company (OFC)
Ahli United Bank
Work highlights
- Representing GARMCO and MOICT in all stages of the US International Trade Commission and the US Department of Commerce anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations relating to Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill Company.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s corporate and commercial practice in Bahrain has a strong focus on international corporate structuring and restructuring, as well as a thriving M&A, commercial contract, joint venture, private equity and regulatory offering. Its breadth of expertise is reflected in the diverse range of sectors it operates, spanning telecoms, aviation, technology, retail and manufacturing, among others. From the Dubai office, William Reichert leads the firm’s corporate practice for the Middle East and has handled an abundance of high-value transactions in the technology, healthcare, real estate and energy sectors. Leading on the commercial side, Mark Hill is an expert in the fields of media and entertainment, IP and technology and acts for a large number of significant clients in these spaces. Transactional lawyer Alex Reid joined from HFW in December 2022. At the senior associate level, Jonathan Fisher has accumulated strong experience handling domestic and cross-border M&A.
Practice head(s):
William Reichert; Mark Hill
Other key lawyers:
Alex Reid; Jonathan Fisher
Testimonials
‘The team is knowledgeable and works closely with other practice areas within the firm. They understand our business needs and are reasonably priced in comparison with other international law firms.’
‘We’ve worked with Jonathan Fisher in the corporate team and he’s been very helpful.’
Key clients
Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY)
Gulf Air B.S.C.(c)
Serenity Capital W.L.L.
MENA Grain Supply Fund B.S.C.(c)
Al Sahel Resort B.S.C.(c)
Infinity Capital W.L.L.
Futurist Holding W.L.L.
Work highlights
- Undertook a contract standardisation project for Gulf Air, preparing over 50 standard template agreements with accompanying guidelines.
- Undertaking reviews of a wide variety of policies and agreements for Gulf Air, with a particular focus on data protection, stretching across the various jurisdictions in which Gulf Air operates.
- Providing an overview to Gulf Air of commercial entity filing obligations and general housekeeping requirements for commercial registrations in foreign jurisdictions.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Well versed in large and complex transactions, Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a highly respected corporate and commercial practice in Bahrain, with M&A, fund formation and regulation, capital markets and group restructurings among its key areas of expertise. Specialist corporate and funds lawyer Brian Howard leads the team and brings over two decades of experience acting for GCC clients, including sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, banks and industrial enterprises; co-head Dominic O’Neil is especially strong on the private equity side. Benjamin O’Brien-McQueenie was promoted to partner in July 2023 and splits his time between the Bahrain and Oman offices.
Practice head(s):
Brian Howard; Dominic O’Neil
Other key lawyers:
Benjamin O’Brien-McQueenie
Key clients
Al Salam Bank B.S.C.
Al Kifah Holding Company
Al Waha Venture Capital Fund of Funds 1
National Bank of Bahrain
Naseej B.S.C. (c)
Sayacorp
Gulf International Bank B.S.C.
The Arab Investment Company S.A.A.
State Bank of India
Bahrain Development Bank
Investrade
Gulf International Bank
GFH Financial Group
Standard Chartered Bank
BBK
SICO
Al Baraka Islamic Bank
Bank ABC
Bahrain Steel
ASMA Capital Partners
Central Bank of Bahrain
Work highlights
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners has continued to grow its presence in Bahrain’s M&A market, offering services that span a range of transactions and matters, encompassing incorporation, governance and compliance, restructuring, M&A, share transfers and divestments. Steven Brown heads the practice and regularly acts for major corporations across a diverse range of sectors, from technology and healthcare to hospitality, defence and real estate.
Practice head(s):
Steven Brown
Key clients
Alghanim Industries
Alshaya Group
Americana Restaurants
General Electric
FedEx
AXA Insurance
Air Liquide
Bahrain Ship Repairing & Engineering Co. B.S.C
Majid Al Futtaim Group
EGIS Ingeniere SAS
Arla Foods W.L.L.
Nestle
Foulath Holding B.S.C.
Work highlights
- Advised Ahli United Bank (as target) on the cross-border takeover of its entire share capital by Kuwait Finance House.
- Advised Americana Group on the internal reorganisation of its two Bahraini subsidiaries.
- Advised a regional conglomerate regarding the restructure of its retail business in Bahrain up to completion of the implementation phase.
Newton Legal
Newton Legal
’s corporate and commercial team increasingly advises clients on new pieces of legislation in Bahrain, from the Corporate Governance Code and Personal Data Protection Law to the Law Protecting and Promoting Competition and the Reorganisation and Bankruptcy Law. Jointly heading the offering is the experienced pair of Aamal Al Abbasi and Ahmed Alfardan, both overseeing a practice which has established a solid reputation for M&A, joint ventures, business transfers, share transfers and sales agreements.
Practice head(s):
Aamal Al Abbasi; Ahmed Alfardan
Testimonials
‘Newton Legal team is an outstanding multicultural team with genuine passion to provide exceptional and remarkable legal services, coupled with thorough knowledge and astute attention to details.’
‘Aamal Al Abbasi, Ahmed Al Fardan, and Samar Almahmood extend far beyond their legal expertise, being extraordinarily creative and dedicated lawyers who have consistently been supportive.’
‘Over the years, they have demonstrated an unparalleled degree of proficiency and competence in handling exceptional and complex legal matters in a timely and an organized manner which has amazingly supported the conclusion of unique projects.’
Key clients
Government of Bahrain
Bapco
Investcorp
Mumtalakat
Ahli United Bank
GARMCO
Enoc
Malca-Amit
Ooredoo
Export Bahrain
Mazad
Seapeak
Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat)
Embee Middle East
Savills
Mubasher Capital
Ahmed Mansoor AlAali Real Estate Co.
CEVA Logistics
Inovest
MS Pharma
AF Willis
Eurofins
Euro University of Bahrain
Southern Tourism Company
Work highlights
- Advised Ahli United Bank on its acquisition, delisting and conversion to a closed company.
- Advised on the buy-out of minority shareholders in a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Bahrain with several branches across the MENA region.
- Engaged by the Government of Bahrain to advise on the Covid-19 vaccine supply agreements.