Al Markaz Law Firm's well-regarded practice is led by Ayman Nada, who has an excellent track record in handling local and multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions, group restructurings, refinancing and acquisition structures. Turning to the senior associates, Zafar Iqbal and Mohammad Ramadan are key names, with particular expertise in advising on Shariah-compliant contracts, foreign direct investment, corporate structuring, and franchise and distributorship matters.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Kuwait
Al Markaz Law Firm
Practice head(s):
Ayman Nada
Other key lawyers:
Mohammed Ramadan; Zafar Iqbal
Testimonials
‘The whole team is very passionate, engaged and knowledgeable.’
ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners
ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners' corporate practice is home to a team of 'seasoned professionals with deep knowledge of the local market'. The group stands out for its strength in handling M&A transactions and corporate governance matters. Rob Little and Sam Habbas
have extensive experience in M&A and restructuring, and Paul Day advises domestic and international clients on franchise and distribution matters and establishing operations in Kuwait. Recent instructions include John Cunha and Luis Cunha advising Saudi Arabian company Jadwa Investment on its acquisition of a 35% stake in the Gissah Perfumes Company. Ezekiel Tuma is well versed in handling commercial and corporate transactions in Kuwait, and Ibrahim Sattout stands out for providing 'excellent, clear and useful advice'.
Practice head(s):
Sam Habbas; Rob Little; Paul Day; Ibrahim Sattout; Ezekiel Tuma
Other key lawyers:
Luis Cunha; John Cunha
Testimonials
‘ASAR is the largest, best resourced firm in Kuwait. It is able to provide the resources needed to deal with complex cases on time and in full.’
‘They are seasoned professionals with deep knowledge of the local market, a good commercial sense, ability to communicate with non-legal professionals, and a great sense of customer service.’
‘Sam Habbas is a stand out partner.’
‘Ibrahim Sattout is exceptionally responsive and provides excellent, clear and useful advice.’
‘Always available. Pragmatic and commercial advice.’
‘Excellent firm in Kuwait with strong, deep client relationships.’
‘Luis Cunha is a very strong corporate lawyer with a strong understanding of transactional challenges and a very astute business sense. He is always amiable and professional and very easy to work with.’
‘ASAR has impressed me with regard to both their local market knowledge and also their commercial nous. They have been effective in helping us to understand the intricacies of Kuwaiti law while also matching those requirements to our commercial needs. They have also worked to achieve tight deadlines when needed.’
Key clients
Americana Restaurants
LVMH
Sama Educational Company
Kuwait Cement Co.
Roche
General Electric
Gulf Bank
Johnson & Johnson
British Petroleum
Taken Seat Holding Co.
National Bank of Kuwait
Jadwa Investments Group
Kuwait Danish Dairy
Air Liquide
Al Rashed Holdings
Abbott
Al Dhow Engineering
Al Rifai Group
Alkhorayef Petroleum
Jubail Energy Services
Atos Information Technology
AstraZeneca
JebCo International
Kuwait International Bank
Mustafa Karam Motors
National Industries Group
Reckitt Benckiser
Rimini Street
Saipem
Sumitomo Mitsui
Warba
Wapmed
Work highlights
- Advised ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company KSCP on the acquisition of a portfolio of assets worth US$ 2.21 billion by Macquarie Airfinance Group.
- Advised Ahli United Bank B.S.C on a cross-border sale of the client’s entire share capital to Kuwait Finance House K.S.C.P.
Meysan Partners
The corporate practice at Meysan Partners
garners praise for its 'deep understanding of the Kuwaiti legal landscape, paired with deep industry expertise'. Bader El-Jeaan is a highly regarded practitioner in Kuwait, with an excellent reputation in the M&A space, and co-heads the team with Abdulwahab Sadeq and Tarek Yehya. Abdul Aziz Al Yaqout advises on acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Senior associate Hassan Elsayed is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Bader El-Jeaan; Tarek Yehya; Abdulwahab Sadeq
Other key lawyers:
Abdul Aziz Al Yaqout; Hassan Elsayed
Testimonials
‘Very high reactivity and ability to mobilise entire team quickly. Very strong at bringing concrete and tailor-made solutions.’
‘A focus on problem-solving and concrete solutions.’
‘Deep understanding of the Kuwaiti legal landscape, paired with deep industry expertise.’
Key clients
Ali Alghanim Sons Automotive Company K.S.C.C (“AAG”)
National Aviation Services (NAS) – Agility Logistics
Kuwait Telecommunications Company (“STC”)
Kuwait English School (“KES”)
Jadwa Investment
A consortium comprised of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Company, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Company, and Al Safy Automotive Company
UPayments
Al Bayan Medical Company
Investcorp Holding BSC (Closed)
Work highlights
- Advised National Aviation Services on its acquisition by Menzies Aviation.
- Advised UPayments on the sale of a 51% stake to NBK.
Al Oula Law Firm (Adel Abdulhadi & Partners)
Al Oula Law Firm (Adel Abdulhadi & Partners)‘s commercial and corporate practice is instructed by international clients in a range of matters, including transactions, acquisitions and restructuring issues. Sanabil Jafar and Fayez Al Dosari co-lead the team, in which associate Dolly Sleem is a key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Sanabil Jafar; Fayez Al Dosari
Other key lawyers:
Dolly Sleem
Testimonials
‘Excellent practice.’
Key clients
Al-Eid International Logistics Company (AILCO)
Velath Engineering International FZC
Yiaco Medical Company
Kana Group for General Trading & Contracting
Aljawda AlKuwaitia for Food Stuff & Vegetables and Fruits
Satco Food Trading Company
Green Carbon Company
Boyua & Aamal for General Trading and Contracting Company
Black Boushiya Company
Kuwaiti Union of Farmers Market
Work highlights
- Advising a Kuwaiti company on regulatory matters regarding increasing the company’s capital by 45% as preparation for the client’s conversion into a public joint stock company.
Al Tamimi & Company
Al Tamimi & Company's team is active in advising companies on establishing their presence in Kuwait, as well as assisting with corporate structuring, commercial agreements, distribution and franchise agreements and corporate and regulatory compliance issues. Practice head Ola Saab and Aaron Dikos are the key practitioners.
Practice head(s):
Ola Saab
Other key lawyers:
Aaron Dikos
Testimonials
‘Great local experience.’
Key clients
Burberry Kuwait
Airways International Limited
LVMH Moet Hennessy
Kone Corporation
Johnson & Johnson
Joyalukkas
Unilever Gulf
Nord Anglia Education Limited
Linde Group
Uula International Technology
The Kuwait Styrene Company KSCC
Majid Al Futtaim
IBM
Samsung
Virgin Group
AstraZeneca
Work highlights
- Advised Ikarus Petroleum Industries Company on its US$ 33 million acquisition of a controlling stake in GOFSCO.
- Advised fashion company Steve Madden on its joint venture agreement with the Apparel Group.
Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group (YFLG)
Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group (YFLG)
's practice advises local and international public and private companies on a wide spectrum of commercial and corporate matters, including M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and regulatory issues. The department is jointly led by Waleed Al Daraawi and Nadyn Saleh, who is very experienced in handling commercial transactions.
Practice head(s):
Waleed Al Daraawi; Nadyn Saleh
Testimonials
‘Their team reflects a variety of backgrounds and experiences, which enriches their problem-solving capabilities.’
‘Collaboration is at the heart of their practice.’
‘Their professionals bring extensive industry-specific expertise to the table, ensuring a thorough understanding of our sector’s dynamics. Their track record speaks to their commitment to excellence.’
‘They are extremely efficient and knowledgeable.’
‘Nadyn Saleh is an excellent lawyer and we enjoy working with her.’
Key clients
Dar Al Shifa
Al Ansari Exchange
Health Assurance Company (DHAMAN) and Ribera Salud
J3 Project Company for Management and Development of Lands and Real Estate WLL.
CPF Int Limited
Cavendish Maxwell
iMile
Jahez International Whole & Retail Sale Company
NAGA markets Europe ltd
Tamara
Pharmalife
Work highlights
- Advised Al Ansari Exchange Co on the acquisition of a 100% stake in Oman Exchange Co.
- Advised CPF Int Limited on an international franchising agreement with Al Khashab International as part of its global expansion plan.
GLA & Company
M&A is a key pillar of strength for GLA & Company‘s corporate team, which is adept at advising on large local and cross-border M&A transactions. Senior partner Nader Al Awadhi and managing partner Alex Saleh have a solid track record in the M&A space, while Yousef Al Amly is well versed in handling joint ventures, franchising and distribution agreements, and corporate governance and compliance matters.
Practice head(s):
Nader Al Awadhi; Alex Saleh; Yousef Al Amly
Testimonials
‘US-style advice in the Gulf.’
‘Alex Saleh is recommended.’
Key clients
Cognita Middle East Holdings Limited
National Technology Enterprises Company, KSC
Gatehouse Bank PLC
Bashar Al-Ameer; and Bait Al Aseel Group for General Trading and Contracting
Automak Automotive Company KSC
Emirates NBD Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Arab Investment & Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (“Dhaman”)
A’ayan Leasing and Investment Co. K.S.C.P.
Kuwait Food Company KSC (Americana)
KFH Capital
FDH (Fluor, Daewoo, Hyundai consortium)
Hyundai
Maire Tecnimont
Abyaar
Emerson Electric Company
Silver Lake Technology Management, LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Cognita Middle East Holdings on the acquisition of a stake in Universe Education Company KSCC.
- Advised Gatehouse Bank, a Sharia-compliant UK-based bank, on the divestment of its Kuwait investment company.
- Advised Automak Automotive Company KSCC on restructuring its ownership, involving a third-party buyer purchasing a 35% stake, worth approximately US$ 24 million, in the client.
HFW in association with Attorney Rula Dajani
HFW in association with Attorney Rula Dajani‘s corporate practice focuses on assisting foreign investors with establishing a presence in Kuwait, and is adept at advising on joint ventures, shareholder and distribution agreements, licensing and a broad range of commercial contracts. Practice head Rula Dajani divides her time between Dubai and Kuwait, and is a key name for handling M&A and corporate restructuring. Senior associate Tarek Abu Mariam is singled out for his contributions.
Practice head(s):
Rula Dajani
Other key lawyers:
Tarek Abu Mariam
Key clients
Commercial Bank of Kuwait
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics LLC
Kuwait Airways
SMBC Aviation Capital Ltd
Umm Al Hayman for Wastewater Treatment Company (KSPC)
Work highlights
- Advising Hellmann Worldwide Logistics on the restructuring of its operations in the Middle East.
Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub & Associates
At Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub & Associates, the firm's founding partner Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub works alongside Waleed Al-Ayoub in order to assist a client base of predominantly US-based entities on Kuwaiti laws regarding transactional mandates involving the sale of assets. The practice also assists foreign clients on setting up operations in Kuwait.
Practice head(s):
Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub
Other key lawyers:
Waleed Alayoub
Alfahad & Partners (Consultants and Attorneys)
At Alfahad & Partners (Consultants and Attorneys), the team acts for domestic and international clients in a wide spectrum of matters, including M&A, joint ventures, restructuring, corporate governance, licensing and cross-border transactions. Name partner Faisal Alfahad and Shamoil Ranijiwala are the practice heads.
Practice head(s):
Faisal Alfahad; Shamoil Ranijiwala
Testimonials
‘Very practical legal advisors.’
‘Faisal Al Fahad provides solid and reliable legal advice in a practical context.’
‘Dedicated and detail oriented.’
Key clients
KFH Capital Investment Company
Ahli United Bank
ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. KSCP
Prime one Group General Trading and Contracting
Jazeera Airways
Flame Energy Company
Rexel Middle East
Jasim Adbulwahab and Partner Co WLL
Kepler Wolf LLP
Naqel Express
TUV SUD
Work highlights
- Acted for ALAFCO during the acquisition of the client’s assets, worth more than US$ 2,200,000,000, by Macquarie Group.
- Advised Naqel Express on establishing a new company and acquiring licenses in Kuwait.