Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

MP Lawyers and Legal Consultants‘ corporate practice is led by Michel Ghanem and handles cross-border M&A transactions, private equity and foreign direct investments, particularly across the energy, financial services, logistics and healthcare sectors. The firm is able to leverage cross-border support from its offices in Kuwait and the UAE.

Firms in the Spotlight Commercial, corporate and M&A

Hamdan Law Firm

Hamdan Law Firm logo

The Hamdan Law Firm was founded in 1961 by Ahmad Hamdan and offers a full range of legal services. It is one of the oldest law firms in Lebanon and is today managed by Abdel Ghani Hamdan.

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Commercial, corporate and M&A in Lebanon

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm

At Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm, the team is widely acclaimed for its handling of market leading M&A, private equity deal, corporate structuring, company formation, reorganisation and corporate governance affairs. The practice is co-led by the quartet of Carlos Abou Jaoude, Simon El Kai, Souraya Machnouk and Ibrahim Barraj.

Testimonials

‘Depth of expertise in different fields compared to other law offices in Lebanon. Quality of individuals. Responsiveness and follow up.’

‘Souraya Machnouk is extremely knowledgeable about several areas of practice, takes her time to formulate advice, structures execution properly, and is super responsive to any query or request.’

‘Great people, great lawyers, great and pragmatic advice, and simply a pleasure to deal with.’

‘AJA Law Firm has positive word-of-mouth. They embrace technology. Their team has exceptional expertise that is consistent. Provide exceptional client service. Competent, Hard-Working.’

‘The team we have worked with was led by Souraya Machnouk. She is an ex-Norton Rose Fulbright lawyer, and I felt that the service that we received was comparable to that of an international law firm.’

‘Extremely qualified and professional with a high level of integrity. Offers outstanding legal services whilst maintaining the focus on the business.’

‘AJA team shows high professionalism and experience in mergers and acquisitions, which was demonstrated in drafting shareholder agreements.’

Key clients

3M Group

Chevron (Al Khalij)

Moderna

Ericsson

Samsung

ALMAZA Group

Mr. Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of the Renault-Nissan Group

CIPLA

Adidas

Ericsson

Libanpost

Sioufi Group

Malia Group

Benta Group

Elie Saab Group

Zuhair Murad Group

LBCI

Fadaat Media Group

Doctors without Borders

Epic Healthcare

Work highlights

  • Advised Jableb Holding led by the prominent investment banker Philippe Jabre on the multi-million dollar acquisition of the Lebanese beer company ALMAZA from global Dutch company Heineken.
  • Advised leading energy US multinational Chevron Al Khalij on the complex spin-off of its Lebanese affiliate acting as member of a consortium with six fuel companies to supply aviation fuel to airlines at Beirut’s International Airport.
  • Advised leading private bank FFA on the multi-million acquisition of an equity stake in the prominent aluminum manufacturing group SIDEM with a first-of-its-kind dual-currency aspect and involving a highly complex fiduciary structure with profit-sharing loans, subject to a regulatory approval process before the Capital Markets Authority of Lebanon.

Alem & Associates

Alem & Associates advises on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, including company formation, partnerships, M&A, leverage buyouts and restructuring. The firm continues to advise the government on legislative reform, including topics such as e-commerce law, and setting up financial, commercial and industrial free zones. Mohamed Alem spearheads the practice with assistance from real estate partner, Rola Tabsh . Senior associate Youmna Gharzouzi is also active in domestic, regional and international corporate-related transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Alem; Rola Tabsh

Other key lawyers:

Youmna Gharzouzi

Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP

Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP‘s highly regarded corporate group is co-led by managing partner, Chadia El Meouchi , and Carine Farran who both have over 20 years of combined expertise in Lebanese and international M&A, joint ventures, shareholders relationships and company formations. Samia El Meouchi and senior associate Zouheir El Baba are also of note.

Practice head(s):

Chadia El Meouchi; Carine Farran

Other key lawyers:

Samia El Meouchi; Zouheir El Baba

Testimonials

‘Extremely reactive, professional, detail-orientated and always go above and beyond what is required of them.’

Key clients

Banque Misr Liban

Holdal Group

Saint-Gobain Middle East

Construction Development Company International

Projects Development Company

Intel

Fransabank

Ciment de Sibline

Secil

Audi Saradar Private Bank

European Investment Bank (EIB)

Pinsent Masons LLP

Macquarie Airfinance

PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Work highlights

  • Lebanese legal counsel to Lebanon Expressway, advising on project development and framework for the establishment of the Okaibe – Khalde expressway.
  • Assisting the owner of a large management consultant firm in the UAE in the context of the acquisition of 20% of the shares of a large Lebanese F&B group owning a chain of restaurants under 3 well-known restaurant brands.
  • Assisting a distributor in the context of a large-scale corporate acquisition of 100% of the share capital in a Lebanese holding company and all of its international affiliates (more than 15 affiliates worldwide).

Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons

Combining local corporate and commercial expertise with a global presence, Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons is regularly instructed as Lebanese counsel on cross-border M&A transactions, joint ventures, restructuring, private equity, particularly in the energy, infrastructure and TMT sectors. It also supports foreign clients in company formation and general corporate advisory matters. Practice head Elias Chedid is assisted by senior associate Georgette Salamé on all mandates.

Practice head(s):

Elias Chedid

Other key lawyers:

Georgette Salamé

El-Aref International Law Office

Highly regarded for its capabilities in handling M&A, El-Aref International Law Office is the go-to counsel for international corporations, investment banks, and overseas organisations. Corporate governance advisory, general corporate matters, joint ventures and private equity are its other key areas of instruction. Name partner Aref El-Arefis a fantastic lawyer that pulls no stops to help clients succeed and deliver', meanwhile Mohamad Ramadan has developed a specialism advising technology startups, media and pharmaceutical companies on corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Aref El-Aref

Other key lawyers:

Mohamad Ramadan

Testimonials

‘The firm is very responsive and provides helpful legal guidance which is also very practical. He doesn’t just regurgitate law, but actually provides advice on which steps to take to accomplish a goal.’

‘Aref el-Aref is a very personable and professional advisor, and we trust him with our business needs.’

‘This is truly a people and purpose driven firm. Aref is all about delivering the work needed and not just closing a “Transaction” to move on to the next case. They adapted to the changing events and maintained their level of involvement while keeping the fees capped. This kind of relationship management and dedication is rare, not just in the legal sphere, but in any field.’

‘El Aref is willing to take on development risk and works with us on a success based model. This has significantly helped our cash flows and permitted us to develop projects during uncertain times.

‘El Aref is very committed to their clients and have a very quick turnaround rate on any documents. The firm is doing a great job with gender diversity, having a near equal balance in the workforce’

‘Aref El Aref is a fantastic lawyer that pulls no stops to help clients succeed and deliver. He always goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to deadlines and quality.’

Key clients

AbbVie

AstraZeneca

Novo Nordisk

ATKearney

NABED Ltd

Rotana Audio Visual, LLC.

Associated Press

BBC

World Fuel Services Corporation

ABB

B.B. Energy

Faisal Holding

Primesouth

St. Jude

SAP

Bloomberg, LP

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

TCQ Power, Ltd.

Synaptive Medical, Inc.

Mindspace Holdings, Ltd.

8Zone FZ-LLC

Sadara Investment LLC

Work highlights

  • Advised ICC Energy Ltd. on the purchase of licensed Oil & Gas Company in Iraq.
  • Advised 8Zone FZ-LLC on Series A financing in the capital of the company by investor based on valuation of $20 million.
  • Advised ICC Energy Ltd. on the joint development with ZNSHINE PV-Tech Co. Ltd, for development of solar hybrid power plants in Nigeria with Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria.

Abousleiman & Partners

Randa Abousleiman, of Abousleiman & Partners, is one of the most recognisable corporate lawyers in the Lebanese market. Specialising in M&A, general corporate advisory and restructuring; its recent highlights include advising a major Lebanese bank in the sale of one of its main subsidiaries in Europe, and supporting the American University of Beirut on the establishment of a campus in Paphos, Cyprus. 

Practice head(s):

Randa Abousleiman

Key clients

ALACRAN Group

American University of Beirut

Arabia Insurance Company Group

BLC Bank SAL

BLOM Bank Group

Brakket Group

Cigna International

Obegi Consumer Products Group

Rifai Group

Work highlights

  • Advised BLC Bank SAL on the sale of its subsidiary USB Holdings Ltd in Cyprus.
  • Assisted Heineken BV on structuring the sale of majority of shares, coupled with a capital increase opened to all shareholders to reinforce the capital of the Brasserie Almaza. It had to be structured in a manner that would allow Heineken B.V to maintain a minority participation in the company.
  • Advised on the acquisition by Brakket Invest of a participation in BEON-IT, which is Dubai-based digital solutions company.

El-Khoury & Partners

El-Khoury & Partners‘s ‘trustworthy, professional and engaged’ lawyers are particularly active in private equity investments, M&A and cross-border joint venture arrangements, owing to the firm's presence in Riyadh and Dubai. In Beirut, Ziad El-KhouryHadi Melki and senior associate Bassem Chalhoub are instructed on corporate compliance, drafting multi-jurisdictional commercial agreements and corporate reorganisations.

Practice head(s):

Ziad El-Khoury; Hadi Melki

Other key lawyers:

Bassem Chalhoub

Testimonials

‘Very attentive and responsive to the client’s needs. Knows the local market and regulations inside out, alongside very good knowledge of the local language and work culture. Highly qualified lawyers who propose commercial and innovative solutions.’

‘This firm is quite unique in its breadth of experience, knowing how to perfectly manoeuvre within the society, in mind with the local way of conducting business and the applied laws.’

‘Hadi Melki is very responsive, provide sound technical support, build a strong client relationship and provide a great customer satisfaction. They whole team go the extra mile.’

‘Very good collaboration between the team.  Trustworthy, professional and engaged.’

Key clients

Finastra

Signature Hospitality

Value Living Group

Alma Limited

Ellucian

Wondereight

Related Inc

EI TECHNOLOGIES MENA FZ-LLC

Clinart FZ LLC

B.O.T Bridge Outsource Transform S.A.L.

Work highlights

  • Advised Value Living Group on tax efficient group corporate structure to support a major housing development project in the UK.
  • Advised Ellucian in connection with data privacy legislation and regulation underlying a business transaction with a major university in Lebanon.
  • Advised Wondereight on multi-jurisdictional corporate and contractual structuring for their GCC business through presence and contractual structures in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

HNS Legal

The result of a summer 2022 merger between Hayat Law and NSP Legal, HNS Legal in equipped to advise Lebanese and regional clients on company incorporations, day-to-day corporate and regulatory matters, public and private partnerships and M&A activities. Banking partner Jad Skaff works in tandem with corporate specialists Ali El Maoula and Joseph Nasrallah

Practice head(s):

Jad Al Skaff; Ali El Maoula; Joseph Nasrallah

Testimonials

‘HNS team is unique in terms of the diversity of backgrounds, as well as their outstanding legal skills. In addition, they have a  wide outreach in the MENA and GCC with offices and collaborations across the region which makes them operative in almost every jurisdiction in the MENA and GCC.’ 

Jad Al Skaff is an excellent lawyer – he is available, responsive and commercial; he is always readily available to talk about any matter. He has a deep understanding of the local laws and regulatory landscape.’

‘Many aspects make this practice unique including the geographical location and markets they provide access to in the Middle East, the range of legal services they provide and the personal hand on approach by the partners. These are some of the key strengths and differentiators of HNS Legal in comparison with other firms who tend to be more country focuses with less integration on regional level if any.’

‘The firm is extremely responsive compared to other law firms in the region. This makes it unique as time nowadays is of the essence.  Joseph Nasrallah is a very empathic and responsive, he understands the problems and proposes solutions in a very efficient way.’

‘Responsive, quick. most of the communication done via e-mail. We have benefited from advisory on the labour law and staff related issues. The individuals we have worked with were friendly, professional and reliable.’

‘I regularly deal with Jad Al Skaff and Joseph Nasrallah on various engagements and projects and both of them stand out in terms of demonstrating a hands on approach on the projects we work on.’

Key clients

National Aviation Services Group

Transmed

Al Kabida

Bitar Group

Amnesty International

CIBCO

IFFCO

Careem

LIBD

Omatra Group

Sama

S-Com

Tri-Sat Communication Company

Halvest Holding

Halwany Consumer Products

Abchee Group

Shooting Stars

BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP

Addleshaw Goddard (Middle Est) LLP

 

P.O. Tech: Paths of Technology

CCHO – Centre for Clinical Health Economics and Outcome Research FZ-LLC

Initiativez Management Consultants

Habib Bank

DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

World Gate Capital

Besins Healthcare

Bird and Bird

PwC Middle East

Middle East Industries and Machineries

Port Manager and Operator

Dr. Consti

Jaber Group

Work highlights

  • Assisting National Aviation Services Group day-to-day advice on all corporate and business matters across MENA.
  • Advised Transmed on the acquisition of a US $17.5million FMCG and pet food distribution business in Morocco.
  • Advising, Bitar Group, a large regional food and consumer brands distributor, on a major restructuring, reform, development and implementation of its corporate governance, as well as policies and regulations.

Law Offices of Naoum Farah

Lauded for its ‘exceptional team’, Law Offices of Naoum Farah demonstrates capabilities in M&A and commercial transactions, restructuring and general corporate matters, leveraging in-depth expertise in the TMT and entertainment sectors. Name partner Naoum Farah is assisted by Yara Wakim and Roula Tayar.

Practice head(s):

Naoum Farah; Yara Wakim; Roula El Hajj

Testimonials

‘Exceptional team, very well led by Naoum Farah-you can count on them for local as well international issues. By far the best law offices in Lebanon I had the pleasure to work with. Never complained, simple matters as well very complicated ones receive the same attention. Probably one of the top law practices in the country. I highly recommend.’

‘The strength of this law office is in its team, exceptionally well lead and all top-notch lawyers. It is very hard for me to complain about any of the legal team, all are well versed in their field.’

Key clients

IBL Bank (Intercontinental Bank of Lebanon sal)

Bellevue Medical Center Hospital

G. Bazerji et Fils (GBF) sal

Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International sal (LBCI)

G.A. Bazerji & Sons SAL (GABS)

T.G.F Holding sal

TGF (Toufic Gargour and Fils) sal

GHSA (GARGOUR HOLDINGS S.A.) Luxembourg

“Joseph G Khoury et Fils Holding sal” (JK Holding)

SOFIDAL Holding sal

Work highlights

  • Advising Lebanese Broadcasting Company International sal (LBCI) on all of its corporate and business/commercial activities.
  • Represents and advises JK Holding SAL, a prominent real estate developer and construction group of companies operating in Lebanon and the Gulf on legal matters pertaining to its activity.
  • Continue to advise a Lebanese Bank, IBL Bank sal on legal matters pertaining to its activity.

Obeid & Partners

Obeid & Partners’ expertise is routinely coveted by blue-chip clients, including financial institutions, multinational corporations and private equity firms. The practice also has notable strength in insurance, including re-insurance matters, and has also overseen significant international transactions across the commodities, healthcare and technology and banking sectors. Counsel Marie Hayek and Zeina Obeid lead the team, while Zeina Obeid is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Ziad Obeid: Marie Hayek

Other key lawyers:

Zeina Obeid

Key clients

Audi AG

Starbucks

Astellas Pharma

United Biscuits

KPMG

TUV Nord

Ergomed PLC

Sabre

ICMP

Biotest

Airut Law Offices

Serge Airut leads the ‘well qualified team with ability to provide out of the box solutions’ at Airut Law Offices where he leverages extensive expertise in M&A and advising on tax-efficient corporate structuring across the MENA region. Clients hail from the pharmaceutical, energy and TMT sectors, among others. Marie Antoinette Airut is another key corporate partner.

Practice head(s):

Serge Airut; Marie Antoinette Airut

Testimonials

‘Well qualified team with ability to provide out of the box solutions and go out of the way to provide a unique customer experience.’

‘Very knowledgeable and client solution focused.’

‘What makes Airut Law Offices stand out is that the senior partners are involved in a every matter being handled by the firm and they give due care to each such matter.’

Key clients

Union Pharmaceutique d’Orient SAL

Ecomz SAL

Kingdom Holding

Movenpick Hotel Beirut

Bahaa Rafic Hariri Group

ABC Mall

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut

Bank of Beirut SAL

IBL Bank SAL

Credit Libanais SAL

Lebanese American University (LAU)

Lebanese American University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH)

Algorithm SAL

Societe Moderne Libanaise pour le Commerce SAL

Cookpad Inc.

MAN SAL

Tahseen Khayat Group

MEVP

Etablissements Antoine Massoud SAL (EAM)

Flemingo International

Societe d’Entreprise et de Gestion (SEG) SAL

Philip Morris International (PMI)

Midis Group

BMB International

M for Media

Hakawati Inc.

Biomass SAL

Work highlights

  • Advised the joint venture between MEP, a leading power plants operator based in Lebanon and Orient Energy Group (OEG) and Arkay, both Indian companies that are also specialized in the operation and maintenance of power plants.
  • Advised Ostaz, a tutoring platform, regarding the sale of a majority stake by the founders and investors who have invested in previous rounds to a strategic investor, Inspired Education, a UK entity.
  • Advised Biomass Holding on a deal consisting of getting new investors on board that would subscribe into the equity capital of the company to finance its expansion, mainly outside Lebanon.

Eptalex - Aziz Torbey Law Firm

Eptalex - Aziz Torbey Law Firm‘s corporate desk is headed by managing partner Ramy Torbey, who specialises in domestic and international M&A, divestitures, private equity, corporate governance, and general corporate matters, particularly those involving a TMT component. Torbey divides his time between the Beirut and Dubai offices.

Practice head(s):

Ramy Torbey

Work highlights

  • Setting up a technology and VR-focused private equity fund and introducing innovative cross-border legal mechanisms to allow Lebanese depositors to recover their USD deposits abroad and avoid being exposed to the de facto capital controls and hyperinflation of the local currency.
  • Providing ongoing legal coverage to the reinsurance provider of one of the world’s leading hotel chains for damages following the Beirut August 4th blast for a claim in excess of 200M USD – the first of its kind in these circumstances and with the potential of setting precedent for similar such situations.
  • Acting as local counsel for a world leader in the water treatment industry as part of their worldwide acquisition of Lebanese operations and the restructuring of its group of companies.

MENA City Lawyers

MENA City Lawyers primarily assists companies in all aspects of corporate governance, as well as the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements. Practice head Fady Jamaleddine is experienced in public takeovers, private equity and venture capitalism investments. Mirvat Mostafa  and Corinne Baaklini are the other key figures at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Fady Jamaleddine; Mirvat Mostafa; Corinne Baaklini

Testimonials

‘Personalised service and very professional and dedicated staff.’

Obeid & Medawar Law Firm LLP

Following the opening of its Abu Dhabi office, Obeid & Medawar Law Firm LLP now leverages a wider regional presence with locations in Lebanon, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The firm is experienced in the full array of M&A transactions, from public company mergers through to LBOs, private equity deals and joint ventures, and also supports on the establishment, structuring, restructuring and sustaining of corporate ventures. Partners Amer F. Obeid and Rachad A. Medawar co-head the team, which is home to senior associate Zeina Azzi, and counts the energy, construction, telecommunications, mining, financial services and pharmaceuticals sectors among its key fields of focus.

Practice head(s):

Amer F. Obeid; Rachad Medawar

Other key lawyers:

Zeina Azzi

Testimonials

‘Team is knowledgeable and hands-on in relation to all legal aspects. Main partners, senior partners and junior partners leave no stone unturned for customers. The team provide commercial solutions and advice across different jurisdictions.’

‘During the pre-engagement conversations O&M did an admirable job of explaining why their background and experiences made them well qualified to serve as our external, “in-house” counsel. There was genuine enthusiasm for our brand, our business model, our challenges, and our growth plans.’

‘This firm navigates very well the intricacies of both worlds: European, and Middle Eastern legal worlds. Easy dealing, friendly, and knowledgeable at the same time.’

‘I would like to give credit to Ms. Zeina Azzi here. Despite her hectic schedule, she never failed to give full attention to the smallest of details in negotiating extensive contracts. She sometimes handled unurgent issues after hours, things she could easily refused to do but never did. Extremely professional and knowledgeable.’

‘The team is extremely professional and helpful. They give their clients the needed time. They have a particular attention to details. They have in place a software that connects the client and the firm, where the client can see all the documents related to its case.’

‘Amer Obeid is an exceptional litigator he is second to none. He never lost a case for our company, he always has our interest as a priority. In case of a losing case, he always advises settling to minimize the risks. He is extremely smart and always has the solutions for our problems.’

Key clients

Add Mind SA

Advanced Lines Group

AEM Holding SAL

Aton Capital Markets Limited (ADGM)

Al Gharbieh For Restaurants and Food

Allied Enterprises LLC

B.O.T Bridge Outsource Transform SAL

Batco Group

Balkis SAL

Beyond your limits events LLC

Beyond your luck Offshore SAL

Buffalo Wings and Rings Mena Restaurant Management CO LLC

BWR International LLC

Chalhoub Group

Chez Sami SAL Holding

Clap Milano SA (Italy)

Clinique du Levant SAL

Crown Services SAL

Crystal Mountain SAL

Cumberland Insurance and Reinsurance SAL

DOT NGO

DSV LLC

Ebtikar Venture Capital (ADGM)

Edenred SAL

Em Sherif Cafe SAL

Eurofore SAL

French Consulate in Lebanon

Garlidoux SAL

Housetex LLC

Jordan Company for Lottery Development and Management

Lavajet Holding Ltd – ADGM

Lavajet KSA LLC

MCT FZE

M Group SAL

Maram Foundation (Lie.)

Maria Group SAL

Matic SAL

Medbox SAL

Megastores of Lebanon SAL – Virgin Megastores

Memerlab SAL

Menzies Middle East and Africa Offshore SAL

Mensa Brands

Middle East Venture Fund L.P or MEVF I

Middle East Venture Partners or MEVP

PBM SAL

Quill Communication FZ LLC

RMB Group

Rosenza International LLC

Rotana Hotels Management Corporation

Sauce Capital Investments SPV LTD

Seaiby Exchange House

Societe de Gestion Des Restaurants SAL

Work highlights

  • Assisted a large restaurant chain operating across the Arab World with general corporate advisory matters, such as business structuring, contractual issues and franchise agreements.  
  • Represented a waste management company, in negotiating the terms of a concession agreement with a governmental entity amounting to more than US $220m.