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.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Lebanon
Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm
Practice head(s):
Carlos Abou Jaoude; Simon El Kai; Souraya Machnouk
; 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-Aref ‘is 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-Khoury, Hadi 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.