The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > Lebanon > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Cross-border transactions are a key area of focus for Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm. Testament to its expertise in this space was its advice to luxury fashion company Elie Saab group on a multi-jurisdictional divestment of an equity stake in its capital. Souraya Machnouk leads the M&A practice and is notably strong in the energy sector. Managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude, who is highly skilled in cross-border transactions, is a key figure. Simon El Kai  heads up the corporate practice, which also includes senior associate Chebl Atallah.

Alem & Associates is a popular choice for several international clients and is notably strong in areas such as M&A, joint ventures, LBOs, restructurings and corporate governance. Founding partner Mohamed Alem heads the team and is particularly skilled in sectors such as as energy and natural resources, financial services, infrastructure and real estate. Omar El Assir splits his time between Beirut and Riyadh and advises on cross-border M&A and private equity deals. Other key members of the team include Leila Laila, who specialises in the TMT sector, and real estate and construction specialist Rola Tabsh.

Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP is highly experienced in handling M&A, public offerings and restructurings, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as banking, hospitality, retail, and oil and gas. Managing partner Chadia El Meouchi leads the team and has extensive experience in corporate and M&A. Other key figures include M&A expert Samia El Meouchi and banking specialist Salim El Meouchi. Senior associate Carine Ferran, who regularly supports Chadia El Meouchi on various matters, is also recommended.

Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons is able to leverage its international association to advise multinational companies and financial institutions on investments and major compliance. The team is particularly strong in advising international companies on the regulatory framework for new technology and payment systems. Practice head Elias Chedid has a strong focus on the TMT sector and is highly skilled in dealing with international clients, having previously worked in Paris and New York. Raymond Chedid is another key figure and is particularly strong in the gaming sector, as well as dealing with government bodies. Senior associate Georgette Salamé, who focuses on the TMT and healthcare sectors, is also noted.

El-Aref International Law Office is highly skilled in cross-border mandates such as advising international entities on forming companies in Lebanon, as well as investments in multiple other jurisdictions. Practice head Aref El-Aref advised music streaming service Deezer on structuring its entity in Lebanon. He also assisted B.B. Energy with its acquisition of a Slovak corporation that owns the City Gate shopping centre in Bratislava.

El-Khoury & Partners Legal Counsel (EKP) is uniquely structured as a regional law firm with offices in Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh, and often handles mandates where the jurisdictions intersect. In recent work, the team advised product distribution company Slid on multi-jurisdictional corporate and commercial matters. Practice head Ziad El-Khoury, Wissam Hassem and senior associate Bassem Chalhoub are recommended.

Obeid Law Firm is skilled in M&A, joint ventures and commercial agreements, with a strong focus on the construction, oil and gas, financial services and telecoms sectors. Ziad Obeid leads the team and a has a strong background in engineering. Of counsel Marie Hayek specialises in corporate and commercial matters pertaining to the financial services sector.

Hamdan Law Firm has a strong background in advising international clients on establishing businesses in Lebanon, with notable strengths in areas such as franchising and distribution agreements, commercial regulations and trade mark registrations. Managing partner Abdel Ghani Hamdan is the key name to note.

Kabalan & Associates' core areas of focus include M&A, joint ventures, commercial contracts and private equity. Managing partner Maitre Noureddine Kabalan leads the team and is particularly skilled in the energy sector.

The 'very professional, decent and transparent' team at NSP Legal has a strong presence in the aviation and FMCG sectors. The 'very talented' Jad Skaff jointly heads the practice and assisted Transmed Holding with its $6m acquisition of an 80% stake in Turkish food distributor Demak Food. Fellow co-head Joseph Nasrallah advised National Aviation Services Group on its acquisition of a company which provides airport ground handling services in Ghana.