Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

The corporate team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is led by Benjamin O’Brien-McQueenie, who has extensive experience advising international and regional clients on Middle Eastern inbound and outbound investments. The group regularly acts for banking institutions, private equity investors and sovereign wealth funds in matters.

Commercial, corporate and M&A in Oman

Addleshaw Goddard

Oliver Stevens heads the 'professional team' at Addleshaw Goddard, which continues to advise Bank Nizwa on its proposed merger with Sohar International Bank. The practice remains active in high-profile takeover and merger mandates. Stevens is 'a stand-out partner' with an excellent reputation for handling regional and international corporate and M&A matters. Ma’athir Al Busaidi brings expertise in advising on Oman corporate and regulatory law, and associate Eithar Al Kiyumi is ‘a rising star in the Omani legal landscape’.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Stevens


Other key lawyers:

Ma’athir Al Busaidi; Eithar Al Kiyumi


Testimonials

‘They are a professional team with excellent knowledge of the industry and always provide proper and accurate information and advice as and when required. The team is diversified and very collaborative. Billing is also very reasonable and proportionate to the required services and completed work.’

‘Oliver Stevens is the stand-out partner. He is always supportive and available as and when required to provide the proper advice and support.’

‘This team manages to combine outstanding international expertise with on-the-ground, Omani law know-how.’

‘Oliver Stevens – Absolutely committed to his clients. Always goes the extra mile.’

‘Eithar Al-Kiyumi – A rising star in the Omani legal landscape. Diligent, intelligent and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

Bank Muscat


The Pearl Real Estate Investment Fund


Qatar Investment Authority


bp


Oman Investment Authority


State Grid International Development


Vision Insurance Company


OQ


Suhail Bahwan Group


Zubair Corporation


LG Electronics Inc.


Omantel


Bank Dhofar


Work highlights


  • Advised Vision Insurance Company on its US$ 76 million merger with Oman Qatar Insurance Company.
  • Advised Rakiza on its joint venture with Helios Towers, which acquired Omantel’s passive telecommunications tower infrastructure portfolio for US$ 495 million.

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co is well regarded for its strength in handling M&A transactions, buyouts and takeovers, joint ventures, share and asset transfers, and capital market matters. Senior partner  Mansoor Jamal Malik brings over 40 years of experience in the corporate space, and is 'incredibly strong in all aspects of Omani law, combining this knowledge with a very commercial and solutions driven approach'. Ardeshir D Patel is a key name for assisting with capital markets, restructuring, M&A and corporate governance and compliance issues, and is equally strong at handling cross-border strategic investments between Oman and India.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal Malik; Ardeshir Patel


Testimonials

‘The team is very professional and gives practical advice on all Omani law matters. One-shop-stop for varied transactions makes it effective for their clients.’

‘We have been working with Ardeshir for many years and he has always provided sound advice and has good experience across the board.’

‘Strong grasp of Omani law concepts and generally have great experience being involved in all significant Omani transactions which is of great benefit to international clients.’

‘Mansoor is incredibly strong in all aspects of Omani law, combining this knowledge with a very commercial and solutions driven approach.’

‘Market leader. Broad experience of major M&A transactions in market and local contacts required to get transactions done.’

‘Mansoor J. Malik has exceptional experience in Omani laws and provides practical advice that addresses clients’ needs. The quality and availability is exceptional and reliable at all times.’

‘Extremely responsive, attentive to details, anticipate our needs, proactive guidance.’

Key clients

Acwa Power Projects


Ad-Dhahirah Generating Company SAOC


Ahli Bank


Al Asilah Desalination Company SAOC


Al Batinah Power Company SAOG


Al Rusail Power Company SAOC


Al Suwadi Power Company SAOG


Alawi Enterprises LLC


Bank Muscat SAOG


Bank Nizwa SAOG


Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Finance


HSBC Group


Musandam Power Company S.A.O.G.


Muscat National Development and Investment Company SAOC (ASAAS)


Muscat Pharmacy and Stores LLC


National Bank of Oman SAOG


Oman Qatar Insurance Co. SAOG


Oman Reinsurance Company SAOG


Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC (OMRAN)


Ooredoo Oman


Renaissance Services SAOG


Work highlights


  • Advised HSBC Oman on its merger with Sohar International Bank.
  • Advised Oman Qatar Insurance Co. SAOG in connection with its merger with Vision Insurance Company SAOG.
  • Advised Bank Muscat SAOG in connection with its issuance of subordinated perpetual bonds.

Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi & Company's practice has established strength in handling private equity, regional M&A and investment transactions, and also advises on corporate structuring and governance. Department head Arif Mawany has extensive experience in assisting clients in the utilities, healthcare, education, TMT and energy sectors with corporate transactions. Ahmed Al Barwani specialises in handling inbound investments, M&A and corporate restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Arif Mawany; Ahmed Al Barwani


Key clients

Priora Management Holding


Maha Energy (Oman) Ltd


Knauf International GmbH


Schlumberger


Work highlights


  • Advised Priora Management on the direct acquisition of the minority equity stake in Connect Arabia LLC in Oman.
  • Advising Maha on selling 35% of its participating interest in the Block 70 Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement to Mafraq Energy LLC, pursuant to a farm-out agreement.
  • Advising Schlumberger on an anchor investment into the pre-IPO funding round of Abraaj Drilling.

Dentons

Dentons‘ team is led by Jamie Gibson, who fields more than 14 years of experience in handling corporate matters across the MENA region. Gibson specialises in advising on regional M&A deals for clients in the mining, infrastructure, banking, manufacturing and construction sectors, and is also strong in assisting with joint ventures, equity capital markets and business establishment matters.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Gibson


Testimonials

‘One of the larger international firms in Oman and the value they bring is knowledge of Omani law and the legal system, but also international experience. ’

‘Efficient and timely in delivering legal support.’

Key clients

Asyad Ports & Terminals


Huaxin


Vale International


Oman Oil Marketing Company


Zawawi Minerals


Vision Asset Management Company


Aegion Corporation


Petroleum Development Oman


Oman LNG


Sohar Power Company


Ahli Bank


Work highlights


  • Advising Hainan Investment on the acquisition of a majority stake in listed company Oman Cement Company SAOG from a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Authority.
  • Advising Aegion Corporation on the divestment of a 50% stake in a thermoplastic pipe lining business based in Oman and Saudi Arabia to its joint venture partner, Special Technical Services.

BSA Al Rashdi & Al Barwani Advocates & Legal Consultants

BSA Al Rashdi & Al Barwani Advocates & Legal Consultants practice is jointly led by Arsalan Tariq and Sahil Taneja, a ‘stand-out corporate lawyer’. The duo bring extensive experience in advising on regional M&A, cross-border investments, corporate restructuring, due diligence and regulatory matters. Associate Yasin Chowdhury is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Arsalan Tariq; Sahil Taneja


Other key lawyers:

Yasin Chowdhury


Testimonials

‘Arsalan Tariq is always reachable, responsive, and approachable, which is a crucial aspect of effective collaboration. He consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that communication is seamless and that the matters referred to them are addressed accurately and promptly.’

‘Sahil Taneja is an excellent legal professional. He is able to handle corporate mandates in a most efficient manner. He has broad experience, which sees him take the lead on M&A transactions, real estate projects, EPC contracts and governance issues. He is smart, experienced, well-spoken and commands the respect of senior management within our group.’

‘The corporate team at BSA Oman is first rate; they have advised us on a variety of corporate matters and transactions and are our go-to lawyers in Oman. What makes them stand out is that they have a subject matter specialist for every area of law. They provide sensible and practical advice in a timely fashion, and their knowledge of the Omani legal landscape is formidable.’

‘Sahil Taneja manages BSA’s corporate practice. Sahil is evidently at ease when it comes to M&A mandates, even those as complex as the deal on which we worked together. He is quick on the uptake, commercially sound and knows the Omani legal framework inside-out. As a result, Sahil was able to take charge of a (then) very slow moving transaction and bring it to an expeditious conclusion, a large part of which is owed to his excellent communication and negotiation skills. ’

Sahil Taneja is a stand-out corporate lawyer who has practiced in Oman for over a decade – he is knowledgeable, pleasant, articulate and a great communicator, particularly when it comes to breaking down complex legal issues in a manner that is palatable to a business professional. ’

‘Arsalan Tariq adds great value to the legal services provided by the firm and his deep knowledge and extensive experience make him a valuable asset in the books of any client. His attention to detail and desire to cater to clients’ requests makes him a potent catalyst for the firm to reach its objectives.’

Key clients

Muscat Overseas Group


TMK Gulf International Pipe Industry LLC


Muna Noor Manufacturing & Trading LLC


Adam Safari Park LLC


Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP


Pewete AG


Latham & Watkins


Halliburton (Oman Branch)


Octal SAOC (FZC)


Fisheries Development Oman SAOC


Musandam Development and Investment Company LLC


Al Safi Danone Company Limited


Moore Pipe Inc


Blue Waters LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Muscat Overseas Group on a strategic sale of immovable assets valued at US$ 45 million to an SPV.
  • Acting as lead counsel to Fisheries Development Oman SAOC on a proposed merger of its two subsidiaries, Oriental Shrimp Aquaculture LLC and Natural Shrimp Aquaculture LLC.
  • Advised Hefestos Capital, a Serbian investment banking company, on its acquisition of a 100% stake in TMK Gulf International Pipe Industry LLC.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP

At Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, the corporate department is led by Mehdi Al Lawati, who specialises in advising on domestic M&A deals in the real estate and construction sector, and assisting with the structuring of cross-border investment funds. Other key areas of instruction include company formation matters, corporate restructurings, share transfers and regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Mehdi Al Lawati


Work highlights


  • Represented National Life & General Insurance Company SAOG in a strategic transaction involving the acquisition of all shares in Royal Sun Alliance (RSA) Middle East.
  • Advised National Gas Company SAOG on selling a 100% stake in Unigaz LLC.

Said Al-Shahry & Partners (SASLO)

Led by corporate expert Jeremy Pooley, the team at Said Al-Shahry & Partners (SASLO) has established strength in advising on investment funds matters and capital markets work. The practice has seen an increase in domestic M&A and joint venture mandates, including assisting with acquisitions in the insurance, retail and TMT sectors. Thamer Al-Shahry and Graham Mouat are key practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Pooley


Other key lawyers:

Graham Mouat; Thamer Al-Shahry


Key clients

Sohar International Bank SAOG


Capital Market Authority


Ahlibank SAOG


Oman ICT Group (ITHCA)


Oman Investment Authority


Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)


OQ SAOC


Omantel SAOC


OmaniQatari Telecommunications CompanySAOG (Ooredoo)


The Pearl REIF


Oman-India Fertiliser Company


Mazoon Electricity Group (part of NAMA Group)


Bank Muscat SAOG


Muscat Electricity Distribution Co. SAOC (MEDC)


Kent (formerly Kentech Group)


Mazoon Dairy Company SAOC


Nissan Motors


Oman Investment and Finance Co SAOG


Al-Imam Jabir Bin Zayed Foundation


Work highlights


  • Advised Ahlibank SAOG in relation to an OMR 75 million private placement of perpetual subordinated bonds.
  • Advising Sohar International Bank SAOG on its merger with HSBC Oman SAOG.

Abdul Redha Haider Advocacy & Legal Counsels

At Abdul Redha Haider Advocacy & Legal Counsels, founding partner Abdulredha Al Lawati leads the corporate and commercial practice, and brings expertise in advising on M&A, corporate structuring and due diligence proceedings, as well as day-to-day business operations in Oman. Key sector strengths for the group include energy, infrastructure, utilities and mining.

Practice head(s):

Abdulredha Al Lawati


Testimonials

‘They are very keen to provide a good legal service from the quick response and legal quality consultation. ’

‘Abdulredha is the stand out lawyer. Very responsive and commercial in terms of fees. ’

‘Professional, client-oriented services; immaculate and polite сommunication with the client; all answers to questions were obtained without delay. ’

‘Abdulredha Al Lawati is a great pleasure to work with. Professional, client-oriented lawyer. His advice helped us to assess all risks and choose the most acceptable way of cooperation with a partner. ’

Key clients

ACCUINDEX LIMITED


PSA Marine Qalhat SAOC


Prime Cars LLC (Al Fardan)


Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment LLC


Salman Stores


Takamul National Company LLC


Hydro Middle East Incorporated


Oman Food Investment Holding Co SAOC


BDP Logistics LLC


Oman Qatari Insurance Company SAOG


Work highlights


  • Advised a family business group on the $1m sale of an agency.
  • Advised a Cayman Island bank on a commercial mortgage valued at over $4m.

Jamal Al Amri Advocates and Legal Consultants

Aladdin Sidahmed is the key name to note at Jamal Al Amri Advocates and Legal Consultants, which is adept at advising local clients on Omani corporate law, acquisitions, and structuring, as well as providing support regarding day-to-day corporate matters. The group has seen an increase in instructions from foreign corporate entities.

Practice head(s):

Aladdin Sidahmed


Testimonials

‘The team are unusual in a local law firm in that they take a very focused sector approach to delivery, meaning that they understand the drivers of our clients in the sectors we work together on. They go further than simply providing a local law service.’

‘Aladdin Sidahmed is my go to point of contact. He is commercial and pragmatic and knows how to work through problems. He works as part of our team and commands the trust and respect of our clients. ’

Key clients

Oman Investment Authority


Mott MacDonald and Company LLC


Jabal Asset Management Company


The Seven Friends LLC (Fresco Oman)


Fisheries Development Oman


MISK Muscat International LLC


Strategic and Precious Metals Processing Company SFZ LLC


Amex Al Omania LLC (American Express)


DHL Worldwide Express & Company LLC


Desert Piping LLC


Atyab Investments LLC


Tamani Global Development and Investment LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Flying Tiger Copenhagen on the Omani legal framework governing franchise agreements, and the applicability of the Omani Commercial Agencies Law and a foreign governing law in franchise agreements vis-à-vis registration and non-registration implications.
  • Acted for Atyab Investments in its acquisition of Modern Dairy Factory valued at $1.8 million.
  • Advised TUV Austria on its proposed acquisition of a 100% stake in Spanish company Global Inspection Services.

MAR Law

MAR Law‘s corporate practice is led by Alessandra Zingales, who brings over a decade of experience in assisting local and international clients with inbound investments, corporate structuring, establishing local entities and contractual issues. The team counts the manufacturing, energy, consumer goods and real estate sectors among its key strengths. The client base includes foreign investors, government-owned entities and funds.

Practice head(s):

Alessandra Zingales


Key clients

Ministry of Finance / Ministry of Education


Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC


Special Oilfield Services LLC


AZ Engineers & Partners LLC


Oman Broadband Company SAOC


Ahli Bank SAOG


Penicillin General Integrated Industrial Co FZC LLC


Oman Sugar Refinery Company LLC


Fragomen Global Immigration Services LLC


Kempinski Hotel Muscat – Oman Hospitality Company SAOC


Black Gold Integrated Solutions Co LLC


Sale International (Saudi Telecom)


Nordic Oilfield Technologies LLC


Forges Tardieu Limited


Consolidated Contractors Company / CC Energy


Safeer Group of Companies LLC


Maha Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised the SOAG Group, participated by Oman Investment Authority, on its corporate restructuring.
  • Advised Mohsin Haider Darwish on an investment in a Norwegian software company focused on the production of specialised software for the oil and gas industry.
  • Assisted Special Oilfield Services LLC with all its corporate and commercial transactions in an Outsourced Counsel structure.