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

Legal Advisors, Abdulaziz I. Al-Ajlan & Partners in association with Baker & McKenzie Limited is a stand-out name for transactions, particularly those in the TMT, retail, FMCG, healthcare, defence, energy and natural resources, and infrastructure sectors. Co-managing partner George Sayen leads the team and is an expert in M&A, joint ventures and commercial contracts. Other key members from the Riyadh office include Karim Nassar, who handles M&A and capital market transactions; Zahi Younes, who is strong in cross-border M&A;  and David A. Monnier, who specialises in M&A and competition. Omar J. Iqbal, who is a key name for private equity deals, and Dubai-based Mohammad Al Rasheed, who regularly advises on IPOs, are other names to note.

Khoshaim & Associates in cooperation with Allen & Overy LLP is a go-to firm for Saudi Aramco and other public bodies for big-ticket mandates. Managing partner Zeyad Khoshaim leads the practice and has extensive experience in advising on M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructuring. He is supported by senior associate Leen Zaza, whose expertise has considerable overlap with Khosaim's. The team advised on the landmark merger between Saudi International Petrochemical Co (Sipchem) and Sahara Petrochemical, which was structured as a total share swap. Other high-profile work included advising AMC Cinemas on the historic opening of Saudi Arabia's first cinema chain.

King & Spalding in affiliation with the Law Office of Mohammad Al-Ammar acts on a steady stream of big-ticket deals and stands out for its work handling venture capital and private equity transactions where Saudi Aramco Investment Management Company (Saimco) is a key client. The team recently acted for Saimco on its 50% equity interest purchase in a residential compound project worth $320m. The oil and gas sector is a core focus and Jawad Ali, Simon Rahimzada and Mohammed Al-Ammar advised Dalma Energy on its combination agreement with KCA Deutag worth $2.6bn. James R. Stull has notable expertise in the healthcare sector, while the technology industry is a core area of focus for Osama Audi. Also noted is Nabil Issa, who focuses on Shari'ah-compliant funds, joint ventures and private equity transactions. All lawyers are based in the UAE except for Al-Ammar, who is based in Riyadh, and Issa, who splits his time between the Riyadh and Dubai offices. 

Hatem Abbas Ghazzawi & Co. is one of the region's strongest independent law firms, and as a result, is regularly instructed by international firms without a Saudi affiliate to act as local counsel. Testament to this was the firm's advice, as local counsel alongside Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, to Swiss company ABB on the formation of a joint venture with Canadian Engineering company SNC-Lavin concerning power construction projects. Key names include Andreas Haberbeck, who works on transactions and restructurings; Asad Abedi, who focuses on M&A and securities law; and Ali Abedi, who is an expert in joint ventures.

The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case has a strong track record in advising on M&A and joint venture deals, acting for both domestic and international clients. Dubai-based Sami E. Al-Louzi is a key figure and advises on cross-border M&A, private equity and privatisations. Of counsel James Rimmer, who has a strong focus on private equity transactions, is also noted.

Al Tamimi & Company's corporate team has been strengthened by the relocation of Nick O’Connell in 2018 from the firm's Dubai office and he enhances the firm's capabilities in the Saudi technology sector. Grahame Nelson is another name of note and focuses on energy and natural resources, financial services, and privatisations. Jeddah-based Rakesh Bassi is heavily involved in matters relating to the sports sector. Babul Parikh and Jonathan Reardon left the firm.

With offices in Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut, Al-Enezee Legal Counsel in association with EKP is able to advise on cross-border matters across the region. Managing partner Ziad El-Khoury and Wissam Hassem lead the practice and together advised Walaa Cooperative Insurance Company ion its merger with Metlife AIG ANB and assisted Arkan Business Group with its joint venture with regional media and advertising company, Its.

DLA Piper in collaboration with Amer Al Amr Law Firm has a very strong regional presence with offices in RIyadh, Jeddah and Al-Khobar, and it also frequently works alongside DLA Piper Middle East LLP's Dubai office.  The corporate team is headed by Will Seivewright, who is based in Dubai and was a recent arrival from Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla. He has a strong track record in both public and private cross-border M&A. Other key members of the team include Riyadh-based Paul Latto, who is experienced in M&A, restructurings and general corporate matters; and Jeddah-based legal director Basma Khashogg, who is skilled in M&A, divestments and joint ventures.

Law Firm of Hassan Mahassni In association with Dechert LLP stands out for its work in restructuring and is also highly skilled in advising on M&A and joint ventures across multiple industries. The department is jointly led by senior legal consultant Abdul Moeen Arnous, who assists clients with joint ventures and M&A, and associate Faisal Linjawy. Counsel Husum El Khatib is highly skilled in corporate restructuring.

AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP stands out for its 'transactional track record' and 'local expertise'. Managing partner Fahad AlDehais AlMalki is a key name for capital markets work, with expertise in handling public listings, rights offerings and funds. Muhammad Arif Saeed leads on commercial matters and is an expert in contracts, transactions and procurement. Anmar Al-Gharifi is notably strong in public and private M&A.

The Law Office of Looaye M. Al-Akkas in Association with Vinson & Elkins LLP predominantly handles joint ventures, M&A and restructurings in the oil and gas sector. Practice head Looaye Al-Akkas has advised a number of major public bodies active in the oil and gas space.

Shearman & Sterling LLP in association with Dr Sultan Almasoud & Partners advises on M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions for clients in a variety of sectors. Co-practice head Sanjarbek Abdukhalilov advised Al Ahlia For Cooperative Insurance Company on its merger with Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance Company and assisted Goldman Sachs Saudi Arabia, as the financial adviser to The Saudi British Bank with the latter's merger with Alawwal Bank. Fellow practice head Sultan Almasoud was also involved in that deal and is highly skilled in M&A and joint ventures.