Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co > Muscat, Oman > Firm Profile

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co
MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
BAIT AL FALAJ STREET, PO BOX 686
112 MUSCAT
Oman

Oman > Banking and finance Tier 1

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co‘s market-leading banking practice, which is jointly led by senior partner Mansoor Jamal Malik and Marcus Pery, handles transactions involving both conventional and Islamic financing structures, particularly sovereign sukuks and musharakah. It also has additional strengths in asset finance and project finance transactions. Pery, who is noted for syndicated lending work, has a strong profile among both lenders and borrowers. Senior associate Andrew Coddington advises on Islamic financing transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal; Marcus Pery

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at AMJ are knowledgeable, pragmatic and responsive. With due justification, they continue to reign as my number 1 choice in Oman for banking and finance matters.’

‘Marcus Pery is unquestionably a market-leader in banking and finance in Oman. He is the safest pair of hands in the market. His level of service is always outstanding. Andrew Coddington is knowledgeable and always delivers high-quality advice. It is always a pleasure working with Andrew.’

‘The team are very helpful and courteous.’

‘AMJ is a leading firm in the Omani market, with Mansoor Jamal a market leader across the board. AMJ is our go-to firm and our first choice on any Omani instruction. The firm has a deep bench and provides excellent advice.’

‘Mansoor Jamal Malik is a market leader across the board. Marcus Pery is very solid and helpful.’

Key clients

Bank Muscat SAOG

Arab Banking Corporation B.S.C.

Arab Bank Plc

Sohar International Bank SAOG

National Bank of Oman SAOG

Renaissance Services SAOG

Octal SAOC FZC

Ahli Bank SAOG

Bank Dhofar SAOG

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

Gulf International Bank B.S.C.

Emirates NBD PJSC

Moon Iron & Steel Co SAOC

Bank Nizwa SAOG

Work highlights

  • Advised First Abu Dhabi Bank B.S.C. in relation to a $2bn term loan facility for the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by its Ministry of Finance.
  • Advising AKA Ausfuhrkredit GMBH on the ECA-backed export finance facility of €234.8m to Oman Sugar Refinery Company LLC for the construction of a sugar refinery.
  • Acted for United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with respect to a proposed loan of up to $300m to PetroTel Oman LLC.

Oman > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

The well-regarded corporate team at Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co is active in the full spectrum of matters for Omani and foreign clients, including M&A, joint ventures and takeovers. Seasoned practitioner Mansoor Jamal Malik oversees the practice, with support from head of corporate and capital markets Ardeshir D Patel. Areas of growth for the team include advising on REITs and debt restructuring matters. Senior associates of note include Ahmed Al Busaid, who advises on IPOs, and Robert Booth.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal; Ardeshir D Patel

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Excellent technical knowledge both commercially and legal in respect of various subject matters. Very strong in technical advice and suggesting practical solutions.’

Mansoor Jamal Malik is an exceptional partner and brings great value through his in-depth experience and know-how. Mansoor makes himself readily available and provides a practical perspective which clients appreciate.’

‘Communication with AMJ’s individuals is the thing which most attracted us to this law firm, since they pay due care of any legal matter delegated to them by the company. They keep providing us with any updates and they keep a record of all matters related to the legal issue.’

‘Mansoor Jamal Malik is a seasoned and commercially-minded lawyer. Despite his seniority, he is willing to roll up his sleeves and is directly involved in clients’ matters.’

‘The firm is undoubtedly one of the most prominent in Oman and its reputation is well deserved. Whilst contacting them, you are confident of getting excellent counselling, insight into the latest legal developments and good guidance in navigating the uncertainties of a legal framework in continuous evolution.’

‘Senior partner Mansoor Malik is a recognized institution in the local legal market and you want him next to you while dealing with sensitive and critical issues. Partner Ardeshir Patel, on top of being an excellent professional, is an exquisite individual on whose assistance, advise and guidance you can safely rely on.’

Key clients

ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd

Acwa Power Projects

Ad-Dhahirah Generating Company SAOC

Al Asilah Desalination Company SAOC

Oman Investment Authority

Oman Reinsurance Company SAOC

Oman Sovereign Sukuk SAOC

Oman Tourism Company SAOC

Al Batinah Power Company SAOG

Al Hassan Engineering Company SAOG

Al Rusail Power Company SAOC

Al Kamil Power Company SAOG

Al Suwadi Power Company SAOG

Bahwan Engineering Company LLC

Bank Muscat SAOG

Bank Nizwa SAOG

Work highlights

  • Advised Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) on the $575million sale of its passive infrastructure tower assets to UK-based Helios Tower Plc.
  • Acted as legal counsel to the Government of Oman (as obligor), Oman Sovereign Sukuk Company S.A.O.C. (as issuer and trustee) and bank muscat S.A.O.G. and its Islamic window, Meethaq Islamic Banking, (as issue manager and lead manager) on (i) the update of the Government of Oman’s Omani Rial unlimited value sovereign sukuk issuance programme launched in 2019.
  • Acted for Oman Investment Authority with regard to the transformation of the MSM as a reorganised closed joint stock company (“SAOC”)

Oman > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co is ‘without a doubt the market leader in dispute resolution in Oman’. It continues to have an excellent reputation handling commercial disputes, civil litigation and arbitration proceedings. Senior partners and practice heads Mansoor Jamal Malik and Said Hilall Al Busaidy are the key names for complex infrastructure, construction and engineering disputes. On the criminal litigation side, Ayman Ali is the recommended contact. Majda Al Riyami, who made partner, leads the firm's Arabic disputes practice. Counsel Erik Penz left to join the Bermuda office of Kennedys.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal Malik; Said Al Busaidy

Other key lawyers:

Ayman Ali; Majda Al Riyami

Testimonials

‘The firm is without a doubt the market leader for dispute resolution in Oman. Mansoor Malik is highly experienced and is sought out as an expert in Omani law for disputes and the firm has a number of good Omani litigators. The local litigation side in the local courts is overseen by Dr Said al Busaidy and Dr Ayman Ali. No one in Oman is as experienced as Dr Said, who used to be the President of the Court.’

‘The fact that the firm has Omani lawyers, as well as a mixture of experienced litigators originally from the UK and elsewhere, makes a good combination.’

‘Mr. Mansoor Malik is highly knowledgeable, hard-working and a master disputes tactician.’

Oman > Projects and energy Tier 1

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co's projects team works closely with practitioners in the banking and M&A departments to handle mandates for clients in the oil and gas and wider energy sector. The firm is also increasingly instructed in PPP projects. Mansoor Jamal Malik has over three decades of experience in matters concerning water infrastructure. Ardeshir D Patel has expertise in corporate finance and capital markets transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal Malik

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘AMJ is the most knowledgeable and easy to work with law firm in Oman. The combination of these skills (knowledge and accessibility) make this the go-to firm for many sponsors and lenders in Oman. They are prompt, helpful and accurate.’

‘We enjoy the support of Mansoor Jamal and Marcus Perry. They are both knowledgeable and available to offer creative solutions.’

I’ve found the firm very easy to work with on any issue large or small and extremely reliable.’

AMJ is the most consistent performers of the Omani law firms. AMJ has been lenders or sponsors’ counsel on almost all of the project financings in Oman since I started working in Oman more than 15 years ago. The firm’s knowledge of precedent and practice in the energy sector is second to none.’

Mansoor Malik leads the team but is extremely hands-on. He is responsive and you can be assured of getting insightful advice on the most complex issues. Marcus Pery is another partner that we have worked with for many years on project finance matters in the energy sector. Again, he gives strong, commercial advice in a responsive manner.’

Mansoor J Malik always provides advice to the highest level.’

Best local firm in terms of expertise. Highly service-oriented.’

Key clients

Electricity Holding Company SAOC (Nama Holding)

ENGIE Middle East, South & Central Asia and Turkey

Musandam Power Company SAOG

SMN Power Holding Company SAOG

InterContinental Energy

Shinas Generating Company SAOC

Barka Desalination Company SAOC

Ad-Dhahirah Generating Company S.A.O.C

Shams Ad-Dhahirah Generating Company

Al Rusail Power Company

Al Kamil Power Company

Dhofar Generating Company SAOG

Bank Muscat SAOG – Meethaq Islamic Financing

Renaissance Services

United Power Company SAOC

Al Suwadi Power Company SAOG

Work highlights

  • Acted for DFC with respect to a proposed loan of up to $300m to PetroTel Oman LLC to fund development of an offshore oil and gas field and its onshore extensions, which are located in Musandam, Oman.
  • Acted for Nama Holding on the divestment of 49% of its shares in Oman Electricity Transmission Company SAOC to State Grid International Development Ltd, China and currently acting on the divestment of 70% shares in Muscat Electricity Distribution Company SAOC to a strategic investor.
  • Acted for PTTEPP respect of acquisition of $2.6bn comprising of a 20 per cent interest in in Block 61 held by British Petroleum (BP) in the Sultanate of Oman.

Oman > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co has a first-rate reputation in construction projects, with its work covering mixed-use developments, energy and infrastructure projects, hotels and tourism complexes, among other areas. Its team also handles real estate transactions, project finance transactions, dispute resolution and has seen growth in REITS-related matters. Practice head Mansoor Jamal Malik, who is highly rated by peers and clients, manages large power and water infrastructure projects. Ravinder Singh and senior associate Robert Booth are other notable individuals.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal

Key clients

First Qatar Real Estate Development and Co

Larsen & Toubro

Majid Al Futtaim Group and its subsidiaries

Marriot Hotel

Muriya Tourism Group and its subsidiaries

Muscat Bay (Saraya Bandar Jissah SAOC)

Muscat Intercontinental Hotel

Muscat National Development and Investment Company SAOC (ASAAS)

Muscat Duty Free

Ministry of Defence Pension Fund

Oman Shapoorji Company LLC

Oman Cement Company SAOG

Oman Investment Authority

Oman Sales and Services Company (Muscat Duty Free)

Oman Tourism Company SAOC

Radisson Hotel Group

Shinas Generating Company SAOC

Suhail Bahwan Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Oman Telecommunications Company SAOG (Omantel) on the $575m sale of its passive infrastructure tower assets to UK-based Helios Tower Plc.,a leading infrastructure company listed on the London Stock Exchange, via a locally established SPV.
  • Advised Eagle Hills Properties LLC with respect to the financing of the Oman Shatti Project.
  • Advised Renaissance Duqm Accommodation Company SAOC on the financing of expansion of AccommodationComplex located in the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Oman > Shipping Tier 1

At Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co, the shipping and maritime practice has a strong profile among top clients such as the Government of Oman. It has a strong track record advising on ship financings, contractual disputes and marine pollution matters. Mansoor Jamal Malik has expertise in handling cross-border cargo disputes. Senior associate Andrew Coddington is knowledgeable about ship financing and vessel sales.

Practice head(s):

Mansoor Jamal Malik

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very innovative in new groundbreaking areas of Omani law.’

‘Mr. Mansoor Jamal Malik (Partner): precise and to the point with legal advice.’

Key clients

Global Logistics Oman SAOC (Asyad)

Oman Shipping Company SAOC

Dredging, Environmental & Marine Engineering (DEME NV)

Oman International Container Terminal LLC

Ministry of Environment

Masirah Oil Limited

Watson, Farley & Williams (ME) LLP

Work highlights

  • Representing the Government of Oman before the different level of courts on liability for marine pollution, clean up and vessel salvage, applicable international law and a claim with the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund.
  • Advised Société Générale on the financing of a Japanese operating lease in respect of 2 dry bulk vessels “SBI TAURUS” and “TR OMAHA” (the “Vessels”).
  • Advised Standard Chartered Bank, DIFC (“SCB”) on a secured term loan facility to BahlaMaritime Transportation Company Limited.

The firm: Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co (AMJ) is a top-tier, full-service law firm of international quality established in Oman for over 30 years. It has been described as a rarity in the Middle East being an independent, national firm that tops the legal rankings and is widely considered the strongest adviser in the market. It has expanded to become the largest law firm in Oman providing clients with significant in-country breadth and depth of expertise. Eight teams of experienced UK, US and commonwealth-trained solicitors, barristers, Arab law specialists and Omani advocates serve a large portfolio of international and regional corporates, financial institutions, government bodies, trading houses, and high-net-worth individuals. The team includes most elite and ranked lawyers in the jurisdiction known for their involvement in innovative, ‘first of a kind’ deals and landmark projects in Oman and the region. Recent highlights include the restructuring of Oman’s aviation, transport and logistics sectors, logistic and financial sectors, advising the government on the establishment of its first sovereign sukuk programme and debut US$2bn international sukuk issuance thereunder, and advising IPIC on its US$125m merger with Mubdala Development Company, one of the largest ever globally.

Areas of practice
Banking and finance: AMJ’s banking and finance team handles large-scale domestic and cross-border transactions for Omani and international banks, international finance and export credit agencies, government bodies, issuers, asset managers, funds, private equity participants and project sponsors. They advise borrowers and lenders on syndicated and multilateral loan and credit facility agreements and related security packages, project finance, corporate finance, ship and aircraft finance, leveraged and acquisition finance, asset and real estate finance, and corporate restructurings. In 2017 AMJ was involved in all the government’s external borrowings exceeding US$10bn. The team also won heavyweight mandates from international and regional banking institutions in the wholesale lending market, and AMJ’s dedicated Islamic finance team advised on numerous ‘first of a kind’ Islamic and hybrid real estate development financings and product development.

Corporate and capital markets: AMJ has the largest corporate/capital markets and M&A practice in Oman advising the government of Oman, leading corporates and institutions on a full spectrum of corporate and capital markets work. They regularly act for corporate clients in headline capital market transactions, funds, bonds, sukuk, IPOs, rights issues, private equity transactions, privatisation projects, complex restructurings and M&A. They provide advisory on the full range of securities laws and regulations, bankruptcy, corporate governance, compliance and other regulatory issues. AMJ has been at the forefront of ground-breaking capital market developments such as swaps, derivatives, and Oman’s rapidly developing Islamic finance segment. Recent highlights include the government’s debut US$2bn international sukuk issuance under its first-ever sukuk programme; US$2.5bn sovereign bond issuance, three IPOs and restructurings in the insurance sector, and cross-border acquisitions of controlling interests in leading Omani companies.

Litigation and arbitration: AMJ’s strong reputation stems from its success in handling complex, high-profile claims before the Omani courts as well as in conducting international and regional arbitrations in centres such as LCIA, ICC, GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre and Dubai International Arbitration Centre. Three teams of 18 litigation specialists advise on a wide range of commercial litigation, banking litigation and regulatory proceedings, administrative law claims, employment, private property disputes, Shariah and criminal cases. Each team includes international lawyers with multi-jurisdictional experience, and a large cadre of Omani advocates, all licensed to practise by the Oman Ministry of Justice (four Supreme Court-licensed litigators, nine Court of Appeal licensed and eight licensed arbitrators). The firm’s dedicated administrative law team is unique in the jurisdiction and considered influential in shaping amendments to Oman’s administrative law through the establishment of legal precedents in cases handled since 2000. AMJ is also recognised as a market leader in criminal law, in particular white-collar crime, insolvency and liquidation, trade union disputes and collective bargaining.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Banking and finance
Capital markets
Commercial
Construction
Corporate and M&A
Employment
Intellectual property
Islamic finance
Litigation and arbitration
Projects
Real estate
Regulation and governance
Restructuring and insolvency
Tax
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Ahmed Al Busaid photoMr Ahmed Al BusaidAhmed is a Senior Associate in AMJ’s Corporate/Commercial Department.  Ahmed’s areas of…
Said Hilall Al Busaidy photoDr Said Hilall Al BusaidyHead of the dispute resolution department. Dr Said specialises in litigation, arbitration,…
Armughan Ashfaq photoMr Armughan AshfaqArmughan is a Senior Associate in AMJ’s Corporate/Commercial Department.  Armughan advises on…
Ahmed Hashim photoMr Ahmed HashimConsultant Ahmed Hashim has extensive experience advising international and regional corporate and…
Faiz Khan photoMr Faiz KhanFaiz is a Consultant with AMJ’s Corporate/ Commercial practice. Faiz’s areas of…
Mansoor Jamal Malik photoMr Mansoor Jamal MalikMansoor is AMJ’s founder, managing partner and head of the corporate commercial…
Zarrar Mir photoMr Zarrar MirZarrar is an associate in AMJ’s Corporate and Commercial department.  Zarrar’s areas…
Ardeshir D Patel photoMr Ardeshir D PatelPartner in AMJ heading the firm’s market-leading corporate and capital markets team.…
Marcus Pery photoMr Marcus PeryMarcus is a Partner who heads AMJ’s banking and finance team. Marcus…
Ravinder Singh photoMr Ravinder SinghRavinder is a Senior Associate in AMJ’s Projects and Commercial team. His…
Number of lawyers : 42
Arabic
Baluchi
English
Farsi
French
German
Gujarati
Hindi
Marathi
Punjabi
Russian
Swahili
Urdu
Contacts : Mansoor Jamal Malik
Contacts : Dr Said Hilall Al Busaidy

GC magazine’s Middle East Regional Insight report represents a deep dive into the legal and business environments of a number of the world’s most important emerging economies. As such, we are proud to have received contributions from some of the most prolific and respected external firms operating in each of the countries covered in the report, and their insights, opinions and experiences constitute a critical ground-level view of the challenges and opportunities faced by lawyers and businesses across the Middle East.

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