ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners > Manama, Bahrain > Firm Profile
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners Offices
AL ROSSAIS TOWER, DIPLOMATIC AREA
BUILDING NO. 283, 12TH FLOOR
MANAMA 2366
Bahrain
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners > The Legal 500 Rankings
Bahrain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners has continued to grow its presence in Bahrain’s M&A market, offering services that span a range of transactions and matters, encompassing incorporation, governance and compliance, restructuring, M&A, share transfers and divestments. Steven Brown heads the practice and regularly acts for major corporations across a diverse range of sectors, from technology and healthcare to hospitality, defence and real estate.Practice head(s):
Steven Brown
Key clients
Alghanim Industries
Alshaya Group
Americana Restaurants
General Electric
FedEx
AXA Insurance
Air Liquide
Bahrain Ship Repairing & Engineering Co. B.S.C
Majid Al Futtaim Group
EGIS Ingeniere SAS
Arla Foods W.L.L.
Nestle
Foulath Holding B.S.C.
Work highlights
- Advised Ahli United Bank (as target) on the cross-border takeover of its entire share capital by Kuwait Finance House.
- Advised Americana Group on the internal reorganisation of its two Bahraini subsidiaries.
- Advised a regional conglomerate regarding the restructure of its retail business in Bahrain up to completion of the implementation phase.
Bahrain > Banking and finance (including Islamic finance) Tier 3
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is a trusted advisor to major banks throughout Bahrain and the broader Gulf, highly regarded for its expertise in conventional and Islamic banking, project finance, derivatives and capital markets. Practice head Steven Brown is well versed across the spectrum of cross-border finance transactions and also brings strong knowledge of corporate M&A, project development and business restructuring. He is supported by associate Rahul Sud, who has specialist expertise in the fintech and payment services sectors.Practice head(s):
Steven Brown
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have worked closely with ASAR on multiple financial services regulatory matters for international clients and have always found them to be thorough, commercial, and responsive. I would recommend their services without reservation.’
‘I have worked particularly frequently with Rahul Sud and Steven Brown, who have provided excellent service.’
Key clients
Eskan Bank
Ithmaar Bank
Bank ABC
Ahli United Bank
Mashreqbank
First Abu Dhabi Bank
RBS
EFG Bank
Credit Suisse
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
JP Morgan Chase
Nomura
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Deutsche Bank
Société Générale
Barclays Bank
BNP Paribas
SICO Bank
Citibank
Standard Chartered
Warba Bank
Gulf International Bank
Boubyan Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Ahli United Bank (as target) on the cross-border takeover of its entire share capital by Kuwait Finance House.
- Advised Bahrain Ship Repairing & Engineering, a publicly listed company, on the share buyback through the Bahrain Bourse.
- Advised lenders to the Haya Power & Desalination Company in relation to the refinancing of various facilities for the financing of the Al Dur II independent water and power plant.
Bahrain > Dispute resolution Tier 3
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is well known in Bahrain’s disputes market for its capacity to handle complex commercial litigation across a wide array of areas, with banking and finance, investment, employment, IP and tax considered key areas of expertise. Hisham Al Qura’an leads the litigation team and is supported by senior associate Amal Lari; both have accumulated extensive expertise acting for domestic and international clients in white-collar crime, maritime, employment and construction disputes.Practice head(s):
Hisham Al Qura’an
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘ASAR’s Dispute Resolution practice in Bahrain distinguishes itself with its extensive local and international experience. The team is able to provide precise responses to any legal questions, and is very experienced in dealing with the Courts.’
‘Amal Lari is an excellent litigator. She has been incredibly helpful during our trial in Bahrain. She is able to break down complex matters in simple terms, is able to proactively prevent issues from arising, and provides pragmatic solutions when problems do arise.’
‘The team is attentive to client needs and the litigation risks involved in the jurisdiction. The team further understands the commercial implications on international businesses. ’
‘Hisham Al-Quraan has a wide expertise in Bahraini law and is extremely reliable.’
Key clients
Nestle Bahrain Trading WLL
Bentley Motors Limited
Kuwait Food Company (Americana)
Wade Adams (Bahrain)
Pharmanovia|Atnahs Pharma UK Ltd
Reckitt Benckiser Plc
Hitachi Energy Switzerland Ltd
OCB Oilfield Services
Zurich International Life LTD.
McCain
Nexus People Management KSA
Barilla
Binance Bahrain BSC Closed
Danube
Four Season Hotel
Franks International Middle East (BVI) Limited
Ghazi Melhem
Inspired Education Group
KEO International Consultants
Outotec GmbH & Co.KG
Sika Gulf B.S.C
Ritrama SPA
Alshaya
DECIEM Distribution Inc
Twintic Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a luxury vehicle manufacturer in litigation proceedings filed by a local agent seeking compensation for alleged wrongful termination.
- Advised an international company on litigation proceedings to set aside the order involving them as a party against which execution can be taken in another case.
- Advised an international company in litigation proceedings on the jurisdiction of Bahrain courts to appoint an arbitrator.
Kuwait > Banking and finance
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners‘ banking and finance practice ‘stands out as a beacon of excellence in Kuwait‘, and the team’s ‘unwavering dedication and meticulous approach have cemented their reputation as the crème de la crème‘. The sizeable group is home to senior partner Sam Habbas, Rob Little, Ibrahim Sattout, Ezekiel Tuma and John Cunha; the quintet’s expertise spans bilateral and syndicated financing, private equity matters, project finance, trade finance and Islamic finance. Tuma has particular expertise in handling acquisition financing and restructuring mandates, and Little is singled out for his strength in assisting with securities and Sukuk transactions. In the capital markets space, Cunha is instructed by issuers, arrangers and underwriters on debt capital markets transactions.Practice head(s):
Sam Habbas; Rob Little; Ibrahim Sattout; Ezekiel Tuma; John Cunha
Testimonials
‘Great technical ability and good problem solvers.’
‘Rob Little and John Cunha are excellent technically and always willing to find practical solutions to a given problem.’
‘ASAR have been working on capital markets transactions for many years. They are very familiar with the bond and loan products. They respect timetables and are always available to assist.’
‘Very professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and dependable.’
‘The firm’s banking and finance practice stands out as a beacon of excellence in Kuwait, consistently setting the gold standard for legal advisory services. Their unwavering dedication and meticulous approach have cemented their reputation as the crème de la crème among Kuwait’s legal advisors. The team is not only revered by their clients but is also held in high esteem by regulators, showcasing the breadth and depth of their influence in the industry. They have played a pivotal role in shaping the legal ecosystem for bonds and sukuk in Kuwait, further establishing them as the preferred legal firm for the finance and banking sector.’
‘In my interactions with Robert Little and John Cunha, their profound expertise and commitment have always been evident. They are not only at the top of their game but also command immense respect from regulators and peers alike. Robert’s precision and comprehensive knowledge, complemented by John’s strategic insights, make them an unbeatable duo. Their ability to stay ahead of the curve, anticipate challenges, and devise proactive solutions has made them invaluable partners. Their seminal role in establishing the legal framework for bonds and Sukuk, combined with their unmatched track record, cements their position as leaders and the go-to legal advisors in the finance and banking industry.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
Ahli United Bank B.S.C.
Citibank
Emirates NBD Bank PJSC
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Kuwait Finance House
National Bank of Kuwait
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Standard Chartered
Warba Bank
Gulf Bank
Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.)
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Gulf Investment Corporation
Macquarie Air Finance Group Limited
Boubyan Bank
Work highlights
- Advising Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) K.S.C.P. as issuer and Kamco Investment Company K.S.C.(Public) and Gulf Bank K.S.C.P. as joint lead managers on a KD165,000,000 bonds (due December 2028).
- Acting as counsel to KIPCO on a landmark issuance of KD103 million by Kuwait Projects Company Sukuk Limited.
- Advised a consortium of banks on arranging financing for Burgan Bank K.S.C.P. worth $800,000,000.
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners > Firm Profile
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is positioned as one of Bahrain’s most prominent corporate and commercial law firms, boasting a formidable network throughout the MENA region. Celebrated for its leading corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution practices, ASAR excels in a comprehensive suite of legal services. These include corporate and commercial transactions, banking and finance, capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, privatizations, IPOs, franchising, construction, government projects, PPPs, securities, taxation, commercial litigation, and arbitration. With mastery across over 30 practice areas, ASAR delivers a seamless, integrated approach to clients’ complex legal needs.
The firm serves a distinguished clientele of multinational corporations, financial institutions, industrial powerhouses, governments, and private clients, both domestically and internationally. Leveraging almost 20 years’ experience in Bahrain and over 40 years in Kuwait, ASAR is the trusted choice for top international law firms seeking specialized local counsel on diverse projects. Their client roster includes public and private-sector entities, as well as major US, UK, European, and Asian organizations operating within Bahrain, Kuwait and the broader GCC region. ASAR also maintains a distinguished private clients & family office practice, providing bespoke guidance to ultra-high net worth individuals and family offices.
With offices in Bahrain and Kuwait and robust partnerships with firms in over 100 jurisdictions globally, ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is poised to guide clients through the complexities of the region’s legal landscape.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Partner | Sam Habbas | shabbas@asarlegal.com | +973 17533 182 |
Partner | David Walker | dwalker@asarlegal.com | +973 17533 182 |
Partner | Simone Del Nevo | sdelnevo@asarlegal.com | +973 17533 182 |
Partner | HishamAl Qura’an | halquraan@asarlegal.com | +973 17533 182 |
Partner | Amal Lari | alari@asarlegal.com | +973 17533 182 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ahmed Al-Saeed | Associate | View Profile | |
Hisham Al Qura’an | Partner | View Profile | |
Steven Brown | Of Counsel | View Profile | |
Simone Del Nevo | Partner | View Profile | |
Sam Habbas | Co-Founder & Senior Partner | View Profile | |
Amal Lari | Partner | View Profile | |
Sherif Saad Eldin | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Rahul Sud | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
David Walker | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Partners : 5 Lawyers : 9Languages
English Arabic French Hindi ItalianDiversity
At ASAR, we champion diversity and inclusion as integral elements of our organizational ethos, recognizing their pivotal roles in fostering both the professional and personal advancement of our employees. Embracing a culture of inclusivity, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment where all individuals can thrive.
Our commitment to gender equality is unwavering, as evidenced by our concerted efforts to empower our female lawyers and staff across all levels of the firm. We take immense pride in providing them with the support and resources necessary to realize their professional aspirations fully.
With a team comprising 81 talented individuals hailing from 18 different countries, our diversity is not just a statistic; it’s a testament to our global perspective and rich tapestry of experiences. Notably, 28 percent of our workforce comprises female members, reflecting our ongoing commitment to gender parity and inclusivity.
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
Firm Rankings
- Kuwait > Banking and finance