Baker & McKenzie > Cairo, Egypt > Firm Profile
Baker & McKenzie Offices
NILE CITY BUILDING, NORTH TOWER, 21ST FLOOR 2005C
CORNICH EL NIL, RAMLET BEAULAC
CAIRO
Egypt
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Baker & McKenzie > The Legal 500 Rankings
Egypt > Banking and finance Tier 1
Baker & McKenzie has a strong reputation for advising on complex and high profile banking transactions on both a domestic and cross-border level. Areas of expertise for the team includes project finance, acquisition finance, lending, real estate and restructuring. Mohamed Ghannam
is head of the practice, with experience advising multinational companies across the oil and gas, real estate, telecoms and healthcare industries, particularly in relation to project finance. Lamyaa Gadelhak co-heads the group with 15 years of experience working across the entire spectrum of banking and finance matters. Another important name is newly-promoted partner Mohamed Elharmy.Practice head(s):
Mohamed Ghannam; Lamyaa Gadelhak
Other key lawyers:
Mohamed Elharmy; Mostafa Lotayef
Testimonials
‘Baker McKenzie has very good experience in banking and finance. Also, they can find a solution for legal issues.’
Key clients
ACWA Power
African Development Bank
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)
Ahli United Bank (Uk) Plc.
Alsubh Solar Power S.A.E
AMEA Power LLC
Arab African International Bank (AAIB)
Arab Banking Corporation
Arab International Bank
Attijariwafa Bank
Bank Of America Merrill Lynch
Banque Du Caire
Banque Misr
Baraka For Trade & Investment
BayWa R.E. Solar Projects Gmbh
Bechtel Egypt S.A.E.
Bechtel Limited
BLOM Bank SAL
Branch Of NJSC Naftogaz Of Ukraine
British American Tobacco Co., Egypt
Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation Sae
Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., Sae
Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC)
HSBC Bank
Hutchison Ports Europe Ltd
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Marakez Delta For Real Estate Projects
Mashreq Bank.
MUFG Bank.
National Bank Of Egypt
National Egyptian Railway Industries Company (NERIC)
National Service Projects Organization (NSPO)
New Renewable Energy Authority (NREA)
Orascom Development Egypt (ODE)
Rand Merchant Bank
Rawasy For Urban Development S.A.E
Rising Sun Energy S.A.E
Russian Industries Overseas Egypt Rio Llc
Sunrise Energy
The Egyptian Ministry Of Finance
The Sovereign Fund Of Egypt
Egypt > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Baker & McKenzie has the capability to assist clients in all aspects of M&A deals. Specifically, its services include due diligence corporate structuring and post-acquisition integration services. The team is experienced in highly sophisticated public and private M&A, as well as strategic alliances, compliance and divestitures. As part of the wider Baker McKenzie work, the team also offers strong cross-border capabilities. Managing partner Mohamed Ghannam has a track record of assisting multinational corporates on market-first transactions, while Hani Nassef advises financial investors on joint ventures and capital market transactions. Ghada El Ehwany is another key name, heading the corporate and commercial group.Practice head(s):
Mohamed Ghannam; Hani Nassef; Ghada El Ehwany
Testimonials
‘The team has been extremely responsive and provided thoughtful, practical advice to our inquiries.’
‘Moatez El Sherbini and the team both stand out for their responsiveness and focus on helping us problem solve as we have navigated the Egyptian corporate legal system.’
‘The team is very capable and has a wealth of knowledge and experience, allowing them to handle complex cross-border M&A transactions.’
‘Hani Nassef is a top-notch partner.’
Key clients
Smith & Nephew FZE.
Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
Hitachi
AfricInvest.
Aibel Holding Limited.
Airbnb, Inc.
Al Faisaliah Group Holding Company.
Al Nouran Financial Investments Hol.
Al Rajhi International for Investments.
Al-Babtain Power & Telecommunication.
AlWatania Information Systems (WiSys).
Al-Watania Poultry.
Amethis Fund.
AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C.
Aquatherm GmbH.
Arabia For Investment & Development.
ArcelorMittal International FZE.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company.
Banque Misr SAE
Banque Du Caire
Emirates NBD
Barminco Egypt Underground Mining
Baxter International Inc.
Bechtel Limited
BLOM Bank SAL
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
Boston Scientific Corporation
British American Tobacco Co., Egypt
Edita Food Industries SAE
Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., SAE
Fluence Corporation LLC
Fluor Corporation
H.B. Fuller Adhesives S.A.E.
Haier Appliances Group
Halliburton Overseas Ltd.
Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
Iberdrola Ingenieria Y Construccion
Indorama Ventures.
J.P. Morgan Trust Company (Bahamas).
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Jones Apparel Group Inc.
McKinsey & Company Inc.
MIDBank.
Shell International Ltd.
Sheraton.
Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd.
Shoura Chemicals.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.
Sinopec International Petroleum.
SK Plasma Co., Ltd.
Societe Generale.
Sojitz Corporation.
SONY MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA FZE.
Sovereign Fund of Egypt.
Spartan Energy Partners.
Special Olympics, Inc.
SPE Capital.
Spectrum Brands, Inc.
SpeedCast Limited.
Spotify AB.
Starbucks Corporation.
STG Partners, LLC.
Storytel Sweden AB.
Suez Methanol Derivatives Company.
Suez Water Technologies & Solution.
Swvl for Smart Transport Application.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals FZE.
Talaat Moustafa Group Holding.
Wrigley Candy Uk.
Work highlights
- Acted for global healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited (GSK Group) on the separation of its consumer healthcare business to form a global consumer healthcare company (“Haleon”). The transaction is valued at GBP 55 Million (1.6 Billion EGP). and was completed on 18 July 2022, the same day Haleon shares began trading on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker “HLN” in the largest European listing in a decade.
- Advised the Swiss construction chemicals group Sika AG on the acquisition of MBCC Group (Master Builders Construction Chemicals), the former BASF Construction Chemicals division, from Lone Star Funds, a global private equity firm, for a consideration of CHF 5.5 billion (EUR 5.2 billion).
- Acted for EFG Hermes and its subsidiary valU for Financial Services in connection with their proposed joint venture arrangements with Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair in Saudi Arabia to establish a consumer finance business that will be led by valU.
Egypt > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 1
Drawing on the global network made available by Baker McKenzie, Baker & McKenzie is skilled in handling a wide array of domestic and international matters. In particular, the team is strong in its handling of complex tax claims, labour disputes, cartel fines and government investigations. Mohamed Ghannam leads the practice group, acting as counsel to multinational clients in the oil and gas, finance, telecoms and real estate sectors. Meanwhile, Mohamed Elfar focuses on antitrust and competition matters. Former litigation head Abdelaziz Hassouba left the team in December 2021.Practice head(s):
Mohamed Ghannam
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Acting for a real estate developer based in Egypt in connection with an appeal regarding a major shareholders dispute case. Two lawsuits were filed by the plaintiffs (counter-party) against the client, requesting nullification and annulment of the decision of the company’s ordinary general assembly to reform the board of directors issued to grant a major shareholder an additional seat in the Company’s board of directors, as well as a request for nullification and annulment of the company’s board of directors resolution by increasing the company’s issued capital within the limits of the licensed capital by 300 million Egyptian pounds.
- Acting for client in connection with a dispute against the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Finance is claiming that the ice cream offer that took place prior to the divestment (buy 1, get 1 free) was subject to Stamp Duty Tax. The conflict was raised before the Tax Appeal Committee where a decision was held in favour of the client. However, the Ministry of Finance initiated a court case.
Egypt > Employment Tier 1
The employment practice at Baker & McKenzie provides a full service offering relating to general commercial and contentious matters in Egypt for a variety of major domestic and international clients across a range of sectors. The firm’s international network allows the team to support blue-chip multinational clients on complex cross-border matters involving their corporate transactions and operations in the Gulf. Ghada El Ehwany leads the team, with a focus on healthcare regulatory matters, as well as compliance and investigations. Associate Saber Soliman is another key name, focusing on employment litigation.Practice head(s):
Ghada El Ehwany
Other key lawyers:
Saber Soliman; Peryhane Gawish
Egypt > Energy Tier 1
Baker & McKenzie has deep market experience working for a variety of major multinational clients across the oil and gas and renewables sectors, as well as mining and infrastructure. The firm is capable of handling matters across all aspects of energy, working closely with compliance, investigations and regulatory teams, while also being involved with Baker McKenzie’s global climate change practice. Managing partner Mohamed Ghannam handles the finance aspects of energy matters, while Lamyaa Gadelhak handles major project development matters in the energy sector. Recently-promoted partner Mohamed Elharmy is another key name.Practice head(s):
Mohamed Ghannam; Lamyaa Gadelhak
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
ACWA Power.
African Development Bank.
African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank).
Ahli United Bank (Uk) Plc.
Alsubh Solar Power S.A.E
AMEA Power LLC
Arab African International Bank (AAIB)
Arab Banking Corporation.
Arab International Bank.
Attijariwafa Bank.
Bank Of America Merrill Lynch.
Banque Du Caire.
Banque Misr.
Baraka For Trade & Investment.
BayWa R.E. Solar Projects Gmbh.
Bechtel Egypt S.A.E.
Bechtel Limited.
BLOM Bank SAL.
Branch Of NJSC Naftogaz Of Ukraine.
British American Tobacco Co., Egypt.
Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation Sae
Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., Sae
Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC)
HSBC Bank.
Hutchison Ports Europe Ltd.
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Mashreq Bank.
MUFG Bank.
National Bank Of Egypt.
National Service Projects Organization (NSPO)
New Renewable Energy Authority (NREA)
Orascom Development Egypt (ODE)
Rand Merchant Bank
Rawasy For Urban Development S.A.E
Rising Sun Energy S.A.E
Russian Industries Overseas Egypt Rio Llc
Sunrise Energy
The Egyptian Ministry Of Finance.
The Sovereign Fund Of Egypt.
Work highlights
- Acting for AMEA Power in connection with the finance and development of a 500MW solar plant in Aswan and a 500MW wind farm in Gulf of Suez on BOT basis.
- Acted as legal counsel to the Egyptian Government, acting through the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) as well as the Ministry of Finance of Egypt, on a landmark power purchase agreement signed with Saudi power and renewable energy company, ACWA Power.
Egypt > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1
Baker & McKenzie has extensive experience acting on major projects across a range of sectors on behalf of sponsors, investors, lenders and government institutions. The team has been active on some of the biggest projects transactions in the market, while also advising across all stages of a project’s life cycle. Power, infrastructure, mining and renewable energy are key areas of focus for the team, especially in respect of power purchase agreements, fuel supply agreements and governmental guarantees. Lamyaa Gadelhak co-leads the banking & projects group, working on major project development matters in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. Mohamed Elharmy is another key name who was recently promoted to partner.Practice head(s):
Mohamed Ghannam; Lamyaa Gadelhak
Other key lawyers:
Mohamed Elharmy; Ghada El Gharib
Key clients
ACWA Power.
African Development Bank.
African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank).
Ahli United Bank (Uk) Plc.
Alsubh Solar Power S.A.E
AMEA Power LLC
Arab African International Bank (AAIB)
Arab Banking Corporation.
Arab International Bank.
Attijariwafa Bank.
Bank Of America Merrill Lynch.
Banque Du Caire.
Banque Misr.
Baraka For Trade & Investment.
BayWa R.E. Solar Projects Gmbh.
Bechtel Egypt S.A.E.
Bechtel Limited.
BLOM Bank SAL.
Branch Of NJSC Naftogaz Of Ukraine.
British American Tobacco Co., Egypt.
Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation Sae
Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., Sae
Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC)
HSBC Bank.
Hutchison Ports Europe Ltd.
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Marakez Delta For Real Estate Projects.
Mashreq Bank.
MUFG Bank.
National Bank Of Egypt.
National Egyptian Railway Industries Company (NERIC)
National Service Projects Organization (NSPO)
New Renewable Energy Authority (NREA)
Orascom Development Egypt (ODE)
Rand Merchant Bank
Rawasy For Urban Development S.A.E
Rising Sun Energy S.A.E
Russian Industries Overseas Egypt Rio Llc
Sunrise Energy
The Egyptian Ministry Of Finance.
The Sovereign Fund Of Egypt.
Egypt > Intellectual property Tier 2
Baker & McKenzie offers a full service IP team with considerable experience at a domestic and international level. In particular, the team offers a robust brand management offering, accompanied by an expertise in IP disputes, patents and anti-counterfeit matters. Ghada El Ehwany leads the team as well as the corporate and commercial practice group, with experience handling corporate and commercial matters across Africa and the Middle East.Practice head(s):
Ghada El Ehwany
Other key lawyers:
Mohamed Elfar
Testimonials
‘Their knowledge and collaboration is an asset.’
‘They are very collaborative and punctual.’
‘They have a good understanding of local laws, their team is fully capacitated to handle multiple instructions.’
‘Solid team who assists us in a timely, efficient manner.’
Egypt > TMT Tier 2
Baker & McKenzie advises a number of leading global technology companies on a range of critical matters across the technology, internet, digital transformation and communications sectors. Key areas of focus for the team are digital media, data protection, outsourcing, technology agreements and fintech. Ghada El Ehwany leads the TMT practice, as well as the corporate and commercial team, specialising in M&A in the technology and media sectors.Practice head(s):
Ghada El Ehwany
Other key lawyers:
Moataz El Sherbini
Work highlights
- Acting for a consortium of the largest banks in Egypt, including Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt and Banque Du Caire as lead investors in connection with their investment include Fintech Innovation Fund, a newly established fintech and financial inclusion fund in the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), UAE which will be managed by Global Ventures.
Egypt > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 3
With the support of Baker McKenzie's global network, the arbitration team at Baker & McKenzie is able to handle complex arbitration disputes on an international scale. Construction, energy, natural resources and post-M&A are important areas of focus for the firm. Hesham Ragab leads the team with a focus on criminal cases, having served as a bench judge across various levels of Egyptian courts.Practice head(s):
Hesham Ragab
Other key lawyers:
Mohamed Hafez
Baker & McKenzie > Firm Profile
As market leaders in mergers and acquisitions, banking, projects and capital markets, we advise clients on some of the most prominent transactions in the Middle East.
Our accomplishments include advising the Arab Republic of Egypt, acting through the Ministry of Finance (MoF), on a landmark USD 3 billion syndicated financing transaction (“Islamic Syndication Deal of the Year Award 2022” at the Bonds, Loans and Sukuk Middle East Awards). Last year, we advised MoF on another USD 2 billion syndicated financing transaction (“Debt Market Deal of the Year 2021” at the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Middle East Law Awards, and “Commodity Murabahah/Tawarruq Deal of the Year 2020” at the Islamic Finance News (IFN) Awards).
In project finance, we advised the lenders in relation to the financing of Canal Sugar’s project for the development of a large-scale agricultural farm (approximately 188,000 acres) in Minya, Egypt (“Best-Structured Finance Deal in North Africa” at the EMEA Finance Achievement Awards 2021).
In M&A, we advised the global healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited on the separation of its consumer healthcare business to form a global consumer healthcare company (Haleon). We also advised the Swiss construction chemicals group Sika AG on the acquisition of MBCC Group (Master Builders Construction Chemicals), the former BASF Construction Chemicals division, from Lone Star Funds, a global private equity firm, for a consideration of CHF 5.5 billion (EUR 5.2 billion).
In capital markets, we advised Arab Company for Projects and Urban Developments, a subsidiary of Talaat Moustafa Group Holding, on its first sukuk issuance in Egypt with a value of EGP 2 billion with final maturity at the end of 2024 (“Deal of the Year 2020” at the IFN Awards).
The quality of our work is reflected in the number of leading multinational corporations and financial institutions that seek our advice on complex matters and the recognition we regularly receive in the legal industry. In the past decade, we have been named IFLR Egypt’s “Law Firm of the Year” six times, while our Cairo office has been ranked Tier 1 by IFLR1000, Legal500 and Chambers & Partners for banking and finance and M&A. Recently, we won “Banking & Finance Team of the Year” at the Middle East Legal Awards 2022, Chambers & Partners Middle East Awards’ “Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year in Egypt 2021” and the IFN Awards’ “Best Capital Markets Law Firm 2020.” With more than 30 years’ experience in the local market, we are also the go-to firm for dispute resolution, intellectual property and technology, and media and telecoms. Our Egypt lawyers have deep knowledge of the local legal, business, social and cultural environment, and work closely with colleagues across all of our offices to help clients navigate the intricacies of Egypt’s regulatory environment and achieve their global objectives.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BD & Marketing Specialist | Passant Dawood | passant.dawood@bakermckenzie.com | 2 02 2461 5520 #136 |
| Office Manager | Amany Shoukry | Amany.Shoukry@bakermckenzie.com | + 2 02 2461 5520 #169 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ms Ghada El Ehwany | Ghada El Ehwany is a partner at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker… | View Profile |
 | Ms Ghada El Ghairb | Ghada El Gharib is a senior associate at Helmy, Hamza & Partners,… | View Profile |
 | Dr Mohamed Elfar | Mohamed El Far is a counsel at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker… | View Profile |
 | Mr Milad Fayez | Milad Fayez is a senior associate at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker… | View Profile |
 | Ms Lamyaa Gadelhak | Lamyaa Gadelhak is a partner at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie… | View Profile |
 | Mr Mohamed Ghannam | Mohamed Ghannam is the managing partner of Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker… | View Profile |
 | Mr Hani Nassef | Hani Nassef is a partner who heads the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice… | View Profile |
 | Mr Hesham Ragab | Hesham Ragab is of counsel at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie… | View Profile |
 | Mr Saber Soliman | View Profile |
Languages
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Member of the United Nations Global Compact InitiativeSpotlights
EGYPT
Practicing in Egypt since 1986, our firm is deeply committed to furthering your business interests both within the Middle East and globally. Helmy, Hamza & Partners Baker McKenzie Cairo, is one of the first established international law firms in the Egyptian legal market. Combining in-depth knowledge of local laws with the experience of a global firm, we help you navigate the legal and business landscape in Egypt and worldwide
Please visit https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/ to know more about our Firm.
Legal Briefings
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Comparative Guides
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United States: TMT
Published: September 2022
Authors: Samuel Kramer
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to TMT laws and regulations that may occur in United States.
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Switzerland: Pharmaceutical Advertising
Published: November 2022
Authors: Peter Reinert Julia Schieber
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Pharmaceutical Advertising laws and regulations that may occur in Switzerland.
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Canada: Bribery & Corruption
Published: May 2022
Authors: John Pirie Michael Nowina Ahmed Shafey Ben Sakamoto
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Bribery & Corruption laws and regulations that may occur in Canada.
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United Kingdom: Bribery & Corruption
Published: May 2022
Authors: Yindi Gesinde Zak Soithongsuk
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Bribery & Corruption laws and regulations that may occur in United Kingdom.
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United States: Private Equity
Published: January 2023
Authors: Ye (Cecilia) Hong Darcy Down Airi Hammalov
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Equity laws and regulations that may occur in United States.
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Colombia: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2023
Authors: Tatiana Garcés Maria Cecilia Reyes
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Employee Incentives laws and regulations that may occur in Colombia.
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Venezuela: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2023
Authors: Carlos Felce Sebastián Nastari
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Employee Incentives laws and regulations that may occur in Venezuela.
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Brazil: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2023
Authors: Leticia Ribeiro Clarissa Lehmen
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Employee Incentives laws and regulations that may occur in Brazil.
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The Netherlands: Securitisation
Published: March 2023
Authors: Philippe Steffens Jot van Suijlen Puck van der Harst
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Securitisation laws and regulations that may occur in The Netherlands.
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Colombia: Tax
Published: September 2022
Authors: Ciro Meza Laura Durán
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Tax laws and regulations that may occur in Colombia.
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Colombia: Doing Business In
Published: April 2023
Authors: Jaime Trujillo Carolina Pardo Juliana Gomez David Mayorga
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Doing Business In laws and regulations that may occur in Colombia.
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