Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) > Giza, Egypt > Firm Profile

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International)
Emerald Business Center - Tower A
4th floor, Plot no. B2210
Smart Village, K28 Cairo-Alexandria Road, Giza, Egypt
Egypt

Egypt > Banking and finance Tier 1

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) offers a ‘diligent and alert’ banking and finance practice in Egypt, which is ‘highly knowledgeable’ across the gamut of acquisition, project and real estate finance, as well as bank lending, derivatives and regulatory matters. The Cairo-based team caters to a particularly broad span of clients, with a focus on major players in the financial services, renewable energy, transport and petrochemical sectors. Managing partner and practice co-head Mohamed Ghannam has vast experience of advising international and Egyptian governmental bodies. Co-head Lamyaa Gadelhak brings extensive expertise in project finance in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, while Mohamed Elharmy is a trusted advisor to numerous commercial lenders, ECAs, sponsors and borrowers.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Ghannam; Lamyaa Gadelhak

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are reliable and business-minded.’

‘Lamyaa Gadelhak is innovative and very responsive.’

‘The team is diligent and alert, ready to take action with great knowledge, so it feels like any client can rely on the team with trust. They are disciplined and organised, bringing a high level of analysis of any subject and detailed recommendations wherever necessary.’

‘Very supportive and have ideas that are outside the box.’

‘Trusted and have robust knowledge.’

‘The banking and finance field is highly complex and is regulated heavily which sets it apart from many other sectors. Baker & McKenzie were able to provide deep knowledge in such a complex field very easily and were ready to answer any questions that we had.’

‘We valued Mohamed Ghannam’s prompt communication and responses to all enquiries, along with his extensive knowledge in the field.’

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 S.A.E

Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., S.A.E

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

Work highlights

  • Acted as the Egyptian legal counsel to AMEA Power on the development and financing of a 500MW wind farm located in Ras Ghareb, near the Gulf of Suez, with a total investment cost of USD 709 million.
  • Acted for Banque Misr and Arab African International Bank (AAIB) as lenders’ counsel on a real estate facility granted to Al Alamia For Real Estate Investment, a fully owned subsidiary of Hassan Allam Group company.
  • Acted as English law and Egyptian law counsel to the National Bank of Egypt as a facility agent and leader of a syndicate of 24 banks, in relation to the financing and structuring of a security package for Evergrow, a leading local and regional company in the specialty fertilisers field.

Egypt > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International)’s corporate and commercial team is ‘one of the strongest in the Egyptian market’, and is active across a diverse range of key economic sectors including financial services, real estate, TMT, pharmaceuticals, construction and renewable energy. Managing partner Mohamed Ghannam and the ‘superbHani Nassef, who oversees the M&A practice, have a broad span of expertise, with public and private M&A, joint ventures, carve-outs and divestitures, and commercial contracts considered key areas of strength. Ghada El Ehwany heads the corporate and commercial offering and has a particular prowess in the healthcare and TMT sectors.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Ghannam; Hani Nassef; Ghada El Ehwany

Testimonials

‘The team is great at providing reliable, tailored advice, and also at seeing the bigger picture in light of instructions and also the local legislative requirements, current and future. Another great thing is that you are never left waiting if someone is absent. The team works collaboratively to ensure that there is always someone to pick up your query when your point of contact is not available.’

‘This team is one of the strongest in the Egyptian market. They provide high-quality advice and bring international expertise as well local knowledge.’

‘Hani Nassef is a superb partner and particularly strong.’

‘One of the leading M&A practices in Egypt.’

‘Hani Nassef stands out as he brings to the Egyptian market his deep experience of international law firm experience.’

‘Strong junior team, high level of responsiveness to client needs, strong knowledge of market and industry dynamics.’

Key clients

SPE Capital

Smith & Nephew FZE

Toyota Tsusho Corporation

Hitachi

AfricInvest

ServiceNow

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.

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 Banque Misr in establishing the first REIT in Egypt, Egyptian Real Estate Fund, that aims at investing in income-generating portfolios of commercial real estate such as shopping malls, office buildings, and medical and educational centres within Greater Cairo.
  • Advised Sika AG, a Swiss specialty chemicals company, in relation to the acquisition of Master Builders Construction Chemicals (MBCC Group), a global supplier of construction chemicals, for EUR 5.3 billion.
  • Acting for Forescout Technologies on the divestment of its cybersecurity company in Egypt to Liquid Technologies.

Egypt > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 1

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) leverages the strength of the firm's broader global dispute resolution resources to provide a full-service litigation practice in Egypt. Under the leadership of senior counsel Mohamed Abdelaleem, the team is well versed in advising on tax disputes, labour litigation, government investigations, cartel fines and trade mark infringement matters. Mohamed Ghannam has a solid track record in representing international and Egyptian government entities in contentious work, and Mohamed Elfar is a key contact for antitrust and competition law disputes.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Abdelaleem

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Mohamed Elfar is very professional and punctual.’

‘They respect clients’ needs and deadlines.’

Egypt > Employment Tier 1

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International)‘ employment offering is a leading advisor on a diverse spectrum of employment-related matters arising out of corporate transactions and operations in the Gulf. Corporate and commercial specialist Ghada El Ehwany leads the team and oversees a practice noted for its excellent transactional, advisory and litigation capabilities. She is substantially supported by Heba Samy, who was promoted to senior associate in July 2023. Counsel Saber Soliman departed the firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Ghada El Ehwany

Other key lawyers:

Egypt > Energy Tier 1

A leading firm in the Egyptian energy market, Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) offers extensive expertise across the spectrum of areas including renewables, clean technologies, oil and gas and petrochemicals. Managing partner Mohamed Ghannam leads the banking and projects group, overseeing a practice that has experience in complex renewable projects related to wind, solar, biomass and waste-to-energy. Co-head Lamyaa Gadelhak was promoted to principal in July 2023 and is highly knowledgeable in issues related to climate change and carbon storage. Mohamed Elharmy is a key contact for project finance matters, Ghada El Ghairb was also promoted to counsel in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Ghannam; Lamyaa Gadelhak

Other key lawyers:

Mohamed Elharmy; Ghada El Gharib

Testimonials

‘The team really worked closely with our company and truly acted as a member of the owners’ team while presenting in front of the Egyptian sponsors.’

‘They are quite familiar with the Egyptian context and are able to bring in industry experts from international offices.’

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 S.A.E

Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., S.A.E

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

Work highlights

  • Advised AMEA Power on its partnership with the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission, the New and Renewable Energy Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone to develop a 1,000 MW green hydrogen project.
  • 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.
  • Acted as the Egyptian legal counsel to AMEA Power on the development and financing of a 500 MW wind farm located at Ras Ghareb, Gulf of Suez with a total investment cost of $709m.

Egypt > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International)' team is well versed in advising public authorities, lenders and financial institutions on a wide spectrum of complex and high value transactions in the Egyptian market. Key areas of instruction for the group include project development and financing, energy, mining, infrastructure and renewables projects. Mohamed Ghannam has been kept busy handling matters involving the development and financing of major solar, wind and electricity projects; he co-heads the practice with Lamyaa Gadelhak, who has extensive experience in assisting with energy, mining and infrastructure projects. Mohamed Elharmy and Ghada El Ghairb are key contacts.

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 S.A.E

Egypt Kuwait Holding Co., S.A.E

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

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) has a long-established reputation in the Egyptian market for representing leading multinationals in all aspects of the acquisition, protection, enforcement and exploitation of their IP rights. Leading the corporate and commercial group and heading the IP team is Ghada El Ehwany, who has a diverse span of sector-specific expertise, including automotive, financial services, consumer goods, technology and pharmaceuticals.

Practice head(s):

Ghada El Ehwany

Egypt > TMT Tier 2

Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International)'s team leverages the strength of the firm's extensive global network to advise on a broad range of TMT matters in the Egyptian market. Key areas of instruction include e-commerce, digital media, data privacy and fintech matters. Ghada El Ehwany heads up the practice, and is well versed in handling corporate and M&A work in the TMT space.

Practice head(s):

Ghada El Ehwany

Firm Details:

Helmy, Hamza & Partners – Baker McKenzie

Emerald Business Center – Tower A

4th floor, Plot no. B2210

Smart Village, K28 Cairo-Alexandria Road

Giza, Egypt

Tel: +20 2 3537 9722

Firm Overview:

Welcome to Helmy, Hamza & Partners, an established international law firm in the Egyptian legal market since 1986. As the Cairo office of Baker McKenzie, we have been committed to developing the market and representing a diverse range of Egyptian and international clients. As a result, we have been involved in many “first of its kind” transactions in the market, leveraging our knowledge and extensive network to provide novel and strategic solutions for our clients. We pride ourselves on our local expertise and global thinking approach, which helps you seamlessly navigate Egypt’s legal and business landscape and cross-borders. Our comprehensive legal capabilities span vital areas — including corporate, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, capital markets, and projects— and extensive experience in structuring, financing, and managing multijurisdictional deals.

We orchestrate some of the most significant transactions every year, leaving an indelible mark on the business landscape. Our team is continuously involved in several multibillion-dollar global transactions. Thanks to our team of lawyers, who are proficient in handling transactions and documentation in English and Arabic. Our expertise transcends industry boundaries with a diverse client portfolio spanning Financial Services, Real Estate, TMT, Pharmaceuticals, Aviation, Construction, Education, Maritime, Renewable Energy, Mining, Chemicals, and Management and Consultancy.

At the forefront of our team is Mohamed Ghannam, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in Banking and Finance, Projects and Energy, Corporate M&A, and Capital Markets. Joining him are exceptional partners from various prominent practice groups.

  • Lamyaa Gadelhak (Banking and Projects)
  • Hani Nassef (M&A, Private Equity and Funds)
  • Ghada El Ehwany (Corporate and Commercial)
  • Mohamed Elharmy (Banking and Projects)
Department Name Email Telephone
Senior Marketing and Business Development Executive Passant Dawood passant.dawood@bakermckenzie.com +20 2 3537 9722 Ext. 136
Photo Name Position Profile
Ghada El Ehwany photo Mrs Ghada El Ehwany Ghada El Ehwany is a partner at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker…
Ghada El Gharib photo Mrs Ghada El Gharib Ghada El Gharib is a Counsel at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker…
Mohamed Elfar photo Dr Mohamed Elfar Mohamed El Far is a counsel at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker…
Mohamed Elharmy photo Mr Mohamed Elharmy Mohamed Elharmy is a Partner at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie…
Lamyaa Gadelhak photo Mrs Lamyaa Gadelhak Lamyaa Gadelhak is a Partner at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie…
Peryhane  Gawish  photo Mrs Peryhane Gawish Peryhane is a Senior associate at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie…
Mohamed Ghannam photo Mr Mohamed Ghannam Mohamed Ghannam is the managing partner of Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker…
Mostafa  Lotayef photo Mr Mostafa Lotayef Mostafa Lotayef is a Counsel at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie…
Hani Nassef photo Mr Hani Nassef Hani Nassef is a Partner and Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions…
Hesham Ragab photo Mr Hesham Ragab Hesham Ragab is Of Counsel at Helmy, Hamza & Partners, Baker McKenzie…
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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.