Latham & Watkins LLC > Riyadh, Saudi Arabia > Firm Profile
Latham & Watkins LLC Offices
Al-Tatweer Towers, 7th Floor, Tower 1
King Fahad Highway, P.O. Box 17411
Riyadh 11484
Saudi Arabia
Latham & Watkins LLC > The Legal 500 Rankings
Saudi Arabia > Banking and finance Tier 1
The Latham & Watkins LLC boasts an exceptional standing in the Saudi Arabian banking and finance arena. The practice excels in project finance, restructuring, and shariah-compliant financing, with a prominent focus on Islamic finance mandates. The firm has long relationships with some of the most prominent banks in Saudi Arabia, as well as development and real estate companies. Peter Norris, counsel, heads the practice - he focuses on banking finance and Islamic finance transactions, including sukuk structures. Salman Al-Sudairi is a highly sought-after expert, renowned for his counsel on restructuring as well as on Saudi Arabian regulatory and government advisory matters.Practice head(s):
Peter Norris
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The quick thinking of the Latham Banking and Finance team is always appreciated. The standard of work is produced at an extremely high level, even more so than we have come to expect. Their understanding of our business need is meet perfectly with the knowledge of our vision and work requirements being uniquely tailored to exactly what we need.
‘Latham’s Banking and Finance Team’s presentation and quality of work goes above and beyond that expected of a Law Firm. They provide continued support and advice and deliver on work requests often before our deadlines, at an exceptional standard and quality. This is reason that they are fully trusted by us. Their reputational standards are meet and exceeded without fail, each and every time. ’
‘When working with Harj Rai and his team, Peter Norris (Counsel) and a team of select associates, you can be confident that they have the highest knowledge and standard of work that we shall receive from anyone working and supporting Harj Rai and Peter Norris, of which this year, has been met tenfold.’
‘Harj Rai and his team, in particular Peter Norris, is constantly increasing and shines through when working with us, giving us a sense and knowing that we are in safe hands. Latham’s responses and advice, in particular on time sensitive matters, from Harj and Peter is received with stand-out quick-thinking mindsets, never leaving room for error. These are the type of work ethics that Harj Rai exudes at, leading with example, always ensuring that this is implemented from himself and/or his trusted team. This is the quality we appreciate and value from Latham’s Banking and Finance Team.’
‘There is always reassurance that the advice and work is produced with the preciseness and exact understanding of what is required and needed from Harj and his team, giving us a sense and knowing that we are in safe hands. ’
Key clients
Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia
Jabal Omar Development Company
Riyad Bank
Tadawul Real Estate Company
Muvi Cinema Company
Arab National Bank
Banque Saudi Fransi
SABB
Saudi National Bank
The National Commercial Bank
Work highlights
- Advising the Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in connection with approx. SAR90bn debt restructuring of the Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited (SBL).
- Advised Tadawul Real Estate Company, a real estate development and operation services provider, in connection with SAR1.3bn murabaha facility for the purposes of refinancing existing debt.
- Advising Muvi Cinema Company, the first home-grown cinema brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in connection with its SAR1.15bn murabaha based financing.
Saudi Arabia > Capital markets Tier 1
The capital markets practice at Latham & Watkins LLC is well-regarded by peers for handling some of the most complex IPOs on the market. Notably, the firm advised SNB Capital, HSBC Saudi Arabia, Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia, and Citigroup as the underwriters of Luberef, the leading base oils producer in Saudi Arabia, for its IPO on the Saudi Exchange. The practice is headed by Salman Al-Sudairi, who leads the firm’s IPO matters while also advising on general capital markets transactions. Meanwhile, associate Najla Al-Gadi supports the practice on matters concerning IPOs and other securities offerings.Practice head(s):
Salman Al-Sudairi
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
SNB Capital Company
Morgan Stanley
Citigroup
HSBC Saudi Arabia
Alamar Foods
Al-Saif Galleries for Development & Investment Company
Riyad Capital
Elm Company
Al-Dawaa Medical Services Company
Jahez International Co. for Information Systems Technology
GIB Capital
Goldman Sachs
J.P. Morgan Saudi Arabia
Rothschild & Co
Saudi Fransi Capital
Work highlights
- Advised HSBC Saudi Arabia, Citigroup Saudi Arabia, Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia and SNB Capital Company as the underwriters on the SAR4.95 billion IPO of the Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company – Luberef, a Saudi Aramco subsidiary and one of the largest base oil producers in the world.
- Advised Alamar Food Company on its SAR1.22 billion IPO on the main market of the Saudi Exchange, which involved the first full private equity exit by way of an IPO in the Kingdom by funds managed by the Carlyle Group.
- Advised Al-Saif Galleries for Development and Investment Company, operating in the home appliances and kitchenware retail sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on its SAR1.2 billion IPO.
Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Latham & Watkins LLC is a go-to for Saudi Arabian state-owned enterprises and government entities. The team is headed by Ahmed El Gaili, who often acts on high-value acquisitions both in Saudi Arabia and across other Middle Eastern jurisdictions. He is supported by Salman Al-Sudairi, who is an expert in general corporate matters and large corporate transactions. Noor Al-Fawzan left the firm.Practice head(s):
Ahmed El Gaili
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Jadwa Investment
Jahez International Co. for Information Systems Technology
Work highlights
- Advised Jahez on its SAR650 million acquisition of The Chefz.
- Advised Jadwa Investment on the approx. US$60-70 million acquisition of a 70% equity stake in Dabdoob Holdings.
- Advised a shareholder on the SAR228.8 million sale of 60% of the issued share capital of the Human Development Company (HDC).
Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy Tier 2
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Christian Adams | Christian Adams represents corporates, sponsors, and lenders on a broad range of… | View Profile |
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Najla Al-Gadi | Najla Al-Gadi’s practice focuses on advising issuers and investment banks on equity… | View Profile |
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Basil Al-Jafari | Basil Al-Jafari helps corporates, governments, and financial institutions navigate the full range… | View Profile |
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Salman Al-Sudairi | Salman Al-Sudairi is the Chair of the Saudi Arabia Practice and the… | View Profile |
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Eyad Latif | Eyad Latif advises private and public companies and venture capital and private… | View Profile |
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Chris Lester | Chris Lester is a corporate partner based in the Dubai office of… | View Profile |
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Omar Maayeh | Omar Maayeh advises companies globally across the full business life cycle, from… | View Profile |
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Marc Makary | Marc Makary is counsel in the Dubai office of Latham & Watkins.… | View Profile |
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Derek McKinley | Derek McKinley advises government-related procurers, lenders, and sponsors on all aspects of… | View Profile |
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Brian Meenagh | Brian Meenagh is a partner in the Riyadh office of Latham & Watkins.… | View Profile |
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Villiers Terblanche | Villiers Terblanche, Co-Chair of the firm’s Saudi Arabia Practice, specializes in complex infrastructure… | View Profile |
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Lucy Tucker | Lucy Tucker advises clients on data privacy, cybersecurity, and commercial contracts, with… | View Profile |
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Ahmed el-Gaili | Ahmed el-Gaili leads the corporate M&A practice in the Riyadh office of… | View Profile |
Legal Briefings
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Transacting with troubled companies: navigating stressed, distressed, and insolvent acquisitions
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about significant challenges for many businesses, and a heightened risk of financial difficulty and insolvency. While the number of formal insolvencies has been relatively low thus far, troubled businesses may be forced to pursue accelerated asset disposals, or may themselves present an attractive investment opportunity for new equity stakeholders capable …
Comparative Guides
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This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Acquisition Finance laws and regulations applicable in United States.
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This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Lending & Secured Finance laws and regulations applicable in United States.
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