Baker McKenzie Law Firm leads on share acquisitions and foreign direct investments, advising international joint venture partners on Saudi law aspects of market entry and expansion. The team also supports negotiations with Saudi investors and handles a broad range of regulatory compliance matters linked to corporate and transactional activity. The practice often leverages the firm’s capabilities in banking and capital markets to assist on mandates, and is also present in the digital and insurance sectors. Karim Nassar and Zahi Younes co-lead the practice, and Marcos Spanos, Tamim AlKhudhayri, and the ‘exemplary’ Stephanie Samuell are other key names.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Baker McKenzie corporate advisory legal team was excellent - led by Stephanie Samuell. The team was highly capable. Stephanie was the key lawyer and was able to coordinate expertise required from within BMLF to assist with completing the transaction. This collective approach made the difference.’
- ‘Stephanie Samuell was key to this transaction - she provided superior advice, able to problem solve during negotiations, and was available at all times. This dedication was exemplary, as she provided advice with a view to close the transaction. This behavior amplifies building of trust, and therefore a desire to work together again on future investment opportunities together. Stephanie developed institutional knowledge of how my firm works and our specific requirements. This will go a long way in repeat work in the future.'
- ‘Very experienced team and they are always prepared with practical advise. Very high work ethic.’
- ‘We were very impressed with Stephanie and her team throughout the deal. the partner is on top of everything which always gives clients comfort, they were consistently available and responsive and always accommodating and making time. She is very experienced and always has practical and tailored advise to our needs making them very easy to work with. Stephanie and her team demonstrated a very strong command of the issues and deal specific matters in KSA (this was not a straightforward transaction structure).’
Key clients
- Allianz SE
- Baxter
- International Schools Partnership
- Jadwa Investment
- Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO)
- Olayan Financing Company
- Public Investment Fund (PIF)
- Tanmiah Food Company
- Unilabs
- Nesma & Partners
Work highlights
Assisting Schréder in its JV with Bahra Electric aimed at transforming public lighting in Saudi Arabia.
Acting for iMENA Group in relation to its $135 million investment from Sanabil Investments.
Advising on a JV in Saudi to launch Kings League MENA in partnership with Surj Sports investment.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Karim Nassar; Zahi Younes
Other key lawyers
Marcos Spanos; Tamim AlKhudhayri; Stephanie Samuell