King & Spalding‘s Saudi corporate and commercial practice is ’able to cover complex matters across jurisdictions’, integrating global and regional expertise in projects, foreign direct investments, and funds to act as lead counsel on major acquisitions, joint ventures, sales and divestments. ‘Extremely competent with his stewardship and negotiations’, Martin Hunt is renowned in the logistics, healthcare, and energy sectors for his transactional experience, and Nabil Issa – who split his time between the KSA and UAE – represents both private equity investors and governmental clients. In January 2025, the firm merged with established Saudi firm Abdulaziz H. Al Fahad & Partners, adding on-the-ground strength.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Highly-professional, but also very personable, team. They are able to cover complex matters across jurisdictions, and their various offices work well together.’
- ‘Martin Hunt is extremely competent with his stewardship and negotiations of the various transaction documents for the several deals he has led for me. He knows the document in detail and can negotiate the finer details but is able to zoom back and focus on the larger issues. He knows how to contextualize concepts, so the other side understands our point of view. In addition, Martin is the type of professional I love working with because he knows how to lighten the mood when the going gets tough and knows how to keep our team on track. He is very collegial and so easy to work with.’
- ‘Nabil Issa: True professional. The foremost Middle East expert in my view, and highly-adept at multi-jurisdictional matters beyond the region. Also a genuinely great guy!'
- 'The team lead by Martin Hunt delivers robust and clear legal advice. They are responsive and flexible and have a network in their firm that can address all of our specialist requirements.’
- ‘The individuals within the team are exceptional not only in their technical expertise but also in their accessibility, responsiveness, and problem-solving mindset 'Nabil Issa is the anchor of the team, setting the tone with his accessibility, responsiveness, and ability to bring everyone together seamlessly. His oversight ensures that clients always feel supported and well-advised. Martin Hunt demonstrates strong expertise in M&A, with a particular strength in buy-side advisory. His ability to structure complex cross-border transactions with both creativity and precision sets him apart.'
- ‘King & Spalding’s Commercial, Corporate, and M&A practice stands out for its ability to combine international best practices with a deep understanding of the Saudi market and regulatory landscape. The team consistently demonstrates strong technical expertise across complex transactions, coupled with a pragmatic approach that ensures solutions are both legally sound and commercially viable. What makes the practice unique is its collaborative culture—partners and associates work seamlessly together, ensuring responsiveness and continuity across all phases of a transaction.'
Key clients
- Al Dabbagh Group Holding Company
- Azmeel Contracting Company
- Bristow
- Cerberus
- Christian Dior
- Derayah Venture Capital Fund and SEEDRA Ventures
- E& (formerly known as Etisalat)
- Egis SA
- Elm Company
- Events Investment Fund
- Flat6Labs
- Franklin Templeton Investments (ME) Limited
Work highlights
Advised ACWA Power on its US$693 million acquisition of ownership interests in power generation, water desalination and associated O&M companies in Kuwait and Bahrain from Engie SA.
Advised TVM Healthcare on the purchase of a significant minority stake in a leading provider of specialty biogenerics in Saudi Arabia.
Advised Loro Piana on all aspects of the joint venture, including providing comprehensive guidance on complex structuring considerations including: foreign direct investment, antitrust, regulatory compliance, tax, employment and corporate governance matters.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nabil A. Issa
Other key lawyers
Martin Hunt; Saud Al-Dawsari; Nourah Al-Fahad; Saud Aldawsari