Real estate, energy and infrastructure-related transactions form the cornerstone of the practice at CMS, with the firm working for prominent clients such as Aldar Properties, E& and TAQA on M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Team head John O'Connor is the key relationship partner to many of these clients and often acts on multi-jurisdictional deals. Graham Conlon has recently acted for sovereign wealth funds, investment firms, and international financial institutions on domestic and outbound transactions. Patrik Daintry has a broad understanding of GCC markets, particularly UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Hanna Uhlin and Josh Cosoff also come recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Availability and responsiveness.’
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
- ADQ
- Aldar Properties PJSC
- Al Dahra Group
- ByteDance/TikTok
- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- e& (Etisalat)
- EMPG
Work highlights
- Advising Aldar Properties on landmark joint venture with Dubai Holdings for the acquisition of three major plots of land in Dubai and subsequent structuring, financing and development of three master communities on those plots.
- Advising Aldar Investments on their £230million acquisition of London Square Developments from Ares Investment Fund, representing Aldar’s first investment into the UK.
- Advised the Oman Investment Authority in relation to Saudi Tadawul Group’s acquisition of a 32.6% stake in DME Holdings Limited, the parent company of Dubai Mercantile Exchange.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
John O’Connor
Other key lawyers
Graham Conlon; Patrik Daintry; Hanna Uhlin; Josh Cosoff