Sidley Austin LLP The team advises sovereign wealth funds, government-related entities, private equity sponsors, and family offices on complex cross-border transactions, leveraging the firm’s global platform and deep sector expertise across private equity, energy, financial services, healthcare, and infrastructure. Helming the group is Ali Shaikley whose practice largely concentrates on M&A, PE and venture capital transactions for multinationals and global financial sponsors. Hussein Baxter is widely praised for his ‘sharp analytical skills and deal-making rigor’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hussein Baxter is being technically very sound, extremely pragmatic, understanding the commercial context and getting deals done.'
- ‘The team are knowledgeable, helpful and an efficient link between the client and the different teams advising on jurisdiction-specific matters.’
- ‘Pragmatic, commercially minded, open to collaborating and going the extra mile without thinking about fees, deliver good training sessions as a form of investment.'
- ‘Hussein Baxter has been an invaluable adviser to our business, providing swift, clear, and commercially focused guidance. His ability to combine legal precision with practical insight sets him apart, and his support has consistently added real value to our decision-making.’
- ‘Hussein exemplifies the very best of the firm’s M&A offering — combining New York–caliber technical expertise with a deep understanding of Middle Eastern business culture. He brings sharp analytical skills and deal-making rigor to every transaction, yet balances this with a culturally attuned, relationship-driven approach that resonates with regional counterparties. This rare blend makes him not only a trusted legal advisor but also a pragmatic strategist who can navigate complex negotiations with precision and sensitivity, ensuring clients achieve both their commercial and relational objectives’
- ‘Working with this team on M&A matters has been nothing short ofoutstanding. Their technical depth in deal structuring, negotiation, and execution is on par with top New York–style practices, bringing the highest level of rigor, precision, and creativity to transactions. The team demonstrates a strong command of cross-border deal dynamics, financing structures, regulatory frameworks, and complex shareholder arrangements — all while delivering practical, commercially sound advice that is actionable.'
Key clients
- Alfa Partners Holding Limited
- Tahweel Industrial Company
- Gradiant International Overseas Pte Ltd
- Heritage Advisors Limited
Work highlights
Advised Tahweel Integrated Company on its business combination with Nile Investment Limited, a prominent holding company based in the United Arab Emirates with an extensive industrial and commercial portfolio in Egypt. The deal was valued at 3 billion Saudi riyals.
Advised Gradiant International Overseas, a water management company, on the acquisition of Advanced WaterTek Oman LLC, a leading water treatment company in the UAE.
Advised Gradiant International Overseas, a water management company, on the acquisition of Aquachem Holding Limited in the UAE.
Lawyers
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
Ali K. Shaikley
Other key lawyers
Hussein Baxter