Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP was awarded 'M&A Deal of the Year' at the IFLR Middle East Awards 2021.

The firm advised EnTrust Global’s Blue Ocean Funds on financing the acquisition of United Arab Chemical Carriers. This precedent-setting transaction was structured as a reverse triangular merger with United Overseas Group and was the first merger of its kind under the Companies Law of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to advise EnTrust Global's Blue Ocean Funds on the implications of such an innovative and ground-breaking structure in relation to this landmark regional M&A deal," said Sandeep Dhama, Dubai-based corporate partner.

The Stephenson Harwood team was led by partner and global head of ship finance Ian Mace, alongside Dubai-based corporate partner Sandeep Dhama and finance partner Nijoe Joseph.

"This deal is an excellent example of the type of complex cross-practice and cross-border transaction in which Stephenson Harwood excels," said Ian Mace.

The IFLR Middle East Awards celebrate legal innovation, recognising the best work in both private practice and in-house departments that teams, firms and individuals have achieved over the last 12 months throughout the region.