Technology
Acquisition of data centre
Advised a syndicate of banks and financial institutions on the sale of secured assets recovered from a defaulting borrower group to a UAE-based telecommunications services provider. These assets comprise of key tangible and non-tangible assets required for the operation of a data centre housing critical data for various government and semi-government entities within the UAE.
Acquisition of healthcare informatics solutions group
Advised IQVIA, a global provider of healthcare information, services and technology on its acquisition of Dimensions Healthcare, a Middle Eastern healthcare informatics solutions group.
Restructure of UAE aspects of global healthcare and life sciences technology solutions group
Advised a global healthcare technology solutions group on the restructure of its UAE-based corporate assets.
Afterpay and AP Ventures
Advised Afterpay and AP Ventures on the acquisition of an equity stake in Postpay, a UAE-based “buy now, pay later” fintech business that operates in the Middle East region.
Acquisition of data centre equipment manufacturer
Advised a US-based data centre equipment manufacturer regarding the UAE-related aspects of their acquisition of a group specialised in the manufacture and supply of electrical switchgear and power distribution solutions, with a manufacturing plant located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Acquisition of telecommunications equipment distributor and service provider
Advised a distributor of telecommunications equipment on its acquisition of two business units from a regional telecommunications equipment and service provider. The acquired units include the distribution business and the maintenance and service business.
Acquisition of Arabic audiobook platforms
Advised a Swedish-based multinational electronic book publishing company, on the acquisition of two separate Arabic audiobook platforms.
Acquisition of investment stake in luxury watch e-commerce platform
Advised a regional luxury retail operator on the proposed purchase of a minority stake in a global e- commerce retailer of second-hand luxury watches.
Corporate restructure of global software provider
Advised on the UAE aspects of the corporate restructure of a global software application provider.
Joint venture for Middle Eastern media group's price comparison website
Advised media representation group based in the Middle East on a joint venture to establish and operate a web-based platform for price comparison and fulfillment. This platform enables customers to identify, compare, choose and acquire various insurance and financial products tailored to their specific requirements.
Joint venture for the creation and issuance of cryptocurrencies in the UAE
Advised a private family office on a joint venture for the creation and issuance of two cryptocurrencies in the UAE.
Pre-acquisition restructure of cyber security and information security services group
Advised Paladion Group, a global cyber security and information security services group, on the pre-acquisition restructure of its Middle Eastern assets prior to closing of the acquisition of the group by Atos, a French multinational IT service and consulting company.
UAE aspects of restructure of global security technology group
Advised Giesecke & Devrient on the UAE related aspects of a global corporate restructure.
Agreement for the provision of ICT goods and services
Advised an ICT infrastructure and services integration company in relation to its documentation for the sale of certain goods and services.
Agreement for resale of meter reading transmission devices
Advised Technology Partners in relation to a reseller agreement to be entered into with Xemex N.V. for the resale of meter reading transmission devices by the client.
Corporate structuring of online event management and ticketing app
Advised a European online event management and ticketing app business on the corporate structuring and licensing requirements of its presence and operations in the UAE.
Corporate structuring of on-demand shared transport technology provider
Advised a global on-demand shared transport technology provider on the corporate structuring and licensing requirements of its presence and operations in the UAE.
Shareholder dispute
Advised a global IT solutions provider in relation to a dispute with its UAE general manager (who is also a minority shareholder of the local UAE free zone company) and the resolution of a deadlock scenario with respect to the operation of the UAE business.
Various commercial disputes of ICT group
Advised an ICT infrastructure and services integration company in relation to various disputes with (i) a contractor for outstanding payments owed to it under the subcontract agreement; and (ii) a number of third parties for recovery of referral commission payments.
Banks and banking
Corporate structuring of African bank's UAE presence
Advised an African bank on the corporate structure and licensing requirements of its UAE subsidiaries.
Capital restructure of ADGM-based digital bank
Advised an ADGM-based digital bank on a capital restructure.
Corporate restructure of the UAE business of a Bahrain bank
Advised a Bahrain bank on the corporate restructure of its UAE business, which involved a Scheme 9 transfer under the DIFC regulatory law.
More: Banks and banking
Insurance
Dar Al Takaful acquisition of Noor Takaful
Advised Dar Al Takaful PJSC on the acquisition of Noor Takaful General PJSC and Noor Takaful Family PJSC.
Gulf Insurance Group acquisition of the Middle East insurance business of AXA
Advised Gulf Insurance Group on the UAE related aspects of the acquisition of the Middle East insurance business of AXA.
Joint venture for Middle Eastern media group's price comparison website
Advised media representation group based in the Middle East on a joint venture to establish and operate a web-based platform for price comparison and fulfillment. This platform enables customers to identify, compare, choose and acquire various insurance and financial products tailored to their specific requirements.
More: Insurance
Life sciences
Acquisition of equity stake in French biopharmaceutical company
Advising Gulf Pharmaceuticals (Julphar) on the acquisition of an equity stake in Quantum Genomics, a French-based company that is listed on the Euronext Growth stock exchange.
Restructure of UAE aspects of global pharmaceutical group
Advised a pharmaceutical company on the restructuring of its corporate structure to take advantage of the removal of the foreign ownership restrictions.
Pre-sale carve-out of ultrasound technology business
Advised a European medical technology group on the pre-sale carve-out of its UAE ultrasound technology business from the group.
Restructure of UAE aspects of global healthcare and life sciences technology solutions group
Advised a global healthcare technology solutions group on the restructure of its UAE-based corporate assets.
Establishment of representative office of global pharmaceutical group
Advised a global biopharmaceutical group on the establishment of a local representative office in Dubai, including obtaining all required licenses to conduct the intended business activities.
License agreement for the manufacturing and distribution of biopharmaceutical products
Advised Gulf Pharmaceuticals (Julphar) on a license agreement with Quantum Genomics for the manufacturing and distribution of biopharmaceutical products in the Middle East & Africa region.
More: Life sciences
International trade
Joint venture for the importation and trading of industrial sand and stones
Advised a UAE-based manufacturing group on a joint venture for the importation and trading of industrial sand and stones in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Divestiture of glass bottle manufacturing plant
Advised Frigoglass SAIC on the divestiture of its UAE manufacturing operations to ATG Investments Limited.
Establishment and licensing of digital freight forwarding service
Advised a multinational manufacturing conglomerate on the establishment and licensing of its digital freight forwarding service operations in the UAE.
Distribution agreement for frozen foods products
Advised a UAE-headquartered retailer and distributor on its global distribution arrangements for its frozen food products.
Acquisition of quality control inspection and testing group
Advised a Hong Kong-based multinational quality control group on the proposed acquisition of a UAE-based inspection and testing group with operations across the Middle East, Africa and the Far East.
Sale of a majority stake in a Middle Eastern car parts distribution company
Advised the founders of a Middle Eastern car parts distribution company on the proposed sale of a majority equity stake in the company to one of its suppliers.
Acquisition of minority shareholder’s stake in glass bottle manufacturing facility
Advised Frigoglass SAIC on the acquisition of the minority stake of its joint venture partner in a UAE free zone company which manufactures and supplies glass bottles to the Middle Eastern market.
Acquisition of stake in chemical distribution group
Advised Brenntag, a European chemical distribution company on the purchase of a controlling stake in Trychem, a chemical distribution group based in the UAE.
Renegotiation of joint venture for the distribution and maintenance of elevators and escalators in the UAE
Advised a multinational conglomerate on the renegotiation of the terms of a joint venture with its local partner for the distribution and maintenance of elevators and escalators in the UAE.
Joint venture for the provision of cargo logistics services in the UAE
Advised Biskom International DMCC on a joint venture with various parties for the provision of cargo logistics, heavy lifting, haulage and special cargo transportation services.
Joint venture for the ownership and operation of an LNG vessel
Advised a UAE-based shipping group on a joint venture with two vessel operators for the ownership and operation of an LNG vessel.
Joint venture for the provision of offshore supply vessel leasing services
Advised an individual investor on a joint venture for the establishment and operation of a business which provides offshore supply vessel leasing services in Mexico and various other jurisdictions.
Administration of a UAE-based subsea engineering and general contracting company
Advised the administrators of a UAE-based subsea engineering and general contracting company in relation to the administration of the aforementioned company under UK law and the process for liquidation and deregistration of the company.
Restructure of chemical distribution group
Advised a chemical distribution group on the restructuring of its business to enable the expansion of its operations in the region.
Agreement for the supply of fire safety and security equipment
Advised a global manufacturer and distributor of fire safety and security equipment on a contract for the supply of fire safety and security equipment to the Senegalese Government.
Various supply and procurement contracts for a glass bottle manufacturer
Advised a global publicly-listed glass bottle manufacturer on the preparation of various supply and procurement contracts for use in the UAE.
Outsourcing agreement for global product testing company
Advised a global product testing company on an agreement for the outsourcing of product testing and quality certification services to a company based in the UAE and the secondment of certain employees thereto.
Renegotiation of terms of an agency agreement for the distribution of elevators and escalators
Advised a multinational conglomerate on the proposed renegotiation of the terms of an agency agreement with its local distributor for the distribution of elevators and escalators in the UAE.
Dispute re breach of agreement to supply industrial chemicals
Advised a distributor of industrial chemicals on a dispute with a third party in relation to a breach of an agreement for the supply of mixed xylene product.
Joint venture dispute
Advised a global steelmaking and steel fabrication group in relation to a dispute with its local UAE joint venture partner.
Dispute between Chinese car manufacturer and local distributor
Advised a Chinese car manufacturer in relation to a dispute with its local distributor in relation to the breach of various obligations under the distribution agreement between the parties.
More: International trade
Energy and natural resources
Aircapture and c02 elimination collaboration agreement
Advised on a collaboration agreement for the capture and elimination of c02 from the atmosphere.
Joint venture for the investment in hydrogen projects
Advised a European investor on a joint venture for the investment in various hydrogen projects.
Acquisition of minority shareholder's stake in UAE-based energy power grid company
Advised a global power grid automation, integration and products provider on the acquisition of the minority stake of its local partner in its UAE business operations.
Corporate structuring of Dutch renewable energy solutions provider
Advised a Dutch renewable energy solutions provider on the corporate structuring and licensing requirements of its presence and operations in the UAE.
Corporate structuring of on-demand shared transport technology provider
Advised a global on-demand shared transport technology provider on the corporate structuring and licensing requirements of its presence and operations in the UAE.
Consumer
Acquisition of stake in Swiss luxury watch manufacturer
Advising a regional luxury retail operator on the proposed acquisition of an equity stake in a Swiss- based luxury watch manufacturer.
Acquisition of stake in oyster farming business in the UAE
Advised a UAE-based high net worth family group on the acquisition of an investment stake in an oyster farming business in the UAE.
Buyout of stake of joint venture partner in group that owns various restaurant and café chains in the UAE
Advised an Oman-based investment group on the acquisition of its joint venture partner’s stake in a UAE-based group that owns a number of restaurant and café chains.
Disposal of international F&B chains
Advised a high net worth individual on the proposed sale of his interest in the UAE franchise rights for two international F&B chains.
Acquisition of stake in retail group
Advised a regional family office on the acquisition of an equity stake in a group with various retail interests.
Acquisition of stake in e-commerce retailer of second-hand luxury watches
Advised a regional luxury retail operator on the proposed purchase of a minority stake in a global e-commerce retailer of second-hand luxury watches.
Acquisition of minority shareholders’ interests in a palm oil manufacturing company
Advised a high-net-worth individual on the buyout of its minority interests of its joint venture partners in a UAE-based palm oil manufacturing company.
Joint venture for the distribution of American food products
Advised an American food products exporter on a proposed joint venture with a local UAE supplier for the distribution of various food products in the UAE.
Termination of manufacturing and distribution agreements
Advised an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of food products on: (i) the termination of the distribution agreement with its UAE distributor; and (ii) the termination of the manufacturing agreement of its KSA manufacturer for certain products.
Establishment of presence of Italian luxury goods group in the UAE
Advised an Italian luxury goods group on the establishment of a local presence in the UAE, including the negotiation of the terms of the local partnership arrangement with its local partner.
Divestiture of franchise rights for two international F&B chains
Advised a high-net-worth individual on the proposed sale of his interest in the UAE franchise rights for two international F&B chains.
Field marketing services agreement
Advised a global marketing group on an agreement for the provision of field marketing services to Unilever.
Shareholder dispute
Advised a regional restaurant and F&B group in a shareholder dispute with its UAE joint venture partner.
Dispute between European fashion house and its UAE distributor
Advised a European fashion house on the settlement of a dispute with its local distributor and the negotiation of terms for a new non-exclusive distribution arrangement therewith.
Agreement for distribution of various bakery products in the UAE
Advised a member of a UAE royal family on the entry into a distribution agreement with a UAE food distributor for the distribution of various bakery products in the UAE.
Distribution agreement for food products in the UAE
Advised an American import and export company on the entry into a distribution agreement with a local UAE distributor for the supply of various Filipino food products in the UAE.
Franchise dispute
Advised a private equity group in a dispute relating to a fast-food pizza franchise.
Agreement to distribute coffee products in KSA
Advised a Dutch-based beverage company in relation to an agreement for the distribution of coffee products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
License agreement for fashion retail group
Advised Apparel FZCO, a Middle Eastern fashion retailer, on a store license agreement with Aeropostale, an American fashion manufacturer and retailer.
Hotels and leisure
Divestiture of hotel located in Business Bay, Dubai
Advised a sovereign wealth group on the proposed divestiture of a hotel located in Business Bay, Dubai.
Restaurant group's minority stake sale in Dubai beach bar
Advised a restaurant operations group on the sale of a minority equity stake in a beach bar set to be established, owned and managed within the J1 Beach development in Dubai, UAE.
Divestiture of majority stake in a Spanish restaurant and bar in Dubai International Financial Centre
Advised a regional investment group regarding the majority stake sale of a Spanish restaurant and bar situated within Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to a regional restaurant operations group.
Hotel management agreement for ultra-luxury resort in the Maldives
Advised a Maldives-based investment group on a hotel management agreement to be entered into with an ultra-luxury hotel chain for the operation and management of a resort to be developed in the Maldives.
Acquisition of IP rights to Italian F&B concept
Advised a UAE-based hospitality investment group on the proposed acquisition of the IP rights of an Italian F&B concept with a presence across Cannes, Miami and the UAE.
Marka PJSC acquisition of Reem Al Bawadi restaurant chain
Advised Marka PJSC on the acquisition of the Reem Al Bawadi restaurant chain.
Joint venture for the development and operation of W Dubai – The Palm Hotel
Advised a family office on a joint venture for the development and operation of W Dubai – The Palm Hotel.
Joint venture for the establishment and operation of Billionaire restaurant, lounge and nightclub in Dubai
Advised a private investor on the negotiation of a joint venture for the establishment and operation of Billionaire Dubai, a restaurant, lounge and nightclub concept located in Dubai.
Joint venture for the establishment and operation of a European restaurant and nightclub brand in Dubai Marina
Advised a famous Brazilian football player on a joint venture with a Spanish restaurant and nightclub group for the establishment and operation of a restaurant and nightclub brand in Dubai Marina.
Joint venture for the establishment and operation of a restaurant and nightclub concept in Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel
Advised a real estate investment firm on a proposed joint venture for the establishment and operation of a restaurant, lounge and nightclub in Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.
Joint venture for the establishment and operation of a French fine dining restaurant
Advised a member of the Dubai royal family on the proposed joint venture with a famous French fine dining restaurant for the establishment and operation of a restaurant in Dubai.
Joint venture for the acquisition, management and operation of various hospitality and F&B businesses
Advised a UAE-based investment group on a joint venture for the acquisition, management and operation of various hospitality and F&B businesses in the UAE.
Joint venture to development of a hotel on Palm Deira, Dubai
Advised a hotel chain on a joint venture with a regional property developer for the establishment of a hotel on Palm Deira, Dubai.
Corporate structuring of hotel in Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai
Advised a UAE-based real estate investment group on the corporate structuring for the establishment and operation of a four-star hotel developed in Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai.
Corporate structuring of Hard Rock group’s UAE assets and operations
Advised Hard Rock Limited on the structuring of its operations in the UAE, which included a hotel that was to be in Dubai Marina and an iconic restaurant that is located at Festival City.
Corporate structuring of online event management and ticketing app
Advised a European online event management and ticketing app business on the corporate structuring and licensing requirements of its presence and operations in the UAE.
License agreement for Billionaire restaurant, lounge and nightclub in Dubai
Advising a private investment group on obtaining the license rights to use the Billionaire restaurant, lounge and nightclub concept for a venue located in Dubai.
License agreement for restaurant and nightclub concept in Dubai Marina
Advised a famous Brazilian football player on obtaining a licensing agreement to be entered into between a restaurant and nightclub business and the owner of a Spanish restaurant and nightclub concept to be located in Dubai Marina.
Agreement for the management of hotel and serviced apartments
Advised Dubai Real Estate Corporation on the agreements for the management of Emirates Golf Club Hotel & Serviced Apartments by Jumeirah Group.
Hotel management agreement for Taj Dubai
Advised the hotel owner in relation to a hotel management agreement to be entered into with Taj Group for the management of Taj Dubai.
License agreement for Italian restaurant
Advised a private investor on the proposed procurement of licensing rights for the establishment and operation of an Italian restaurant concept in Dubai.
Hotel management agreement for hotel in Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Advised Meraas on the terms of a hotel management agreement for the establishment and operation of a hotel in Bluewaters Island, Dubai.
License agreement to operate a restaurant and nightclub concept in Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel
Advised a high net worth individual on the proposed procurement of licensing rights for the establishment and operation of a restaurant and nightclub in Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai.
License agreement to operate a French fine dining restaurant concept
Advised a member of a UAE royal family on the proposed procurement of licensing rights for the establishment of a restaurant in Dubai under the branding of a French fine dining restaurant concept.
Franchise agreement for fast-food sandwich chain
Advised a high-net-worth individual on securing the franchise rights to operate an international fast-food sandwich chain in Dubai.
Director’s liability in relation to rights issue for a public listed company
Advised a director of a UAE public listed company on potential liability in relation to the use of proceeds in relation to a rights issue.
Franchise dispute
Advised a private equity group in a dispute relating to a fast-food pizza franchise.
Professional services
Divestiture of hotel located in Business Bay, Dubai. UAE
Advised a sovereign wealth group on the proposed divestiture of a hotel located in Business Bay, Dubai.
School acquisition
Advised a UAE-based school operator group on the simultaneous acquisition of a school in Dubai and the freehold title to the real estate that the school operates on.
Acquisition of stake in education provider group
Advised a government-owned entity on the acquisition of a 21.7% stake in Taaleem from Amanat Holdings PJSC.
Management buyout of education consultancy group
Advised the UK liquidator in relation to the management buy-out of SSAT Middle East, the UAE subsidiary of an international education consultancy group.
EQT Partners acquisition of joint venture partner’s stake in VFS Global
Advised EQT Partners on the buyout, through its subsidiary VFS Global, of the entire stake of its joint venture partner, TasHeel Group, in a global visa processing service provider business.
Joint venture to establish and operate a number of schools in KSA
Advised a high-net-worth Saudi family on a joint venture with a school operator to establish and operate several schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Company formation consultancy joint venture
Advised the co-founder of a UAE-based free zone company setup consultancy group on the renegotiation of the terms of the joint venture agreement governing the management and operation of the group.
Establishment of local presence of international accounting firm
Advised an international accounting firm on the establishment of an onshore presence in Dubai, including obtaining all requisite licenses.
More: Professional services
Real estate
School site acquisition
Advised a UAE-based school operator group on the simultaneous acquisition of a school in Dubai and the freehold title to the real estate that the school operates on.
Joint venture for the development of a commercial and residential project in Costa Rica
Advised a UAE sovereign-backed investment group on a proposed joint venture for the development of a large-scale mixed use commercial and residential project in Costa Rica.
Acquisition of interior design and fit-out company
Advised a global real estate services firm on the proposed acquisition of a UAE interior design and fit-out company.
Joint venture for the development and operation of W Dubai – The Palm Hotel
Advised a family office on a joint venture for the development and operation of W Dubai – The Palm Hotel.
Joint venture to develop office units and retail stores in a free zone
Advised a UAE sovereign-owned real estate investment company on a proposed joint venture with a Dubai free zone authority for the development of office units and retail stores on a plot in extension of the free zone.
Joint venture for the establishment and operation of a restaurant and nightclub concept in Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel
Advised a real estate investment firm on a proposed joint venture for the establishment and operation of a restaurant, lounge and nightclub in Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.
Joint venture to develop a mixed-use real estate project in the DIFC free zone
Advised a Dubai-based real estate developer on a joint venture with a UAE-based family conglomerate for the development of a mixed-use real estate project in the DIFC.
Corporate structuring for four-star hotel in Dubai
Advised a UAE-based real estate investment group on the corporate structuring for the establishment and operation of a four-star hotel to be developed in Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai.
Acquisition of stake in hotel in Business Bay, Dubai
Advised a private investor on the purchase of a 50% stake in Taj Dubai Hotel, located in Business Bay, Dubai.
Joint venture to development of a hotel on Palm Deira, Dubai
Advised a hotel chain on a joint venture with a regional property developer for the establishment of a hotel on Palm Deira, Dubai.
Dispute regarding a joint venture to develop a mixed-use building in Dubai
Advised a free zone authority on a dispute relating to a joint venture for the development of a mixed-use building within the free zone.
Structuring of corporate assets and business operations of a real estate investment firm
Advised a real estate investment firm on the structure of its corporate assets and business operations in the UAE.