Corporates & Transactional Legal Services

Overview of the M&A Market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The M&A market in the (UAE) has been one of the most active in the region during the last year. In terms of deal volume, the two most active sectors were the oil and gas and energy and the banking and finance industry. This industry has been subject to some significant transactions involving the consolidation of the banking sector throughout the GCC, with the largest transactions being closed in the UAE.

The UAE also continues to be the most active M&A market in the Middle East in relation to foreign investment. In 2019, the transaction volume of foreign investors acquiring (stakes in) UAE-based entities grew by 28% compared to 2018. Furthermore, with 78% of foreign acquisitions in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states (comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) targeted UAE-based entities, the UAE witnessed the majority of foreign investment in the region.

Why Choose Almaazmi as your Transactional team as your Legal Advisory?

Noura Almaazmi Advocates and Legal Consultancy has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, handling some of the largest and most complex regional deals for more than five years. We are one of the few firms that represent the full spectrum of M&A players in the region, from major regional private equity firms, investment banks, as well as UHNWI’s investing in direct deals.

We advise acquirers and targets, Advisory committees, and boards of directors in complex negotiated and challenged situations, including negotiated mergers, and financial adviser representations, and restructuring transactions.

Our lawyers are strategically positioned in the region’s leading business and financial markets, enabling us to handle and fully coordinate transactions across key industry sectors ranging from financial services, healthcare, education, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, real estate, retail, telecommunications and technology.

Our Services:

1. Companies’ establishment & Structuring

UAE is considered one of the best destinations for incorporating businesses due to the smooth regulations facilitated by authorities welcoming international companies and single investors to establish business and serve their interests.

Our Team is very competent in providing all incorporation/establishment and restructuring services to all types of businesses including, preparation of Articles of Association /Incorporation, preparation and filing of registration application to competent authorities, process any legal documentations to maintain legal compliance related to company’s activities and representation in front of the local authorities.

2. Corporate’s Advisory & Governance:

The UAE’s largest multinational corporations, UHNI’s, private equity and entrepreneurs all rely on our Corporate Department in Law Firms to resolve their legal and business challenges. Our advisors have earned high recognition for their innovative approach to complex transactions and are recognized locally and regionally in providing the right legal solutions to all kind of business.

As corporate and governance advisers to our clients in the UAE, we have the experience to help address the demands of corporate governance codes in a manner that avoids confrontation with investor groups and shareholders, whilst reflecting the nature of your governance structure

3. Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory:

At Noura Almaazmi Advocates we have vast experience in advising on private acquisitions and disposals of both companies and businesses across a broad range of sectors. We advise on some of the largest cross border deals and strategically significant deals.

We are able to provide sophisticated legal advice of the highest quality on all types of deals while at the same time remaining rooted in the reality of the marketplace.

We have solid tracking records in processing successful transactional legal services in sectors such as: Healthcare, Education, F&B, Technology, Real Estate, Hospitality, Trading, Manufacturing…etc.

4. Financial Legal Advisory:

Our clients trust our Finance Advisors to support them navigate the business and legal complexities of various debt financing transactions.

Our financial advisory team in mergers and acquisitions, securities, and real estate provides seamless advice and innovative solutions that address our clients’ debt financing needs related to all types of transactions and capital structures.

5. Private Equity Legal Advisory:

Our private equity legal advisory team provides trusted counsel derived from deep industry knowledge to establish as well as up-and-coming private equity firms. We represent firms of every size across the spectrum of investment strategies, and we build long-standing relationships with our clients.

As active participants in the private equity industry from a legal perspective, we are fully equipped to advise our clients on the latest innovations, as well as current market practices and trends.

6. Private Investment and Family offices:

Our Private Investment & Family Offices legal advisory team provides tailored services considering the confidentiality and the uniqueness of private portfolios to deliver best-in-class support.

We are uniquely equipped to confront the distinct challenges facing private investors, families, closely held investment funds and operating businesses in today’s ever-changing market.