African and Middle Eastern Firm Capabilities

Contacts:

Paula Boast
[email protected]

 Adrian Mayer
[email protected]

Types of Corporate Transactions in Which Our Firm Has Particular Expertise

We have been working with clients in the GCC region for over 30 years and operating on the ground in the Middle East for nearly 20 years. With both English and Arabic speaking lawyers, our experienced Middle East team understand your specific requirements and the nuances of each market place in the region. We undertake some of the region’s highest value transactions and cases and our partners in the Middle East are consistently ranked as leading lawyers in their respective fields in the independent directories such as Chambers Global and Legal 500. Our lawyers work seamlessly across the Middle East offices servicing clients from a ‘one team’ perspective regardless of geography and leveraging specific expertise from our other international offices as and when required. We work with a variety of clients and industries including, government entities and regulators, sovereign wealth funds, multi-national and regional corporates, major investors, high-profile families and individuals.

Our Africa team includes lawyers in our London, European and Middle Eastern offices, many of whom have lived and worked in Africa. We provide a multi-disciplinary approach backed by a deep understanding of the key growth sectors on the continent. Whether you’re an international corporate, institution, asset manager, investor or individual, we can support your business interests across Africa, including Corporate and M&A, Investment Funds, Real Estate and Construction, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Private Client services.

Awards and Memberships

• Winner – Chambers Middle East Awards 2024
• Winner – The Legal 500 Awards 2024
• Winner of Best Legal Services: Private Equity – Pan-Africa – AGF Africa Service Providers Awards 2023
• Deals Legal Advisor of the Year – Private Equity Africa Awards 2022

The Size of Our Firm’s Corporate Transactions Team

Team on the ground in the Middle East: 47 Africa Desk: 10

Examples of Transactions Our Firm Has Undertaken

• M-Kopa, the world’s leading ‘pay-as-you-go’ energy provider to off grid homes, required advice on a receivables based syndicated loan of USD $55million, backed by Standard Bank, covering Kenya and Uganda. This innovative facility, the first of its kind, is being deployed primarily into off-grid households, with per capita income of less than US$2 per day. We were involved in from the pre-term sheet stage and assisted with the structuring of the transaction both in terms of the financing technique and security structure but also in relation to fit for the business (pre and post restructuring). Understanding the business model of the borrower and their likely cashflows enabled us to make changes to the proposed financing to better fit the business.
• We advised Daystar Power Group and its founder, Sunray Ventures, on the acquisition of a $10 million equity stake in Daystar by Verod Capital Management and Persistent Energy (Persistent).
• We successfully acted for Reem Emirates Aluminium LLC in relation to the construction of the FIVE JVC Hotel by Five Real Estate Development LLC.
• Acting in the first litigation matter in the UAE concerning cryptocurrency – a transaction in which the Claimant (Huobi) sought to sell 300-Bitcoins to a third-party buyer, and individual representing a syndicate of buyers.
• We successfully defeated a trillion-pound-claim against Gulf Bank of Kuwait.
• Instructed to act for Kuwait Finance House Kuwait on advice in relation to the acquisition of Kuwait Finance House Bahrain by Al Salam Bank.We have successfully acted as external administrator of Awal Bank in relation with over 75 different court proceedings to recover or protect Awal Bank assets across 12 different countries, including the US, the Cayman Islands, the UK, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with gross realisations now exceeding US$820 million.
• Assisted a client in the removal of a Red Notice in the Interpol system recorded under his name after he was absolved of all charges before the Dubai Courts
• We successfully acted for Gulf Air B.S.C in relation to a complex worldwide USD $19 million fraud committed by a network of seven separate defendants with one defendant having been employed by the national airline. We successfully acted for Behrooz Toorani in relation to a complex intra family dispute relating to the property of a Deceased Bahraini high-net- worth who died in England in 2027. Advising a key developer stakeholder Diyar, Amar 1 Real Estate, Amar 2 Real Estate, Ithmaar Development Company, Raya Development and the Bahrain Ministry of Works in relation to the design, development and construction of critical social infrastructure.
• Our Real Estate team is currently advising the Bahrain Marina Development Company on recent legal developments impacting the initial legal structure for a master developer of a 300,000 sqm retail, residential and hospitality components as well as preparing all key project documents including residential off-plan reservation and sale agreements, RERA compliant disclosure statements, community and building relations as well as retail leases.
• Our Real Estate and Construction team advised Arabian Exhibition Management W.L.L in connection with the termination of AEM’s commercial office lease following the sale of their leased premises to a new landlord and the reviewing, amending and finalising a short form construction contract known as the FIDIC green brook in relation to AEM’s fit=out works for their new commercial offices at United Gulf Tower.
• Acting for a British national charged and prosecuted by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in relation to ongoing bribery and corruption charges related to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Acting for Emirates REIT (CEIC) PLC in a DIFC Court proceeding, relating to a retail lease dispute (within the DIFC).
• Advising Informa Dubai in connection with negotiating and finalising Informa Dubai’s new commercial office lease for premises located at the iconic One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre commercial building in the UAE. Successfully acted for Emblem Consulting DMCC (MBLM) on corporate restricting group entities in New York, South Korea and the Middle East and in relation to a brand development and consulting agreement including reviewing and amending the necessary agreements.
• We act for Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS UK Ltd) in relation to the re-organisation following their acquisition of the Axis Group.
• We have been instructed by The Saudi Film Commission in relation to its recently launched Incentive Programme, involving reviewing the Film Commission’s operating model and baselining and analysing existing policy requirement.
• Advising Image Nation on various commercial related matters connected to its production and operational activities.
• Acted for Oman Air in relation to all IP related aspects including all trademark prosecution requirements internationally and in the region.
• Advised the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia on the launch of the inaugural Saudi Cup in February 2020 including restructuring the media and data rights framework for the event and advising on TV distribution, broadcast production and digital services agreements.
• Acting for the International Cricket Council (ICC) in relation to brand registration aspects of its new crypto NFT offering, Crictos.

Contacts:

Paula Boast
[email protected]

 Adrian Mayer
[email protected]

Types of Corporate Transactions in Which Our Firm Has Particular Expertise

We have been working with clients in the GCC region for over 30 years and operating on the ground in the Middle East for nearly 20 years. With both English and Arabic speaking lawyers, our experienced Middle East team understand your specific requirements and the nuances of each market place in the region. We undertake some of the region’s highest value transactions and cases and our partners in the Middle East are consistently ranked as leading lawyers in their respective fields in the independent directories such as Chambers Global and Legal 500. Our lawyers work seamlessly across the Middle East offices servicing clients from a ‘one team’ perspective regardless of geography and leveraging specific expertise from our other international offices as and when required. We work with a variety of clients and industries including, government entities and regulators, sovereign wealth funds, multi-national and regional corporates, major investors, high-profile families and individuals.

Our Africa team includes lawyers in our London, European and Middle Eastern offices, many of whom have lived and worked in Africa. We provide a multi-disciplinary approach backed by a deep understanding of the key growth sectors on the continent. Whether you’re an international corporate, institution, asset manager, investor or individual, we can support your business interests across Africa, including Corporate and M&A, Investment Funds, Real Estate and Construction, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Private Client services.

Awards and Memberships

• Winner – Chambers Middle East Awards 2024
• Winner – The Legal 500 Awards 2024
• Winner of Best Legal Services: Private Equity – Pan-Africa – AGF Africa Service Providers Awards 2023
• Deals Legal Advisor of the Year – Private Equity Africa Awards 2022

The Size of Our Firm’s Corporate Transactions Team

Team on the ground in the Middle East: 47 Africa Desk: 10

Examples of Transactions Our Firm Has Undertaken

• M-Kopa, the world’s leading ‘pay-as-you-go’ energy provider to off grid homes, required advice on a receivables based syndicated loan of USD $55million, backed by Standard Bank, covering Kenya and Uganda. This innovative facility, the first of its kind, is being deployed primarily into off-grid households, with per capita income of less than US$2 per day. We were involved in from the pre-term sheet stage and assisted with the structuring of the transaction both in terms of the financing technique and security structure but also in relation to fit for the business (pre and post restructuring). Understanding the business model of the borrower and their likely cashflows enabled us to make changes to the proposed financing to better fit the business.
• We advised Daystar Power Group and its founder, Sunray Ventures, on the acquisition of a $10 million equity stake in Daystar by Verod Capital Management and Persistent Energy (Persistent).
• We successfully acted for Reem Emirates Aluminium LLC in relation to the construction of the FIVE JVC Hotel by Five Real Estate Development LLC.
• Acting in the first litigation matter in the UAE concerning cryptocurrency – a transaction in which the Claimant (Huobi) sought to sell 300-Bitcoins to a third-party buyer, and individual representing a syndicate of buyers.
• We successfully defeated a trillion-pound-claim against Gulf Bank of Kuwait.
• Instructed to act for Kuwait Finance House Kuwait on advice in relation to the acquisition of Kuwait Finance House Bahrain by Al Salam Bank.We have successfully acted as external administrator of Awal Bank in relation with over 75 different court proceedings to recover or protect Awal Bank assets across 12 different countries, including the US, the Cayman Islands, the UK, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with gross realisations now exceeding US$820 million.
• Assisted a client in the removal of a Red Notice in the Interpol system recorded under his name after he was absolved of all charges before the Dubai Courts
• We successfully acted for Gulf Air B.S.C in relation to a complex worldwide USD $19 million fraud committed by a network of seven separate defendants with one defendant having been employed by the national airline. We successfully acted for Behrooz Toorani in relation to a complex intra family dispute relating to the property of a Deceased Bahraini high-net- worth who died in England in 2027. Advising a key developer stakeholder Diyar, Amar 1 Real Estate, Amar 2 Real Estate, Ithmaar Development Company, Raya Development and the Bahrain Ministry of Works in relation to the design, development and construction of critical social infrastructure.
• Our Real Estate team is currently advising the Bahrain Marina Development Company on recent legal developments impacting the initial legal structure for a master developer of a 300,000 sqm retail, residential and hospitality components as well as preparing all key project documents including residential off-plan reservation and sale agreements, RERA compliant disclosure statements, community and building relations as well as retail leases.
• Our Real Estate and Construction team advised Arabian Exhibition Management W.L.L in connection with the termination of AEM’s commercial office lease following the sale of their leased premises to a new landlord and the reviewing, amending and finalising a short form construction contract known as the FIDIC green brook in relation to AEM’s fit=out works for their new commercial offices at United Gulf Tower.
• Acting for a British national charged and prosecuted by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in relation to ongoing bribery and corruption charges related to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Acting for Emirates REIT (CEIC) PLC in a DIFC Court proceeding, relating to a retail lease dispute (within the DIFC).
• Advising Informa Dubai in connection with negotiating and finalising Informa Dubai’s new commercial office lease for premises located at the iconic One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre commercial building in the UAE. Successfully acted for Emblem Consulting DMCC (MBLM) on corporate restricting group entities in New York, South Korea and the Middle East and in relation to a brand development and consulting agreement including reviewing and amending the necessary agreements.
• We act for Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS UK Ltd) in relation to the re-organisation following their acquisition of the Axis Group.
• We have been instructed by The Saudi Film Commission in relation to its recently launched Incentive Programme, involving reviewing the Film Commission’s operating model and baselining and analysing existing policy requirement.
• Advising Image Nation on various commercial related matters connected to its production and operational activities.
• Acted for Oman Air in relation to all IP related aspects including all trademark prosecution requirements internationally and in the region.
• Advised the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia on the launch of the inaugural Saudi Cup in February 2020 including restructuring the media and data rights framework for the event and advising on TV distribution, broadcast production and digital services agreements.
• Acting for the International Cricket Council (ICC) in relation to brand registration aspects of its new crypto NFT offering, Crictos.

Contacts:

Esine Okudzeto
[email protected]

Mellisa Amarteifio
[email protected]

Types of Corporate Transactions In Which Our Firm Has Particular Expertise

• Mergers and acquisitions;
• Due diligence for the acquisition of companies and real estate;
• Sale and Purchase of Shares and Assets
• Debt issuance
• Equity issuance
• Corporate Finance
• Preparation and/or drafting of legal documents such as Sale and Purchase Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements, Shareholder Agreements and various commercial contracts/ agreements.
• Legal structuring and management of ownership and governance frameworks.
• Legal advice on the structure of cross- border and multi-stakeholder transactions in various industries.
• Tax Advisory and Consultancy: ongoing advice, legal opinions and support on tax-related matters, including mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, international tax planning, and other complex issues.
• Tax Planning and Strategy: Developing tax-efficient strategies tailored to the client’s business objectives, which aims at minimizing the client’s tax liabilities and maximizing client’s earnings.
• Compliance and Reporting: Advice and support to ensure accuracy and completeness in tax filings, and advise on the submission of filings and returns to avoid penalties and scrutiny from tax authorities.
• Drafting and registration of Technical or Management Services Agreements.
• Legal advice, registration and claims relating to intellectual property rights.
• Legal representation in commercial arbitration, mediation, and negotiation
• Liquidation of companies.

The Size of Our Firm’s Corporate Transactions Team

Our Firm’s Corporate transactions team consists of eleven (11) lawyers.

Examples Of Transactions Our Firm Has Undertaken

Lead Transaction Adviser and Negotiator for a Joint Venture between businesses in the Energy and Natural Resources Industry. Activities included giving legal advice on the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the terms of the Joint Venture, negotiation and drafting of the various agreements for the Joint Venture, including the Shareholders Agreement, the Logistics Agreement, the Supply Agreement and the Regulations of the JV Company.

Transaction Advisor for the Acquisition of Unilever OIL Palm Business by Companies in the Manufacturing and Consumer industry 3. The merger between Bayport Financial Services Ltd and CFC Savings and Loans Ltd: Legal advice on the structure of the transaction, taking into account the main concerns of the two companies, legal advise on meeting the obligations of the various regulatory institutions, which included Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission, drafting of transaction documents (share swap agreement, merger agreement and various board and shareholder resolutions).

Lead Transaction Adviser for the establishment of a Joint Venture Company for the provision of management services at the Perishable Cargo Facility at the Kotoka International Airport

Transaction Advisor for a foreign lender, on the structure of a credit facility to enable the government of Ghana meet its obligations under a Power Purchase Agreement valued over $350,000,000.

Transaction Advisor for the establishment and disbursement of a Private Equity Fund established to carry out investments in sectors including, but not limited to, food and agribusiness, education, inclusive financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial services. Legal review and advice on the Share Subscription Agreement, Shareholders Agreement and Investment Management Agreement among others.

Wilmar International’s Acquisition of Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP): Due diligence and transaction advisory services. Structuring the transaction to ensure compliance with the rules of the Ghana Stock Exchange on Mergers and Acquisitions, regulatory and environmental matters, corporate matters, and tax matters.

Enterprise Group PLC’s acquisition of Acacia Health Insurance Limited: Due diligence and transaction advisory services. Structuring the transaction to ensure compliance with the rules of the Ghana Stock Exchange on Mergers and Acquisitions, regulatory and environmental matters, corporate matters, insurance matters, and tax matters the organization has in Africa and Ghana in particular.

Unilever Ghana PLC’s sale of the ‘Blue Band’ spread business: Due diligence and transaction advisory services regarding demerging and selling the spread’s arm of the company. Drafted and reviewed transaction documentation, including sale and purchase agreements, conveyancing documentation, and intellectual property licensing agreements. Engaging with the union on the transfer of employees and ensuring compliance with the labour laws of Ghana.

Trademark Portfolio Management for Ghana including the conducting of searches to ensure registrability, registration of a brand name/logo, packing design, trademark renewals of trademarks, filing of oppositions, withdrawal applications and assignments.

Contacts:

Salim Ali
Partner
[email protected]

Mohamad Fouad Amer
Counsel
[email protected]

Dania Tyan
Counsel

Ashley Freeman
Counsel

Fahad AL Salem
Counsel

Types of Corporate Transactions in Which Our Firm Has Particular Expertise

Our team provides a wide range of corporate transaction services to governments, major corporations, and privately-owned businesses. The Firm’s expertise spans transactional, regulatory, advisory, and litigation & dispute resolution areas.

Specializing in facilitating foreign joint ventures, offering comprehensive support from creation to disposition, including management throughout the venture’s lifecycle. Our team is adept at advising clients on business structuring, establishment, operations, and eventual winding up and liquidation.

With a proven track record, we have successfully advised on numerous M&A deals across various sectors over the past two years. Our services encompass the entire M&A process, including structuring, due diligence, drafting documentation and agreements, and navigating procedural and regulatory requirements for seamless deal closure. Notably, we have acted as transaction advisor to merging companies registered with the Kuwait Capital Market and have provided counsel to both buyers and sellers in multiple acquisitions of shares and assets.

we have amassed unparalleled experience in all forms of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transactions and agreements because, our firm has served as the trusted legal advisor to the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) for four years. In addition to the above ,

our dedicated team provides expert guidance in the realm of Banking and Finance, on regulatory compliance, private equity, Islamic and conventional financing, and capital markets By handling matters of refinancing and debt restructuring, offering strategic solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.

The Size Of Our Firm’s Corporate Transactions Team

Al Hamad Legal Group corporate transactions team includes 2 partners and 10 lawyers with various experiences in different jurisdiction and area of Practice.

Examples Of Transactions Our Firm Has Undertaken

• Represented and supported a Kuwaiti renewable energy developer in the formulation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various governmental entities. The MOU is designed to facilitate the acquisition of carbon offsets aligning with the Paris Agreement, to which Kuwait is a committed signatory, and in accordance with the UNFCCC.
• Advised Kuwaiti renewable energy developer in Kuwait’s carbon reduction endeavors, in extending its expertise to several African nations implementing carbon reduction strategies and sustainability practices, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
• Advising US defense companies on critical infrastructure protection, ICT, cybersecurity and secured communications solutions and smart solutions in Kuwait, KSA and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Assisted acquisitions of Telecom licenses on behalf of Government owned entities
• Assisted a Kuwaiti media company launch into television station and broadcasting,
• Assisted a foreign company’s entry in Kuwait and region addressing content and licensing requirements, technology initiatives, organizational commitments, operations, and customer-facing services.
• Assisting a leading towers management operator in ensuring permitting and compliance of tower infrastructure at the national level.
• Represented several e-commerce companies negotiating and concluding e-commerce transactions agreements, such as software development, outsourcing, hosting, e-commerce websites development, marketing and alliance agreements.
• Assisting clients in IT Systems and Procurement – for the procurement of IT systems and related vendor services. In advising clients in this area, we help craft RFIs and RFPs, devise implementation strategies, identify risks and ensure that software development and implementation contracts are in sync with our clients’ needs.
• Advising clients on Licensing and Negotiations – Advising clients on licensing agreements, joint ventures, contract negotiations and other business legal issues related to technology acquisition and implementation, including advising on contracts with software vendors, managed services providers, outsourcing and hosting companies.
• Advising Health Informatics company on corporate structure and finance issues and identifying and negotiating joint venture arrangements with intellectual property issues for start-up companies or strategic alliances regarding new technology in the healthcare industry.

Contacts:

Types Of Corporate Transactions In Which Our Firm Has Particular Expertise

Our expertise lies in the following areas:

Investment Funds:

Our expertise in investment funds extends to navigating the dynamic landscape of fund structuring and regulatory compliance. With Mauritius as a strategic hub, our firm capitalizes on its robust network of double tax avoidance treaties spanning numerous countries. This positioning allows us to facilitate investment flows from developed countries into emerging market destinations across Asia (such as India and China) and African countries (including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Botswana).

We specialize in both open-ended funds, focusing on listed securities, and closed-end funds, targeting real estate and infrastructure projects. As trusted legal advisors, we provide comprehensive counsel on fund structuring, meticulously drafting essential documentation such as private placement memorandums and investment management agreements.

Moreover, our advisory services extend to navigating the intricate regulatory framework and ensuring compliance with tax requirements, safeguarding the interests of our clients and their investments. Institutional clients often rely on us to conduct thorough legal due diligence reports to ascertain the standing of the fund, accompanied by tailored legal opinions, a service we routinely deliver with precision and expertise.

This revised description adds more detail regarding the specific services offered by your firm in the realm of investment funds, highlighting your expertise in fund structuring, regulatory compliance, tax considerations, and legal due diligence.

Some institutional clients require a legal due diligence report on the good standing of the Fund and at times a legal opinion. We assist these requests on a regular basis.

Private Clients and Trusts and Foundations

Our expertise in serving private clients extends beyond mere legal counsel; we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) seeking effective succession planning and wealth management strategies for the preservation and growth of their assets. Additionally, we assist clients in establishing trusts and foundations, facilitating both commercial ventures and philanthropic endeavours.

Our advisory services encompass a wide spectrum of issues related to these structures, ranging from complex family dynamics to disputes requiring sensitive restructuring measures. We specialize in guiding clients through the intricate process of relocating trusts, offering expert advice and meticulously drafting essential documents such as deeds of appointment and retirement of trustees.

Furthermore, we excel in crafting bespoke trust deeds and navigating intricate legal matters, offering clear and insightful interpretations through meticulous legal opinions. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive robust legal solutions that align with their objectives, whether they pertain to wealth preservation, asset management, or charitable endeavours.

Banking and Finance

Within the realm of banking and finance, our firm has cultivated a distinguished reputation for our adept handling of cross-border transactions, serving both banks and clients with precision and expertise. In these complex financial arrangements, our role is pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of financing agreements, providing indispensable guidance to both borrowers and lenders.

Our track record speaks volumes about our proficiency in navigating the intricacies of such transactions, where meticulous attention to detail is paramount. From drafting and negotiating essential documents such as security agreements—including fixed charges, floating charges, corporate guarantees, and share pledge agreements—to ensuring strict compliance with Mauritius’ legal framework, our team consistently delivers results that exceed expectations.

Whether our clients are esteemed banks, institutional investors, or discerning individuals, they trust in our comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of banking and finance law, coupled with our unwavering commitment to their success. Our firm stands as a steadfast partner in their financial endeavours, providing tailored solutions and expert guidance every step of the way.”

This revised description underscores your firm’s expertise in handling complex banking and finance transactions, emphasizing your proficiency in drafting, negotiating, and ensuring legal compliance in cross-border financing arrangements.

Regulatory

The regulatory environment has undergone substantial transformation in recent years, driven by global efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion, and enhance data protection standards. In response to initiatives such as the FATF BEPS Action Points, regulatory bodies and tax authorities have intensified their scrutiny, imposing stringent compliance requirements on corporations worldwide.

At our firm, we are deeply versed in the evolving regulatory landscape, offering comprehensive guidance to our clients on navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance. From addressing obligations related to anti-money laundering measures and tax transparency initiatives to ensuring robust data protection protocols, we provide tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clientele.

Our proactive approach extends beyond mere advisory services; we actively engage with local regulators on behalf of our clients, advocating for their interests and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. When necessary, we represent our clients before regulatory authorities, leveraging our expertise and advocacy skills to safeguard their interests effectively.

In an era defined by heightened regulatory scrutiny and evolving compliance standards, our firm stands as a trusted partner, offering strategic guidance and steadfast support to help our clients navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence and clarity.

The Size of Our Firm’s Corporate Transactions Team

We are currently a team of Four lawyers.

Examples of Transactions Our Firm Has Undertaken

• Through collaboration with Charles Russell Speechlys, our firm played a pivotal role in supporting AgDevCo, a prominent UK financial institution, in providing mezzanine financing for agricultural projects across select African countries through Mauritian entities. Our involvement encompassed drafting essential security documents, securing necessary corporate authorizations, and delivering comprehensive legal opinions, ensuring the smooth execution of the financing arrangements
• We played a key role in facilitating the establishment of a closed-end fund in Mauritius on behalf of Emerging Africa Capital Fund, a distinguished fund manager headquartered in Nigeria. The fund’s primary objective is to provide vital capital to technology-based startup ventures seeking financial support, underscoring our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets
• We provided support to multiple family offices located in India and various European nations in restructuring their assets and aligning the interests of beneficiaries spread across multiple jurisdictions. Our expertise ensured a seamless reorganization process, safeguarding the long-term interests and objectives of the involved parties.
• We offer strategic counsel to both local management companies and international banks on a case-by-case basis, providing tailored solutions to meet their specific transactional needs. Notably, we have established an ongoing advisory relationship with a distinguished Swiss bank, offering regulatory insights and guidance pertinent to its transactions in Mauritius, ensuring compliance and facilitating smooth operations.

Contact:

Boma Ayomide Alabi
[email protected]

Types of Legal and Commercial Transactions in Which Our Firm Has Particular Expertise:

• Asset and Project Finance
• Arbitration and Mediation
• Commercial transactions
• Corporate finance
• Corporate governance and compliance
• Insolvency and Debt restructuring
• Islamic finance
• Mergers and Acquisition
• Micro Small & Medium Enterprises
• Public private partnerships
• Non-governmental Organisations
• Human Rights Law
• Litigation
• Environmental Law

The Size of Our Firm’s Corporate Team:

• Twelve (12)

Examples of Transactions Our Firm Has Undertaken:

• Advised a state government in Southern Nigeria on its proposed public-private partnership with an International Agricultural co-operative
• Represented a major South African Agri-business company in its transactions with Nigerian Produce suppliers.
• Assisted a Nigerian Cocoa Agri-business on its regulatory compliance with the Commodities Exchange of the London Stock Exchange.
• Conducted a due diligence exercise on behalf of an International private equity investor on its acquisition of shares in a Nigeria Agri-business.
• Advised a Nigerian FMCG company on the legal aspect of the creation of an agricultural value chain.
• Advised the Central Bank of Nigeria on licensing of Banks and Bureau de Change, critical policymaking, implementation, and enforcement of relevant laws and regulations for financial institutions.
• Appointed as Solicitors to the River State Government on its offer for the subscription of N100 Billion Fixed Rate Bonds.
• Advised a leading Nigerian Financial Institution on its private placement of 40 Billion ordinary shares.
• Appointed as solicitors to the Nasarawa State Government on its offer for subscription of N4.95 Billion at 16.5% Fixed Rate Secured Bonds.
• Appointed as solicitors to a Nigerian State Government issuer of a Sukuk Bond on its US$ 1,800,000,000.00 State Rail Project.
• Nigerian counsel to the issuer, an International Independent Exploration and Production Company in respect of its US$250,000,000 Initial Public Offer (IPO) and listing of common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
• Nigerian counsel in the First and Second phase of a Pre-Export Financing arrangement by the National Oil Company.
• Legal Adviser to a foreign company with operations in Nigeria on its Capital Repatriation Process
• Advised the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the US$ Billion Maritime and local content private equity fund.
• Advised on the divestment of a joint venture interest on a petroleum asset valued at approximately US$ 100 Million.
• Advised a leading international oil company on the viability of its Nigerian entity and assets, leading to a successful completion of a US$250,500,000 Initial Public Offering (IPO) of common shares and listing on the TSX.
• Provided legal advisory and support to global energy giant, Shell Nigeria’s subsidiaries on its dispute resolution and drafted notable commercial agreements: the maiden Tripartite Crude Handling Agreement in the industry in Nigeria; between SPDC, NPDC and POOC facilities transfer agreement, Crude Handling Agreement between SPDC and NAOC in respect of their Samabri/Biseni fields, Master Date Exchange and Confidential Agreements between SUND and Star Ultra Deep and SNUD and Ocean Energy in respect of their OPLs 245/249 and 245/256 respectively
• Advised, negotiated on behalf of, and provided full spectrum of legal support (including negotiation and review of the GSA, PPA and other transaction documents) to a Foreign JV for investment in and construction of a power plant within a Free Trade Zone in Nigeria
• Provided legal advisory to prospective International operators on prospective hospitality projects in Lagos, Abuja, Abeokuta, Asaba, Kano, Minna and Port Harcourt.
• Appointed as Consultants to the Bank of Industry (BOI) and we are responsible for facilitating loan applications on behalf of small, medium and large-scale enterprises (MSME) across Nigeria.
• Provided legal advisory and support to groups of micro-scale entrepreneurs through the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Network.
• Reviewed and advised an indigenous power company on the policy instruments, regulatory regime and commercial framework of the Nigerian Gas and Power Sector and their impact on the client’s bid company and the acquired asset.
• Engaged in the drafting of the Petroleum Industry Reform Bill 2016, an executive bill prepared and presented for consideration by the Federal Executive Council; the Legal Services Regulatory Bill 2017 and three (3) subsidiary legislations for the National Identity Management Commission. Also provided technical support to various State House of Assembly on the drafting of their Revenue Administration/Bond laws and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws
• Advised a leading Nigerian automobile dealership on the acquisition of controlling shares in two companies in the Netherlands.
• Administered a US$1.8 Million Administration of Criminal Justice project funded by the MacArthur Foundation across 28 states in Nigeria
• Facilitated training programs for Nigerian Lawyers on Conflict and Security and Environmental Law in partnership with the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales with support from UK Aid.
• Legal adviser to Centenary City Plc. a real estate and infrastructure company mandated to develop the USS18 Billion Abuja Centenary City, the first of its kind smart city development project in West Africa.
• Advised a foreign alternative energy company Solar Energy by D.Light Limited (the Nigerian subsidiary of D.Light Solar), on business entry into Nigeria including licensing, permits and other regulatory compliance requirements for supply of solar energy resources to the Nigerian market.
• Solicitors to Gombe State Government for Sukuk Issuance of up to N35 Billion to finance some critical infrastructure and economic development.
• Solicitors to Kano State Government for Sukuk Issuance of up to N50 Billion to finance the Kano Light Rail Project.
• Advised the promoters of Abuja Technology Village, in connection with the establishment of a N55 Billion technology park within a free trade zone in Abuja. It is expected that the park will be Nigeria’s own Silicon Valley and will boost the country’s quest for technological advancement.
• Advisory team to the transaction for purchase of the Assets (Goodwill and Intangible Assets) of Fastrade Logistics Limited by Medlog Logistics Services Nigeria Limited worth USD1,583,400.00 (one million five hundred and eighty-three thousand and four hundred US Dollars.
• Advised and facilitated the sale of a property transaction worth USD2,300,000.00
• Advised and drafted/prepared several hotel management/construction agreements

Human Rights

• Represented a government institution in an action arising from a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

Environmental Law

• Represented an oil producing community against a multi-national oil major/gaint and successfully recovered compensation excess of Eighty five Million Pounds (GB£ 85,000,000.00) for the host communities for despoliation of their environment by oil spills.