Corporate/M&A

Freshfields is a pre-eminent law firm with an impressive corporate offering across the MENA region, comprising offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, in addition to the three offices of its Saudi Arabian affiliate in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. This is complemented by a noteworthy Iranian practice principally run from Vienna. The firm typically advises private equity firms on investment matters and assists clients with high-profile M&A deals. Like other leading firms in the region, its recent M&A work has included high-profile mergers in the financial services sector. Its lawyers also offer sector-specific experience in the TMT, healthcare, automotive, and oil and gas industries.

A client said: "I would say they are operating at the highest level. Their commercial awareness is very high."

Another client summarised: "They are responsive and answer questions quickly; they have excellent customer service."

Michael Hilton is a highly regarded lawyer who is Freshfields' managing partner in Abu Dhabi. He is an accomplished adviser on large-scale acquisitions arising both within the UAE and across the wider GCC. He regularly handles M&A in the oil and gas and financial services sectors.
"Michael is very hands-on and makes himself available. He is measured and sensible in his approach, he doesn't rush to decisions and he is very calm and collected."

Pervez Akhtar is widely viewed as a market leader in M&A transactions across the Middle East. He is particularly distinguished in the private equity sphere, acting for high-profile regional and international clients including sovereign wealth funds. He is also a pre-eminent lawyer for transactions in the oil and gas, education, and food and beverage sectors. He is based in Dubai.

Dubai-based Rob Cant is a seasoned lawyer on M&A and private equity matters. His practice sees him act for private investment companies and sovereign wealth funds on a variety of buyouts and joint venture arrangements.
"Rob is one of the most commercial partners I have ever met but without compromising on any other aspect of a transaction."