Legal Advisors Abdulaziz I Al-Ajlan & Partners is a Saudi Law firm established in 1998 and based in Riyadh and Jeddah. The firm advises clients through an association with multinational law firm Baker McKenzie.
Focuses / specialisms
In the financial and corporate sphere, the firm has a market leading offering across the board.
Its banking team advises sponsors and companies, as well as private equity funds, banks and other financial institutions across all types of loan work, with transactions ranging from short- term unsecured facilities to global banking facilities involving multi-jurisdictional collateral.
In capital markets the firm is particularly well recognised for its equity capital markets work, where it has worked on some of the high-profile IPOs, rights issuances and private placements in the Kingdom.
In M&A the firm’s offering is, similarly, among the market’s best, with strong track record of advising buyers and sellers on cutting-edge transactions.
The projects team supports all aspects of landmark projects in Saudi Arabia. It is regularly seen on large-scale developments in the PPP, transport and infrastructure, water and waste-water, power, petrochemicals, energy and manufacturing space.
Key clients
Key clients include Red Sea Gate Terminal, SICO Bank of Bahrain, Stryker Corporation, Dallah Healthcare Company, General Authority for Competition, Navantia, Shell Saudi Arabia Refining Limited, Arabian Centres Company, Citigroup Saudi Arabia, JP Morgan, GIB Capital, Samba Capital & Investment Management Company, Saudi Fransi Capital, NCB Capital, The Ministry of Finance, Saudi Arabia, Al Rahji Bank, Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden), Samba Financial Group / Samba Capital, Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited and The National Commercial Bank.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending : Lender side
"Constructive, innovative, responsive and knowledgeable."
Banking and finance
"Responsive, pragmatic, client-oriented."
"The team is overall highly professional, hard-working and capable, with excellent work quality, attention to detail and prompt response times. They also have on-the-ground presence with lawyers in both Jeddah and Riyadh, so they are always easily accessible and available in our two main locations. This makes our dealings easier, instead of arranging travel from other locations, particularly under the current circumstances. "
Capital markets : Equity
"Exceptional and unmatched services, accommodating the client at the priority basis, highly professional and experienced team. An assessment of the key team members is below. Karim Nassar: Wealth of experience. Offered support and critical advice at key moments during the assignment and stepped in to steer the ship whenever needed. No major weakness. George Marshall: Fast, diligent and responsible. Results-oriented and provided solutions at all roadblocks. No major weakness. Robert Eastwood: Has good communication skills and experience. Led the junior team responsibly in completing most of the accompanying legal assignments in the run-up to the IPO. Jad Slim: Was the main architect of prospectus, took a leading role in setting and meeting deadlines and filing with the CMA. Worked long hours to ensure that everything is as. His experience with the CMA was very handy for the transaction. Can be a bit too careful with things so took more time, however, his approach is always positive."
Financial services regulatory
"The law firm was very responsive as well as providing very well-structured and organised legal advice. "
M&A
"Solving legal issues while keeping the right balance with business interest. Proactive engagement to solve problems. Availability and quick turnaround."
Project finance
"In-depth knowledge and experience in project finance transaction in Saudi Arabia."
Restructuring : Corporate
"Provide accurate legal advice - set strategy and plan for way forward - implement."