Lebanon

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is a leading multi-practice law firm headquartered in Beirut and founded in 1996.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is one of the dominant market advisors in Banking, finance and capital markets. The firm represents both local and foreign banks on matters of corporate governance and regulatory compliance in addition to having strong experience in acquisitions and mergers of banks and a plethora of domestic and international extensions of credit and syndicated facilities.

In M&A the firm has a notable record of working on complex and cross-border M&A, including private equity, transactions across all industries and has expertise in transaction structuring, pre-acquisition due diligence, licensing, compliance and post-acquisition integration.

The firm also has a track record in projects and energy with major mandates in the electricity and oil and gas sectors.

Key clients

Key clients include Credit Suisse, Audi Bank, Ernst & Young, American Express, Bank for International Settlements, UBS, Commercial International Bank (CIB), Banque Saudi Fransi, FFA Private Bank, Saradar Bank, BLC Bank, Arab Finance Corporation (AFC), The Luxury Fund (TLF), Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor, Vestas, Samsung and 3M Group.

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

The firm’s engagement in banking predominantly centered on advising local, regional and international financial institutions on extending facilities to local businesses in Lebanon including project and corporate finance. The firm was also active in advising banks on laws and regulations governing issuances of financial products in Lebanon.

The firm was also active in M&A, where it supported its extensive network of clients on a range of acquisitions, restructurings and joint ventures in addition to advising on regulatory compliance work.

In project development the firm advised on several USD multi-billion mandates including the Minjara project and NEOM Giga-project.

Partner Ibrahim Barraj joined the firm while Partner Rita Papadopoulou departed the firm during the research period.

Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Arabian Construction Company multi-million financing

IBL $100 million subordinated bonds issue

Jableb Holding acquisition of ALMAZA

Monty Mobile multi-million mezzanine facility

Pharma group $60 million acquisition of a pharmaceutical plant

FFA $25million acquisition of shares in SIDEM

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

"Thorough and detailed feedback and information with regard to any questions, the process of registration, and local law."

Financial services regulatory

"Solid knowledge of corporate laws and remarkable creativity in finding solutions."

"Professional."

"The firm's lawyers are sharp, available 24/7 and ready to provide their support and contribute beyond the scope of the assigned mission. Their technical expertise, communication, approach and proximity is unique."

"Quick response, time management, clarity and professional conduct."

"Creative structures. Experience in the field and very good relationship with regulators."

M&A

"The partners at the firm have an edge over more traditional lawyers through their industry expertise, be it in fast moving consumer goods, product distribution or real estate. They really understand the market and the business. The firm's wide experience in banking and finance always proves to be useful. The key partners of the firm are a dream team."

"The firm are efficient and easy to work with. They provide excellent services, demonstrating professionalism and attention to all details of the transactions."

"Over the course of the last 11 years in which we have worked with this firm, we can safely say that the firm is highly knowledgeable as well as resourceful in a broad range of industries, especially in the areas we require their advice on – particularly trading companies, real estate, off-shore companies and holding companies. We have always been completely satisfied with the advice provided to us, noting that their responses answer our queries fully and appropriately and in a timely manner. We do not hesitate to recommend this firm to clients seeking legal advice."

"Confident, thorough, detail-oriented, timely, professional."

Private equity

"Professionalism, excellent understanding of the topic, excellent service."

"The firm has a very good record, and a very strong relationship with local and international firms and with regulators. The team’s in-depth knowledge and experience in our line of work stands out compared with other firms."

Project development : Energy

"Very thorough and professional approach, mobilisation for deadlines, they revert back for clarifications in order to deliver exactly what is needed."

"What differentiates the firm is their versatility and their outstanding capacity to analyse a situation from its different angles. They do not act as lawyers only, meaning legal aspects, but also as financial, organisational, managerial and strategic advisers."

Project development : Infrastructure

"Positive attitude, always looking to find solutions."

"Good team to assess the situation and advise accordingly."

"The team we are working with consists of a partner and a trainee attorney, both exhibit the utmost professionalism and knowledge of the subject at hand. They are courteous, kind and extremely helpful. "

Project development : Telecommunications networks

"They do everything well at all levels."

Project finance

"The law firm has the right people for each area, all with world-class excellence in their field. The firm has an unprecedented knowledge of the political situation in Lebanon and in financial advisory, arbitration and settlement negotiations."

"They are fast when needed; the advice provided always seems clear and solid; their fees are not too high and they don't try to add things to the baseline retainer like many firms do; they sometimes go the extra mile, such as providing quick translations."

Restructuring : Corporate

"They provide efficient support. They are well connected with international law firms."

"Good and pragmatic advice. "

"They have excellent experience in the law and regulations and deliver legal advice covering all concerns."

Carlos Abou Jaoude

"He is a real asset in both legal and financial structuring, he has a very good reputation across the industry and has built a strong relationship with Lebanese and foreign law firms and with regulators."

"Engagement, hard work, availability, creativity."

"In-depth knowledge and experience in the field and in our firm in particular. Very good communication skills. Creative in structuring deals and in problem-solving."

"He is a genius within his field, with an extreme drive and a broad knowledge, and very well connected."

"Outstanding qualifications with high level of business acumen."

Chebl Atallah

"Honesty, ownership and follow-up."

Ibrahim Barraj

"Very knowledgeable and friendly. "

Simon El Kai

"The breadth of his legal knowledge is impressive and allows him to tackle any complex matter efficiently. He has experience working with international law firms. He's a straight-to-the-point lawyer, and is very reliable and trustworthy."

"He is a high-performance lawyer. Smart with an 'out of the box' thinking, he crafts innovative solutions and tailors his creativity to suit every situation. Very knowledgeable and experienced, he understands the company's needs and interests and handles with diligence and care any matter referred to him by the company."

"Simon is very knowledgeable about the life sciences and pharma sector and always responds very quickly on referral matters, providing high-quality work on time and on budget. Very easy to work with. "

"He was patient with us, and able to manage people from all parts of the globe asking questions."

"He reveals a high degree of professionalism, perseverance and knowledge and is quick at responding to our inquiries. He has exceptional analytical skills which quickly appear in his ability to deduce important information."

Souraya Machnouk

"Helpful, reliable, and thorough – transparency from her and all members of her team. "

"Professional and knowledgeable."

"She is knowledgeable, professional and her emotional intelligence is admirable."

"She is simply excellent in everything related to her profession."

"Very knowledgeable, with a great experience and high communication skills."

"She has a wealth of knowledge that she shares very openly. She is professional, courteous, attentive and a subject-matter expert in all things related to the law. She inspires and stuns all around her with her grace and knowledge. "

"Responsive, clear and solid answers to our cases, smooth communication."

"She's reachable and responsive all the time. She has analytical thinking and problem solving."

"She provides very good legal advice. She is very commercial and manages the client's expectations very well. She is super-responsive and a pleasure to work with. "

"Excellent lawyer with huge experience in Lebanon."

"Listens carefully to her client's needs, innovative and provides the best service."

"She is an extremely bright person. Very quick to understand and assess a situation. She knows what to do and when to do it and she can identify the need to have others intervene to facilitate a situation. Excellent personality. Excellent communication, very eloquent. Impeccable knowledge of the laws and their ramifications. Soft when needed but can be tough and strict in a very subtle manner. Outstanding lawyer."

Eptalex - Aziz Torbey Law Firm is an international law firm headquartered in Beirut with offices in United Arab Emirates and Italy.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s corporate team advises on debt and equity placements, debt restructurings, domestic and international mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, private equity, corporate governance and general corporate matters.

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period the firm’s work in financial and corporate practice includes fund formation, share buyback and private acquisition.

There have been a few staffing changes in the firm during the research period with new associates joining the firm and a few associates departing the firm.

Founded in 2005 AbdelSater AbuSamra & Associates is a Lebanese law firm with activities extending to the Middle East and beyond. The firm is headquartered in Beirut.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm has a breadth of expertise and strong reputation in supporting corporate, banking, M&A and cross-border transactions.

Sectoral strengths include infrastructure, power, oil and gas, social infrastructure, telecommunications networks, transport and utilities.

Key clients

The firm’s clients include international companies, multinationals, leading national companies, private investors, investment funds, banks and financial institutions, international and local NGOs.

Founded in 1995, Airut Law Offices is a Lebanese law firm with offices in Beirut, Lebanon, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq and Baghdad.

Focuses/ specialisms

The firm’s Beirut based legal teams are highly experienced in serving clients, in Lebanon and overseas, on swathes of banking, investment funds, M&A and project development mandates each year.

Key clients

Key clients include Bader Nasser Al Kharafi, IFA Group, HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdel Aziz, BRH Group, The Lebanese American University, The Lebanese American University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital, Philip Morris International, Novartis, Booz Allen Hamilton, Verdun Mall, Four Seasons Hotel, Bank of Beirut, Crédit Libanais, Bank Med, Algorithm, BMB International, Taanayel Les Fermes and Bonjus.

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

Bank lending : Lender side

"Very professional, communicate well, prompt actions, pragmatic and extensive knowledge in corporate finance."

"very professional, good communication, pragmatic, reasonable and extensive knowledge about financial terms."

Investment funds

"Always attentive, always protective, fast replies and above all sensitive to my requirements."

"They are extremely cooperative, they follow very closely their clients and their interests. "

M&A

"They did the full due legal and tax due diligence on the acquired company in an accurate and timely manner."

"Professionals. Diligent. Trustworthy."

"Responsive, timely, competent, knowledgeable, cost-effective."

"They have a lot of expertise which allows them to find creative solutions for difficult negotiation points."

Project development

"The firm has an extensive knowledge in the field we are involved in, very professional advice and quick to respond."

"Comprehensive and transnational approach."

Project development : Infrastructure

"The firm is very supportive, professional and we are very happy with the services provided by the law firm."

Founded in 1995, Airut Law Offices has offices in Beirut, Erbil, Baghdad and Dubai.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm’s Beirut-based legal teams are highly experienced in serving clients, in Lebanon and overseas, on swathes of banking, investment funds, M&A and project development mandates each year.

Key clients

Key clients include Bader Nasser Al Kharafi, IFA Group, HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdel Aziz, BRH Group, The Lebanese American University, The Lebanese American University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital, Philip Morris, Novartis, Booz Allen Hamilton, Verdun Mall, Four Seasons Hotel, Bank of Beirut, Crédit Libanais, Bank Med, Algorithm, BMB, Taanayel Les Fermes and Bonjus.

Bijjani Advocates is a boutique law firm based in Rabieh. It was established in 2016.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm specialises in corporate and commercial work, with the bulk of its engagements being M&A, private placements, capital markets and securities transactions.

The firm serves Lebanese corporations and regional entities and has in recent years secured work for clients in Kuwait, KSA, UAE and Qatar.

Key clients

The firm’s key clients include Le Monde Magazine, Hera Spain, ZAIN Telcom, UBS Bank (Lebanon), Panasonic, Pharma International, Bank of Cyprus, FOO, Convo Hotels, HTG, Kitwood, Card Group, Catholic Church (Maronite Diocese of Antelias Lebanon), Fahed Chain Supermarkets, Lutheran World Relief, Healing Children’s War Wound, Arc-En-Ciel and Codebrave.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Bijjani Advocates is a professional legal entity ensuring prompt support and advice.”

El-Aref International Law Office is headquartered in Beirut. It was founded in 1942.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a strong position in Lebanon for banking, project finance and corporate finance and often advises leading development banks, international banks and lenders.

It also has a highly competitive M&A offering, which provides a service to large companies, investment banks and other market participants on the full breadth of corporate transactions in Lebanon.

Key clients

Key clients include BBC News, Associated Press, Dow Jones & Company, EBRD, Proparco, Société Générale, Barclays Bank, Saudi Fransi Bank, CACEIS, Credit Suisse, Islamic Development Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank and Arab Finance House, AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Daimler, Intel, ABB, Ford, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, World Fuel Services, Primesouth, Synaptive Medical, Piety International, Nabed and NAR Technologies.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking

“The best law firm, with extensive experience in banking, restructuring, insolvency, etc.”

Project development: energy

“They are very efficient, responding to requests within 48 hours. If it’s a larger document drafting, they always meet deadlines.”

Hayat Law is a Beirut based business law firm established in 2012. The firm has additional offices in Baghdad, Iraq.

Focuses/ specialisms

The firm is active in the financial and corporate area with restructuring work being a key focus area for the team recently.

The firm offers legal services to clients in Lebanon and across the Middle East and North Africa, advising local and regional businesses, as well as wealthy individuals and families. The firm maintains strong links to Lebanon’s closely held family businesses and boasts considerable expertise in the country’s TMT sector.

Key clients

The firm’s key clients list includes such names as Al Ghurair Group, Al Kabida, Bitar Group, CIBCO, Iffco, LIBD, Omatra Group, Sama, S-Com, TabbCo and Tri-Sat Communication Company.

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

M&A

"They are professional, responsive and accurate in terms of advice. Managing partner is an excellent negotiator, and Farah Wahab an associate with a wide range of knowledge and expertise."

Rasamny Law Firm is a full-service law firm based in Beirut.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm’s financial and corporate practice focuses mainly on capital markets, restructuring and insolvency and corporate and M&A. The firm’s industry sector strengths are automotive, energy, banking, financial institutions, private equity, technology, consumer products and hospitality.

Key clients

The firm’s key clients are Rymco, InterContinental Phoenicia Hotel, Al Mawarid Bank, Boecker, Virgin Megastores, Almarai, Agility, Rubaiyat and La Société Des Grands Hotels du Liban.