Corporate/M&A: Egypt

THE FIRM With its team of some of the country's most esteemed lawyers, this international firm remains one of the best corporate practices in Egypt. The firm was active on several notable deals despite the unrest in the jurisdiction, including representing Savola Group in its EGP713.5 million cross-border acquisition of two companies in the food and beverage sector. The firm also regularly advises regional and international heavyweights such as Bank Audi Egypt and Booz Allen Hamilton.

Sources say: "A world-class firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mohamed Ghannam's deep understanding of the market is well recognised by peers, particularly in the field of M&A. Clients rate him as "first class in all aspects."

Market and client sources are full of praise for the "efficient and knowledgeable" Tamer El Hennawy. He has established a strong reputation, particularly in M&A and competition law.

Partner Mohamad Talaat is well respected amongst peers for his excellent leadership skills and experience in M&A.

Sherif El Hosseny earns praise from clients for his "tremendous" expertise in aviation.

THE FIRM This group has developed a strong presence in Egypt. It combines the resources of the international DLA Piper network with significant corporate expertise to advise on several prominent transactions. Of note, the team acted for El Borg Laboratories on the acquisition of laboratory facilities in Egypt and Sudan. In addition, the firm represented Euromena Private Equity in its USD13 million acquisition of Al Oyoun Al Dawly Eye Hospital.

Sources say: "Outstanding on every level."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Omar Bassiouny heads the practice. Clients admire his excellent negotiation skills and unfailing dedication, saying: "He is so passionate about what he does." He is active on many deals, including advising on the Euromena Private Equity matter. 

Managing partner John Fouad Matouk is well respected by peers. He is often the first point of contact for international clients, who appreciate his understanding of the local commercial environment.

THE FIRM This full-service firm handles a large range of corporate matters, particularly in the infrastructure, oil and gas and technology sectors. The firm often acts for international law firms seeking local law advice in Egypt. Notable clients include EFG Private Equity, Arcadis and Vista Equity Partners. The firm also acted as escrow agent for Pickalbatros on a USD110 million share buy-back.

Sources say: "Qualified, diligent and professional."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rasheed Kamel heads the firm's corporate practice and is active on the headline deals. Clients commend him for his hard-working attitude and commitment to his work.

THE FIRM This widely respected eight-lawyer team is active on a number of significant transactions. The firm is notably strong on PPP matters. One work highlight involved advising IFC on the development of the Alexandria Hospitals PPP project. The team also assists international companies with their local operations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sara Hinton is widely respected by peers and clients for her deep-rooted understanding of the market, along with her international experience.

THE FIRM This busy team stands out for its wide range of expertise. It regularly represents a broad spectrum of international and regional investors in the Egyptian market, such as Orascom Telecom and EFG-Hermes Holding. Highlights include advising Paradise Capital on the sale of its majority stake in Olympic Group to Electrolux for USD450 million.

Sources say: "Amongst the best in Egypt." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founder Mona Zulficar heads the practice and acts on the key deals. Clients say she is a "top-notch lawyer," and peers agree she is "one of the best capital markets lawyers in Egypt."

THE FIRM The Cairo office of this global firm continues to attract both international and domestic clients. It stands out for its expertise advising on PPPs especially. The firm is active representing regional clients in Egyptian law matters governing their local operations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Lacey manages the firm and is particularly experienced in construction law.

THE FIRM This local firm has attracted attention thanks to several noteworthy transactions, particularly in the telecoms sector. Weather Investments instructed the team on local law aspects of the USD6.5 billion sale of its interest in Wind Telecom to VimpelCom. In addition, the group can count the likes of Orascom Telecom amongst its clientele.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Ashraf Elibrachy is a well-respected lawyer who covers corporate law, alongside his banking and finance practice. Clients note that "he has the ability to cover the details without losing the big picture."

Tarek Gadallah is a key first point of contact at the firm. Sources say he is "ambitious, intelligent and very committed to work."

THE FIRM Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this local firm has a truly long-standing market presence. The ten-strong team maintains an active profile on major deals, including advising Kraft on a potential merger with Cadbury Egypt. In addition, the firm represented Dubai-based Arqam Capital in its USD30 million stock purchase of Al Rashad Securities Brokerage.

Sources say: "An old firm with deep experience in Egypt." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate practice head Emad Shalakany is the main point of contact at the firm.

THE FIRM This full-service firm offers a range of corporate and commercial services to its clients across a broad range of sectors including food and beverage, hospitality and oil and gas. One highlight includes advising Standard Chartered on its acquisition of a local bank. The firm also represented drilling company Tesco Corporation in its acquisition of Premiere Casing Services Egypt, a provider of tubular services. 

Sources say: "Very well-read, knowledgeable lawyers – rigorous, careful and speedy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karim Sarhan is the key contact at the firm.

THE FIRM This seasoned local firm is a popular destination for clients seeking local law advice, earning respect in the market for its long-standing presence. The varied expertise of this team allows it to cover a broad range of local law matters including IP and licensing, real estate and M&A. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value managing partner Yasser Hashem for his level of analysis. In the words of one, he delves "deep into a case and gives you a thorough legal opinion."

Sameh Khodeir is well recognised by sources for his expertise in oil and gas matters. 

The well-respected Tewfik Shehata straddles both the corporate and contentious spheres.

Clients describe Hala Hashem as "delightful, dedicated and very easy to work with."

THE FIRM This firm is a widely respected name in shipping and IP. Alongside its top-notch maritime practice, the firm has widened the scope of its services, with employment and corporate advisory work increasingly prominent.  

Sources say: "Very strong for maritime law." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Hisham Eldib is the main point of contact.

THE FIRM This firm enjoys a solid reputation in the Egyptian legal market. A mainstay in the local corporate scene, it regularly advises household names on their presence in the jurisdiction. Repeat clients include the likes of Coca-Cola and Dow.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ahmed Abou Ali heads the practice and is well respected by peers. He is an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt.

THE FIRM Ibrachy & Dermarkar is one of Egypt's oldest firms. The team covers a range of areas including corporate, employment and IP. Highlight matters include representing one of the largest cement producers in Egypt in its challenge to the State Development Fees Law before the Ministry of Finance. The successful challenge could save the client EGP100 million.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Long-standing managing partner Bahieldin Elibrachy is the key contact for corporate matters.

THE FIRM This local firm is appreciated by clients for its employment, hospitality and real estate expertise. The team maintains a strong portfolio of clients including Marriott Hotels, Petrolube and Gulf of Suez Petroleum.

Sources say: "A very detail-oriented and professional team." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Karim Adel Kamel Ghobrial is the main point of contact at the firm.

THE FIRM This firm continues to sustain a thriving corporate practice, focusing mainly on M&A, oil and gas transactions and construction matters. The team has handled several major deals for noteworthy clients including BP, Philip Morris and Four Seasons.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tarek Riad is the key name at this firm.

THE FIRM This local firm continues to strengthen its position in the market, focusing on local law advice in relation to corporate structures and capital markets transactions. One of the firm's notable deals was advising a local firm on a proposed EGP200 million IPO on the Egyptian Exchange. Clients also benefit from the firm's experience working with government entities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hani Sarie El Din is widely respected by peers for his expertise in capital markets as well as corporate law.

THE FIRM This firm has consolidated its reputation in the market through its active corporate practice. The firm is widening the scope of its offering through the expansion of its expertise in Islamic law, non-governmental organisations and corporate structuring. Peers and clients alike appreciate the professionalism and co-operative approach of this team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarwat Abd El-Shahid is the firm's key contact.