Practice

Mergers & Acquistions

Cross-border and domestic M&A in the UAE, share and asset deals, joint ventures and merger-control strategy, with partner-level attention throughout.

The Firm advises on mergers & acquisitions in the UAE, with particular strength in cross-border transactions where a UAE party is dealing with a foreign counterpart, often for the first time. A UAE deal rarely sits within a single legal system, and we advise with that in mind from the outset.

We advise on the choice between share and asset structures, on joint ventures and minority investments, and on merger-control notification where a transaction meets the applicable threshold. Where the buyer or seller sits outside the UAE, the transaction is often structured across more than one jurisdiction, and we work alongside overseas counsel where that is the case. We also advise on corporate restructuring, including contentious insolvency, where this arises alongside or instead of a transaction.

The same senior lawyer typically leads a transaction from the first term sheet through to completion, rather than handing it between teams as it moves through negotiation, documentation and closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on M&A in the UAE.

The right structure depends on where the target sits — onshore, in a free zone, or in a financial centre such as the DIFC or ADGM — and on what the buyer is trying to achieve commercially. We advise on structure from the earliest stage of a transaction.

Neither is inherently better; the right choice depends on what the buyer wants to acquire and the liabilities it is prepared to assume. We advise on which structure fits a specific target and transaction.

The UAE operates a merger control regime under which qualifying transactions must be notified before completion. Whether a specific transaction meets the applicable threshold depends on the figures involved, and thresholds are subject to change. We assess this at the outset of a transaction and manage any notification required.

Selling to a foreign buyer follows a broadly similar process to a domestic sale, with added attention to cross-border payment mechanics and any additional approvals that may apply. We advise sellers through due diligence, documentation and completion.

Timelines vary considerably depending on the target’s jurisdiction and the deal structure. We advise clients on a realistic timeline once we understand the specific transaction.

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