Corporate/Commercial
Global Guide 2024 : Saudi Arabia
Band 1
Contact number
+966 114819700Chambers Review
In early 2023, Clifford Chance was one of the first international law firms to be issued a legal practice licence from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Justice. It now operates in the Kingdom via a joint venture with its former association partner (AS&H) and maintains a top-tier corporate practice with a considerable bench of respected lawyers. It is known for its deep knowledge of the fast-evolving Saudi market and its impressive track record of roles on numerous high-profile transactions. The team is often seen on very high-value M&A transactions and major joint venture agreements, with significant experience advising on cross-border mandates. Its clients include investment funds, international banks and major energy companies.
Work Highlights
- AS&H Clifford Chance counselled the Public Investment Fund on its SAR75 million auction of carbon credits, the first deal of its kind in the world.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The work done by AS&H is of the highest calibre and quality. They show both depth and breadth in their knowledge and experience."
"I value their judgement and experience with regulatory issues."
"It is a very strong law firm."
"The work done by AS&H is of the highest calibre and quality. They show both depth and breadth in their knowledge and experience."
"I value their judgement and experience with regulatory issues."
"It is a very strong law firm."
Notable Practitioners
In 2023 Guy Norman relocated to Riyadh from London, where he was most recently Clifford Chance's global head of corporate. In his current role he is principally focused on overseeing the integration of the new AS&H Clifford Chance joint venture into the law firm's global network.
Majid Al-Sheikh has strong capabilities in acquisitions and share buy-back transactions, as well as standing out for his advice on partnership and joint venture agreements. He is a highly experienced adviser whose recent work has also included major private equity investments and corporate restructurings.
"He stands out for his judgement, experience and accessibility."
Omar Rashid has wide-ranging expertise, equipping him well to handle acquisitions, divestments, mergers and restructurings. He regularly takes a leading role on some of the most significant transactions in Saudi Arabia.
"I work with him on transactional matters and he is top-notch."
"Omar is an excellent lawyer and strategic adviser. I recommend him to anyone looking for commercial legal advice on how to do business in Saudi Arabia."
Mansoor Alhagbani represents a variety of clients in a wide range of corporate matters, including tender offers, business transfer agreements, divestments and mergers. He is particularly popular with clients from the financial services industry.
Daniel Royle regularly advises clients on partnership and joint venture agreements. He also assists investment companies with acquisitions.
"He is very easy to work with and commercial."
Sahel Mughal is a seasoned member of the team, with experience acting on major deals in the energy and financial services sectors. He also heads up the Saudi investment funds group for Clifford Chance.
"He is a really good M&A lawyer; he's very technical."