AZTAN Law Firm

Managing Partner: Tayeb Hassabo
Co-Founders: Tayeb Hassabo, Azhari Traifi, Nawal Sadik, Abdalla Radi
Senior Partners: Osama Ombada, Inaam Attiq, Sulaf Abu Baker, Swaleh Kanyeki
Number of partners: 8
Number of lawyers: 12
Number of associates: 8
Languages: Arabic, English

Firm Overview:
Established in 1989, AZTAN Law Firm excelled in its range of work and depth of local technical expertise. As the region developed and the need for expertise and skills expanded, AZTAN proved to be the pioneer in expanding the provision of its expertise and skills to cover Dubai, South Sudan, Kenya and other neighboring countries. The effective use of technical skills at firm level is increasingly reliant on well-developed managerial capabilities among AZTAN’s team of professional staff. AZTAN maintains its commitment to the continuous education and career development of its team members. In addition to its three regional offices (Aztan Sudan, Aztan, Sulaf & Associates, South Sudan and Aztan Kenya), in January 2014 AZTAN entered a joint-venture with Al-Gharib & Associates in Dubai. Furthermore, Aztan has established relationships, connections and associations with coorporations and a number of firms in the USA, Europe, the GCC, the Middle East and North Africa.

Main Areas of Practice:

Corporate & M&A:
■ Representation of local, regional and multinational companies in their restructuring transactions (in Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya and Dubai)
■ Handling setting up and registration formalities of companies and businesses
■ Handling local and international M&A transactions (e.g., represented JTI in acquiring HCTF for US$ 450M, represented Etisalat Telecom of United Arab Emirates in selling its stake in Canar Telecom in Sudan for US$ 93M, represented Copact Infrastructure Co. Ltd in acquiring Shawahiq Engineering Co. Ltd.)

Banking & Finance:
■ Representing, on annual retainer basis, Qatar Islamic Bank/Sudan Branch, on all corporate, investment, finance and litigation matters
■ Representing major telecom companies in their finance transactions (e.g., MTN, Canar, Huawei).
■ Advising the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (Kuwait) regarding its finance and investments in Sudan
■ Representing the World Bank in its EBA researches in Sudan
■ Advising Citi-Bank on issues in South Sudan

Litigation & Arbitration:
Aztan has a top litigation team amongst all law offices in Sudan and South Sudan by representing (e.g.):
■ Lafarge (France)
■ ED & F Man (UK)
■ Suzuki (Japan)
■ Qatar Islamic Bank
■ Ksure Insurance Co (S. Korea)
■ Paris Gallery (Dubai)
■ Expert opinion (on Sudan laws) on behalf of BNP Paribas S.A to a court in New York The firm handled substantial domestic arbitration disputes under the Sudanese Civil Procedures Act 1983, the Arbitration Act 2005 and the Arbitration Act 2016 as well as international commercial arbitrations, under Rules of the ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, etc.

Oil, Gas & Mining:
Representing many multinational oil consortiums (including major companies that explored oil in Sudan) in their transactions, contracts and the EPSA vis-à-vis the government.

Intellectual Property:
As registered trademark attorneys specialising in trademark management, patent and copyright searches, applications and infringement litigation; Aztan developed its practice to serve a wide range of start-ups and creative people. The firm offers a variety of legal services to protect the interests of individuals and businesses, with a full understanding of the clients’ needs.

Other Areas of Practice:
Aztan is well equipped to handle and fully engaged in the following areas of practice:
■ Projects & Joint Ventures
■ International Trade
■ Agency, Distribution & Franchise
■ E-Commerce
■ Insurance
■ Real Estates Transactions
■ Construction
■ Product Liability
■ Immigration
■ Environmental Regulations, Litigation & Compliance
■ Employment Litigation
■ Transfer of High Technology
■ Information Technology
■ Telecommunication
■ Government Contracts, Counseling & Disputes
■ Aviation, Carriage & Transportation
■ Marine Laws & Practice