Omani firm
Al
Busaidy Mansoor Jamal & Co was established almost 40 years ago. It currently
operates out of an office in Muscat.
The firm is a leading Omani domestic law firm, it offers experience and high-quality advice and service, and, has excellent knowledge of the Oman’s law and regulations and how the country
operates.
The firm
generally has a local counsel role on a good share of the market’s most significant financial and corporate deals in both the public and the private sector. Banking, capital markets, M&A and project finance are all areas of expertise.
The firm’s notable clients include the Acme Solar Holdings, Ad-Dhahirah Generating Co, Ahli Bank, Government of Oman, Franks International ME, Habib Bank,
Bank Muscat, JP Morgan,
Muscat Bourse,
ACWA, OHI Group of Companies
and Doosan Heavy Industries, to name a few.
Research period review: 33rd
edition (2023/2024)
In banking the firm was active for both borrowers and lenders on several of the country’s large projects, acquisition, corporate and asset financing and refinancing mandates, but also worked across the full spectrum of lending work. The firm continued to demonstrate its strong
expertise in Islamic finance during the research period.
In capital markets the firm was involved in IPO work, as well as a plethora of issuances of Islamic and conventional debt instruments.
The firm’s M&A team acted on the buy and sell side of several impactful acquisitions,
predominantly asset, real
estate and private acquisitions. The team also advised on
mergers,
divestitures and joint ventures.
The firm was also active in the country’s restructuring and insolvency space where it typically represented distressed and transforming businesses.
In project development the firm advised
mainly on energy projects. The firm also worked on real estate and utilities projects.
Deal Highlights:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
Americana Restaurants ADX
and Tadawul IPO
Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries $278.6million financing
Gulf Drilling and Intelligent Driller $ 40.6million financing
Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel $ 500
million refinancing
National Bank of Oman $134million bond issue
National Life & General Insurance Company $139.76
million
financing
Oman Tech Infrastructure $260
million financing
OQ Trading $789.47
million financing
Client feedback:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
“Knowledgeable in all areas of banking, especially Islamic finance and structure, they have a fast turnaround time and are detail orientated.”
“They are a strong team – quick turnover, comprehensive 360 degrees coverage on the topic, and out-of-the-box thinking.”
“They provide very short turnaround time with
appropriate levels of review with well-rounded experts on each issue. Very approachable. Excellent regulatory, business and market understanding allow them to consistently
provide the right advice. They are proactive in sharing pertinent legal changes that
impact our business. They have a clear USP of superior client service. – a 'client first' policy without compromising their own ethos.”
Capital markets: Structured finance and
securitisation
“AMJ are always
very helpful and available. The provide advice with details and supporting arguments.”
Financial services regulatory
“They are the best legal firm in terms of corporate governance matters. Every time we approach them seeking advice related to corporate governance we receive in
good time
high levels of advice, including on designing internal policies and procedures, which is rarely found in Oman.”
“They are attentive to client needs, with well-researched knowledge on liquidation and other commercial laws.”
“Quick in their response. Very practical approach. They find solutions for every difficult problem.”
“Professional, knowledgeable and prompt.”
“The proposed deal was to be closed in a very tight timeline. AMJ was instrumental in finalising the loan document
in a timely manner to enable us to close the deal. AMJ
assisted us throughout our journey on the deal.”
“They have the Omani experience, expertise, and market knowledge.”
“Al
Busaidy is a pioneer in the Omani market. They understand transactions well and understand deal dynamics. They are responsive and reliable. “
“The documents received from AMJ are among the best we have seen in Oman. During our discussions, the advice received is meaningful and practical, reflecting their strong experience.”
“Extremely supportive of the client, always willing to go the extra mile in service delivery, they are a knowledgeable team and very diligent in their work.”
Project development: Energy
“They are very responsive, and always provide clear and concise advice to the highest standard. They also really know the market and the core sectors of energy and utilities.”
Project development: Infrastructure
“Accumulated experience – and responsible advice based thereon – of case law and regulators, working rules in the sector in this jurisdiction.”
“They helped us in understanding the implications of the local regulations on the project.”
“They offer professionalism, credibility, efficiency, commitment and transparency.”
“Their legal opinion is always sharp and prompt, with accessibility to senior partner and attention to legal detail.”
“They offer prompt response, logical view and interpretation of the laws and the agreement clauses.”
“Good understanding of English laws as well as Omani laws.”
“They are well versed in local law requirements and corporate culture in Oman. They are also fully aware of project financing compliance requirements.”
“Knowledgeable. Good turnaround time. Meticulous.”
“Ahmed has a very high knowledge of commercial
companies law and capital markets law.”
“Helpful/cooperative attitude, local law knowledge, experience in managing events.”
“Prompt, courteous and knowledgeable.”
“Strong knowledge and prompt response.”
“He is very friendly and has a positive attitude. He
provides
very detailed analysis for any matter and the related supporting articles.”
“Very knowledgeable on both local and international law and best practices. In-depth capital market and business knowledge. Immediate responsiveness despite heavy workload. Very approachable
and
great communication skills. Balanced advice with respect to protecting the business and the individual requesting advice.”
“Good communication skills. Helpful and cooperative attitude. Legal knowledge. Provides professional services in
timely manner.”
“Dedicated, well versed and learned with local laws.”
“Armughan has excellent knowledge on corporate governance matters.”
“Knowledge and client relationship management.”
“Listens and responds sensibly.”
“He provides clear advice based on deep knowledge and wide experience in the business sector.”
“Mansoor knows the market like the back of his hand. He is our 'go to' lawyer for all Omani projects work.”
“He is a market leader, with broad experience of major M&A transactions in the market and the local contacts required to get a transaction done.”
“Mansoor is very accessible, commercially astute and valuable.”
“Mr Mansoor is an expert in his field and his explanations are very good. He has sound understanding of the regulations of Oman.”
“Very knowledgeable and detail-oriented with an optimistic attitude.”
“Knowledgeable, good turnaround time, meticulous, friendly and optimistic.”
“A rising star. Extremely clear communication of complex issues and highly responsive.”
“Adi has been always helpful and would come up with creative solutions to various challenges that we face during the transaction.”
“Marcus has excellent knowledge of the Omani legal framework. He is receptive to suggestions and ideas and is available all the time for discussions and offers solutions.”
“He has a problem-solving approach and suggests workable solutions.”
“Ravinder is good in terms of explaining the law and its impact. Additionally, he is also a good professional who is always available to help.”
“Ravinder understands clients' needs, has the knowledge and works at maintaining client relationships.”
Al Alawi & Co is an Omani law firm established in 1982. It is based in Muscat.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is generally active in financial and corporate work.
The banking practice is well-versed in the full spectrum of transaction, both local and cross-border, and often works on the full range of lending transactions in Oman. The team regularly support both financiers and issuers and is well regarded for its expertise in supporting Islamic finance instruments involving multiple Shari’a principles.
In corporate work the firm is active in local M&A transactions, often on the seller side, but also regularly works on significant restructuring, corporate governance and capital markets mandates.
Key clients
Key clients include
Salalah Free Zone Company, Oman Arab Bank, Oman Global Logistics Group (ASYAD), Majan Glass Company, Muscat Overseas Group, Al Tasnim Group, Ecolab Inc., DNV GL AS, Ahli Bank, Blue Star Limited, Procter & Gamble, Talabat Electronic & Delivery Services, Tractebel Engineering GmbH, Qatar National Bank, Halliburton Oman and MOL Oman.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)
The firm was active in banking during the research period. It worked predominantly on the lender side was particularly active in project finance work. The firm continued to demonstrate strong capabilities in supporting Islamic finance aspects of transactions.
In M&A the firm did work on a range of share sale, investment and merger work, most often on the seller side. The firm was also active in the Omani private equity space, as well as restructuring work and investment funds.
Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Duqm ship building
Wusta Shrimp Farm
Ministries District multi-purpose complex
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending : Lender side
"Firm was prompt to respond to our needs - firm was capable in terms of providing technical legal support on the transaction - firm was resourceful in terms of providing deep knowledge on an Islamic structure."
"Quality input to enhance the protection of the bank in case of different legal scenarios. Dedication for the completion of the project with timeline. Continuous support beyond the scope of the project."
"Excellent advice and feedback on tricky details. Proactive approach and cooperative in providing legal feedback through the entire period of the transaction."
"Responsive, clear advice."
Project development : Energy
"They were excellent in safeguarding our interests in a JVC formation for the project with foreign investors."
"Good in giving more options, so that we don't miss the opportunity. "
The international law firm
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang has operations across the MENA region. The firm has had an office in Muscat since 2014.
The firm offers its clients corporate, M&A and general commercial advice across several sectors, including energy, hotels and leisure, infrastructure and project finance, life sciences and healthcare, real estate, financial institutions and technology,
media and communications.
In banking, the firm often supports borrowers on financing transactions (both conventional and Islamic facilities) including acquisition finance, project finance and asset finance.
The firm also has a highly competent projects offering, with strength in the electricity and water sectors.
The firm’s notable clients include
Araiban Gas and Oil Development Company, Amazon Data Services Muscat, Atlantic Dawn Unlimited Company,
Majis Industrial Services, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, Oman Broadband Company, Petroleum Development Oman, NAMA Holding Company, Oman Investment Authority, Daleel Petroleum, Oman Aviation Group, OQ, Oman Brunei Investment Company, Zawawi Powertech Engineering,
Savills and Alawi Enterprises.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research year, the firm was active in the banking and M&A practice areas where it advised clients mostly in the technology and telecommunications,
oil and gas, and healthcare sectors.
The firm was particularly visible in the banking practice where it advised on diverse kinds of financing including project financing, acquisition financing, and Islamic financing. The firm was also actively involved in several financing restructurings and refinancing.
The M&A team of the firm often advised on private acquisitions as well as financial investments.
Deal Highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Oman Broadband Company $445million financing
Oman Tower Company $78
million refinancing
MAQ Legal is a full-service law firm based in Muscat. The firm has more than 50 years of experience gained in multiple
jurisdictions including the UK,
Pakistan and Oman.
The firm’s practice cuts across banking and finance, debt capital markets, M&A and investment funds. The banking team acts for borrowers and lenders on a variety of transactions including bank-to-bank lending, real estate
financing and other syndicated and bilateral
financing.
The firm’s key clients include Government of the Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Finance/Debt Management Office of the Government of Oman, Oman Investment Authority, Rakiza Infrastructure Fund, Oman Air, Oman Sovereign Sukuk Company, Majis Industrial Services, Turkish Airlines (Oman), Ahli Bank, Sustainable Investments, Al Hosn Investment Co, Yiti Tourism Development Company, TAV Operation Services Sohar International, Bank muscat, J P Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
The firm was particularly active in
banking,
capital markets and M&A
space during the research period under review. The firm’s capital markets work
consists of both debt and equity.
The banking practice of the firm was visible with few Islamic, asset and acquisition financing work.
In the debt capital market, the
firm advised on sukuk and bonds issuances including bond buyback. An example of such work is the US$ 200million sukuk issuance by Oman Sovereign Sukuk Company.
In the equity side of the capital markets work, the firm advised on rights issues and IPOs.
In M&A, the firm was seen advising clients on acquisitions and divestitures. The firm also advised on corporate restructuring and Investment funds formation.
Deal Highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Oman Sovereign Sukuk Company US$ 200million
sukuk issue
Client feedback:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
“Asad Qayyum from MAQ Legal has been very supportive in terms of turning around urgent
piece of work. Despite being a newly formed law firm, MAQ legal has
strong team of lawyers with decades of international experience.”
“MAQ consists of a team of competent, hard-working, and focused lawyers who have always provided our Bank with quality work, even when provided with tight deadlines. They are one of the best in Oman when it comes to Islamic Financing and are our primary lawyers in relation to Islamic financing, transaction, and advisory work.”
“Prompt, timely and precise advice.”
“Technically strong, highly responsive, commercial.”
“The consultant working with us, Asad, and his team were dedicated, on call, and provided us with advice when requested and when they assessed risk in the future.”
“Detailed and clear advice on the matter.”
“Strong client management.
“Provide the right level of support to satisfy requirements.
“Great attention to detail.”
“Always ready to support.”
“He is attentive to details.”
"He has expert knowledge in law as well as bespoke law of Oman and how things
works, which makes his contribution extremely valuable.”
"He is aware of his audience and excels with negotiations as well as stakeholder management.”
"The
expertise he provides comes in micro and macro elements which provides us with holistic view and easy to
make a decision.”
“Listening the issue, understanding the need and providing workable beneficial solutions.”
“Excellent client manager.”
“Asad is a seasoned lawyer with a wealth of knowledge of Omani and English law. I always get impressed with his innovative approach to
solve complex problems. He has sound knowledge of
aviation sector and
strong sense of community development, diversity,
equity and inclusion.
"Asad managed client relationship very well and responsive to our varied needs.”
“Asad is committed to providing quality services at competitive prices. I appreciate his honesty and frankness. He is also an excellent lawyer, with good working knowledge of several jurisdictions.”
“Total pleasure to deal with, professional, knowledgeable, responsive, commercial, good sense of
humour.”
Said Al-Shahry and Partners is a full-service Omani law firm with offices in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah.
The firm has been consistently active in capital markets – both equity and debt – advising prominent clients with operations in Oman.
Its M&A practice has been similarly visible in the recent past, with complex mandates secured across some of the top sectors in the country.
The firm’s key clients include The Capital Markets Authority of Oman, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman Investment Authority (OIA),
Rakiza Fund, Nama Group, OETC, OQ Oman, Oman Information and Communications Technology Group (ITHCA), Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), Oman Global Logistics Group (ASYAD), Oman Broadband Company, Ooredoo Oman,
Ominvest, Bestway Group Schlumberger and Nissan Motors.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period the firm was actively involved in capital markets, investment funds, and M&A transactions. The firm advised clients in the banking, technology and telecommunications, oil and gas, and industrials and manufacturing sectors.
In capital markets, the firm was visible advising on both debt and equity deals. For the debt side of capital markets work, the firm advised on a few bond issuances while the firm actively advised on secondary share offerings in the equity side of the capital markets practice.
The firm was seen advising investment managers on funds formation and fund raising including financial investments in start-ups.
The firm was particularly active in M&A practice where it advised on mergers and acquisitions including asset acquisitions.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
“The
firm maintains clear and open lines of communication with us, keeping us informed about the progress of the transaction and answering our questions promptly and also demonstrated strong negotiation skills with the borrower's counsel.”
“The law firm demonstrates deep knowledge and expertise in the relevant areas of law pertaining to the transaction.”
“We have good communication skills, and I am able to contact him at any time for any advice and discuss the different situations and outcomes of a particular clause etc.”
“Jeremy is thorough and leaves no stone unturned in identifying any potential risks or issues.”
Headquartered in London, Trowers & Hamlins is full-service law firm with offices across Middle East, North Africa and Europe, including Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Malaysia and Oman. The Omani office was opened in 1980 in Muscat.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specialises in capital markets and restructurings, where it advises on sukuk and bond issuance for capital markets and financial restructurings for corporate clients.
Key clients
Key clients include Nakheel Oman Development Company, Sohar International Bank SAOG, Muscat Finance, Maisarah Islamic Banking Services, Bank Dhofar, Takaful Oman, Bank Muscat, Arab Banking Corporation, Meethaq Islamic Banking, National Bank of Oman and Central Bank of Oman.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets: Debt
“Staff are very friendly and also approachable. They have good understanding of the subject and are willing to share knowledge with the client. They are good when it comes to time management on the assignment.”
Established in 1981, Yaqdhan Al Busaidi Law Firm in association with Dentons was one of the earliest international firms in Oman. The firm is located in Muscat.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in providing legal advisory services to international and local clients on banking, M&A and capital markets deals ranging from IPOs to M&A, capital raisings, project finance, debts and investment funds.
Key clients
The key clients of the firm are Oman Electricity Transmission Company, National Bank of Oman, Electricity Holding Company, Hempel, Oman Air, Khazaen Development and Investment Company, Oman Investment Authority and Oman Arab Bank.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets: Debt
“Prompt; reliable; knowledgeable.”
