The Latham & Watkins LLC boasts an exceptional standing in the Saudi Arabian banking and finance arena. The practice excels in project finance, restructuring, and shariah-compliant financing, with a prominent focus on Islamic finance mandates. The firm has long relationships with some of the most prominent banks in Saudi Arabia, as well as development and real estate companies. Peter Norris, counsel, heads the practice - he focuses on banking finance and Islamic finance transactions, including sukuk structures. Salman Al-Sudairi is a highly sought-after expert, renowned for his counsel on restructuring as well as on Saudi Arabian regulatory and government advisory matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The quick thinking of the Latham Banking and Finance team is always appreciated. The standard of work is produced at an extremely high level, even more so than we have come to expect. Their understanding of our business need is meet perfectly with the knowledge of our vision and work requirements being uniquely tailored to exactly what we need.
- 'Latham's Banking and Finance Team’s presentation and quality of work goes above and beyond that expected of a Law Firm. They provide continued support and advice and deliver on work requests often before our deadlines, at an exceptional standard and quality. This is reason that they are fully trusted by us. Their reputational standards are meet and exceeded without fail, each and every time. ’
‘When working with Harj Rai and his team, Peter Norris (Counsel) and a team of select associates, you can be confident that they have the highest knowledge and standard of work that we shall receive from anyone working and supporting Harj Rai and Peter Norris, of which this year, has been met tenfold.'
- 'Harj Rai and his team, in particular Peter Norris, is constantly increasing and shines through when working with us, giving us a sense and knowing that we are in safe hands. Latham's responses and advice, in particular on time sensitive matters, from Harj and Peter is received with stand-out quick-thinking mindsets, never leaving room for error. These are the type of work ethics that Harj Rai exudes at, leading with example, always ensuring that this is implemented from himself and/or his trusted team. This is the quality we appreciate and value from Latham's Banking and Finance Team.'
- 'There is always reassurance that the advice and work is produced with the preciseness and exact understanding of what is required and needed from Harj and his team, giving us a sense and knowing that we are in safe hands. ’
Key clients
- Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia
- Jabal Omar Development Company
- Riyad Bank
- Tadawul Real Estate Company
- Muvi Cinema Company
- Arab National Bank
- Banque Saudi Fransi
- SABB
- Saudi National Bank
- The National Commercial Bank
Work highlights
- Advising the Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in connection with approx. SAR90bn debt restructuring of the Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited (SBL).
- Advised Tadawul Real Estate Company, a real estate development and operation services provider, in connection with SAR1.3bn murabaha facility for the purposes of refinancing existing debt.
- Advising Muvi Cinema Company, the first home-grown cinema brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in connection with its SAR1.15bn murabaha based financing.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Norris