Osama Audi
Baker McKenzie LLPBaker McKenzie LLP has a strong reputation for commercial and corporate advice in the UAE, with a wide sector reach that includes energy and infrastructure, healthcare, education and consumer goods. The firm regularly acts on takeovers, joint ventures and restructuring for high-end strategic investment vehicles, asset managers, established corporates and start-ups. Osama Audi heads the group, providing a wealth of venture capital and investment fund expertise and experience in a number of different sectors and jurisdictions. Hani Naja largely focuses on corporate structuring and market entry issues as well as providing commercial advice, often supported by counsel Laya Aoun Hani. Both Abeer Jarrar and Adnan Doha are revered for their cross-border practice, and Stephanie Samuell was promoted to partner in July 2023. Counsel Grace Ong has provided additional support on several key mandates. Omar Momany left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Adnan Doha has excellent drafting skills, and is able to come up with neat legal solutions to complex issues.'
‘B&M has been intuitive with clients' asks and reverts with practical advice. Potential clients will appreciate their responsiveness coupled with the legal and market knowledge.’
‘Laya Aoun has been a pleasure to work with. To the point and concise, her advice helped us progress business with ease and confidence.’
‘Top quality of service, with deep knowledge and strong accountability in finding the best solutions to address the issues at stake.'
‘Rony Eid: I particularly appreciate his client dedication and the attitude to always finding pragmatic solutions rather than a merely advisory role. His presence in the front line or in supporting his associates in the background ensures that the client‘s needs and demands their business are always fully considered.’
‘Breadth and depth of the team. Able to support on multiple aspects of an M&A transaction.’
‘Hani Naja and Laya Aoun provide excellent structured and practical advice.’
‘Osama Audi is a careful, experienced and practical lawyer. He evaluates and explains risks in a well-modulated way, listens to the client's business concerns and merges effectively technical legal considerations with real-world practical considerations. Osama is an excellent choice for complex M&A matters.’
Key clients
- AirCarbon Ptd. Ltd.
- Aldar Properties
- Allegion Investments (UK) Limited
- Brookfield Business Partners L.P
- Drake and Scull International PJSC
- Emaar Malls PJSC
- Emaar Properties PJSC
- Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC)
- Equinix
- ETC Group (ETG)
- Fresenius Medical Care Middle East
- Ghassan Aboud Group
- Gulf Marketing Group (GMG)
- Kitopi (Ripples Capital Limited) - the fastest growing unicorn in history in the Middle East, with a valuation in excess of USD 1 billion
- Montfort Group
- Murban Energy Limited
- Ooredoo
- Roshn Real Estate
- Seddiqi Holding
- SMSA Holding
- Tanmiah Food Company
- The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
- Vertiv
Work highlights
- Advised Kitopi in relation to its acquisition of AWJ Investments, a food and beverage company based in Dubai which operates regional brands Operation Falafel, Catch 22, Awani, SushiDo and others.
- Advised the Montfort Group, a global commodity trading and related-asset investment company, in relation to its acquisition of Uniper's crude oil processing and marine fuel trading business based in the UAE via a joint venture with the Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum.
- Advised Saudi-listed Tanmiah Food Company (Tanmiah) as it entered into a strategic sale to US-listed Tyson Foods, Inc. (Tyson Foods).
Lawyers
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Practice head
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Osama Audi