Best Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Lawyers in United Arab Emirates

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Souzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy F.Z.E

Souzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy F.Z.E

30 minutes Free Consultation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2010
16 people in their team
Arabic
English
Malayalam
Tamil
Hindi
Kannada
Tagalog
Souzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy: Your Trusted Partner in Legal ExcellenceSouzan Elkayaji Legal Consultancy stands as a beacon of legal expertise and commitment to justice. Founded by Souzan Elkayaji herself, a seasoned attorney renowned for her dedication to her clients and unwavering pursuit of...
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Founded in 1993
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
About UsAl Kabban & Associates was founded in 1993 with a strong vision of providing exceptional legal representation in the UAE. With over 28 years of experience the firm has proven success and understanding of the legal system and its framework. This success is founded on the philosophy of...
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Nasser Hashem & Partners
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 1991
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
NASSER HASHEMTHE VOICE OF JUSTICE!We have consistently excelled in a high profile and large scale cases where others have faltered. We constantly strive to obtain the best possible outcome with regards to our client’s needs.​​We offer a complete range of legal services to our local state,...
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Sadekov Law Firm
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2010
6 people in their team
English
Russian
Vladimir Sadekov is a sworn attorney and the founder of Sadekov Law Firm, headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. Practicing law since 1999, Mr. Sadekov has over 25 years of experience representing individuals and businesses in complex criminal cases, high-stakes property disputes, and cross-border...
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Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
Renowned Dubai Based Mangalorean Advocate Sunil Ambalavelil Granted UAE Golden VisaMangaluru: Dubai based corporate Lawyer and Legal expert Sunil Ambalavelil has been awarded the prestigious Golden Visa by the Government of UAE in recognition of his excellence in the legal profession spanning...
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Hoot innovation law hub
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2024
50 people in their team
English
Arabic
Japanese
Chinese
In the bustling nexus of innovation and ambition, where ideas spark and visions soar, a unique kind of partnership is essential. This is where we, at Hoot, stepin—not just as your legal advisors but as co-architects of your success. Our purpose is singular: to ensure that your groundbreaking...
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STA Law Firm
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2000
200 people in their team
Arabic
English
OverviewSTA always had a vision of building one of the Middle East’s premier full-service business firms. Today we serve corporate entities and individuals across the globe with a team of experienced lawyers in the region. Our attorneys are focused on primary disciplines which feature more...
Abdulla Al Awadi & Associates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 1998
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
Our StoryFounded by Adv. Abdulla Al Awadi in 1998, we have grown to be one of the most prestigious law firms in the region, excelling in litigation before UAE Courts.Our passion has always been to create one of the most respected law firms in the UAE that is built on international standards and...
Fawzia Mohd Lawyers & Legal Consultancy

Fawzia Mohd Lawyers & Legal Consultancy

1 hour Free Consultation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2022
20 people in their team
English
Arabic
Fawzia Mohd Lawyers & Legal Consultancy is a premier law firm based in Dubai, UAE. Our expert team specializes in commercial law, litigation, and criminal defense. We provide comprehensive legal support to businesses and individuals, ensuring robust representation and strategic counsel in the...
Nour Attorneys & Legal Consultants
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2019
13 people in their team
English
Nour Attorneys & Legal Consultants is a law firm that provides all legal services including litigation management, lawsuits, civil, commercial, labor and penal disputes.Our firm has the necessary expertise, human competencies, capabilities, and state-of-art equipment, to ensure providing the...
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About Acquisition / Leveraged Finance Law in United Arab Emirates

Acquisition and leveraged finance refers to the funding of company takeovers or asset purchases, often involving significant amounts of borrowed money. In the United Arab Emirates, this area of law is shaped by both federal legislation and the rules of the various free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Leveraged transactions in the UAE may involve cross-border elements, syndicated lending, and the use of complex security structures. Legal frameworks have been modernized in recent years to support investment and corporate activity, but the nuances of structuring, documentation, and regulatory approval are critical to the success of such transactions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Acquisition and leveraged finance transactions are often complex, involving multiple parties, large sums of money, and diverse legal issues. Common scenarios where legal help is vital include:

  • Negotiating and drafting loan agreements and security documentation
  • Advising on regulatory requirements, including approvals and compliance
  • Structuring the acquisition to maximize advantages and minimize risk
  • Conducting legal due diligence on target companies or assets
  • Dealing with cross-border elements, such as foreign lenders or offshore guarantees
  • Resolving disputes or enforcing security in the event of default
  • Advising on Islamic finance alternatives in compliance with Sharia law

Having a lawyer with experience in UAE acquisition and leveraged finance can help you avoid costly missteps and ensure your interests are protected.

Local Laws Overview

The United Arab Emirates has a mixed legal system comprising civil law principles, specific federal statutes, and, in some zones, common law influences. Key aspects relevant to acquisition and leveraged finance include:

  • Banking Regulation: Finance providers must comply with the requirements set by the UAE Central Bank, including licensing and lending conduct.
  • Security & Collateral: Rules regarding mortgages, pledges, and assignments are primarily found in the UAE Civil Code, with additional provisions in commercial and financial laws.
  • Free Zone Regulations: Areas like DIFC and ADGM have their own regulatory frameworks, often based on English law, which can offer more familiarity to international investors and lenders.
  • Foreign Ownership: Recent legal reforms now allow higher levels of foreign ownership in many sectors, but restrictions may apply in strategic industries.
  • Islamic Finance: Sharia-compliant finance follows specific legal structures, such as Murabaha or Ijara, which differ from conventional loans.
  • Enforcement of Security: The UAE continues to update its laws to streamline secured lending and enforcement, but practical challenges can remain.

It is important to assess which laws apply, especially in transactions spanning onshore and free zone jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is leveraged finance?

Leveraged finance refers to borrowing funds, usually through loans or bonds, to acquire a business or assets where the level of debt is relatively high compared to the borrower’s equity.

What types of entities can provide acquisition finance in the UAE?

Banks licensed by the UAE Central Bank, international banks with local branches, financial institutions in free zones, and special purpose vehicles can all provide acquisition finance, subject to regulatory approval.

Are there any restrictions on foreign lenders participating in UAE acquisitions?

There are no absolute prohibitions but there may be restrictions related to the provision of loans, enforcement of security, and repatriation of funds, depending on whether the financing is onshore or in a free zone.

What security can a lender take in an acquisition finance deal?

Common forms of security include share pledges, mortgages over real estate, assignments of receivables, and charges over bank accounts, subject to registration and perfection requirements.

Is it necessary to obtain regulatory approvals for an acquisition financed with debt?

Depending on the structure of the deal and the sector involved, approvals from regulatory authorities such as the Central Bank or sector-specific regulators may be required.

How does Islamic finance impact leveraged acquisitions in the UAE?

Islamic finance requires transactions to comply with Sharia principles, so acquisition finance may use profit-sharing or asset-based contracts instead of traditional interest-bearing loans.

Can guarantees be provided by UAE companies for acquisition finance?

Yes, but there are restrictions under the UAE Commercial Companies Law, especially regarding the granting of financial assistance by target companies for their own acquisition.

How long does it take to enforce security in case of default?

The timeframe varies depending on the type of security, the jurisdiction (onshore or free zone), and whether court involvement is required. It can range from a few weeks to several months.

Are acquisition finance agreements in the UAE typically governed by local or foreign law?

Agreements may be governed by UAE law, English law, or the rules of free zones like DIFC or ADGM. The choice depends on the parties, structure, and location of the assets or shares involved.

What are the typical costs involved in an acquisition finance transaction?

Costs may include legal fees, lender fees, registration charges for security interests, due diligence expenses, and, where relevant, government or regulatory fees.

Additional Resources

  • UAE Ministry of Justice - responsible for judicial affairs in the UAE
  • UAE Central Bank - regulates financial institutions and banking operations
  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority - oversees the DIFC legal framework
  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) - offers guidance on common law financing structures
  • Local Chambers of Commerce - provide business and corporate regulatory advice
  • Reputable local and international law firms specializing in banking and finance

Next Steps

If you are considering, planning, or facing challenges in an acquisition or leveraged finance transaction in the UAE, consider the following actions:

  • Identify your goals and the parties involved
  • Document all available information about the target business or assets
  • Consult with a legal advisor experienced in UAE acquisition finance at the earliest opportunity
  • Determine the applicable laws and regulations for your specific transaction
  • Assess available finance options, including conventional and Islamic structures
  • Ensure all required approvals, consents, and filings are secured in advance
  • Retain professionals for due diligence and document negotiation
  • Regularly review ongoing compliance obligations post-completion

Early legal advice can help prevent delays, manage risks, and facilitate a successful transaction in the dynamic UAE market.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in United Arab Emirates through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Acquisition / Leveraged Finance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in United Arab Emirates - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.