Herbert Smith LLP has a formal and exclusive association in Saudi Arabia with the Al Ghazzawi Professional Association ("GPA"), one of the Kingdom's largest and leading law firms.
Herbert Smith's formal association with GPA in Saudi Arabia will allow it to offer a combined international/local law service in this all-important market. GPA is a full-service firm with a strong international profile which has approximately 30 lawyers spread across offices in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. Herbert Smith and GPA know each other well, having recently worked together on a regular basis.
Behind this expansion lies fast-growing demand across the Middle East for international energy and projects expertise allied with a full-service law capability in corporate, finance and disputes work.
The move is in line with Herbert Smith's objective to establish a strong regional profile following the successful launch of its six-partner Dubai office in early 2007.
GPA was established in 1969 by Talal Amin Al Ghazzawi, the current Chairman of GPA. In addition to advising major Saudi businesses, GPA counts a substantial number of significant international companies among its clients.
Herbert Smith's most high-profile work to date in Saudi Arabia has been the firm's role advising Sumitomo Chemical in its $9.8 billion joint venture with Saudi Aramco to develop the Rabigh refinery and petrochemical plant. We also regularly advise Samba - the second largest listed bank in Saudi Arabia - on private equity matters as well as Middle East based investment banks on foreign ownership and marketing restrictions in Saudi Arabia.
Recent major work in the Middle East includes advising Hydrogen Energy, the joint venture between BP and Rio Tinto, on plans to build a clean power plant in Abu Dhabi, as part of the emirate's Masdar multibillion dollar initiative to develop sustainable energy in the region.
Established clients in the region include Etisalat, the United Arab Emirates national operator, which Herbert Smith has been regularly advising over the last year on its international acquisitions.
Contact:
For further information please contact Neil Brimson.