Saad Mian

Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has announced the appointment of 23 new partners with effect from 1 May 2024. The newly promoted partners represent all five practice groups and regions reflecting Freshfields’ global strategy and ongoing commitment to invest in talent around the globe. Freshfields’ Senior Partner Georgia Dawson said: “We’re delighted to welcome these colleagues into the global partnership. They represent the best of Freshfields through the excellence of their work and the values they uphold. Their talent and expertise will enrich our bench of market-leading lawyers globally for the benefit of our clients and the wider firm. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.” The full list of new partners is set out below: Antitrust, Competition and Trade Dominic Divivier, Düsseldorf Ilka Oberländer, Munich Vanessa van Weelden, Brussels Dispute Resolution Mark Egeler, Amsterdam Stefanie Fay, Berlin Jonathan Kelly, London Jennifer Loeb, Washington Tobias Timmann, Düsseldorf Alexandra van der Meulen, Paris Kristina Maria Weiler, Hamburg Global Transactions Oliver Board, New York James Chapman, London Emma Gateaud, London Claire Harrop, London Janina Heinz, Frankfurt Eric Johnson, Hanoi Maria Ledeneva, London Saad Mian, Dubai Tomas Rua, New York Jan-Philip Wilde, Hamburg Taryn Zucker, New York People & Reward Satya Staes Polet, Brussels Tax Emily Szasz, London

Apr 17

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields and the Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan LLC (LFSH) have announced the next chapter in their strategic alliance to continue to provide market-leading expertise to clients in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. Freshfields is well-established in the Kingdom, having held a strategic association with LFSH since 2009. As part of this renewed relationship between the two firms, LFSH will continue to partner with Freshfields and remain part of Freshfields’ Stronger Together network, which brings together more than 300 firms globally. Last year, Freshfields was granted a licence by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Justice to establish a majority-owned legal practice. This licence follows changes to the laws that govern how foreign law firms operate in the Kingdom. Led by Freshfields partners Fares Al-Hejailan and Amani Khalifa, the new office is a continuation of the firm’s existing client service in the Kingdom and will complement its wider regional presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. Freshfields Regional Managing Partner Sami Tannous said: “We’re pleased to enter into an agreement to maintain our long-standing relationship with LFSH. Our Saudi Arabia and Middle East operations continue to be a core focus for the firm, with the Kingdom established as one of the most dynamic markets across the world, particularly in and around sustainable development projects – a growing priority for the region. We look forward to delivering ongoing market-leading service to our clients.” LFSH Partner, Sultan Al-Hejailan said “LFSH is proud to continue our long standing relationship with the global firm Freshfields in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a relationship that has spanned nearly 16 years and a true testament of cooperation and collaboration within the legal industry in the Kingdom serving many regional and international clients legally and strategically.” Freshfields has been serving clients for 40 years across the region, with more than 50 lawyers operating on the ground. The firm’s regional expertise includes legal advice for global transactions such as M&A, corporate and regulatory, corporate restructurings, and capital market regulations. On the disputes side, the firm advises on large, complex construction disputes, general commercial arbitration, investor-state disputes, and global investigations relating to Saudi Arabia and throughout the MENA region.

Aug 5

2 min

Global law firm Freshfields has advised Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (“ADCB”) on a €250 million term financing for JSC Uzbekneftegaz (“UNG”). UNG is Uzbekistan’s state-owned natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons producer. The financing represents a part of UNG’s broader investment and liquidity enhancement program, as it seeks to strengthen its operations. The facility builds on a separate US$100 million loan that was advanced to UNG by ADCB in May 2025. The Freshfields team was led by partner Anna Nersesian and senior associate Tumise Jegede with support from senior associate Scott Cameron.

Jan 14

1 min

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ('Freshfields') has advised the shareholders of the Global Feeder Shipping group (GFS), a feeder and container shipping provider, on the sale of 80% of their stake in GFS to Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADP). The total consideration for the 80% stake is US$800,000,000. GFS owns one of the largest fleets of container ships globally – featuring 26 owned and operated vessels with a total capacity of 72,500 TEU, covering the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. ADP is a UAE-listed end-to-end logistics business. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. The Freshfields team that advised on the transaction was led out of the Dubai office by partner Pervez Akhtar and counsel Saad Mian, with support from associates Nalothiya Nambirajah, Lara Dajani and Mirabel Anosike and trainee Chloe Turner. Antitrust advice was provided by partner Rafique Bachour and associates Michael Bo Jaspers and Tuna Tanik.

Nov 7

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields are advising Property Finder International Ltd. (Property Finder), the Middle East’s leading property portal, on a new $170 million investment from the Mubadala Investment Company, alongside another UAE sovereign wealth fund and BECO Capital. Mubadala and the UAE sovereign wealth fund will each invest $75 million, with BECO Capital committing $20 million. This commitment follows the $525 million investment led by funds advised by Permira, with significant participation from Blackstone Growth in 2025. Property Finder has also raised a further $250 million in debt financing from Ares Management and HSBC. The Freshfields cross-border team was led by partners Julian Pritchard and Maria Ledeneva, counsel Adam Halewood, senior associate Stephanie Paterson and associates Chelsea Burns, Brandon Thompson and Lisha Xu. Financing advice was provided by partner Toby Bingley, senior associates Christina Banz and Sonam Cheema, and associate Joanna Ma. Antitrust advice was provided by partner Paul Van Den Berg, principal associate Jan Jeram and associate Gisela Santos. Tax advice was provided by partner May Smith and associate Ian Galvin.

Jan 29

1 min