Practice Areas

We advise our clients on the most adequate and tax-efficient onshore and offshore corporate structures and we implement these structures in Lebanon and jurisdictions across the world through our large international network.

We continuously assist companies in the operation of their businesses by providing a full range of legal services. We handle all types of commercial matters and contracts such as franchise, licensing, distribution, agency, joint-venture, consultancy, shareholders’ agreements  etc. as well as intellectual property, employment and social security and property and debt recovery matters.

We provide advice and service to keep companies in good standing and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.  We prepare all minutes of meeting where appropriate corporate resolutions are adopted and perform the necessary filings with the registry of commerce and other competent authorities. 

 

We have significant experience in Mergers and Acquisitions and have been involved in the largest transactions domestically and regionally. We advise banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, private equity funds, and other buyers and sellers on the negotiation and execution of domestic and international mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

We perform full due-diligence work, draft, negotiate and review SPAs, disclosure letters, escrow agreements, guarantees, and all other transaction documents. We also handle the regulatory and tax aspects and prepare all the documents to be filed in matters where regulatory approval is required and all documents necessary for the fulfillment of the conditions precedent and subsequent. 

We advise on public and private transactions, tender and exchange offers, leverage buyouts and various other types of transactions. 

 

We have solid knowledge of the laws and regulations governing collective investment schemes.

We advise investment managers, sponsors, investors, broker dealers and intermediaries on the legal and regulatory considerations relating to the formation and operation of open-ended and closed-ended investment funds with a wide range of investment objectives, including fixed income funds, equity funds, specialty funds and funds-of-funds, and on the formation and operation of crowdfunding and other platforms. We advise on the most adequate structure, preapre and neogtiate all transaction documents and handle subsequent closings. 

We advise on private equity and venture capital transactions and on the legal and regulatory considerations relating to the distribution and marketing of investment products and platforms.

 

We advise banks, sovereign and corporate issuers, underwriters and managers on the legal and regulatory considerations relating to the issuance of debt and equity securities, including GDRs, preferred shares, convertible bonds, senior and subordinated notes, Eurobonds etc. and on the distribution and marketing of securities whether through IPO or private placement. 

We advise on the issuance and marketing of credit-linked notes and other structured products.

We also advise on the Beirut Stock Exchange laws, regulations and procedures, including those related to listings, tender offers, trading and settlement mechanisms.

 

We advise banks, corporate and individual borrowers, lenders, arrangers and agents on all types of financing transaction whether through senior secured or unsecured debt and/or mezzanine and second lien debt. 

We prepare, review and negotiate all transaction documents and advise on the adequate collateral and security interests and handle enforcement procedures in case of default.

 

We have solid knowledge of general privatization laws and regulations as well as the privatization mechanisms contemplated by the Lebanese telecommunications and power sector laws.  

We advise on all aspects of privatization, B.O.T, management and other PPP transactions and matters. We prepare tender documents (pre-qualification documents, RFPs, etc.,), negotiate contracts and advise on financing, real estate, employment and regulatory considerations.

 We have participated in the preparation of the Lebanese draft PPP law and its implementing decrees.

 

We have solid knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing telecommunications, electricity, oil & gas, water and renewable energy sectors.

We advise private and public institutions and companies on all telecommunications, electricity, water, oil & gas and renewable energy matters, whether in the context of privatization, PPP, public procurement, or private acquisition or transaction.

We advise clients on obtaining and renewing the required licenses from the competent regulatory authorities. 

We also advise and represent public and private institutions on disputes arising out of the interpretation or performance of their contracts.

 

We advise on multi-million dollar construction transactions by focusing on tax-efficient structuring and on the establishment of the most adequate vehicle to carry out the transaction. We negotiate and prepare all documentation including EPC and construction contracts, as well as financing documents and ancillary agreements.

We advise on a wide range of real estate matters including the sale, rent and mortgage of land and residential or commercial buildings, and the obtaining of building permits and other regulatory matters. We also handle real estate litigation. 

 

We handle a wide range of civil, commercial and administrative litigation cases before government courts as well as institutional and ad hoc domestic and international arbitration cases. We are also experienced in other alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and conciliation and strive to settle disputes amicably prior to engaging in litigation. 

 

Taxation is a key consideration to us for the set-up of any business and the structuring of any domestic or international transaction. Our solid knowledge of taxation laws enables us to design the most tax-efficient structures while preserving our clients’ rights and keeping them compliant with all laws and regulations.

We review and analyze all applicable tax laws and regulations, as well as double taxation and investment treaties in order to select the most adequate structures and jurisdictions for optimal tax treatment during the operation of the business and upon its sale or liquidation.

We also advise on inheritance matters, estate planning and trusts.

 

We advise public institutions, companies and individuals on employment and social security laws and regulations. We advise employers and employees on all aspects of the employment relationship including benefits, compensation, termination and end of service, collective bargaining and all employment matters and disputes. We prepare and review employment agreements and other related documents.

We also advise on social security matters and pension plans.