Maples Group Recognised at 2020 IFLR Middle East Awards

Impressively, the law firm received two awards this year, winning the M&A Deal of the Year and the Debt and Equity Linked Deal of the Year.

The firm was awarded the M&A Deal of the Year for its role in advising Careem Inc. on its acquisition by Uber [in April 2019].  Notably, the transaction is still the largest M&A deal in the technology sector in the United Arab Emirates and indeed, the Arab region.  The deal was particularly complex due to the number of jurisdictions involved (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Pakistan), as well as the timing of the transaction which was ahead of Uber’s IPO and the number of regulatory considerations and approvals.  A team based in the Group’s law firm in Dubai acted as British Virgin Islands counsel to Careem Inc. and was led by Partner Philip Ireland and Associate Oliver Simpson.

Debt and Equity-Linked Deal of the Year was awarded in respect of the firm’s role in advising Gems Education HY (“GEMS”).  The transaction involved investment by CVC Capital Partners into GEMS, the world’s largest private school operator.  GEMS is based in Dubai and operates over 100 private schools around the world.  Equity investment into what had until recently been a family held business added to the complexity of the transaction.  A team based in the Group’s law firm in Dubai acted as both British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands counsel to GEMS and was led by Managing Partner Tahir Jawed, assisted by Associate Oliver Simpson.

Commenting on the awards, Tahir Jawed said: “We are delighted to have been a part of these award-winning transactions.  The recognition, alongside the fact that we also acted on six of the shortlisted deals, further highlights our position as a leading law firm in the region.’