Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla Advises Marka on Reem Al Bawadi Acquisition
Dubai, UAE, 25 May 2015 Leading UAE law firm Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla recently advised the leading Dubai-based retail and hospitality firm, Marka PJSC, the first public joint stock company focused on retail sector in the UAE, on its acquisition of the award-winning Middle Eastern restaurant chain Reem Al Bawadi.The deal is one of the largest food and beverage acquisitions in the UAE relating to a home-grown hospitality brand.
Valued at approximately AED 315 million (US$ 85.7 million), the deal forms part of Marka's long-term growth strategy of building a portfolio of brands operated by its food and beverage division, Marka Hospitality.
"We are delighted to have been able to support Marka on this landmark deal," said Jayshree Gupta, partner at Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla 's Corporate/M&A practice in the UAE who led the deal. "This strategic acquisition kick starts an expansion programme for Reem al Bawadi across the GCC."
The Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla team advising Marka on the transaction included senior associate Melissa Forbes and associate Farid Haroun, both based in the UAE Corporate/M&A practice.
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Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla brings over 30 years' local know-how, extensive global resources, and one of the largest litigation teams in the UAE with full rights of audience before all UAE and DIFC courts. As the first international law firm to fully merge with a UAE firm, we deliver unmatched on the ground support that reflects a deep understanding of local legal, regulatory and commercial practices. Our multidisciplinary team of 60 lawyers offers a full range of local and international legal advice across our offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in both English and Arabic.
About Baker & McKenzie
Founded in 1949, Baker & McKenzie advises many of the world's most dynamic and successful business organizations through more than 11,000 people in 77 offices in 47 countries. The Firm is known for its global perspective, deep understanding of the local language and culture of business, uncompromising commitment to excellence, and world-class fluency in its client service. Global revenues for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2014, were US$ 2.54 billion. Eduardo Leite is Chairman of the Executive Committee. (www.bakermckenzie.com)
About Marka PJSC
Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA) is the first public joint stock company focused on the growing retail sector in the UAE. Incorporated with a capital of AED 500 million and headquartered in Dubai, Marka is a premier retail operator targeting the mid-to-high-range and luxury segments. Since incorporation in 2014, Marka has partnered with leading global brands in the retail and hospitality sectors, pursuing a growth strategy focused on acquisitions, franchise agreements and unique retail concepts.
Marka is committed to offering value to its customers through high quality products and services at optimum cost, simultaneously generating value for its shareholders and giving back to the communities in which it operates.
For further information about Marka and to learn more about its brands, visit www.markaholding.com
Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein with member law firms around the world. In accordance with the common terminology used in professional service organizations, reference to a "partner" means a person who is a partner, or equivalent, in such a law firm. Similarly, reference to an "office" means an office of any such law firm.
