Leading law firm, Cobbetts LLP, has launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as the firm looks to respond to strong demand from the locality and capitalise on its substantial experience in international markets.

The launch comes on the back of Cobbetts’ corporate team winning a significant mandate in the MENA region, building on its position as the leading legal adviser to natural resources companies on AIM.

In order to formalise its cross-border associations with selected overseas legal practices, Cobbetts has established a Swiss Verein structure – Cobbetts International – which will allow the firm to react quickly to international opportunities by harnessing the expertise of local partners to enable rapid delivery of a wide range of specialist technical services.

Cobbetts LLP and the respected Egyptian firm, Cairo-based El Said Darwish & Partners, have become the first two independent members of Cobbetts International. The latter will now be known as Cobbetts International Cairo.  

Cobbetts International Cairo provides a wide range of legal services through specialised practice areas, including energy, aviation, real estate, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, tourism and entertainment and training. The firm’s key Egyptian clients include PICO International Petroleum, Nile Stock Company SAE, Arab African International Bank, El Faisal Holding, BG Egypt, Seldar Misr SAE, Arab Investment Company SAE and Delta for Tourism and Hotels SAE.  

Michael Shaw, managing partner at Cobbetts, said: ”Having experienced strong demand for our services in the Middle East and North Africa over recent months, from both longstanding and new clients, it became apparent to us that we needed representation in that area. Alongside our natural resources team, we also feel that there are strong opportunities in the region for our other specialist sector practices.  

“Bearing in mind the current instability in certain areas of the Middle East, Egypt provides us with a stable environment from which to securely develop our profile and presence in the MENA region. Our colleagues at Cobbetts International Cairo are also extremely well-connected and enjoy excellent reputations derived from their extensive experience in acting for major international companies. As a result, Cobbetts International will be able to swiftly and effectively realise the myriad of opportunities available in the MENA region, where it has already won several mandates.  

“We are actively seeking similar opportunities with esteemed practices in a number of our chosen international markets.”

Disclaimer
Each member of Cobbetts International is a separate and independent firm. These firms are not members of one international partnership or otherwise legal partners with each other, nor is any one member authorised or permitted to obligate or bind Cobbetts International or any other member in any way. Each firm governs itself and handles its administrative matters independently. Although a member firm may carry the Cobbetts International name, either exclusively or in its practice name, there is no common ownership among any member firms, or by Cobbetts International.