Kuwait M&A: Regulatory change and deal discipline reshape the market
M&A activity in Kuwait continues to grow, supported by strong sector performance and an increasingly active base of investors, while geopolitical conditions continue to influence dealmaking.
ASAR has contributed the Kuwait article for the IFLR M&A Guide 2026.
Authored by Ezekiel Tuma, John Cunha, and Luis Cunha the article explores a market undergoing structural change, where regulation, geopolitics and deal mechanics are increasingly interconnected.
M&A activity has continued to grow, supported by strong performance in oil and gas, utilities and infrastructure. At the same time, geopolitical conditions remain a defining influence on investor sentiment and execution timelines.
Alongside legal analysis, the article highlights:
- increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly in competition and UBO compliance
- evolving tax and foreign ownership frameworks
- greater use of protections such as MAC clauses and warranty structures
- rising importance of transaction structuring and execution discipline.
Recent legislative developments — including reforms enabling foreign branches and changes to real estate ownership rules — signal a gradual opening of the market, although implementation remains in progress.
At the same time, new tax measures and digital commerce regulation are beginning to influence valuation, due diligence and deal structuring.
Taken together, these trends point to a market that is not only growing, but becoming more structured, more regulated and more execution focused.
Read the full article here
