Capital Markets & Securities
We pride ourselves in being market leaders in the local and Gulf regions capital markets and securities markets, and as such, we are well positioned to assist our clients with their capital markets and securities related matters.
Our comprehensive services include:
- advising and assisting parties such as local and international banks, investment companies, placement agents, portfolio or fund managers, local agents and subscribers.
- advising on a range of matters including the issuance of bonds and sukuk, securities regulation, initial public offers and the marketing, offer and/or sale of local and foreign issued securities.
As capital markets and securities laws in the Gulf region continue to develop, the legal and regulatory environment surrounding the introduction of local and foreign securities into Gulf markets continues to evolve and become more sophisticated and stringent. We offer comprehensive and practical expertise related to complying with the current and developing regulatory requirements in the Gulf region.
Experience
Bonds
- Acted as Kuwait legal counsel to the Joint Lead Managers in connection with the issue by National Bank of Kuwait SAKP KWD 125 million Tier 2 Basel III compliant Bond Issuance. This is the first Tier 2 bond issuance in Kuwait by a local bank in compliance with the Basel III regulatory regime as adopted by the Central Bank in Kuwait.
- Acted as Kuwait legal counsel to the Joint Lead Managers in connection with the issue by Burgan Bank K.S.C.P. of KWD 100 million tier 2 Basel III compliant subordinated bonds due 9 March 2026.
- Advised Perpetual Tier 1 Capital Securities on a USD 700 million Issuance guaranteed on a subordinated basis by National Bank of Kuwait S.A.K.P.
- Advised Perpetual Tier 1 Capital Securities on USD 500 million issuance guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Burgan Bank K.P.S.C.
- Acted as sole legal counsel to the Lead Manager in connection with the KD 60 million bond issue by United Real Estate Company S.A.K.
- Acted as sole legal counsel to ALARGAN International Real Estate Company KSCC in connection with its KD 26.5 million Bond Issuance.
- Acted as sole legal counsel to Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) KSCC in connection with its KD 80 million Bond Issuance. This bond issuance was of special significance as it was the first bond issuance to be undertaken by a Kuwait legal entity under the recently promulgated Kuwait Capital Markets Law.
- Acted as sole legal counsel to Gulf Investment Corporation in connection with its USD 200 million Bond Issuance.
- Acted as sole legal counsel to Gulf Investment Corporation in connection with three USD 100 million bond issuances.
- Acted as Kuwait legal counsel to the joint lead managers in connection with a two tranche KD 40 million bond issuance by United Real Estate Company SAK.
- Acted as sole legal counsel to Global Investment House KSCC and issuer and manager of a two tranche KD 45 million bond issuance.
- Acted as Kuwait legal counsel to the joint lead managers in connection with a subordinated USD 400 million bond issuance by Burgan Bank SAK.
- Acted as legal counsel to Gulf Investment Corporation, and as the Issuer in respect of their USD 2.5 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
- Acted as Kuwait legal counsel to Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) KSCC in this USD 2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme by a Cayman Islands SPV. This was the first ever EMTN programme utilizing a SPV structure in Kuwait.
IPOs
- Acted as legal counsel to Mezzan Holding on its IPO and listing on the Kuwait Stock Exchange – the very first listing to occur under the new Capital Markets regulatory regime.
- Acted as legal advisor to Mushaer Company with respect to the Aayan Real Estate IPO, including review and drafting on all transaction documents. ASAR also provided legal advice in drafting the restructuring documentation for various related issues.
- Acted as legal advisor for Al Homaizi Food Stuff Company regarding the IPO for Kout Food Group including review and drafting of all transaction documents and advising on re-structuring, listing and other related issues.
- Acted as legal advisor to Al Yasra Food Company with respect to its placement of 30 million shares. ASAR participated in the due diligence process, the shareholding private placement process, the re-structure of Al Yasra and the proposed changes and modifications. ASAR also reviewed the offering memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents.
- Acted as legal advisor for Global Investment House with respect to IPO for Al-Areen. ASAR prepared an overview of the legal aspects of the transaction and the listing requirements of the joint stock company and the conversion process used for the IPO.
- Acted as legal counsel for KAMCO Investment Company KSCP with respect to its Mena Homes Project. ASAR participated in the due diligence process, the shareholding private placement process, the proposed re-structure and the proposed changes and modifications. ASAR also reviewed the offering memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents.
- Acted as legal advisors for Rasmal Holding Company K.S.C.C with respect to its placement of 245 million shares. ASAR participated in the due diligence process, restructuring process, reviewed the placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents.
- Acted as legal advisor to Gulf North Africa Holding Company (GNAHC) for the private placement of 325,000 shares in Dream Real Estates Limited. ASAR participated in the due diligence process, restructuring process, reviewed the private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents.
- Acted as legal advisor for the private placement of 150 million shares by United Entertainment & Tourism Company (UETC). ASAR participated in the due diligence process, restructuring process, reviewed the private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents.