Allen & Overy advises Dnata

Allen & Overy LLP has advised Dnata on the sale of a majority stake in Mercator to Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm headquartered in New York. Mercator is a leading provider of software and technology-enabled outsourcing solutions to the global aviation industry. Dnata, part of the Emirates Group, will retain a minority stake.

Headquartered in Dubai, Mercator helps airlines move passengers and cargo to their destinations safely and on time. Mercator's five key products include Cargo Operations and Management, Financial Solutions, Loyalty & CRM, Safety and Passenger Reservation and Departure Control. Mercator’s solutions are used by more than 125 airline clients in over 80 countries and six continents.

The deal will enable Mercator to strengthen its competitive position, increase its market share and accelerate global growth. It represents the first investment in the Middle East by Warburg Pincus.

Commenting on the deal, partner-elect David Foster said, “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to advise on this transaction for one of our key clients in the region. The investment in mercator by Warburg Pincus demonstrates that the UAE continues to be seen as an attractive destination for inbound investment.”

The UAE-based team was led by partner-elect David Foster, with support from senior associates Fraser Dawson and Andrew Kenning and associates Charles Buckworth and Macky O’Sullivan.