Allen & Overy advises Gulf Capital on its acquisition of IVI-RMA Middle East

Allen & Overy is advising Gulf Capital, a leading alternative asset management company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, on its acquisition of IVI-RMA Middle East, a group specialising in the provision of assisted reproduction and ancillary services, for over USD100 million.

IVI-RMA Middle East has established itself as the fastest growing IVF service provider in the UAE and Oman and has achieved the highest success rates in the region, with pregnancy and live birth rates that position it within the top quartile globally.

This transaction is a relatively rare example in the MENA region of a corporate carve-out (the target business comprises the Middle Eastern clinics of IVI-RMA, the largest IVF service provider globally).

Dubai-based Corporate partner David Foster, who led the A&O team, commented,“We are proud to have supported Gulf Capital on their largest ever equity investment.  This is an important transaction in the regional healthcare sector, and we are pleased to have played a part in supporting the further growth of a business which helps couples fulfil their dream of starting a family.”

The A&O team supporting David comprised associates Trevor McCabe, David McGuinness, trainee Claudia Barry and legal administration manager Mahmoud Kherallah.  Abu Dhabi-based partner Tom Butcher and associate Jamie King provided specialist IP advice.  London-based partner Paul McCarthy and senior associate at Peerpoint Jessie McDonald provided advice on employment-related matters.