Baker Botts ramps up private equity and M&A offering in the Middle East

Baker Botts L.L.P. has announced that Omar Iqbal has joined its Riyadh office, where it operates in association with the Law Office of Mohanned bin Saud Al-Rasheed, as a partner in the firm’s Corporate Department.

Iqbal’s core practice is transactional, focusing on private equity, M&A and joint ventures, combining both significant cross-border experience with extensive local Saudi Arabia expertise, having worked in both private practice and inhouse with Samba Financial Group.

He has practiced for over 14 years in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and has developed long-standing relationships with a number of international and local investment banks and leading Saudi Arabian family offices.

The admission of Iqbal, who joins the firm from Baker McKenzie, follows several other recent strategic additions to Baker Botts’ corporate department, including partner Jason Rabbitt-Tomita in Palo Alto and partner David Marshall in London.

“Omar’s arrival further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to invest in the growth of our international corporate team and is part of our strategy to continue to expand our M&A and private equity capabilities globally,” said Baker Botts managing partner John Martin. “Our private equity clients will benefit from Omar’s experience advising financial institutions.”

“Omar brings a wealth of experience in advising clients on both cross-border and domestic transactions in Saudi Arabia,” said Mark Rowley, partner-in-charge of the London and Middle East offices of Baker Botts. “The addition of Omar in Riyadh supports the growth of our Private Equity and M&A practice in a key jurisdiction.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining Baker Botts as they continue to grow their international corporate practice,” said Iqbal. “The firm’s long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE provide the ideal platform for me to serve my clients in the Middle East.  In particular, I look forward to helping to expand the Firm’s Private Equity and M&A practices in the region.”