Cleary Gottlieb expands in Abu Dhabi with the hire of Mike Taylor

Cleary Gottlieb announced that Mike Taylor has joined the firm as a partner in the Abu Dhabi office. Having grown a distinguished career at one of the longest-established international law firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Taylor has been highly ranked and widely recognized as one of the go-to advisors for the highest profile and innovative M&A and ECM corporate transactions in the Middle East for nearly two decades. Notably, he was lead advisor on AXA’s disposal of its entire Middle East insurance business to Gulf Insurance Group, Hassana Investment Company’s investment in Saudi Aramco’s oil pipeline business (as part of a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners), Sahara Petrochemical Company’s all share merger with Saudi International Petrochemical Company, Americana’s IPO and first-of-its-kind dual-listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), Investcorp’s IPO and listing on the ADX and MBC’s IPO and listing on the Tadawul.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the firm,” said Cleary Gottlieb managing partner Michael Gerstenzang. “His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets will be a terrific complement to our leading sovereign wealth fund practice which advises on some of the largest and most important transactions in the world. Abu Dhabi continues to be a focus for investment for our firm, and is critical to our strategy as we build upon our long history and expertise advising sovereigns. The recent promotion of Mohamed Taha to partner, the addition of Mike and the allocation of further senior internal resources reflect the importance the firm places on clients in the region and their global ambitions. Cleary Gottlieb’s Abu Dhabi office has developed one of the leading practices in the region and adding a well-respected leading practitioner like Mike is a perfect fit both for this office and the clients we serve,” said Abu Dhabi partner Chris Macbeth. “With more than 25 years of experience in London, the UAE and Saudi Arabia and having a specialised skillset in this ever-changing region, Mike will bolster our growing practice and client reach.”

Abu Dhabi partner Gamal Abouali added, “Having worked across from Mike, I am eager to have him join our team as we deliver innovative advice for some of the largest players in the region. His reputation as a trusted senior adviser will help drive our franchise to further success.”

“I’m delighted to join this award-winning team of outstanding lawyers,” said Mike. “Cleary’s market-leading international M&A and capital markets practices have made a significant impact in the Middle East and North Africa, and I look forward to expanding their existing platform alongside such a talented team.”