Firm advises Marka on acquisition

Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mullaadvised the Dubai-based retail and hospitality firm, Marka PJSC, the first public joint stock company focused on retail sector in the UAE,on its acquisition of the award-winning Middle Eastern restaurant chain Reem Al Bawadi.The deal is one of the largest food and beverage acquisitions in the UAE relating to a home-grown hospitality brand.

 Valued at approximately USD85.7 million, the deal forms part of Marka's long-term growth strategy of building a portfolio of brands operated by its food and beverage division, Marka Hospitality.

"We are delighted to have been able to support Marka on this landmark deal," said Jayshree Gupta, partner at Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla's Corporate/M&A practice in the UAE who led the deal. "This strategic acquisition kick starts an expansion programme for Reem al Bawadi across the GCC."

The Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla team advising Marka on the transaction included senior associate Melissa Forbes and associate Farid Haroun, both based in the UAE Corporate/M&A practice.