KNassar

Karim B. Nassar

Partner
Baker McKenzie Law Firm

Biography

With over two decades of experience, Karim has established himself as a cornerstone of the Saudi legal landscape. His experience spans many local and international transactions, encompassing mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and equity capital markets activities. Whether advising Saudi or foreign clients, Karim's strategic guidance and deep understanding of the legal complexities empower clients to confidently navigate complex transactions.

Karim's role extends beyond individual client representation. In 2005, he led the establishment of the equity capital markets practice in Saudi Arabia and since then has been renowned for his depth of knowledge and experience and has consistently been recognized by legal directories as an expert in his field.

Representative Legal Matters

Capital Markets

  • Advised Modern Mills Company (MMC) on its SAR 3.928 million (USD 1.047 million) initial public offering on the main market of the Saudi Exchange
  • Advised Middle East Paper Company ("MEPCO"), on its capital increase with suspension of pre-emptive rights subscribed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
  • Advised Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals Factory Company on its IPO on the main market of the Saudi Exchange.
  • Advised First Milling Company on its IPO on the main market of the Saudi Exchange.

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Advised Gulf Insurance Group K.S.C.P. with regards to their USD 474.75 million acquisition of AXA Group including target companies in KSA, UAE and Bahrain and operating businesses in Qatar and Oman.
  • Advised Alsudairy Family in StarCare Insurance Brokers Company Limited on the sale of shares to Abdul Latif Jameel Insurance Brokerage Company.
  • Advised Dallah Healthcare Company (DHC) in relation to the sale and purchase of shares equal to 54.56% of Care Shield Holding Company (CSHC) (the Shares) from Kingdom Investment Development Company (KIDC) (by way of a share swap and cash consideration).

Funds

  • Acting for AJIL in relation to SR 500 million sukuk issued to
    sophisticated investors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Riyad Capital and GIB Capital acting as lead managers.
  • Acting for EFG-Hermes KSA structuring one of the first Saudi equities funds approved by the Capital Markets Authority.
  • Acting for EFG-Hermes KSA on the placement of MENA financial/funds products to investors in the Gulf, Europe and the US.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Lebanese Bar Association - Member

Admissions

  • Lebanon (1998)
  • Saudi Arabia - Registered Legal Consultant

Education

  • Nottingham University (LL.M.) (1998)
  • University of Paris X (DEA) (1996)
  • St. Joseph's University (Degree) (1995)

Languages

  • Arabic
  • English
  • French

Karim has lectured and written articles concerning the Capital Market Authority in Saudi Arabia.