Leading international law firm Baker McKenzie has successfully advised the Montfort Group, a global commodity trading and related-asset investment company, in relation to its acquisition of Uniper's crude oil processing and marine fuel trading business based in the United Arab Emirates (“Uniper Energy DMCC”) via a joint venture with the Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum ("Private Office"). The transaction was announced on 15 February 2023 by Montfort, with completion subject to regulatory approvals.
Uniper Energy DMCC is the market leader in the production and supply of low-sulphur fuel oils, operating a 65,000 barrels/day crude processing facility at the Port of Fujairah and selling over 30 million barrels of low-sulphur fuel oil to the shipping industry each year.
Commenting on the transaction, Osama Audi, Partner and Head of the Corporate and M&A practice at Baker McKenzie in the UAE said: “We are delighted to have assisted the Montfort Group on this landmark transaction, which involves the acquisition of one of Uniper’s flagship assets in one of the largest and fastest growing bunker fuel markets in the world. This transaction also demonstrates Baker McKenzie’s strong cross-border capabilities and deep industry knowledge of transactions in the energy, oil & gas and refining sectors. We continue to be well placed to assist clients executing complex and strategic transactions in the region and globally."
Baker McKenzie’s core team was led by M&A partner Osama Audi (Abu Dhabi) and supported by counsel Grace Ong (Abu Dhabi), associates Neil Williams (Dubai) and Neda Bahador (Dubai) and trainees Razan Obeidat (Dubai) and Sanad Almomani (Abu Dhabi). Partners Nick Tostivin (London) and Sandeep Puri (Dubai) advised on finance aspects of the transaction with support from senior associates Sabina Passi (Dubai), Nadiia Filozop (London) and James Clarke (London) and associate Jessica Riley (London).