Financial Institutions 

A wealth of experience in tailoring the highest quality legal advice to meet the needs of IFIs & DFIs

Financial Institutions 

A wealth of experience in tailoring the highest quality legal advice to meet the needs of IFIs & DFIs

Our dedicated, proactive and responsive team has a wealth of experience acting for financial institutions. We are particularly focused on big-ticket financings and bank to bank lending. Most of our clients are international development financial institutions “DFIs” and international commercial and investment banks.

With years of experience acting for DFIs, are well versed in their specific requirements and we tailor our advice to their specific needs. As a result, Sharkawy & Sarhan has been the counsel of choice of DFIs on a number of significant transactions. We have advised EBRD and IFC on the financing of a range of projects spanning across the infrastructure, FMCGs and energy sectors. More recently we have had the privilege of advising the China Development Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in respect of several transactions in Egypt in various sectors.

We are delighted to have been recently appointed to the panel of British International Investment (BII), previously known as CDC. This is a testament to our experience in the banking and project finance sectors and to our involvement in most key transactions in Egypt involving financing from DFIs.

We are delighted to have participated in the first green bonds transaction, this transaction consists of a green bonds issuance by the Commercial International Bank (the largest privately owned bank in Egypt). The bonds were issued under the newly introduced green bonds regime in Egypt.

PARTNER

Our dedicated, proactive and responsive team has a wealth of experience acting for financial institutions. We are particularly focused on big-ticket financings and bank to bank lending. Most of our clients are international development financial institutions “DFIs” and international commercial and investment banks.

With years of experience acting for DFIs,  are well versed in their specific requirements and we tailor our advice to their specific needs. As a result, Sharkawy & Sarhan has been the counsel of choice of DFIs on a number of significant transactions. We have advised EBRD and IFC on the financing of a range of projects spanning across the infrastructure, FMCGs and energy sectors. More recently we have had the privilege of advising the China Development Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in respect of several transactions in Egypt in various sectors.

We are delighted to have been recently appointed to the panel of British International Investment (BII), previously known as CDC. This is a testament to our experience in the banking and project finance sectors and to our involvement in most key transactions in Egypt involving financing from DFIs.

We are delighted to have participated in the first green bonds transaction, this transaction consists of a green bonds issuance by the Commercial International Bank (the largest privately owned bank in Egypt). The bonds were issued under the newly introduced green bonds regime in Egypt.

PARTNER

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Featured Deals

Banking & Finance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in respect of Egypt’s first green hydrogen facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the first fully integrated green hydrogen plant in Africa. This ground-breaking transaction involved a USD 80 million loan from the EBRD to Egypt Green, which is owned built and operated by Fertiglobe, Scatec ASA, Orascom Construction PLC Construction and The Sovereign Fund of Egypt

Banking & Finance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the USD52,000,000 facility granted to Angel Yeast Egypt LLC, a subsidiary of Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.

Banking & Finance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on matters of Egyptian law in relation to a session secured loan of up GBP 2.3 Million granted to El Roda Company for Agricultural Development S.A.E.

Banking & Finance

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC (FAB) and Mashreq Bank PSC (Mashreq) (with Norton Rose Fulbright LLP) with other lenders on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the USD 500,000,000 syndicated term loan facility granted to Telecom Egypt CompanyA.E.

 

Banking & Finance

The European Investment Bank (EIB) on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the EUR 214,000,000 Finance Contract granted to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Ministry of Housing Utilities and Urban Communities, the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, Dakahlia Water and Sanitation Company, Gharbia Company for Water and Wastewater and Kafr El-Sheikh Water Supply and Sanitation Company for the finance of the Kitchener Drain depollution project.

Banking & Finance

Banque Misr on matters of Egypt law in relation to the Revolving Credit agreement and issuing bank agreement concluded with EBRD.

Banking & Finance

The European Investment Bank (EIB)

on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the EUR 15,000,000 Investment Grant Agreement and the EUR 16,876,000 Grant Agreement (the “Grant Agreements”) granted to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Ministry of Housing Utilities and Urban Communities, the Holding Company for Water and Kafr El-Sheikh Water Supply and Sanitation Company for technical assistance and investment in infrastructure through the wastewater treatment project in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate.

Banking & Finance

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the financing of Edita including conducting a limited due diligence on Edita and its subsidiaries in Egypt, reviewing a draft of the loan agreement and the guarantee agreements prepared by IFC, advising on local issues, and issuing an opinion confirming that the transaction documents are valid and enforceable in Egypt.

Banking & Finance

China Development Bank (CDB) on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the RMB 260,000,000 (USD 40,000,000) facility granted to Société Arab Internationale De Banque (“SAIBANK”).

Featured Deals

Banking & Finance

Advising China Development Bank “CDB” on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the RMB 260,000,000 (USD 40,000,000) facility granted to Société Arab Internationale De Banque “SAIBANK”.

Banking & Finance

Advising the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development “EBRD”on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the USD52,000,000 facility granted to Angel Yeast Egypt LLC, a subsidiary of Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.

Banking & Finance

Advising the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development “EBRD ” on matters of Egyptian law in relation to a session secured loan of up GBP 2.3 Million granted to El Roda Company for Agricultural Development S.A.E

Banking & Finance

Advising (with Norton Rose Fulbright LLP) First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC “FAB” and Mashreq Bank PSC “Mashreq” with other lenders on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the USD 500,000,000 syndicated term loan facility granted to Telecom Egypt CompanyA.E.

 

Banking & Finance

Advising the European Investment Bank “EIB” on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the EUR 214,000,000 Finance Contract granted to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Ministry of Housing Utilities and Urban Communities, the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, Dakahlia Water and Sanitation Company, Gharbia Company for Water and Wastewater and Kafr El-Sheikh Water Supply and Sanitation Company for the finance of the Kitchener Drain depollution project.

 

Banking & Finance

Advising Banque Misr on matters of Egypt law in relation to the Revolving Credit agreement and issuing bank agreement concluded with EBRD.

 

Banking & Finance

Advising the European Investment Bank “EIB” on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the EUR 15,000,000 Investment Grant Agreement and the EUR 16,876,000 Grant Agreement (the “Grant Agreements”) granted to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Ministry of Housing Utilities and Urban Communities, the Holding Company for Water and Kafr El-Sheikh Water Supply and Sanitation Company for technical assistance and investment in infrastructure through the wastewater treatment project in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate.

 

Banking & Finance

Advising the International Finance Corporation “IFC” on the financing of Edita including conducting a limited due diligence on Edita and its subsidiaries in Egypt, reviewing a draft of the loan agreement and the guarantee agreements prepared by IFC, advising on local issues, and issuing an opinion confirming that the transaction documents are valid and enforceable in Egypt.

 

Banking & Finance

Advising World Bank in completing one survey focusing on the legal framework of insolvency under Egyptian law.

Banking & Finance

  • Advising African Export-Import Bank in reviewing the two-facility agreement and flagged points contradicting to Egyptian public policy, which may render the concerned clauses unenforceable in Egypt. We have also prepared an enforceability opinion in this regard. In addition, we have reviewed the corporate documents to advice on its capacity, authority and immunity. 

  • Advising Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (SCB) and Export Import Bank of China on two loan facility agreements to African Export-Import Bank for general corporate purposes. 

  • Advising The International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the USD15,000,000 facility granted to Vinavil Egypt for Chemicals S.A.E., a subsidiary of Vinavil SPA.

Banking & Finance

Commercial

  • Advising the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) on the UK Ring Fencing Transfer Scheme in light of the legal regime in Egypt.
  • Advising various clients, including EBRD, IDB, ICBC, on various general commercial and corporate.

Commercial

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Performing an extensive due diligence on Barclays Egypt for Attijariwafa Bank on all legal aspects.
  • Advising Fairfax on the acquisition of a minority stake is Commercial International Bank (CIB) S.A.E. from Actis.
  • Advising (with Allen & Overy) Societe Générale on the sale of its entire stake in its listed Egyptian Subsidiary National Societe Générale Bank (“NSGB”) to Qatar National Bank. The value of the transaction amounted to USD 1.97 billion for the stake of Societe Générale which represents 77.17% of the shares of NSGB. The transaction is expected to be one of the largest transactions in 2013.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Banking & Finance

  • Advising African Export-Import Bank in reviewing the two-facility agreement and flagged points contradicting to Egyptian public policy, which may render the concerned clauses unenforceable in Egypt. We have also prepared an enforceability opinion in this regard. In addition, we have reviewed the corporate documents to advice on its capacity, authority and immunity. 
  • Advising Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (SCB) and Export Import Bank of China on two loan facility agreements to African Export-Import Bank for general corporate purposes. 

  • Advising The International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) on matters of Egyptian law in relation to the USD15,000,000 facility granted to Vinavil Egypt for Chemicals S.A.E., a subsidiary of Vinavil SPA.
Banking & Finance

Commercial

  • Advising the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) on the UK Ring Fencing Transfer Scheme in light of the legal regime in Egypt.
  • Advising various clients, including EBRD, IDB, ICBC, on various general commercial and corporate.
Commercial

Mergers & Acquisitions 

  • Performing an extensive due diligence on Barclays Egypt for Attijariwafa Bank on all legal aspects.

  • Advising Fairfax on the acquisition of a minority stake is Commercial International Bank (CIB) S.A.E. from Actis.
  • Advising (with Allen & Overy) Societe Générale on the sale of its entire stake in its listed Egyptian Subsidiary National Societe Générale Bank (“NSGB”) to Qatar National Bank. The value of the transaction amounted to USD 1.97 billion for the stake of Societe Générale which represents 77.17% of the shares of NSGB. The transaction is expected to be one of the largest transactions in 2013.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Insights

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They have in-depth knowledge of the sector, provide a detailed legal analysis with practical solutions, and have the ability to liaise effectively with all parties involved and particularly governmental entities.

IFLR1000 2023 Project Finance Review

A great firm – very responsive, with vast experience and well connected.

IFLR1000 2023 Project Finance Review

A firm with a long track record and precedents they can draw from. Well connected to the business and governmental authorities.

IFLR1000 2023 Project Finance Review

S&S are technically competent, professional, commercially minded and always available and cooperative.

IFLR1000 2023 Project Finance Review

One of the strongest client-facing law firms in the Egyptian market that provides accurate and to-the-point advice.

IFLR1000 2023 Financial Services Regulatory Review

Prompt, commercially aware and detailed advice. Good knowledge of the practice of Egyptian authorities and regulations.

IFLR1000 2023 Banking Review

Very efficient and proactive, commercial and reasonably priced. Great value for money.

IFLR1000 2023 Bank lending Review