Mergers & Acquisitions Services in Dubai
Hire Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers in UAE
25+ Years of Experience | 4.9* Rating | Deal with 500+ mergers and acquisitions | 40+ Industries
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) happen when two companies join together or when one company buys another. In the UAE, these business activities are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies and the Competition Law. These regulations ensure transparent business transfer processes, protect shareholder rights and maintain competitive fairness across all Emirates.
At HHS Lawyers, our lawyer can help you with:
- Preparing and checking Share Purchase Agreements (SPA) and Merger Agreements.
- Carrying out full legal due diligence to find any risks.
- Handling all regulatory filings with the Ministry of Economy and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
- Helping companies move (redomicile) between Free Zones and the Mainland.
- Giving legal support during negotiations to protect the client’s interests.
Industries We Serve
Our merger and acquisition attorneys have industry expertise across almost all sectors, including:
- Real Estate: Representing mergers and acquisitions in property and the construction industry.
- Technology: Helping technology companies through complex transactions involving intellectual property and innovation.
- Healthcare: Mergers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector are done within the given regulatory framework.
- Financial Services: Acquisition and merger representation within the banking and financial services sector.
- Retail and Consumer Goods: Assisting companies in the retail and consumer goods sectors in their efforts with mergers and acquisitions.
What are Mergers and Acquisitions in the UAE?
The process of mergers occurs when two companies combine their operations to form a new single entity. An acquisition happens when one company purchases the majority or complete ownership of another company’s shares or assets to gain control over that company.
Under the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 32 of 2021), companies have a clear legal process for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). These laws protect shareholders, business owners, and the UAE economy. Our corporate lawyers make sure every step of your M&A process follows the law correctly and smoothly.
Why You Need a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer
Doing a business deal without a lawyer can create serious risks and mistakes. There are various legal issues that can affect your M&A transaction. The UAE M&A lawyers provide the following support for your needs:
Checking for Hidden Risks
We review the other company’s history to find any debts, tax issues, or pending litigation.
Drafting Strong Contracts
We prepare clear M&A agreements that explain ownership, responsibilities, and rights.
Following UAE Law
We make sure all required approvals and filings are completed with UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Economy.
Negotiating the Best Deal
We negotiate on your behalf to get you the best price and fair terms for your merger or acquisition.
Who Requires Merger and Acquisition Services
Local Businesses
Local companies in the UAE that want to grow by merging with another company, acquiring another business, or joining with new partners.
Foreign Investors
International buyers who want to enter the UAE market by buying established local companies.
Startups and SMEs
Business owners who want an exit by selling their company to a larger group.
Conglomerates
Large corporate groups doing internal restructuring or combining their subsidiaries.
Requirements and Documents for Mergers and Acquisitions
| Category | Requirement / Document |
| Basic Legal Requirements | Approval from shareholders/board |
| Update commercial license | |
| Compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law | |
| Corporate Documents | MOA & AOA (current + amended) |
| Trade License copies | |
| Shareholder/Board Resolutions | |
| Transaction Documents | Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) |
| Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) | |
| Merger Agreement | |
| NDA & supporting contracts | |
| Financial Documents | Audited Financial Statements (2–3 years) |
| Valuation Report | |
| List of assets & liabilities | |
| Regulatory Documents | NOC from regulators |
| Competition Law Filing | |
| Approvals from Ministry of Economy | |
| Additional Documents | Employee lists & visa records |
| Supplier & customer contracts | |
| Licenses & permits |
Mergers and Acquisitions Legal Services We Provide
Our UAE M&A services are comprehensive to help with every legal aspect of your business deal. Our corporate lawyers take care of all the legal paperwork, so you can focus on your business. These include but not limited to:
Background Check – Legal Due Diligence
Before signing, we perform a complete legal check on your target company. We check their trade licenses, employee, supplier agreements, and ownership records. Helps you clearly understand what you are buying without hidden risks.
Structuring the Deal
We help you decide the best way to set up your UAE merger (or acquisition). This process includes the decision about whether to acquire complete company ownership or to purchase only specific company assets. Our goal is to reduce your legal risk and make the deal safer for you.
Drafting and Reviewing Agreements
Our team creates all essential M&A legal documents which include the following documents:
Share Purchase Agreements (SPA) represent the principal agreement for purchasing company shares
Asset Purchase Agreements (APA) serve as contracts that allow you to acquire selected business assets
Joint Venture Agreements enable two companies to collaborate on a specific project.
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) safeguard private business information from disclosure.
Getting Regulatory Approvals
The government must approve most mergers and acquisitions in the United Arab Emirates. The Competition Law requires large business transactions to be reported to the Ministry of Economy according to Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023. We handle all required filings and approvals for you.
Post-Merger Support
Our work continues after the deal is signed. We can help you with bringing the two companies together, move employee visas, and update your trade licenses to reflect the new ownership.
The Step-by-Step M&A Process with HHS Lawyers
Your UAE merger or acquisition (M&A) process will run smoothly because we follow a clear and professional method designed to achieve the best results for your business:
Initial Talk
We discuss your goals and check if the deal is realistic.
The Investigation
Our team conducts Legal Due Diligence to identify potential risks and red flag indicators.
The Plan
We create a “road map” to assist you with the merger or acquisition process in accordance with laws.
The Negotiation
Our team conducts negotiations with the other party to create an agreement on both the price and terms of the deal.
The Contract
We draft all final legal documents in simple English (and Arabic when required).
The Approval
We submit all required documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) and other UAE authorities.
The Closing
The deal has been officially recorded in the UAE company register after payment has been completed.
Why Choose HHS Lawyers?
Choosing the right M&A law firm in Dubai will determine whether your transaction proceeds without issues or faces any difficulties. The reasons which make clients choose our services include the following:
- Plain English: We explain all M&A steps in simple, clear words. We do not use any confusing legal terms during our consultation. We ensure that you understand every process without any confusion.
- Local Expertise: Our team have more than 20 years of experience in handling UAE legal matters, Dubai court procedures and governmental operations throughout the Emirates.
- Safety First: We protect your money and your reputation by finding risks early.
- One‑Stop Shop: Our Company provides complete service for tax matters, employment related issues, drafting all types of contractual agreements and all M&A legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mergers and Acquisitions
What are mergers and acquisitions services?
Mergers and acquisitions services include legal support for buying, selling, merging or restructuring a business. This may involve legal due diligence, deal structuring, drafting agreements, regulatory approvals, negotiation support and post-completion legal formalities.
Do I need an M&A lawyer before buying a company?
Yes, legal support is important before buying a company. An M&A lawyer can review the target company, identify legal risks, check ownership records, review contracts and prepare the required share purchase or asset purchase agreement.
What is legal due diligence in an M&A transaction?
Legal due diligence is the review of a company before completing a merger or acquisition. It may include checking trade licences, corporate documents, shareholder records, contracts, employee matters, debts, disputes, regulatory compliance and other legal risks.
What documents are required for a merger or acquisition in the UAE?
The required documents may include trade licences, memorandum of association, shareholder documents, board resolutions, financial records, contracts, employee records, non-disclosure agreements, term sheets, share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements and authority approval documents.
What is the difference between a share purchase and an asset purchase?
In a share purchase, the buyer acquires shares in the company and may take over the company with its rights and obligations. In an asset purchase, the buyer acquires selected business assets only. The right structure depends on the commercial objective and legal risk involved.
Are regulatory approvals required for mergers and acquisitions?
Certain mergers and acquisitions may require regulatory notification or approval depending on the transaction value, business activity, ownership structure, free zone authority rules, sector regulations or competition law considerations.
Can a foreign investor acquire a UAE company?
Foreign investors may acquire UAE companies, subject to the company’s legal structure, business activity, licensing authority requirements, ownership rules and any sector-specific restrictions. Legal review is important before signing any acquisition agreement.
How long does a merger or acquisition take?
The timeline depends on the size of the transaction, due diligence findings, document negotiation, shareholder approvals, authority requirements and closing formalities. Simple transactions may close faster, while complex or regulated deals may take longer.
What happens to employees during a business acquisition?
Employee matters depend on how the acquisition is structured. Employment contracts, visas, benefits, internal policies and transfer obligations may need to be reviewed or updated after completion of the transaction.
How can HHS Lawyers assist with mergers and acquisitions?
HHS Lawyers assists buyers, sellers, investors and companies with mergers and acquisitions in Dubai and across the UAE. Our lawyers support due diligence, deal structuring, transaction documents, regulatory approvals, negotiations, closing and post-merger legal formalities.
Get in Touch with HHS Lawyers
Are you prepared to grow your business operations in the UAE? Your success depends on proper planning and execution. At HHS Lawyers, our M&A legal consultants provide expertise which will assist your business in achieving growth to develop a more successful future. Contact us today for more information.
Our Mergers and Acquisitions services include but not limited to:
- Capital and financial advisory
- IPO readiness
- Drafting & reviewing on structuring agreement
- Sale purchase agreement
- Financial advisory agreement
- Securing approval from government bodies
