We have significant experience advising companies both before and during the initial public offering ("IPO") process, including the listing of shares and securities on regional and Pakistani stock exchanges. Our team has also provided counsel on the listing of units in both open-ended and closed-ended local investment funds in the relevant market. We have represented both closed and public joint-stock companies in matters such as bond issuance, rights issues, private placements, and capital restructuring, while also being involved in due diligence, prospectus review, and the finalization of issue documents.
Our work frequently covers securities and investment fund matters, including international financial products and the associated regulatory considerations. We have extensive experience advising international and local funds and companies on structuring and marketing cross-border financial products and the sale of foreign securities. We regularly provide counsel on securities-related matters and have successfully defended investors and stock exchange members in proceedings initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, as well as lawsuits filed by regulators.
Our team also has considerable experience working with start-ups, offering advice on convertible loans, debenture stock, series A funding, and subsequent rounds of financing.
Notable Matters
- Advised on investment during a Series A funding round for a private company in the financial technology sector.
- Provided counsel on the issuance of capital market instruments for two banks in the region.
- Advised on the acquisition and merger of a business with a leasing company, assisting with due diligence, merger agreements, and obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory bodies.
- Advised on a combined US$738 million debt-equity conversion for three independent power producers, including obtaining regulatory consents and approvals.
- Provided regulatory advice during the pre-acquisition phase of a controlling interest in a regional bank.
- Provided counsel on the conversion and capital increase of a power company, including its transition from a public listed company to a private entity and delisting from the securities market.
- Advised on the formalities related to the transfer of shares following a major acquisition of a power company.
- Advised on the IPO of an open-ended equity fund, including legal review and amendments to various agreements and documents in accordance with local laws.
- Provided legal services for the conversion of a company from a public listed company to a private joint-stock company, including pre-conversion due diligence and drafting the necessary conversion documentation.
- Advised on raising seed funding for a natural beauty brand.
- Advised on the enforcement of a share pledge over 161 million shares in a prominent Omani public corporation in relation to a structured financing transaction.