Herbies strengthens Middle East with exclusive Saudi tie-up

Herbert Smith has set up an exclusive association with Saudi Arabian firm Al Ghazzawi Professional Association (GPA).

Thirty-lawyer firm GPA has offices in the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, and the tie-up will allow Herbert Smith to offer international and local law advice in the region.

Herbert Smith Middle East head Neil Brimson said: “"We are fortunate to have secured an association in the crucially important Saudi market with a law firm of the standing of GPA, whose deep understanding of the Kingdom's expanding business sector and marked international outlook make them a good fit with Herbert Smith."

GPA was established in 1969 by Talal Amin Al Ghazzawi, who currently serves as chairman of the firm.

Al Ghazzawi said: “Given the tremendous expansion of the Saudi economy and the welcome influx of foreign companies into the country, we thought it important to link up our local expertise with the international capability of a firm like Herbert Smith.

“In so doing we can better serve our broad base of local and international clients.”

Herbert Smith, which has European alliances with Dutch firm Stibbe and Germany’s Gleiss Lutz for a number of years, has had its sights set on the high-growth Middle East for some time.

The firm opened in Dubai last year with the hire of Norton Rose finance partners Nadim Khan and Zubair Mir.

It has since bulked up there with the relocation of a number of lawyers from throughout its network and is also on the verge of opening Abu Dhabi.