Judeh K. Bahnan
Associate
Judeh K. Bahnan is an experienced corporate commercial lawyer with a practice currently focused on corporate/commercial matters, private equity, project development and capital markets matters. Additionally, Judeh advises major American, European and multinational institutions and corporations on doing business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also has experience in other practice areas such as intellectual property, employment and the construction industry.
- Advising NBK Capital on its position in a Saudi Arabian joint venture post conversion from a limited liability company into a joint stock company with the intent to IPO in two (2) years.
- Advising a leading European defense company on restructuring current operations in the Middle East and the establishment of a wholly owned entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising a world leading transportation and logistics company on restructuring its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, including purchasing all the assets of a smaller joint venture subsidiary and winding down of that subsidiary.
- Advising a leading regional conglomerate on expanding its operations in the pharmaceutical sector, including entry into several GCC countries through various structures. This involved initially forming a holding company (as a limited liability company with the foreign principal and a subsidiary as the two shareholders). The holding company that purchased a majority share in an existing company that was engaged in these activities.
- Advising MMC International in its acquisition of a minority stake in a consortium to build and operate a cargo terminal at the Jeddah Islamic port.
- Advising a leading UAE-based company on entry into the Saudi Arabian market through acquiring a majority stake in both automobile and electronics retail establishments.
- Advising a leading regional private equity firm in its acquisition of a water desalination and sewage treatment company, including a due diligence and drafting of the requisite agreements to facilitate the transfer in ownership. The deal was structured to also include the formation of a joint venture company between the private equity firm and the company that would own the assets (which were purchased under a separate asset purchase agreement) and leased back to the company.
- Advising a globally recognized sports brand retailer on its entry into the Saudi Arabian marketplace. The entry was through the formation of a joint venture with a Saudi Arabian party.
- Advising a Saudi private equity firm in its sale of numerous properties held in various jurisdictions through the sale of shares in various holding companies.
- Advising a leading software and automated solution provider in establishing a Saudi Arabian branch office. Providing the necessary and on-going Saudi Arabian law and practice advice regarding patent, copyright and trademark protection and presenting an infringement action to stop unauthorized use and/or counterfeiting.
- Advised a London-based firm in its defense of a Saudi corporate client of an employment injury claim by providing expert Saudi Arabian law and Shari’ah principles advice.
- Advising various international banks through several Saudi Arabian law legal opinions on authorization and capacity of certain Saudi Arabian companies and/or representatives to enter into and bind these companies in facility agreements and long-term loans.
- Advising a Korean-based construction company in establishing a limited liability company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including drafting all the requisite documents for filing purposes. The firm subsequently has also established branch offices in two other GCC states.
- Advising a leading GCC investment firm on all phases of its acquisition of shares in a Saudi Arabian company and its licensure by the Capital Market Authority.
- Advising a number of U.S. and European based clients or their lead counsel with respect to review and drafting of employment contracts, disputes and conformity of employee handbooks, etc. with Saudi Arabian law and practice.
- Advising a leading retailer of malt beverages on termination of its existing agency relationship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The retailer subsequently has entered into a limited liability company with another Saudi Arabian partner to engage in the distribution of the product throughout the Middle East.
- Advising a leading UAE-based investment firm on a dispute with a former client for the overpayment of USD 3 million, including drafting the claim to be filed with the Board of Grievances.
- Advising and facilitating the establishment of a Saudi Arabian limited liability company in which a leading Swedish manufacturer of furniture owned a majority share to enter into the Saudi Arabian market, including drafting of all the requisite agreements.
- Advising on the merger of two large Saudi Arabian companies into a limited liability joint venture for increased market presence in the building materials sector, including drafting all required agreements to effectuate the merger.
- Advising a leading North American investment bank with regards to its application to the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority and other Saudi Arabian government approvals to set up in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising various private equity firms in acquiring or selling ownership in certain corporate or investment entities.
- Advising a Chinese company on establishing a legal entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enter into multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.
- Advising a leading global engineering construction company supporting the energy, petrochemicals and civil infrastructure sectors with regards to various Saudi Arabian law and practice issues; including the leasing and purchasing of land and/or premises throughout Saudi Arabia to support its growth and expansion.
- Advising National Air Services, a new and rapidly growing airline in Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Arabian law and practice advice in relation to the acquisition of aircrafts in several transactions and reviewing the ancillary documents related to the loan and lease agreements that would facilitate the purchase and leaseback arrangements for the aircrafts.
- Advising on several transactions where Standard Chartered Bank was facility agent, security agent, arranger, hedging bank, account bank and original lender.
- Advising Al Rajhi Investment Group on the proposed acquisition of Saudi Arabian Airlines Cargo Unit.
- Advising Saudi Business Machines in its negotiations on a US$1 billion contract for the installation of new very complex telecommunications data and fiber optic network in Saudi Arabia with the prospect of an initial public offering.
Education
- University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2005, J.D.,
Traynor Honor Society, Witkin Award for Academic Excellence – International Advocacy (Spring 2004), Dean's Honor List (Spring 2004/Spring 2005)
- Baylor University, 1995, B.A., Biology
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
Languages