Sonia Abdul-Rahman
Biography
Overview
Sonia is a partner in our Corporate and M&A practice. Sonia regularly represents clients on a range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings and other corporate matters. Among her recent transactions, Sonia advised Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) on its US$12.4 billion long term infrastructure deal with a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG) and United Arab Chemical Carriers, an international shipping company, on its announced merger with United Overseas Group.
Sonia joined the Dubai office of White & Case in 2016 and became a local partner in 2021. Prior to joining White & Case, Sonia worked for a magic circle firm in its London and Dubai offices.
Experience
Representative transactions include advising:
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) on a long term infrastructure deal with a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG), one of the world's leading infrastructure investors, to optimize its assets through a lease-and-lease-back arrangement involving its stabilized crude oil pipeline network. Saudi Aramco will receive upfront proceeds of around US$12.4 billion.
United Arab Chemical Carriers, an international shipping company, on its announced merger with United Overseas Group.
Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-owned energy company, on its acquisition from Ib Vogt GmbH (a German solar developer) of a stake in the 64.1-MWp Infinity 50 photovoltaic (PV) park in Egypt.
Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-owned energy company, on its joint venture with Infinity Energy, Egypt’s leading renewable energy developer, to develop utility-scale and distributed solar energy and wind power projects in Egypt and Africa.
The shareholders of Ma'arif Holding Company for Education and Training (the largest owner and operator of private schools in Saudi Arabia) in relation to the sale of 100% of their shareholding to GEMS Education and Hassana Investment Company.
ADNOC in connection with the sale of a 40% stake in ADNOC Oil Pipelines to a consortium comprising of Blackrock and KKR for US$4 billion.
ADNOC in connection with its strategic partnership with Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE:NYSE), in connection with ADNOC's subsidiary, ADNOC Drilling. The transaction also involved BHGE acquiring five per cent of ADNOC Drilling for US$550 million.
The heirs of Abdul Latif Ibrahim Galadari in connection with their buyout of the remaining shareholders (the Investment Corporation of Dubai and the heirs of Abdul Rahim Ibrahim Galadari) in the Galadari Brothers group.
United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), the Dubai-headquartered container shipping business, and its majority shareholders Qatar Holding and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia on its announced multi-billion dollar merger with German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, one of the largest M&A deals ever in the MENA region.
The Abraaj Group on its partnership with the Aditya Birla Group to build a gigawatt scale platform focused on developing solar power plants in India.*
Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company on its acquisition of an equity stake in Gulf Cryo, a major regional manufacturer, distributor and service provider of industrial gases based in Kuwait.*
The Abraaj Group on setting up a US$200 million healthcare group in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction, DEG and PROPARCO.*
A financial investor on its acquisition of an 80 percent stake in a leading manufacturer and distributor of farming products in Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Portugal and Romania.*
Gulf Capital on the management buy-out of Dubai-based Destinations of the World, the leading travel accommodation wholesaler in the region and one of the top 10 globally.*
Dubai Group (a unit of Dubai Holding) on the US$165 million disposal of Dubai First, a leading UAE-based consumer finance and credit card business to First Gulf Bank.*
Vintage Holdings on its sale of Chef Middle East L.L.C, a major supplier of food products to regional hotels, food services, casual dining and airline industries in the UAE, Oman and Qatar.*
* Prior to joining White & Case.
Winner: Emerging Leader Award - The M&A Advisor, 2023
Corporate Lawyer of the Year - LexisNexis Middle East Women in Law Awards 2022