Matthew Heaton

Transport, Energy & Revolving Synergy

The final Law Update of 2022 is here, and it’s packed full of articles. The double edition features two focus areas, first is a spotlight on Energy and Resources and second we feature a collection of articles on Transport and Logistics. The developments occurring in these sectors in the MENA region are unprecedented and our lawyers cover vast themes for you.

The Energy and Resources focus features topics such as diversifying energy resources, solar PV, mining in the Middle East, renewable energy and green hydrogen. From a transport perspective, we draw attention to the Bahrain metro project, discuss the challenges and remedies associated with the repossession of an aircraft, and there is advice on what to consider should a party vary the terms of a shipping contract.

This edition navigates you through updates from across jurisdictions such as, Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE. Each article is timely and provides insights into legal issues and cases that are affecting these sectors across the region.

Read the full edition

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Matthew Heaton

Partner, Head of Office, Head of Banking & Finance - Qatar

Biography

Matthew Heaton is a Partner and Head of Office in Qatar, and Head of Qatar’s Banking & Finance practice.

Matthew has broad experience of all aspects of finance law, acting for both borrowers and lenders. Prior to joining, Matthew was a banking & finance partner based in London at a leading global law firm. He has particular expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance, corporate lending and real estate finance, as well as regulatory and capital market matters. He is expert in the laws of both Qatar and the Qatar Financial Centre, as well as remaining qualified to practice English law. Matthew advises borrowers, funders and sponsors, including banks, equity and debt funds, listed corporates, private companies and mezzanine funders. He also advises on syndicated, club and bilateral financings. He has broad experience of leveraged finance and private equity transactions, and in advising purchasers and sellers of stressed and distressed loan portfolios.

In addition, Matthew has experience of general corporate and commercial transactions, and has a great deal of recent experience in the establishment and licencing of regulated entities within Qatar.

Recent Experience

Advising a syndicate of banks on a EUR 5.6 billion loan to the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Defence for purchase of military jets and related products and services, guaranteed by the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Finance
Establishing a representative office of a major European financial institution in the Qatar Financial Centre
Advising a leading Qatar university on the establishment of an endowment fund
Advising a Qatar-headquartered conglomerate on the restructuring of its financing arrangements
Advising a pan-GCC group of companies on the restructuring of its Qatar operations
Advising a private equity fund on its €8 billion acquisition of a portfolio of non-performing loans secured against assets located across Europe