Matthew Heaton

Law Update: Africa

This month we bring you a special focus on a continent that boasts the world’s largest free trade area, a diverse economic make-up and increasing political stability. The latest edition of Law Update focuses on Africa, a territory that continues to be an attractive business and investment destination.

Like the rest of the world, Africa is still re-building from the impact of COVID-19, however, there continues to be an optimistic view of the opportunities the continent presents. An example of the appetite for investment into Africa was captured in a report we commissioned, titled Legal Leaders in MENA. Our survey of legal leaders revealed a resounding desire to expand into new territories, with 81% naming Africa as their investment destination of choice.

Read the full edition

The leading law firm in the Middle East & North Africa region.

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