MEA October 2017

10 MEA MARKETS / October 2017 , a robust commercial model, to attain competitive advantage in a dynamic market. “The group has extensive experience advising companies on transactions in the GCC, India, Africa, Europe and the Philippines on deals of all sizes. Our team is well versed with the variety of hospitality issues that arise on development, management, operations, acquisition, divestment, gaming operations, franchise, management, outsourcing operations, joint ventures and fund formation, finance and restructuring, construction, investment in real estate, lease, litigation and cross- border investments as well as repatriation in various jurisdictions. “Musthafa & Almana’s clients include owners, managers, franchisors, developers and lenders; global, regional and national hotels; resort businesses plus serviced apartments and leisure and sports operators (golf courses, theme and amusement parks, health and fitness facilities, spas, gyms, cinemas).” Real estate Musthafa & Almana’s Real Estate Practice Group handles sophisticated real estate transactions in some of the most challenging emerging markets of the world. Musthafa reveals the firm’s competitive advantage in this sector, plus how they work with their stakeholders and clients. “Our work with stakeholders in the global industry, be it an investor, borrower, developer, occupier or lender, has given us a deep insight into this sector and its operations. Our competitive advantage in this sector is due to the strong presence we have in within it, in both the developing and developed markets of the world. The real estate needs of stakeholders in these markets vary vastly, giving us a more holistic understanding of the sector, which enables the firm to offer bespoke advice over various areas of practice. “We also assist various stakeholders of the global real estate sector, to pick up on cues and trends of the industry, whilst guiding them through the intricacies of the markets which they currently or planning to operate in. We synergise, our commercial knowledge to provide clients with a safe pathway for their transactions and successful outcomes for their disputes. “Musthafa & Almana’s client base mirrors the diversity and effervescence of the practice. Our cliental consists of, private and public companies, private equity funds, real estate funds, hoteliers and owners, public sector entities, retailers, developers and unit trusts, investment banks and other financial institutions.” Fashion, retail & consumer products Musthafa & Almana’s Fashion, Retail and Consumer Products Practice Group is a dynamic multi-disciplinary practice group that provides strategic advice for fashion houses, brands, consumer product companies, private equity firms, designers and technologists in the highly nuanced and complex matters of the global fashion, retail and consumer products industry. Musthafa underlines that the firm works with companies at all life-cycle stages, from start-ups to multinational fashion houses and retailers, a point he is keen to expand in his own words. “We help them navigate all the challenges and the opportunities offered by new markets, new technologies and rapidly changing regulations. In addition, the consumer products industry is a dynamic industry. The consumer goods and retail industry faces several challenges in today’s ever changing and complex marketplace, including shifting consumer attitudes towards products and brands, new entrants to the sector and increasingly stringent regulation. We believe that it is fundamental to our clients to anticipate and react to changes in their supply chain and change in technology, so that they can survive and thrive. “With extensive experience across all relevant areas and our international presence, we help clients navigate through these challenges and work across borders to find simple and creative solutions. We are also focused on providing advice, based on our in-depth sector knowledge, local experience and international best practice. This sector is driven by increased growth in consumer spending which attracts local and international retailers, fashion brands, luxury brands, investors and developers. “Musthafa & Almana’s services in this respect include giving an overview to clients about the market they are about to enter, advising them on the ever-changing tax and pricing environment surrounding the industry, negotiation leases for the shops, flagship stores or counters, advising strategically and technically on franchising and M&A transactions, managing government compliances and consulting them on HR solutions.”