Private Equity

Business-focused legal support for private equity in the UAE, helping companies move faster, reduce risk and make confident decisions.

Private Equity

From fund formation and capital raising to due diligence, buyouts, and exits – we provide integrated legal, tax, and financial advisory across the full private equity lifecycle. One team, every stage.

In-depth description

Private equity mandates demand legal and financial expertise across the full investment lifecycle – from fund formation and capital raising through deal execution, portfolio management, and exit. We provide integrated advisory support at every stage.

PE Lifecycle Advisory (Fund Formation, Capital Deployment & Raising)

Financial and legal advisory services for private equity (PE) cover the entire investment lifecycle. From fund formation and structuring, to capital deployment and raising, we provide strategic guidance at each stage. We assist in the creation of PE funds, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and help clients navigate the complexities of capital raising and investment execution. Our team works closely with investors to optimise fund performance, manage risks, and ensure efficient deployment of capital in line with investment objectives.

Scope of work

  • Advise on the entire private equity fund lifecycle.
  • This includes the initial fund formation and structuring, drafting the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • We provide strategic guidance during capital raising, and legal support for capital deployment into portfolio companies, including deal structuring and due diligence.

Deliverables

  • A fully structured and compliant private equity fund.
  • All necessary legal documentation (PPM, LPA).
  • Transaction support for investments.

Pricing

  • AED 75,000 – AED 250,000, billed Hourly and Lump Sum (concluded with a Success Fee).
    Number of parties, investment amount, investor contribution type, management structure, place of registration, loan agreement etc.
    Contractual elements (financing advice and structure, bank agreement, LOI, termsheet, subscription agreement, shareholder agreement, funds documentation, compliance governance documents and policies) – billed Hourly.
    Corporate registration – billed Lump Sum.
 

 

Prospectus, Investment Case & Risk Disclaimers Drafting

Our service offers comprehensive support in drafting key investment documents, including prospectuses, investment cases, risk warnings, and disclaimers. We ensure clarity, compliance with regulations, and proper disclosure, protecting both investors and private equity firms. Our team helps communicate investment opportunities effectively while managing legal and financial risks.

Scope of work

  • Draft all key investment marketing and disclosure documents.
  • This includes preparing the formal Prospectus or Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), crafting the compelling Investment Case, and drafting comprehensive, legally sound Risk Warnings and Investment Disclaimers.
  • We ensure all documents are clear, compliant, and effectively manage legal risk.

Deliverables

  • A complete suite of professionally drafted, compliant investment documents.

Pricing

  • AED 75,000 – AED 500,000, billed Hourly and Lump Sum (concluded with a Success Fee).
    Number of parties, investment amount, investor contribution type, management structure, place of registration, need for prospectus / white papers / listing etc.
    Fund structure establishment and regulatory process.
    Contractual elements (financing advice and structure, prospectus, bank agreement, LOI, termsheet, subscription agreement, shareholder agreement, funds documentation, compliance governance documents and policies) – billed Hourly.
    Corporate registration – billed Lump Sum.
 

 

Fund Formation & Structuring

Provide expert guidance on the formation and structuring of private equity funds, helping clients navigate the complexities of fund design, governance, and compliance. Our team assists in developing tailored fund structures, from partnership agreements to tax-efficient models, ensuring alignment with investor goals and regulatory standards.

Scope of work

  • Provide end-to-end legal support for the creation of a new investment fund (e.g., in ADGM or DIFC).
  • The scope includes advising on the optimal fund structure, drafting all core documents (Private Placement Memorandum, Limited Partnership Agreement), managing the regulatory application process with the relevant authority (e.g., DFSA, FSRA), and ensuring tax efficiency.

Deliverables

  • The fully licensed and legally established investment fund.
  • A complete set of all fund legal documentation.

Pricing

  • AED 200,000 – AED 500,000, billed Hourly and Lump Sum.
    Fund place of incorporation (DIFC, ADGM, overseas). overall structure (private, public, open, closed, restricted etc.), managerial structure.
    LP and GP involvement, fund manager establishment, cell company establishment etc.
    Stakeholder type (entrepreneur / start-up, head of legal, CFO, SFO etc.).
 

 

Buyout & Exit Strategies

Buyout and Exit Strategies service in M&A offers tailored legal guidance for business transitions. Assisting the clients in structuring buyouts, maximizing value, and executing seamless exits. With a focus on compliance and strategic planning, we support clients in achieving optimal outcomes in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

Scope of work

  • Provide tailored legal guidance for structuring and executing business transitions.
  • For buyouts, we advise on the deal structure (e.g., LBO, MBO).
  • For exits, we help prepare the company for sale to maximize value, whether through a strategic sale, private equity acquisition, or other divestiture.
  • We draft and negotiate all legal documentation to ensure a seamless and compliant transaction.

Deliverables

  • A formal advisory memorandum on the recommended buyout or exit strategy.
  • All necessary legal documentation to execute the transaction.

Pricing

  • AED 25,000 – AED 125,000, billed Hourly.
    Complexity of buyout, exit strategy, amount expected, existing contract, number of parties, investment amount, investor contribution type, management structure, place of registration, loan agreement etc.
 

 

Legal Due Diligence Support

Provide an expert assistance in legal due diligence for private equity transactions, ensuring thorough examination of target companies. Our team reviews contracts, liabilities, intellectual property, compliance, and corporate governance to identify risks and opportunities, enabling informed decision-making and safeguarding clients’ investments throughout the acquisition process.

Scope of work

  • Conduct a thorough legal due diligence exercise on a target company.
  • Our scope includes a detailed review of its corporate records, material contracts, employment issues, intellectual property, ongoing litigation, and regulatory compliance.
  • We identify and assess all potential legal risks and “red flags” associated with the transaction.

Deliverables

  • A comprehensive Legal Due Diligence Report with a clear executive summary, detailed findings, and risk assessment.

Pricing

  • AED 20,000 – AED 100,000, billed Lump Sum.
    Complexity of business, target’s size, scope of diligence, type of diligence expected (corporate high level, VAT and other taxes, detailed, inclusive of tax audits over one-two years prior to expected closing date etc.).
 

 

Tax Due Diligence

Tax Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) involves analysing a target company’s tax compliance, liabilities, and potential risks. This process ensures accurate valuation, identifies hidden tax exposures, and supports informed decision-making, enabling smooth transactions and minimising post-deal surprises for acquirers. It’s a critical step in achieving successful M&A outcomes.

Scope of work

  • This service is delivered in coordination with our in-house tax team or external partners.
  • Our scope is to conduct a detailed analysis of the target company’s tax compliance history, identify any hidden tax liabilities or exposures, and assess the accuracy of its tax filings under UAE Corporate Tax and VAT laws.

Deliverables

  • A formal Tax Due Diligence Report outlining all findings, risks, and potential financial exposures.

Pricing

  • AED 20,000 – AED 100,000, billed Lump Sum.
    Complexity of business, target’s size, scope of diligence, type of diligence expected (corporate high level, VAT and other taxes, detailed, inclusive of tax audits over one-two years prior to expected closing date etc.).
 

 

Financial Due Diligence

Financial Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) assesses a target company’s financial health, performance, and risks. It provides insights into revenue, profitability, assets, and liabilities, ensuring accurate valuations and strategic decision-making. This critical analysis minimises financial surprises, enhancing confidence and success in M&A transactions.

Scope of work

  • This service is delivered in coordination with trusted external accounting partners.
  • Our role is to legally frame the scope of the financial due diligence and review the final report to identify any legal implications arising from the financial findings (e.g., contingent liabilities, contractual risks revealed in financial data).

Deliverables

  • Legal oversight of the financial due diligence process.
  • A legal advisory note on the implications of the Financial Due Diligence Report.

Pricing

  • AED 20,000 – AED 100,000, billed Lump Sum.
    Complexity of business, target’s size, scope of diligence, type of diligence expected (corporate high level, VAT and other taxes, detailed, inclusive of tax audits over one-two years prior to expected closing date etc.).

Is your private equity strategy legally and structurally sound?

Are you forming a private equity fund in the UAE?

Fund formation in DIFC or ADGM requires regulatory licensing, precise legal documents, and expert DFSA or FSRA navigation.

Are you raising capital from institutional investors?

Institutional LPs require PPMs, LPAs, and risk disclaimers to the highest standard. We produce them with the rigour they need.

Are you conducting due diligence on an acquisition target?

Legal, tax, and financial due diligence must work together. We coordinate all three workstreams under a single mandate.

Are you planning an exit from a portfolio company?

Exit structuring affects tax, timing, and net proceeds significantly. Legal planning before the process begins maximises returns.

Frequently asked questions

Most UAE-based PE funds use a DIFC or ADGM Limited Partnership as the fund vehicle, with a regulated General Partner entity holding the required fund management licence. Capital is drawn down as investments are made. The structure must comply with the relevant regulator’s rules on fund manager qualifications, disclosure and reporting.
Managing a fund in DIFC requires a DFSA licence to manage a Collective Investment Fund. In ADGM, an FSRA licence applies. The process takes six to twelve months, requires minimum capital, approved personnel and detailed compliance arrangements. Pre-application engagement with the regulator is recommended for novel structures.
 
A UAE PE deal typically involves the fund acquiring a majority or significant minority stake using a mix of equity and debt. The vehicle is often a UAE LLC or DIFC SPV. Management incentivisation via equity or option pools is standard. Exit timing, board control and reserved matters are negotiated early.
Management fees (typically 1.5 to 2% of committed capital per annum) cover running costs. Carried interest (typically 20% of profits above a preferred return hurdle) is the GP’s profit share on exits. Vesting, clawback provisions and tax treatment of carry are routinely negotiated between LPs and GPs.

Yes. UAE-domiciled funds regularly invest across MENA, Africa, Europe and Asia. The fund’s investment policy must permit international investments, and individual deals may trigger local filings or approvals in the target jurisdiction. UAE substance and reporting requirements apply regardless of where the underlying investments are located.

Key contacts:

Romain Astruc

Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation

Anthony Raftopol

Partner – Corporate, Investment Funds & M&A

Gabriel Elmarzouki

Associate – Corporate, Commercial & Litigation

Other services you might need

A private equity fund requires regulatory licensing, robust fund documentation and a clear investment legal strategy from day one.

Regulatory Compliance for UAE Businesses

Fund management is a regulated activity in DIFC and ADGM. We obtain the licences and keep you compliant as rules evolve.

M&A Advisory - Acquisitions, Exits & Due Diligence

PE funds are repeat acquirers and sellers. We provide integrated M&A legal support across your portfolio activity.

Legal Due Diligence for Company Acquisitions

Every PE investment starts with rigorous legal due diligence. We deliver thorough, deal-focused reports under time pressure.

WHAT SET US APART

Why ASTRUC & Co

Private equity legal work requires deep deal experience, regulatory fluency and ability to operate at pace. We deliver all three.

1.

Deal-led approach

We structure fund vehicles, acquisitions and exits around commercial objectives – integrating fund economics, deal dynamics and regulatory requirements in every mandate we

2.

Senior counsel only

PE mandates are led by senior lawyers with direct transaction experience – fund formation, deal execution and portfolio management. Not delegated to associates after the

3.

Cross-border fluency

UAE-based PE funds investing across MENA and Europe need lawyers managing cross-border transactions without outsourcing jurisdiction-specific work. We operate across multiple

More than legal counsel

With you, all the way

Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.

From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.

Ready to move forward?

Book a consultation with our team to discuss your situation and explore the right legal and strategic approach for your business.

One hour consultation

30-minute consultation

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