Dubai, UAE: Leading international law firm Baker McKenzie advised Kitopi, a leading multi-brand cloud kitchen platform, in relation to its acquisition of AWJ Investments, a fast-growing food and beverage company based in Dubai which operates leading regional brands Operation Falafel, Catch 22, Awani, SushiDo and others.
Through the acquisition, Kitopi will strengthen its portfolio of regional F&B brands working with the AWJ Investments team which has significant expertise in building high-value brands. The expertise, coupled with Kitopi's commercial, technical and operational capabilities will further strengthen Kitopi’s position as the world’s leading cloud kitchen operator.
Founded in Dubai, UAE, in 2018, Kitopi is a leading tech-powered multi-brand restaurant and the fastest growing unicorn in history in the Middle East, with a valuation in excess of US$1 billion, that provides Smart Kitchen Operating System (SKOS) solutions to brands operating in the food market.
Commenting on the transaction, Osama Audi, Partner and Head of the Corporate and M&A practice at Baker McKenzie in the UAE said: “We are pleased to have supported the world's largest cloud kitchen company on all legal aspects of this high profile acquisition. Advising on this transaction allowed us to leverage our extensive experience in M&A and food and beverage across the region. We look forward to continuing to support Kitopi as they further develop their growing portfolio of brands and leverage regional F&B brands enter global markets."
"This deal is a great example of our Baker McKenzie regional offices working together seamlessly to support our key clients on their most important transactions," he added.
Further, Mahmoud Awad, Chief Legal Officer of Kitopi commented: "We felt we were in safe hands with Osama, Adnan and Stephanie from the Baker McKenzie team. We were very impressed by how the entire team took the time to understand our core business and the dynamics of being a venture backed tech company."
"The team's meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to our success made this deal a seamless and successful transaction. Thank you for being an invaluable partner in our journey towards growth and success," he concluded.
Led by M&A partner Osama Audi (Abu Dhabi), corporate partner Adnan Doha (Dubai) and senior associate Stephanie Samuell (Dubai), the Baker McKenzie cross-border and cross-practice team included the following members:
- M&A: associate Rami Younes (Riyadh), trainees Niharika Sahni (Dubai) and Razan Obeidat (Dubai) and paralegals Sami Nasr (Dubai) and Nora Chehouri (Dubai)
- Tax: partner Tina Hsieh (Dubai), senior associate Ben Philips (Dubai) and tax litigation partner Anton Mikel (Riyadh)
- Employment: partner Joanna Matthews-Taylor (Dubai) and senior associate Aqsa Khan-Sadiq (Dubai)
- Real Estate: senior associate Keri Watkins (Dubai) and junior associate Jana Al-Afoo (Bahrain)
- Competition: partner David Monnier (Riyadh) and junior associate Marwan Othman (Riyadh)
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