Addleshaw Goddard has added significant firepower to its Middle East team with the hire of Corporate and Private Equity specialist Fraser Dawson.

Fraser, formerly a leading corporate partner in Gibson Dunn's Dubai office, has extensive experience in M&A and other corporate transactions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 

AG's MENA Corporate team is one of the most established in the region – having acted on a number of complex regional cross-border M&A transactions, as well as joint ventures and restructurings. Clients of the firm range from global corporates to international and regional private equity firms, family offices, sovereign wealth funds and SMEs. 

The addition of Fraser as a fourth corporate partner in the Dubai office, with his strong reputation, technical skills and excellent relationships, will enable the corporate team to build upon its existing reputation and further enhance the firm's offering – including increased ability to engage with the corporate markets in Abu Dhabi and KSA. 

Fraser's practice has focused on a broad range of M&A and other corporate transactions (including auction processes, JVs, consortium arrangements, restructurings, convertible loan issues and trade sales) both in Europe and across the MENA region. He has particular experience in Private Equity, and a strong commitment to the region, having first relocated to the Middle East in 2007. Fraser has also passed both the Level I and II CFA® exams and is currently a candidate for Level III.

The hire is another demonstration of the firm's commitment to continued growth in the region as it cements its reputation as a full service international law firm. AG's Dubai office, which acts as a regional hub for the entire MENA region, has grown dynamically to offer an exceptional breadth of services. Hires over the last two years have included Islamic Finance specialists, senior Disputes litigators and employment law experts. 

Andrew Johnston, Head of Middle East and Asia, said: "As our regional corporate practice goes from strength to strength, Fraser is a perfect fit for our team. With his enviable experience, credible reputation, and strong client relationships, he will be a valuable asset as we drive our plan to position our corporate practice to be demonstrably one of the strongest in the UAE and wider MENA region forwards. I am delighted to welcome him to the AG team."