King & Spalding expands Middle East M&A and energy practices

King & Spalding has further expanded its Middle East M&A and energy industry capabilities with the addition of partners Simon Fraser and Matt Hartsuyker to its corporate, finance and investments practice group in Abu Dhabi.

Fraser and Hartsuyker are M&A lawyers who handle sophisticated regional and international transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures, strategic investments, joint ventures and corporate restructuring activities around the world. They have considerable experience with M&A and transactions in the resources, energy and infrastructure space.

“Simon and Matt bring an excellent reputation and track record in the Middle East market along with impressive cross-border M&A capabilities that complement many of our practices very well – including our energy practice, an area where they have significant experience,” said Todd Holleman, head of the CFI practice group. “In Simon and Matt, we are adding two partners who have extensive experience navigating and closing the kinds of complex, high-value transactions that advance our clients’ business strategies. They will help propel the continued growth of our corporate practice in the region.”

Fraser has more than 25 years’ experience advising clients on transactions around the globe from London, New York, Australia, Asia and the Middle East. He was most recently a partner at Ashurst, where he led the corporate and oil & gas teams in the Middle East. 

Hartsuyker, also previously at Ashurst, has over 10 years’ experience advising on major international transactions in the Middle East, Asia and Asia Pacific. His practice spans various sectors, with a particular focus on energy, resources and infrastructure.

Fraser and Hartsuyker are the latest additions to King & Spalding’s CFI team in the Middle East this year.

“We are in growth mode across the region – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and our new Riyadh office – so are proud we have recently recruited additional senior lawyers who are attracted to our culture of excellence and collegiality and who further complement our existing team and help drive forward our commitment to our clients and this region,” said Nabil Issa, Middle East managing partner of King & Spalding.