Dubai—Dentons has advised on three winning deals at the Bonds, Loans and Sukuk awards held in Dubai last week, namely the Sovereign/Quasi-Sovereign Financing Deal of the Year, the Bond/Sukuk Deal of the Year by a Debut Issuer and the Structured Finance Deal of the Year. The Awards recognise outstanding achievement and celebrate excellence in the Middle Eastern and Islamic Capital Markets.

The Sovereign/Quasi-Sovereign Financing Deal of the Year was awarded to Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) in relation to OETC's debut issuance of US$1 billion Notes. Dentons advised OETC and Dentons Partner Sadaf Buchanan commented, "This marks the largest ever international capital markets issuance out of Oman. It represents a truly historic development for Oman and it has been a privilege to support OETC, as their counsel and working with our teams in Muscat, New York and Dubai."

The Government of Sharjah, acting through Sharjah Finance Department, was awarded the Bond/Sukuk Deal of the Year by a Debut Issuer on the issuance of US$750 million Trust Certificates which completed September 2014. Advising the Government of Sharjah as the issuer, Dentons acted as UAE, Sharjah and English legal counsel. Dentons partner Alex Roussos, said, " This was the first ever Sukuk issuance for the Government of Sharjah and represents a landmark transaction for the Emirate. Its success is a continuation of the recent trend of Sovereign issuers in our region tapping both conventional and Islamic capital markets to support their current growth."

The Structured Finance Deal of the Year was awarded to Stanford Marine Group’s US$325 million Syndicated Islamic Financing Facility signed June 2015. Dentons advised the consortium of banks in all capacities as Mandated Lead Arranger, Underwriter, Investment Agent, Security Agent, Arrangers and Financiers. Dentons partner and Head of Banking for the Middle East, Paul Jarvis added, "This represents one of the largest ship finance deals in the Middle East and is one of a number of ground-breaking transactions we have advised on in the maritime sector in recent years."

About Dentons

Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com