Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises Aramex on its sustainability-linked AED 815 million debt refinancing

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised Aramex, a UAE-based global provider of logistics and transportation solutions, on its successful AED 815 million debt refinancing. 

The transaction consolidates Aramex’s existing USD- and GBP-denominated facilities into a single UAE-domiciled financing, arranged through a syndicate of international and regional banks. This refinancing enhances Aramex’s capital structure, simplifies its debt portfolio and aligns its financing with its regional footprint.

The facility has been structured as a sustainability-linked loan, with pricing directly tied to the company’s ESG performance. This reflects the continued growth of ESG-focused financing in the Middle East market and underscores Aramex’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

The transaction also extends sustainability-linked financing across a complex, multi‑jurisdictional Aramex group spanning the UAE and the wider GCC, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the US. By linking a globally structured financing to measurable ESG performance, the deal sets a practical example for how businesses can incorporate sustainability into core funding strategies.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer supported Aramex through the entire deal cycle starting from the mandate letter to financial close, which was achieved on 17 March 2026.
The cross-practice, cross-office Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer team was led by Projects, Energy and Infrastructure (PEI) partner Phil Hanson and Corporate partner Chris Walters alongside PEI senior associates Adel Shageev and Maria Zerkalova and associate Portia Cox (all Dubai). The wider team included Finance consultant Adrian Cheng, of counsel Jessica Loy and associate Yu Xuan Ho (all Singapore); Finance partner Ellen Mao, of counsel Marcus Wong, senior associate Jane Yee and trainee solicitor Angel Lau (all Hong Kong); and PEI partner Jon Evans and senior associate James Tong (both Melbourne).

Partner Chris Walters commented "We are proud to support Aramex on this important refinancing, which reflects the strength and depth of our longstanding relationship. This transaction is a great example of how we bring together expertise from across our practices to deliver holistic, commercially-focused solutions. We are delighted to have played a role in this significant milestone and look forward to further deepening our collaboration with Aramex and supporting its ongoing growth and strategic initiatives."

Partner Phil Hanson commented: "We are delighted to have supported Aramex on this landmark refinancing. The transaction highlights both the strength of the regional lending market and the increasing importance of sustainability-linked financings. This matter further reinforces Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer as a leading adviser on complex financing transactions across the Middle East."