Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises Rawas on copper materials manufacturing joint venture in Saudi Arabia

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised Rawas National Investment Holding on the establishment of a copper materials manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.

Rawas will implement the investment through a joint venture with Hailiang Group, one of China’s largest copper manufacturers.

Under the terms of the transaction, the facility will produce copper products used in battery and semiconductor manufacturing, supporting supply chains for advanced manufacturing and the energy transition.

The transaction forms part of Rawas’s broader strategy of partnering with Chinese companies on advanced manufacturing and energy transition projects, targeting US$6-8 billion in investment over the next three to five years.

Beijing partner Calvin Ho and Hong Kong senior associate Charles Wong co-led a cross-office team advising Rawas on all aspects of the joint venture, including transaction structuring, negotiation of the joint venture and shareholders’ arrangements, to execution.

"This transaction represents one of the first major projects for the Rawas platform and reflects increasing Saudi-Chinese industrial collaboration in critical supply‑chain sectors," said Calvin.

"We supported Rawas on this cross‑border joint venture with our deep experience in the battery value chain and China‑related manufacturing investments."

"Copper materials sit at the heart of next‑generation battery and semiconductor supply chains," said Charles.

"As Saudi Arabia accelerates its advanced manufacturing ambitions, we are seeing growing demand for joint ventures that combine Chinese industrial capability with Middle Eastern capital, and this project is a strong example of that trend."

Beijing associates Yilin Pei and Linda Gao supported the transaction. Riyadh partner Danila Logofet and associate Ghadah Alnafea also provided assistance.