Herbert Smith Freehills advises Marex on acquisition of UAE-headquartered Aarna Capital

Marex is a diversified global financial services platform, providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients in the energy, commodities and financial markets. This strategic acquisition allows Marex to expand its operations into Abu Dhabi and enhance its presence in the Middle East. This acquisition also grants Marex access to more than 180 local clients, which includes institutional investors, family offices and corporate clients, through a well-established and respected team.

Aarna Capital offers clearing, execution, and customised risk management solutions across various markets, including energy, base and ferrous metals, and financial instruments such as equities, fixed income, and foreign exchange.

The signing of the transaction took place on 2 October 2024, with completion on 28 March 2025.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by partner and head of Middle East Corporate Chris Walters, with support from senior associate Andrew El-Khoury and associate Alex Hamilton in Dubai. In London, partner Natalia Rodriguez and senior associate Max Kaufman advised on merger control requirements while partner Aurell Taussig and senior associate Graham Crocker provided tax advice.

The wider team included managing partner for the Middle East and head of Middle East Dispute Resolution Stuart Paterson and senior associate Janine Mallis on UAE employment and regulatory considerations, as well as partner Kate Meakin and senior associate Ali Grodzki from the London office on UK regulatory considerations.

The team collaborated with UAE law firm Al Tamimi & Company for UAE onshore regulatory advice, and engaged with trusted local counsel in India, where one of the target companies is incorporated.