Bahrain, 3 September 2008 – Baker & McKenzie has acted for Al Faisal Holding Company W.L.L. on a US$850 million financing arranged by Citibank N.A.

The financing, which consolidated the group's debt, was structured as three separate facilities consisting of a conventional term loan facility and Shari'ah compliant Ijara and Murabaha facilities.

The Baker & McKenzie financing team was led by Bahrain-based partner Caroline Long, who said: "We are pleased to have assisted Al Faisal Holding Company W.L.L on this important financing. The conventional and Shari'ah compliant modes of financing, together with the complex security structure, showcased our ability to advise our clients on intricate financing structures."

Tarek El-Sayed, Al-Faisal Holding CFO and Vice Chairman of Aamal Company Q.S.C., commented that: "We were right to choose Baker & McKenzie to act as our advisors in this transaction. With such a sophisticated financing structure, you need to work with professionals, and the Baker & McKenzie team maintained the highest standards of professionalism all the time. We see this Transaction as a beginning for more business relations with this Firm in the future."

Caroline Long was assisted by Bahrain-based senior associate Bilal Kahlon. Citibank N.A. was advised by Clifford Chance, London.