Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises Zain on landmark telecom tower joint venture with Ooredoo

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised Zain Group, a leading telecommunications provider operating across the Middle East and Africa, on its strategic telecom tower joint venture with Ooredoo Group. The transaction will combine approximately 4,000 telecom towers in Kuwait and Qatar under a newly established 50:50 joint venture, creating one of the region’s largest independent tower infrastructure platforms.

The joint venture represents an important step in the ongoing evolution of telecommunications infrastructure across the GCC. By consolidating passive telecom infrastructure, the platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency, support future network investment and help meet growing demand for digital connectivity across the region.

The transaction highlights the increasing trend towards infrastructure sharing and asset monetisation within the telecommunications sector, as operators seek to unlock value from tower portfolios while supporting the rollout of next-generation digital infrastructure.

The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer team was led by Head of Middle East Corporate Chris Walters, supported by senior associate Andrew El-Khoury, associate Alex Hamilton and paralegal Omar Kharouf. Specialist TMT support was provided by Partner David Couling and Of Counsel Dominic Rowe and tax support was provided by Partner William Arrenberg.

Head of Middle East Corporate Chris Walters commented:

“We are delighted to have supported Zain Group on this important strategic transaction. The joint venture reflects the continued evolution of the telecoms sector across the GCC, as operators look to unlock value from critical infrastructure while supporting the region’s rapidly growing digital economy. It was particularly rewarding to bring together colleagues across practices and offices to help Zain deliver a transaction of this scale and strategic importance.”