Group- & Family Holdings
For those looking at consolidating and collectively managing high-value assets, a family holding and/or proprietary investment company (“PIC”) is an important consideration.
In an ever-changing environment, the choices of tools and jurisdictions, can be baffling.
Any decision to use a Family holding or PIC should be made after careful consideration ranging from fiscal impact, family dynamic, ongoing governance, and ongoing compliance.
This is where we step in.
Recent Work
Restructuring Key Personnel in Soft Commodities via DIFC Foundation
Advised on the re-structuring of a privately-owned group active in soft commodities trading; use of DIFC foundation regime as a tool to secure and incentivize key-personal (reinforcement or contractual shadow-shareholding rights).
Restructuring F&B Franchise with ADGM Jurisdiction
Advised on the restructuring of a leading F&B franchise with more than 40 entities across the Emirates, including morphing of legal types. Use of ADGM jurisdiction for enhanced control and security.
Restructuring of MENA-EU Group
Advised on the restructuring of a privately-owned group with activities in the UAE, KSA, other MENA and EU countries, taking tax, ownership restriction and legacy planning aspects into consideration. Multi-tools legacy planning strategy across various jurisdictions, consisting of PTC, foundation (AGDM jurisdiction), corporate governance, family governance.
Restructuring Luxury Perfume Distributor in Gulf
Advised on the re-structuring of a privately-owned group active in master-distribution of luxury perfumes and cosmetic brands in the Gulf, taking legacy planning and asset protection into consideration – use of ADGM & DIFC jurisdiction (SPVs, Prescos, Foundations) for enhanced control and security
Project for Three Family Branches with Cyprus Holding Company
Advised on a large project involving three family branches connected by one main Cyprus holding company. The project comprised the incorporation of three DIFC Trusts, three DIFC Purpose Trust Foundations to act as Trustee of each respective Trust, as well as corporate migration of main holding company from Cyprus to the UAE, particularly the DIFC jurisdiction.
How we can help
Following a dramatic revamp and expansion of its regulatory framework, the UAE offers arguably the most comprehensive and sophisticated tool, chest of wealth structuring/business continuity solutions in the world.
Whether setting up a presence in the UAE, migrating to the jurisdiction, restructuring their domestic or regional operations or taking a local business to a global level, we help successful individuals and families navigate the UAE’s offering to identify the structure fitting their specific needs
Through our multi-services platform we can lead and support a (re-)structuring process from A to Z – advise on the ideal structure, lead the incorporation/ registration, handle recruitment/employment of staff, provide ongoing corporate secretarial and administrative support, as well as succession/business continuity advice.
“The extraordinary momentum witnessed since 2021 in regional structure optimization and inter-generational legacy planning is continuing to gain traction in 2024, set to become another record year in families implementing intergenerational legacy strategies involving their core, regionally- based revenue generating assets. It is a genuine source of pride that many of these families – a majority of GCC origin – have turned to M/HQ for advice and ongoing support”
Yann Mrazek, Managing Partner
“A leading authority in the area when it comes to wealth structuring. […] a go-to”
“[…] very modernised practice, […] one of the key anchors when it comes to foundations.”
Chambers & Partners
“Good command of local structures”
“Absolutely excellent.”
Chambers & Partners
“Extremely well known for [their] foundation work”
“Highly regarded”
Chambers & Partners
“Extremely helpful, flexible, fast and responsive – whatever you need, [they] will find you a solution.”
“very good at explaining things and breaking things down simply”
Chambers & Partners
