King & Spalding Welcomes Key Partners in the Middle East 

International law firm King & Spalding continues its strategic expansion in the Middle East with the recent appointment of partners Simon Fraser (pictured left) and Matthew Hartsuyker (pictured right) to its Corporate, Finance, and Investments (CFI) practice group in Abu Dhabi. 

Both Fraser and Hartsuyker are seasoned M&A lawyers specializing in complex regional and international transactions. Their expertise includes acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring activities on a global scale, with a significant focus on the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors. 

Todd Holleman, head of the CFI practice group, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “Simon and Matt bring an excellent reputation and track record in the Middle East market along with impressive cross-border M&A capabilities that complement many of our practices very well – including our energy practice, an area where they have significant experience.” 

Simon Fraser, with over 25 years of global transaction advisory experience, has worked in prominent legal markets such as London, New York, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.  

Matt Hartsuyker, previously at Ashurst, brings over a decade of experience advising on major international transactions in the Middle East, Asia, and the Asia Pacific. His practice spans various sectors, with a particular focus on energy, resources, and infrastructure. 

The addition of Fraser and Hartsuyker strengthens King & Spalding’s CFI team in the Middle East, building on a series of strategic hires in 2023, including projects partners Dan Feldman and Brendan Hundt, finance counsel Dounia Mansour, and real estate partner Malek Al Rifai. The firm also saw the relocation of energy M&A partner Martin Hunt to Riyadh from London earlier this year. 

“Simon and Matt are outstanding additions to the team, providing added depth to our transactional capabilities in the Middle East,” added Nabil Issa, Middle East Managing Partner of King & Spalding. “We are in growth mode across the region – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and our new Riyadh office – so are proud we have recently recruited additional senior lawyers who are attracted to our culture of excellence and collegiality and who further complement our existing team and help drive forward our commitment to our clients and this region.” 

“While King & Spalding has a long and successful history in the Middle East, stretching back decades, I have been impressed by the ambition and enthusiasm of the firm to evolve with and continue to invest in the market,” Fraser added. “The firm’s energy, uncompromising focus on client service and forward-facing approach, alongside the exciting regional developments such as the recent COP 28 summit in Dubai and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, make King & Spalding incredibly attractive for Matt and me. It is great to be part of the growth story.”