Global law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey has expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region by adding regional law firm El-Khoury & Partners (EKP) to its international network of independent firms.

The company aims to build on more than 20 years of its experience across the Mena region, with this new Riyadh partnership, said a top company official.

"The Mena region is an increasingly important part of our clients' business focus," said Squire Sanders chairman R. Thomas Stanton.

"This expanded presence provides our clients with the global perspective, regional experience and cultural understanding that is essential for doing business in this dynamic market," he pointed out.

Squire Sanders has advised on a wide range of projects and matters throughout the region including assignments in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the UAE and Yemen.

The firm's regional practice experience includes mergers and acquisitions, finance, communications, private/public partnerships, privatizations, energy, environmental and international dispute resolution.

EKP includes EK Partners & Al-Enezee Legal Counsel in Riyadh in co-operation with Khulaif Al-Enezee. Founded in 2005 by Ziad G. El-Khoury, its managing partner, EKP has lawyers fluent in Arabic, English and French who are based in Riyadh and Beirut.

Clients in the Mena region include local businesses and governmental entities as well as multinational companies, financial institutions and private investors.

"We're very pleased that EKP has joined our global network, given our longstanding relationship with Ziad El-Khoury," said Joseph P. Markoski, the firm's practice co-ordinator for Europe and the Middle East.

Squire Sanders lawyers have worked closely with El-Khoury, who has been of counsel to the firm for several years. He focuses his practice on international business transactions, real estate, communications, regulatory and civil law matters.-TradeArabia News Service