GLA & Co to Lead Discussion on “M&A in Times of Conflict” at ALM General Counsel Conference Middle East 2026
GLA & Co is pleased to announce its participation as a supporting partner at the General Counsel Conference Middle East 2026, organized by ALM/Law.com, taking place on 15 October 2026 at Address Sky View in Dubai.
As part of the conference, Alex Saleh, Managing Partner of GLA & Co, will moderate a panel discussion examining one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses, investors and legal advisers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): “M&A in Times of Conflict.”
Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, the discussion will explore how regional instability is reshaping mergers and acquisitions, from transaction valuations and due diligence to contractual risk allocation, deal execution and post-completion protection.
Bringing Together Leading Regional General Counsel
The panel will feature senior legal executives representing three important sectors of the regional economy:
- Mohammed Majid, Chief Legal Officer / Group General Counsel, Dubizzle Group
- Mustasan Mir, Group Chief Legal Counsel, Burjeel Holdings
- Michelle Ancona Reynolds, Senior Vice President, Legal & Compliance, Lesha Bank
Drawing upon their respective experience in technology, healthcare and financial services, the panelists will examine the practical challenges confronting businesses pursuing acquisitions and strategic investments during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Navigating M&A Risk in an Uncertain Regional Environment
The 45-minute discussion will address five critical stages of the M&A lifecycle:
- Enhanced Due Diligence: Assessing supply chain vulnerabilities, business continuity, geopolitical exposure, insurance coverage and asset valuations in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
- Strengthening Transaction Documentation: Developing conflict-specific representations, warranties and indemnities, including protections against disruptions to material contracts, supply arrangements and operational performance.
- Buyer and Seller Protections: Examining the legal mechanisms available to buyers seeking to withdraw from transactions and sellers seeking to enforce contractual commitments, including force majeure, material adverse change provisions and the doctrine of unforeseen circumstances.
- Managing the Signing-to-Closing Period: Protecting transaction value through appropriate interim covenants, closing conditions, price adjustment mechanisms and transaction structures.
- Post-Completion Risk Management: Addressing earn-outs, indemnity protections, dispute resolution and contractual obligations where geopolitical developments fundamentally alter commercial expectations.
A particular focus will be the application of Arab civil law principles governing contractual performance, force majeure, unforeseen circumstances and good faith, and how these principles differ from the common law frameworks traditionally used in international M&A transactions.
GLA & Co: Advising Businesses Through Regional Complexity
Commenting on the upcoming discussion, Alex Saleh, Managing Partner of GLA & Co, stated:
“Geopolitical uncertainty does not bring mergers and acquisitions to a halt, but it fundamentally changes how transactions must be evaluated, structured and executed. For businesses operating across the GCC, understanding the interaction between regional civil law principles and internationally accepted M&A practices has become increasingly important.
Our discussion will focus on the practical steps that general counsel, investors and their advisers can take to identify emerging risks, protect transaction value and ensure that transactions remain commercially viable even in an environment of regional conflict.
The GCC has consistently demonstrated its resilience in the face of regional challenges. We believe that well-structured transactions, supported by appropriate legal protections and sound commercial judgment, will continue to play an important role in the region’s economic development.”
GLA & Co’s participation reflects the firm’s continued commitment to contributing to the development of legal practice across the Middle East and supporting businesses navigating increasingly complex cross-border transactions.
With offices across eight Middle Eastern jurisdictions — Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Egypt — GLA & Co advises regional and international clients on corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory matters, financing and complex commercial projects.
Event Details
Event: General Counsel Conference Middle East 2026
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Venue: Address Sky View, Dubai, UAE
Panel: M&A in Times of Conflict
Session Time: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Moderator: Alex Saleh, Managing Partner, GLA & Co
For further information about the conference, please visit the official conference agenda.
About GLA & Co
GLA & Co is a regional Middle Eastern law firm with offices across eight jurisdictions. The firm provides legal services to multinational corporations, regional businesses, financial institutions, investors and government-related entities, combining international legal experience with extensive knowledge of local laws, regulations and business practices.