DLA Piper advises Dubai Taxi Company AED1.45 billion acquisition of National Taxi

DLA Piper has advised Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) on the acquisition of National Taxi, a leading taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The transaction is structured as the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of National Taxi for a total consideration of approximately AED1.45 billion and is subject to customary regulatory and other approvals.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in DTC’s growth strategy, expanding its geographic footprint across the UAE and reinforcing its position as a leading mobility platform in the region.

Following completion of the transaction, DTC is expected to strengthen its leadership position in Dubai, increasing its market share from 47% to 59%, while also establishing a meaningful presence in Abu Dhabi with an estimated 12% market share. The transaction is expected to create further opportunities for long-term growth across the UAE’s urban mobility sector. The acquisition also supports DTC’s ambition to build a scaled, multi-emirate platform capable of capturing sustained demand for mobility services across the UAE.

A team from DLA Piper’s Dubai office worked on the transaction led by Will Seivewright, partner and Head of Corporate, Middle East. He was supported by Mona Lemp, Alex Claybourn and Zain Shanqiti.

Specialist advice was provided by colleagues across the firm, including Jonathan Clarke (Insurance); Sean Cope and Marta Almeida (Real Estate); Iain Skinner, Nadia Akhter and Melissa Hartley (Employment); Ton Van Doremalen (Tax); Daniel Colgan and Rayane Hayek (Regulatory and Antitrust); and Raj Dewan and Ishita Kashyap (Public Company and Securities Law).

Will Seivewright, commented: “This transaction is a significant step in DTC's continued growth and expansion across the UAE. The acquisition also reflects the continued strength and attractiveness of the UAE market for strategic investment and long-term growth.”

For the last three years, Mergermarket has ranked DLA Piper as the most active M&A law firm in MENA. This transaction further demonstrates the firm’s ability to handle the region’s largest and most complex landmark transactions, combining full-service capabilities, deep local law expertise and international best practice.