Al-Amthal has advised Egyptian companies, shareholders and boards from its Cairo office since 1977. We form companies, draft the agreements between owners, and act when a general assembly resolution or a board decision is challenged. Our founder's doctoral research dealt with exactly that question.
When a company needs a corporate lawyer in Egypt
Most corporate work starts before there is any dispute. Founders need the right legal form, whether a joint-stock company, a limited liability company or a partnership. Investors need to know what they are buying. Families running a business together need clear rules for the day one of them wants to leave.
Other matters arrive later and under pressure. A shareholder is outvoted at a general assembly. A board approves a transaction that some owners believe harms the company. A partner stops contributing but keeps his share of the profits. In each case the company's own documents and the Companies Law No. 159 of 1981 decide what is possible, and the deadlines can be short.
How we handle corporate and shareholder matters
We begin with a meeting by appointment at our Nasr City office, or by video for clients abroad. We read the articles of association, past resolutions and any agreements between the owners before we give a view.
For new companies we advise on structure, prepare the founding documents and the shareholder agreement, and follow registration. For disputes we examine whether a resolution can be challenged for nullity, who has standing to bring the case, and which time limits apply. Our founder's doctoral research in 1993 examined the nullity of general assembly resolutions in joint-stock companies, and this remains at the centre of our practice. When a company dispute goes to court, it is usually heard by the Economic Courts, before which Counsellor Sayed Mahmoud Farghaly is admitted, with a further appeal to the Court of Cassation.
Company matters for Gulf investors and Egyptians abroad
Many of our corporate clients live or invest outside Egypt. We act for Gulf-based investors who set up or buy into Egyptian companies, and for Egyptian shareholders abroad who need someone in Cairo to look after their interests. Since 1998 the firm has also given legal consultations and written legal studies on company questions to clients in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon and Morocco, supported today by our offices in Kuwait and Dubai. We work in Arabic, English and German.
What we handle
- Company formation and registration
- Articles of association
- Shareholder agreements
- General assembly resolution challenges
- Board and governance advice
- Mergers and restructuring
- Share transfers
- Partner exit disputes
Questions clients ask
How do I challenge a general assembly resolution in Egypt?
A shareholder can ask the court to annul a resolution that breaches the law or the articles of association, or that was passed to favour some shareholders at the expense of the company. Strict time limits apply, so speak to a lawyer early. We review the notice, the quorum, the minutes and the vote, then tell you whether a nullity case is realistic.
Which company form is best for a small business in Egypt?
It depends on the number of owners, the capital, the activity and how much personal liability you can accept. A limited liability company suits many owner-run businesses. A joint-stock company suits larger projects or outside investors. We explain the options in a first consultation and confirm our recommendation in writing.
Can a foreigner own a company in Egypt?
In many sectors, yes. Some activities and some locations carry restrictions or need special approvals, so the answer depends on what the company will do and where. We check the specific activity and location before you commit any money, and advise on a structure that fits the rules.