London/Cairo, 6 March 2008 - Baker & McKenzie has advised Orascom Construction Industries and Amiral Holdings Limited on the sale of 90% of their interest in the port of Sokhna to Dubai Ports World for US$670 million.

Sokhna Port is Egypt's first deep sea port on the Red Sea and has facilities to accommodate large container vessels and bulk carriers. It is situated within the important North West Suez Economic Zone, and considered the most modern and first automated port in Egypt. It is the closest container port to Cairo and the only privately owned port in the Red Sea.

Orascom Construction Industries is a leading cement producer and construction contractor, and is active in emerging markets. Based in Cairo, it employs more than 40,000 people in over 20 countries. Amiral Holdings Limited is a multi-national organisation, operating globally across a number of sectors.

Captain Ossama Al Sharif, CEO and President, Amiral Holdings Limited and founder of Sokhna Port Development Company, said: "This has been a critical transaction which will shape the future of the port for years to come. Baker & McKenzie's team effort has greatly assisted us through the process at every stage; their advice has been instrumental in the successful outcome reached.''

General Counsel of Orascom Construction, Hussein Marei, added: "We truly value the relationship we have with Baker & McKenzie, both here in Cairo and around the world. This has been an excellent opportunity to work with the London and Cairo teams on a very successful transaction.''

The Baker & McKenzie team was led by Partners Michael Herington (London) and Mohammad Talaat (Cairo), and included associates David Allen (London), Tamer El Hennawy (Cairo) and Sarah Whitton (London).