Kirkland & Ellis and White & Case were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in the Middle East and Africa region during the first three quarters (Q1-Q3) of 2026 by value and volume, respectively, according to the latest legal advisers league table by GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database reveals that Kirkland & Ellis achieved the leading position in terms of value by advising on $33.4 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, White & Case led in terms of volume by advising on a total of 12 deals.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “White & Case was the top adviser by volume during Q1-Q3 2025 and retained its leadership position by this metric during Q1-Q3 2026 as well, despite experiencing a year-on-year fall in the total number of deals advised by it. Moreover, it was among the only two advisers to hit double-digit deal volume during Q1-Q3 2026.

“Meanwhile, Kirkland & Ellis also witnessed a decline in the total value of deals advised by it, but still it not only managed to lead by value but out outpaced its peers by a significant margin. Involvement in the $33.4 billion deal for the acquisition of The AES by a consortium of investors played a pivotal role in keeping Kirkland & Ellis well ahead of its peers.”

A&O Shearman occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $9.2 billion worth of deals, followed by Sullivan & Cromwell with $6.4 billion, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer with $6.2 billion, and Meitar Law Offices with $5.9 billion.

Meanwhile, Baker McKenzie occupied the second position in terms of volume with 10 deals, followed by A&O Shearman with nine deals, DLA Piper with nine deals, and Meitar Law Offices with five deals.