Linklaters and White & Case have won lead roles on a $3bn (£2bn) merger that has created the ninth-largest company listed in Qatar.

The deal sees Barwa Real Estate Company take over Qatar Real Estate Investment Company (Alaqaria). The merger, which was approved earlier this month, has been backed by the Qatari Government.

Linklaters advised Barwa, led by Dubai-based corporate partner Scott Campbell, while White & Case advised Alaqaria, led jointly by Doha-based partner Andrew Macklin and City partner Philip Broke, both corporate and M&A specialists. The deal marks White & Case's first transaction for Alaqaria.

Macklin moved from London to Doha last year to launch the Qatar base for the firm. Linklaters does not have a presence in the country.

Commenting on the deal, Macklin said: "It is very exciting for us to advise on this deal, as it is the first of its kind in Qatar. It is the first consolidation of two publicly-listed entities of a significant size and value. It is also the first time we have advised Alaqaria, so it was definitely exciting to get the mandate. These are early days for our Doha office but business is going very well."

In addition to Linklaters and White & Case, the deal handed roles to local law firms Hassan Al Khater and Badri & Salim El Meouchi, which advised Barwa and Alaqaria respectively.