Introduction
IBMG, an international badminton management agency, sought to relocate its headquarters from Denmark to the UAE and needed strategic guidance to determine the most suitable jurisdiction for its restructuring and expansion. Acclime UAE delivered the expertise to ensure a seamless setup.
The challenge
IBMG looked to shift its operations base from Denmark due to rising business costs to a more tax-efficient jurisdiction. The Founder and CEO also aimed to obtain UAE residency and position the business closer to the Asian market, where many of IBMG’s clients are located.
Beyond relocation, the company wanted to restructure its ownership, transitioning from being held under the ultimate beneficial owner’s (UBO) personal name to a holding entity that would consolidate assets under one corporate umbrella.
However, navigating the UAE’s corporate landscape presented challenges. With over 40 Free Zones, each offering different benefits, regulations and compliance requirements, identifying the optimal jurisdiction for IBMG’s long-term strategic goals required careful consideration. The company also needed a trusted service provider with deep local expertise to handle incorporation, compliance and ongoing entity management.
The solution
Acclime UAE recommended a dual-entity structure tailored to IBMG’s operational and strategic needs:
- Meydan Free Zone for the operational business
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for the holding company (HoldCo)
Through a series of detailed discussions and follow-ups, Acclime UAE advised on the compliance, accounting, tax and statutory obligations within both jurisdictions. The team also provided insights into office space options and residency pathways for the company’s ultimate beneficial owner (UBO).
ADGM was particularly highlighted for its independent legal system based on English Common Law, offering international companies like IBMG greater confidence in corporate governance and dispute resolution.
After evaluating all options, IBMG chose Acclime UAE to deliver full support for incorporation, ongoing compliance and back-office administration. The services included:
- Company incorporation in Meydan Free Zone and ADGM
- Monthly accounting and bookkeeping
- Tax compliance (VAT and corporate income tax registration and filings)
- HR and payroll services, including investor visa assistance for the UBO
- Bank account opening assistance
- Provision of a local authorised signatory
The result
With Acclime UAE’s guidance, IBMG successfully transitioned its business base from Denmark to the UAE, gaining both tax efficiency and proximity to its core markets. The new dual-entity structure provides flexibility for future growth while ensuring compliance with UAE’s evolving regulatory landscape.
The partnership has allowed IBMG to maintain operational continuity, enhance governance through ADGM’s legal framework and focus on its core mission of empowering athletes on the global stage.
About IBMG
IBMG is a full-service international badminton agency that represents and supports elite athletes throughout their professional journeys. The agency provides career management, from negotiating club contracts and brand partnerships to creating commercial opportunities that maximise long-term value and global impact.
