Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

Redbrick Law Firm LLP is a specialist corporate law firm, handling a wide variety of matters including M&A, corporate structuring, and corporate governance matters.
Led by Konstantin Derbyshev, the Kazakh office of Ukrainian-origin firm Acquis Law Firm was founded in 2021. The firm handles cross-border and domestic transactions including M&A, joint ventures and general corporate advice.

Commercial, corporate and M&A in Kazakhstan

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited is regarded in the market for its focus on high-end cross border transactions for international clients, all aspects of transactions ranging from M&A transactions to corporate restructurings. Azamat Kuatbekov and Igor Kolupayev co-lead the team and are both experienced in mergers and acquisitions as well as drafting corporate laws in Kazakhstan. Counsel Alexander Korchagin is a name to note from the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Azamat Kuatbekov; Igor Kolupayev


Autres avocats clés:

Alexander Korchagin


Principaux dossiers


Dentons

Experienced partners Gani Ashimkhan and Abai Shaikenov  head the corporate and M&A practice at Dentons in Almaty. The team handles a wide variety of matters, including high value acquisition finance, taxation in mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures, and is well known for its strength in proving clients with sector capabilities in areas of energy, mining and industrials. Victoria Simonova has a track record of work including acquisition of assets and other interests in companies in the oil and gas sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gani Ashimkhan; Abai Shaikenov


Autres avocats clés:

Aigoul Kenjebayeva


Les références

‘Dentons is unique on Kazakhstan market. Very strong, always reliable, highly professional!’

‘Result oriented, trustful. Client centricity is always the core of Dentons services!’

Principaux clients

TAV Airports Holding


Transportation Technologies & Engineering BV


KT&G Corporation


Royal Reesink B.V.


Air Astana JSC


Markmore Energy (Labuan) Ltd


GRATA International

Noted for handling a range of high-profile transactions, GRATA International handles the full range of M&A related issues, from due diligence, to the registration of rights and acquired shares and assets, in addition to regulatory approvals. The team has a strong track record in advising clients on the protection of shareholders’ rights, structure and function of boards, and the accountability and liability of top managers. Igor Lukin leads the team and is a key name for major high-value transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Igor Lukin


Principaux clients

Clayton Dubiler & Rice


Food Empire Holdings


Qlik


Knauf


Siemens


Sarantis Group


Nokia


H&M


Bacardi


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on various Kazakhstan legal matters in relation to a global acquisition of the PwC’s Global Mobility Tax and Immigration Services Business.
  • Advised Food Empire Holdings on the acquisition of Tea House LLP.
  • Advised Qlik on various matters related to the entry into the market of Kazakhstan, including incorporation of a local office, opening bank accounts, employment and immigration issues.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP field a seasoned team in the corporate and business transactions space, representing major corporates, investment banks and sovereign wealth funds across different economic sectors including energy and natural resources alongside the transportation sector. The firm is prevalent in international cross-border transactions across Europe, US and the UAE. Aset Shyngyssov is well regarded for his experience in leading numerous mergers and acquisitions across the region, alongside Bakhytzhan Kadyrov  who is focused on M&A, antitrust and other corporate matters. Aida Akhmetova  represents clients involved in M&A, cross-border investments and commercial transactions, while senior associate Anna Kornilova joined from Kinstellar LLP in 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aset Shyngyssov


Autres avocats clés:

Bakhytzhan Kadyrov; Asem Bakenova; Aida Akhmetova


Principaux clients

Air Astana


Wabtec Corporation


Airbus


Alstom Transportation


Aldar Euroasia


Compass Group


BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce


Magnetic Oil


Kusto Agro


doTERRA


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Oriental Sunrise Corp. Ltd. in an acquisition of 60% operating interest in large onshore Dunga oil field in Kazakhstan from TotalEnergies EP Danmark A/S.
  • Instructed by Aldar Euroasia in connection with a series of office and retail lease agreements in Abu Dhabi Plaza in Astana.
  • Advised Air Astana in connection with a series of aircraft operating lease agreements from international lessors.

White & Case Kazakhstan LLP

White & Case Kazakhstan LLP has advised on a number of high-value M&A and corporate transactions, with roles on regional cross-border deals involving major international companies. The team works closely with their global competition law practice, dispute resolution practice and economic sanctions team to provide a full service to clients to navigate all aspects of major transactions in Kazakhstan. Maxim Telemtayev leads the firm and specialises in cross-border transactions, while, Zangar Nogaibay is recognised for his experience advising clients in the oil and gas and energy sector, alongside Chingiz Kraibekov who is experienced in advising in M&A projects. Adil Nurmaganbetov is a name to watch from the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Maxim Telemtayev


Autres avocats clés:

Zangar Nogaibay; Chingiz Kraibekov; Adil Nurmaganbetov


Les références

‘Strong deal execution capacity and excellent local contacts.’

‘Maxim Telemtayev, a leading figure in legal practice in Kazakhstan, very pragmatic.’

Principaux clients

Nostrum Oil & Gas plc


National Company “KazMunayGas”


Rem Invest


IFC


EBRD


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Nostrum, a standard-listed company (previously a premium-listed company) with oil and gas assets in Kazakhstan, on its restructuring of $1.1bn of senior unsecured notes which were due in 2022 and 2025.
  • Advising Nostrum Oil & Gas plc, a standard-listed company with oil and gas assets in Kazakhstan, in relation to its proposed acquisition of 80% of the participatory interests in POSITIV Invest LLP, a company holding subsoil use right on development of an eight hydrocarbon fields in Western Kazakhstan.
  • Advising IFC and EBRD (Lenders) as Kazakhstan law local counsel, in relation to 1) leveraged buy-out of Almaty International Airport and 2) project financing facility for expansion of Almaty International Airport.

AEQUITAS

Lead by Almaty-based corporate and commercial law experts Yelena Manayenko and Yuliya Chumachenko, AEQUITAS features expertise in deal structuring and negotiations, applications before Kazakhstan’s competition regulator and in the development of Kazakhstan’s corporate legislation. The firm handles matters for a range of high profile clients such as Deutsche Bank and Johnson & Johnson, alongside cooperating with prestigious law firms around the world. Olga Chentsova has been advising major global oil and mining companies on issues pertaining to corporate legislation, while Yekaterina Khamidullina is another notable name.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yelena Manayenko; Yuliya Chumachenko


Autres avocats clés:

Olga Chentsova; Yekaterina Khamidulina


Principaux clients

Elements Group AG


Centil Law

Centil Law‘s M&A practice is led by Ravshan Adilov, who has advised on a number of high-profile transactions across a wide range of industries including telecom, automobile, FMCG and renewables. On the corporate side, the team is headed by senior associate Alexandr Tyo who has acted on a number of joint ventures, private equity investments and assisting foreign business’ with setting up their corporate presence in Kazakhstan. Bagzhan Zhamalova regularly works with clients across a wide range of industries, providing assistance on corporate and commercial matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ravshan Adilov; Bagzhan Zhamalova; Alexandr Tyo


Les références

‘Helpful, responsive and experienced. Huge help navigating difficult contracts and queries in several languages.’

‘Good English, responsive and concise.’

‘Excellent local expertise combined with the bespoke service, international firm standards of compliance and ethics, client oriented approach.’

Principaux clients

Air Charter Service Group Limited


Birch Legal


Stadler Rail Management AG


Fircroft Engineering Services Limited


Oral Airport Holding LLP


Fieldfisher


ER-Telecom


Noventiq


Väderstad


Lufthansa


Coca-Cola Mesrubat Pazarlama Danismanlik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi A.S.


King & Wood Mallesons


Mosaic Capital


Jones Day


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Oral Airport Holding LLP, a Kazakh company owning airport in Western Kazakhstan, in its acquisition of Oral International Airport LLP, a strategic object of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
  • Acting for STADLER BUSSNANG AG, one of the largest European passenger railcar manufacturers, in its investment project with the JSC “National Company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”.
  • Advised Avito Holding on structuring the deal on the acquisition of shares of a private company (HR BOT software) established in the Astana International Financial Centre under the AIFC and English laws.

Regatta Consult LLP

Regatta Consult LLP is concentrated on serving foreign entities expanding and starting their businesses in Kazakhstan, with the team increasing its work in the Astana International Financial Centre. Kanat Mazhenov is the founder and managing partner, while Yessimzhan Yegemberdiyev is experienced in contract law. Bekbolat Raimbekov is noted for his knowledge in corporate, contract and subsoil use law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kanat Mazhenov; Yessimzhan Yegemberdiyev


Autres avocats clés:

Bekbolat Raimbekov


Les références

‘ The legal team is very strong in terms of experience and general knowledge. They always provided very high results to us and our colleagues.’

‘They are well aware about law, regulations and the practices.’

‘Our lawyers Kanat and Alimzhan are top experts, especially in practice they have valuable expertise and experience.’

Principaux clients

Ziylan KZ LLP


Mimsan Industry Boilers LLP


Nippon Paint Kazakhstan LLP


English Home Kazakhstan LLP


Pozitif Drilling Kazakhstan LLP


Teksan Maden LTD


Otokoc Otomotiv Ticaret Ve Sanayi Kazakhstan LLP


Karatau Chemicals LLP


BTB Tourism LLC


Hoffmann Trading LLP


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Teksan Maden LTD on the creation of a joint venture company with a local Kazakhstan partner to initiate operations in the sphere of subsoil use.
  • Advised Nippon Paint Kazakhstan LLP on the legal due diligence of a supply and distribution agreement.
  • Advised Hoffmann Trading LLP on the legal due diligence of a contract for the joint construction of residential apartments.

SIGNUM Law Firm

Focused on M&A, corporate and compliance matters, Almaty-based SIGNUM Law Firm advises on a wide range of cross-border M&A and corporate projects, including the acquisition of assets and shares, bankruptcies and restructuring exercises. The firm has a strong reputation within the oil and gas industry, with recent work also including renewable energy projects and work for the health care industry. Liza Zhumakhmetova  supervises the corporate and M&A practice and has advised clients on multiple large scale cross-border transactions, whereas Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is the relationship partner for the corporate and finance clientele, including major oil and gas companies. Ulan Stybayev is noted for his cross-over practice expertise in digital and IT law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Liza Zhumakhmetova; Sofiya Zhylkaidarova; Abylkhair Nakipov


Principaux clients

EBRD


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a Kazakh acquirer on the $330m purchase of the Kazakh assets of a major Danish oil and gas company.

Unicase Law Firm

Unicase Law Firm is recognised for its expertise in domestic deals and multi-jurisdictional transactions, while being a go-to firm for the traditional and renewable energy sectors. Saniya Perzadayeva is the firm’s founder, having advised clients on a broad range of corporate and commercial legal issues, and co-heads the team with Artem Timoshenko whose expertise includes corporate cross-border restructuring and M&A deals. Nurlan Kubenov is noted for his work on cross-border deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Saniya Perzadayeva; Artem Timoshenko


Autres avocats clés:

Nurlan Kubenov


Les références

‘Led by Artem Timoshenko and his team, has been instrumental in developing standards to protect minority shareholders’ rights, significantly improving company law in Kazakhstan. Their corporate law expertise has made them invaluable partners to our firm, enhancing the country’s investment environment and our long-term investment endeavors.’

‘Within Unicase, Ayana Unerbayeva, the lead of the pharmaceutical sector, has proven to be an invaluable asset. Ayana’s role as a key contact person exemplifies her commitment to ensuring a seamless partnership. Her team’s expertise has consistently proven to be invaluable, offering invaluable insights and solutions that have greatly benefited.

‘The team is very business – oriented and provides solutions that are fit for the particular situation. Very efficient and fast to react.’

Principaux clients

British Council


British Embassy


China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)


China Power International Holding


GlaxoSmithKline


Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP

Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP‘s corporate team benefits from its inclusion in the multinational network, which provides legal advice in a wide variety of business areas, including restructuring, establishment and all types of commercial contracts, such as support for domestic and cross-border corporate transactions. Dinara Tanasheva provides legal advisory services on a range of investment projects for international and local companies operating in Kazakhstan, while Gaukhar Kudaibergenova joined from SIGNUM Law Firm in June 2023 and specialises in M&A and corporate law.

Haller Lomax

Haller Lomax handles a mix of matters involving corporate and financial law issues, and is regularly seen in deals spanning the energy, mining, natural resources, and oil and gas sector. Vilen Adjivefaev is adept in domestic and international matters, splitting his practice between Singapore and Kazakhstan. Recently promoted senior associate Mikhail Abdulov and Ainur Abdalova are both names to watch from the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vilen Adjivefayev


Autres avocats clés:

Mikhail Abdulov; Ainur Abdalova


Principaux clients

Punjab National Bank International Limited


MM Petroleum plc


Bank CenterCredit


IG Global Group


Bereke Bank and Baiterek National Management Holding


Sibur Holding


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MM Petroleum PLC on its role as issuer on Kazakhstan legal matters pertaining to its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Integrites

Integrites handles a range of commercial work and M&A deals. Svetlana Shtopol leads the corporate and M&A team. while Kurmangazy Talzhanov provides advises both international and local companies on M&A deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Svetlana Shtopol; Kurmangazy Talzhanov


Autres avocats clés:

Almas Bektassov; Elmira Abdrakmanova


Les références


 

Principaux clients

Turkish Airlines


Pladis Group (Pladis Kazakhstan)


Riso Eurasia


Gedeon Richter


Tarkett


Vlaekan


HeidelbergCement


KAZPETROL GROUP


Glenmrak Pharmaceuticals


DVA Agro GmbH


Alcon Pharmaceuticals


Sandoz Pharmaceuticals d.d., Representative office in the Republic of Kazakhstan


Arysta Life Science


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised RISO Group on corporate matters as well as handled a legal entity’s liquidation process.
  • Advised Turkish Airlines on consumer (passenger) related matters as well as on passenger data transfer matters to ensure compliance with IATA rules and applicable international treaties.
  • Advised VLAEKAN, a cosmetics distributor, on matters concerning protection of intellectual property rights and prevention of unlawful import of products to Kazakhstan.

KPMG Tax&Advisory LLC

KPMG Tax&Advisory LLC provides a full range of legal services to both domestic and multinational clients, through a multi-disciplinary approach in cooperation with other KPMG service lines such as their tax, deal advisory and management consulting. Alexey Abramov leads the team in Almaty, while Yekaterina Kuzmina is noted for her extensive experience in M&A deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexey Abramov


Autres avocats clés:

Yekaterina Kuzmina


Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP‘s practice group in this area team is headed by Askar Zhansagimov in Astana. The team handles a wide range of corporate and commercial services, including M&A within Kazakhstan, with capabilities in handling cross-border matters. Sultan Seidalin is a name to watch at a more junior level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Askar Zhansagimov


Autres avocats clés:

Sultan Seidalin


Les références

‘This firm’s greatest strength is its depth of expertise and its commitment to tailoring solutions to meet our specific needs. They didn’t offer generic advice but took the time to understand our business goals and provided legal strategies that aligned perfectly.’

‘The firm excels in communication. We were consistently kept in the loop regarding the progress of our cases, and they were always available to address our questions and concerns.’

 

Principaux dossiers


Sayat Zholshy & Partners

Led by Arman Berdalin, Sayat Zholshy & Partners is an independent firm which handles a range of transactional work. Rustam Ospanov  is noted for his experience in complex M&A deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Arman Berdalin


Autres avocats clés:

Rustam Ospanov


Les références

‘First of all, we would like to make special mention of the profound knowledge of this particular area of practice and the fundamental understanding of the applicable areas of law, specifics and particulars of our business operations as a large-size market undertaking – the skills that definitely mark out Sayat Zholshy & Partners among their peers.’

‘Another distinctive feature of this firm is their smooth teamwork and their employees’ interchangeability without any negative impact on the quality of their services mainly due to the uninterrupted supervision and close oversight of all matters and discussions on the part of Rustam Ospanov who leads the practice. We note their exceptional client-orientedness and commitment to the results. They are hard-working and very creative. ’

‘Professionalism, broad expertise, wide experience and ongoing professional development, punctuality, flexibility, unconventional thinking and the ability to find game-changing solutions – these are just a few features which outline Sayat Zholshy & Partners team against their competitors on the legal services market and determine our choice of this Firm as our embedded legal counsel.’

Principaux clients

TotalEnergies


TengizTransGaz


Alautransservice


Tranco JSC


Synergy Partners Law Firm LLC

Synergy Partners Law Firm LLC continues to advise small and large domestic and international companies. Nurzhan Stamkulov is the managing partner and has advised firms on structuring M&A transactions, as has Ali Dautalinov . Symbat Tursyngali is a name to watch at a more junior level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nurzhan Stamkulov


Autres avocats clés:

Ali Dautalinov; Symbat Tursyngali


Deloitte TCF, LLP

Deloitte TCF, LLP provides a full range of corporate law services, ranging from day to day commercial matters through to large M&A projects. The team advises state and private companies, as well as investors in sectors including energy and resources and financial services. Olessya Kirilovskaya  heads the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Olessya Kirilovskaya


Autres avocats clés:

Assel Assubayeva; Algerim Yerzhan


MG Partners

Situated across Almaty, Astana and Karaganda, MG Partners‘ repertoire of work includes commercial, corporate and M&A matters involving registrations, acquisition of shares, joint ventures, alongside general advisory work. Inna Revazova heads the Astana team, while Darya Markina leads the Karganda practice and Meruet Zhunubayeva is responsible for the Almaty corporate team. Yekaterina Zhmaka is noted for her work in corporate, contract and IT law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Inna Revazova; Darya Markina; Meruet Zhunbayeva


Autres avocats clés:

Yekaterina Zhmaka


Les références

‘The team is very experienced and pleasant to deal with. They consulted on all matters within a short time. They discussed the client’s cases and questions first and only then the cost and other things, I liked that.’

‘Before choosing consultants for further work, I researched the market and chose between 3-4 options. I decided on MG for their customer focus, speed of responses and work in general. It is difficult to point out something unique in their work, it is all in a package and I am satisfied with the way they provided services.’

‘The legal team is very operational, gives feedback quickly and completely.’

Principaux clients

National Research Nuclear University ‘MEPhI’


Jamilco (Albert Trading LLP)


Ssenypang Co.


‘RAMENSKI KONDITER KOMBINAT’ LLC


Medical Systems and Technologies


SOVREMENNYE SERVERNYE RESHENIJA


Arca Holdings JSC


Hager Eurasia Ltd.


Astamedia LLC


NNWI Branch


Vakhidov & Partners

Boutique firm Vakhidov & Partners advises and represents foreign investors across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries on a wide range of issues, including M&A and resolving complex regulatory issues, for major industries such as corporate, pharmaceutical and anti-corruption. Zafar Vakhidov is the head of the team and specialises in providing legal advice on corporate and commercial legal issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Zafar Vakhidov


Les références

‘The quality of legal services by Vakhidov & Partners is very high. Key strengths are: great expertise of legal area particularly for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, good understanding of international companies’ requirements and governance, reliable practical approach,  absolutely corporative approach, good execution on timely manner, business agility.”

‘Competence and professional attitude.’ 

‘Good ‘Big 4′ background and experience of key people in organization. The excellent ratio “cost vs quality of services”,  fast and accurate client-oriented approach.’

Principaux clients

Bayer Consumer Health


Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories


Association for Support and Development of Pharmaceutical Activity in the Republic of Kazakhstan


Haleon


Novo Nordisk


Pepsi


Teva


AstraZeneca


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided continuous full scale legal support to Teva (ratiopharm Kazakhstan) on a broad range of matters of their business operation in Kazakhstan, including personal data issues, pharma regulations, marketing agreements, and advertising.
  • Advised on various issues, including public procurement, competition law and regulatory matters, concerning a proposed pharmaceutical manufacturing localization project.