Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

Chief Rotimi Williams' Chambers‘ corporate practice is jointly led by Zevbokun Alade Williams and Cyril Anichukwueze. Other key practitioners include M&A and project finance expert Folarin Rotimi Williams and Alade Williams, who is very experienced in advising on corporate governance and corporate restructuring.

Commercial, corporate and M&A in Nigeria

AELEX

With a solid track record in handling instructions from the oil and gas, infrastructure, and technology sectors, AELEX also acts for sizeable private equity funds as buyers and sellers. Well known for his tax expertise, practice head Theophilus Emuwa advises on corporate governance, M&A, and joint ventures. Chinyerugo Ugoji is experienced in handling share and asset acquisitions, and Onyinyechi Chima represents development finance institutions. Tiwalola Osazuwa handles foreign investment matters. Chioma Olibie  has left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Theophilus Emuwa


Autres avocats clés:

Chinyerugo Ugoji; Tiwalola Osazuwa; Onyinyechi Chima; Peretimi Pere


Principaux clients

CNOOC E&P Ltd


The Coca-Cola Company


Total Nigeria Plc


Oppenheimer Partners Limited


Justrite Limited


UpGrad


Kasada Albatross Holdings Limited


Mastercard


Development Partners International


Tiger Brands Limited


Petrobras


SAP Africa


KLM Line Maintenance International


The Rise Fund Management LLC (an affiliate of TPG Global LLC)


Lufthansa


Shoprite Holdings


Chevron Nigeria Limited


Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited


Azura Power West Africa Limited


The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited


Mammoet


AFEX Commodities Exchange Nigeria Limited


Adam Smith International


Interswitch Limited


British Telecommunications


Mars/Wrigley


Dangote Oil Refining Company Limited


Kedari Capital Limited


Reckitt Benckiser


De La Rue Commercial Services Limited


Lekoil Limited


SBM offshore


Grand Towers Limited


Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc


ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode

At ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode, the team has an excellent reputation for advising large corporations and foreign investors on commercial matters, and is well versed in handling oil and gas, insurance, and project finance matters. Kofo Dosekun brings experience in advising on foreign investment as well as project finance and transaction restructuring, while Olubunmi Fayokun handles energy and natural resources transactions. Olagoke Kuye and Michael Nwanneka are well versed in corporate governance matters. Oghogho Makinde and TMT expert Sumbo Akintola are also singled out for their contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kofo Dosekun; Olubunmi Fayokun; Oghogho Makinde; Sumbo Akintola


Autres avocats clés:

Olagoke Kuye; Michael Nwanneka; Ayodeji Oyetunde, Timothy Ogele; Ajibola Asolo; Bukola Akinsulere


Les références

‘A&O stands out for its deep expertise. If a company needs clear guidance, a deep understanding of the local practices, and a fully involved team, this is the firm to contact.’

Principaux clients

Allianz S.E.


Access Bank Plc


Access Holdings Plc


Atom Consumer Services Limited (now Dot Ensure Limited)


Tangerine Life Insurance Limited


Schlumberger Nigeria Limited


Health 54


Acumen


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Allianz SE on financial regulations and competition law aspects concerning a joint venture with Sanlam Limited.
  • Advised Access Holdings Plc on its acquisition of an indirect equity stake in Sigma Pensions Limited from Actis Golf B.V.
  • Advised Tangerine Life Insurance Limited on the sale of its annuity portfolio.

Banwo & Ighodalo

Banwo & Ighodalo‘s practice has a solid track record in acting for clients in the banking and financial services, education, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Asue Ighodalo and Ayotunde Owoigbe have extensive experience in transactional matters, and Femi Olubanwo and Isa Alade count corporate and project finance as key areas of strength. Toyin Bashir is adept at handling company formation and restructuring matters, while Azeezah Muse-Sadiq is well versed in advising on transactions in the banking space. Ayodele Adeyemi-Faboya represents development finance institutions and private equity firms, and Seyi Bella assists international banks and financial institutions with corporate and commercial work. Olumide Osundolire fields expertise in foreign investment matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Femi Olubanwo; Asue Ighodalo; Ayotunde Owoigbe; Azeezah Muse-Sadiq; Isa Alade; Seyi Bella; Olumide Osundolire; Toyin Bashir; Ayodele Adeyemi-Faboya


Autres avocats clés:

Mavis Abada; Tosin Oyebanjo; Ibiyemi Ajiboye


Les références

‘A top-notch M&A practice. It goes the extra mile.’

‘Excellent advice. The team understands what the client’s needs are.’

‘It provides advice that goes beyond pure legal assessments. A commercial mindset.’

Principaux clients

AAA Consortium Fund Managers


Payhippo Inc.


Africa Capital Alliance/Capital Alliance Nigeria Limited


Oando Plc


Ardova Plc


Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc


Access Holdings Plc


First Guarantee Pension Limited


XBTO Humla Ventures GP LLC


Luxaviation Group and Execujet South Africa (Pty) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Access Holdings and First Guarantee Pension in connection with the merger between the latter company and Sigma Pensions.
  • Advising Ardova Plc on a proposed scheme of arrangement relating to the company’s delisting from NGX.

G. Elias & Co

Led by corporate finance and private equity expert Segun Omoregie, G. Elias & Co's corporate team is active in the aviation, healthcare, oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. The group's workload includes M&A, foreign investment, tax issues, corporate restructurings and private equity matters. Fidelis Adewole is well versed in handling tax and restructuring matters in the corporate space, and Gbolahan Elias is highly regarded for his solid track record in advising on large-scale corporate transactions and M&A deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Segun Omoregie


Autres avocats clés:

Gbolahan Elias; Fidelis Adewole; Lisa Onianwa; Ayodele Kadiri; Lolia Biobele-Georgewill; Oluwafunmilayo Mayowa


Les références

‘The team has a track record in providing reliable legal support to both local and international entities.’

‘Gbolahan Elias has the respect of his peers, which helps in difficult negotiations.’

Principaux clients

TGI and Titan Trust Bank Limited


Fund for Export Development in Africa


mPharma Africa B.V.


SWAP Technologies and Telecomms Ltd.


Massmart Holdings Limited


Ombrella Brokers Insurance Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Titan Trust Bank Limited on the acquisition of a 93.41% equity stake in the Union Bank of Nigeria.
  • Advised mPharma B.V on its indirect acquisition of a majority stake in HealthPlus Group.
  • Advised Swap Technologies and Telecomms Plc on its merger with Pan African Towers Ltd.

Olaniwun Ajayi LP

The ‘responsive and easily accessible' team at Olaniwun Ajayi LP has a particularly strong offering in corporate restructurings. The practice is jointly led by Olayimika Phillips, Jonathan Aluju, and M&A expert Anu Balogun. Wolemi Esan brings expertise in corporate finance, and Olaniran Osotuyi is well versed in advising on regulatory issues. Other notable lawyers with experience in the corporate and commercial space are Comfort Agboola and Oluwaseyi Alao, who are very experienced in handling private equity matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anu Balogun; Olayimika Phillips; Jonathan Aluju


Autres avocats clés:

Wolemi Esan; Olaniran Osotuyi; Comfort Agboola; Oluwaseyi Alao; Damilola Salawu


Les références

‘Olaniwun Ajayi LP is very robust. The team offers intelligent opinions and comes up with creative and practical solutions.’

‘Very responsive and easily accessible.’

‘Solution-driven with a strong team of advisers.’

Principaux clients

AfricInvest Anglophone West Africa


Suntory Beverage and Food Asia Pte Limited


First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited


Kasada GP Limited


Sprint Technology Solutions Limited


Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited


Rack Centre Limited


Moody’s Group Cyprus Limited


Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited


Templars

Templars is highly regarded for its strength in M&A, and regularly represents clients in the financial services, fast-moving consumer goods and oil and gas sectors. Chike Obianwu has strong capabilities in financing matters, and Olumide Akpata advises local and international corporations on corporate compliance, governance, and restructuring issues. Ijeoma Uju advises multinational clients on foreign investment matters. Inam Wilson and Obianuju Ifebunandu are also singled out for their contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Olumide Akpata; Chike Obianwu; Inam Wilson; Ijeoma Uju


Autres avocats clés:

Obianuju Ifebunandu; Zelda Akindele; Desmond Ogba; Oghomwen Akpaibor; Adenike Oyeledun


Les références

‘The team has great depth and versatility and has been at the forefront of some of the most major deals in Nigeria.’

‘The partners are hands-on and involved and do not defer work to hierarchical bureaucracies.’

‘Superb client service, attention to detail, and superior knowledge and command of the law.’

Principaux clients

Actis West Africa Income Manager


General Electric


Walmart Incorporated


American Towers Corporation


Alphabet Inc. (Google)


Venture Garden Group


Backbone Connectivity Network Limited


Brompton Industries Pte Limited


Fidelity Bank Plc


Engie


Kantar Group Holdings Limited


Sika AG


Fidelity Bank Plc


Tower Power Utilities Limited


Emerson Group


Petralon Energy Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Actis on a potential acquisition of a 50% stake in Gruppo Investment Nigeria Limited.
  • Advised Backbone Connectivity Network Limited (BCN) on its acquisition of Cloud Exchange West Africa Nigeria Limited.
  • Advising MasterCard in connection with its US$200 million equity investment in MTN’s fintech business.

Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie

The corporate practice at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie has an excellent reputation for its strength in private equity, and is also well regarded for its expertise in advising on acquisitions and disposals, corporate restructuring, and joint ventures. Daniel Agbor is well known for his experience in corporate transactional work, Jumoke Lambo specializes in foreign investment, and Folake Elias-Adebowale is experienced in advising on disposals and joint ventures. Other notable lawyers with experience in the corporate and commercial space are Yinka Edu and Ozofu Ogiemudia.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Agbor; Jumoke Lambo; Folake Elias-Adebowale; Yinka Edu; Ozofu Ogiemudia


Autres avocats clés:

Tobechi Nwokocha; Aanuoluwapo Odunaike; Joseph Eimunjeze; Damilola Adedoyin; Itorobong Udom


Les références

‘Udo Udoma & Belo Osagie is very professional and is able to guide clients through complex transactions.’

‘Ozofu Ogiemudia stands out as one of the brightest lawyers I have ever worked with. It’s always a pleasure to work with her and her team.’

Principaux clients

Actis West Africa Real Estate Investment Fund LP


Tiger Brands Limited


African Capital Alliance


BioNTech SE


B Capital Global Growth Fund III L.P


GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria PLC


Capricorn Digital Limited


Union Global Partners Limited


SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited


Aruwa Capital Management


Phatisa Food Fund 2


OMH Optimum Maritime Holdings Ltd/Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm AS


Seplat Energy Plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Seplat Energy Plc on the Nigerian law aspects of the client’s proposed acquisition of a 100% stake in two holding companies.
  • Advised OSM and Thome Group on their $33,750,000 global business combination, resulting in the creation of OSM Thome Ship Management.
  • Advised BioNTech SE on the acquisition of global technology company Instadeep.
     

Bloomfield LP

With an excellent track record in handling joint ventures for clients in a broad range of sectors, Bloomfield LP's practice is equally strong in handling corporate restructurings and transactional matters; Adedoyin Afun and Adebisi Lamidi have solid expertise in these areas. Ayodele Oni is active in the oil and gas and power sectors, and advises international clients on their entry into the Nigerian market. Ebele Folorunsho focuses on foreign investment and private equity matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adedoyin Afun; Ayodele Oni


Autres avocats clés:

Adebisi Lamidi; Ebele Folorunsho


Principaux clients

Optimera Energy LFZ Enterprise


Belbop Nigeria Limited


Globacom Limited


Capitaltrust Investments & Assets Management Limited


Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited


Tetracore Energy Limited


Harbour Point Marine and Energy Limited (“Harbour Point”)


Expand Exploration & Production (Nigeria) Limited


Enaro Energy Limited


PEA MARITIME S.A


TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc


Flying Bull Aviation Limited


NNPC Gas Marketing Limited


B.K Green Real Estate Limited


Purple Real Estate Income Plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Conoil Producing Limited on its crude oil trading contract.
  • Advised STAC Marine Offshore Limited on the proposed acquisition of the ABO FPSO vessel from BWO Abo Pte Ltd.

Dentons ACAS-Law

Dentons ACAS-Law's practice counts corporate finance and commercial transactions as key areas of strength, and the client roster includes government entities and domestic and foreign investors. Sola Adepetun has extensive knowledge of corporate structurings and restructurings, as well as M&A, and is often active in the oil and gas sector. Felicia Kemi Segun and Taiwo Afonja are sought after for their expertise in handling acquisitions, joint ventures, and disposals in the energy sector, and Sanford Mba advises borrowers and lenders on facility agreements. Afolabi Caxton-Martins handles cross-border corporate finance transactions and private M&A. Olujimi Bucknor is a key contact for foreign investors, and is particularly noted for his expertise in real estate transactions. Ben Unaegbunam is a key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sola Adepetun; Afolabi Caxton-Martins; Felicia Kemi Segun; Taiwo Afonja; Ben Unaegbunam


Autres avocats clés:

Olujimi Bucknor; Sanford Mba; Chinedu Kema; Adeleke Alao; Oluwakemi Oyebode; Ibiwunmi Adeyeri


Les références

‘The team is well-resourced. It has the capability to provide very effective legal support in important transactions. The legal opinions are also thoroughly researched and packaged in excellent prose.’

‘The corporate commercial team is made up of dynamic lawyers with diverse experience and expertise. The team’s commercially minded approach to legal issues has assisted our business in navigating routine and complex legal matters that arise from time to time.’

‘The team’s ability to efficiently utilize technology to reduce turnaround time has added significant value to our business.’

Abdulai, Taiwo & Co

Ladi Taiwo and Alayo Ogunbiyi co-lead Abdulai, Taiwo & Co's corporate team, which garners praise for its 'vast expertise in dealing with complicated matters' and is regularly instructed in domestic and international M&A mandates. Seyi Adebayo is a key contact for corporate regulatory matters, and Roselyn Alalade is active in the M&A space.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ladi Taiwo; Alayo Ogunbiyi


Autres avocats clés:

Seyi Adebayo; Roselyn Alalade; Fisayo Tifase


Les références

‘Abdulai, Taiwo & Co’s Commercial, Corporate, and M&A team has vast expertise in dealing with complicated matters especially while navigating the socio-economic issues on the ground in Nigeria.’

‘The team provides practical solutions.’

‘Alayo Ogunbiyi provided excellent legal services by giving practical solutions as opposed to textbook answers. The team is always a phone call away and have availed themselves whenever we’ve had a crisis on the ground.’

Principaux clients

Movenpick Ikoyi Hotel


Pernix Federal, Inc.


Central Electric and Utilities Ltd


China Energy Engineering Co. Ltd


The Procter and Gamble Co.


Presco Plc


Bureau of Public Enterprises


National Council on Privatisation


Betts India Private Ltd. (Albea)


CRCC Construction Company Ltd.


Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd.


Banarly Nigeria Ltd.


Clina-Lancet Laboratories Ltd.


Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Ltd.


CRCC International Investments Group Ltd.


Solar Sisters, Entrepreneur Ltd. Gte.


Lloyds Register EMEA Ltd. Gte


Siat N.V.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Central Electric and Utilities + China Energy Engineering Company Ltd on an acquisition bid for the Olorunsogo II Power Plant and Benin (Ihovbor) Generation from the Nigerian government.
  • Advising a client on the acquisition of a majority stake in Ikoyi Hotel, via a cross-border transaction.

DealHQ Partners

DealHQ Partners’ expertise includes corporate restructuring and M&A matters. Tosin Ajose fields experience in handling a broad range of transactions for clients in the real estate and construction, financial, and technology sectors. Izuchukwu Ubadinma is well versed in advising on private equity work. Tolulope Egbochue is a notable lawyer.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tosin Ajose; Izuchukwu Ubadinma


Autres avocats clés:

Tolulope Egbochue


Principaux clients

CFG Africa Limited


AP Renewables


KSDL Development Resources Limited


Meristem Wealth Management Limited


FSL Asset Management Limited


Laborhack Limited


African Pits and Quarries Limited


Team 33


Fig Finance


Optima Energy Resources Limited


FlyforValue Aviation Limited


Crowdy Vest Limited


C24 Limited


Yes Microfinance Bank


Bloom Buddy Limited


Ardova Plc


FCMB Asset Management Limited


Infracredit Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised AP Renewables on a joint venture for the implementation of “power as a service” renewable energy projects.
  • Advised Bloom Buddy Limited on the establishment of an health technology company in Nigeria and other countries.

Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe

Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe is active in the construction, healthcare, oil and gas, renewables, and transport sectors. Adeleke Alex-Adedipe fields experience in M&A, and Sodeek Oluwatobi Oyedeji has extensive knowledge of tax and venture capital matters. Adeniyi Duale handles disposals, equity and debt matters, and private equity work. Oluwaseye Ayinla is a key name in the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adeleke Alex-Adedipe; Adeniyi Duale; Oluwaseye Ayinla


Autres avocats clés:

Sodeek Oluwatobi Oyedeji


Principaux clients

InstaDeep Limited


Reliance Health Inc


Arca Payments Company Limited


Drosk Company Limited


Duport Midstream


Dorman Long Engineering Limited


Alitheia IDF Fund


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as Nigerian counsel to InstaDeep concerning its purchase by BioNTech.
  • Acted as Nigerian counsel to Reliance Health on its $40,000,000 Series B funding round.
  • Assisted with a $20,000,000 investment by Nobel Financial Services Limited for ARCA Payments Company Limited.

Jackson, Etti & Edu

The team at Jackson, Etti & Edu has notable strength in M&A, finance and private equity, and is regularly instructed by prominent corporations and government entities. Taiwo Adeshina is an expert in oil and gas matters, commercial agreements, PPP transactions, and project finance. Adekunle Soyibo advises on private equity and M&A matters in the banking, insurance, and manufacturing sectors, and Folasade Olusanya acts for developers and development finance institutions. Benjamin Amans and Richmond Idaeho are key names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Taiwo Adeshina; Adekunle Soyibo


Autres avocats clés:

Benjamin Amans; Folasade Olusanya; Richmond Idaeho; Koye Edu; Ngozi Aderibigbe; Yeye Nwidaa; Okey Nnebedum


Principaux clients

Africa Steel Mills (Nigeria) Limited


PZ Wilmar Limited


Providus Bank PLC


Global Accelerex


Project Atlantic


River Jamieson SPV Limited


Tana Africa Capital


Olajide Oyewole LLP

Olajide Oyewole LLP has a strong track record in corporate restructuring, M&A, private equity, and venture capital matters, and is also noted for advising on corporate governance issues. With over two decades of experience in the arena, Samuel Salako regularly acts on corporate finance and acquisition mandates. Olufunke Fawehinmi is active in restructuring work, joint ventures, and domestic and international transactions. Bola Tinubu and Dayo Idowu are key figures in the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bola Tinubu; Samuel Salako; Dayo Idowu; Olufunke Fawehinmi


Les références

‘Olajide Oyewole LLP has provided legal and corporate services to our organisation with the highest level of professionalism.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and adept in handling commercial matters.’

‘Timeliness and a wealth of experience.’

Principaux clients

Mastercard Foundation


Palmpay Limited


Yamaha Motor Company Limited


The Baobab Network


Remote Medical International


Mitsubishi Power Europe Limited


Chemonics International


Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited


Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited


General Electric


Marriott International Inc.


IMC Limited


Foodco Nigeria Limited


Rite Foods Limited


Rex Forestry Limited


Broll Property Services Limited


Unilever Nigeria Plc


Oando Plc


Argentil Capital partners Limited


aYo Holdings Limited


Binance Holdings Limited


Transsnet Financial Services Limited


Puma Energy Limited


Continental Broadcasting Services Limited


DHL International Nigeria Limited


Tecnimont Nigeria Limited


TGS-Petrodata Offshore Services Limited


Boulos Enterprise Limited


Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited


Oando Plc


The Company for Habitat and Housing in Africa (Shelter Afrique)


Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited


Mitsubishi Power Europe Limited


Argentil Capital Partners Limited


Powergas Nigeria Limited


Mobile Power Limited


BB Energy Nigeria Limited


First Modular Gas Systems Limited


Lekki Concession Company


Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Limited


Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries


Shell Plc


Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited


Lagos State Government


Future Energies Africa Ltd


Lagata Group


Starsight Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised IMC Limited on a 100% equity divestment in IMC Plantation to Oakenshields and Partners Limited.
  • Advised the Baobab Network Limited on its $25,000,000 equity investment in Oval Interactive Inc.
  • Advised IDP Education on the acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Intake Education Pte Ltd and its subsidiaries, valued at A$83 million.

The New Practice (TNP)

The ‘responsive and proactive’ team at The New Practice (TNP) advises clients on a broad spectrum of transactional matters. Baba Alokolaro stands out as 'a consummate professional’; Bukola Bankole’s practice includes corporate finance, M&A and private equity work. Sam Esuga brings experience in project finance and tax issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Baba Alokolaro; Bukola Bankole


Autres avocats clés:

Sam Esuga; Temitope Sowunmi


Les références

‘Baba Alokolaro is a stand-out! He is a consummate professional and distinguishes himself by the quality of discourse with our board.’

‘Bukola and Baba each distinguish themselves through their agility, personalisation, and future-ready approach.’

‘The firm is collaborative and so team members are always on top of client matters. It is professional in its approach and anticipatory of our demands. The New Practice is nimble, responsive, proactive and displays a deep knowledge of the subject matter.’

Principaux clients

MFS Africa Limited


Microsoft Nigeria Limited


Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc


Nigerian Bottling Company


Capricorn Digital Limited


VFD Group


Paystack Payments Limited


Pagatech Limited


Nature’s Bounty Health Products Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Flour Mills Group on a Scheme of Merger involving 13 different entities.
  • Advised Microsoft Group on the internal reorganisation of its Nigerian entities.
  • Advised Capricorn Digital Limited on the proposed acquisition of a Micro-Finance Bank.