Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Leading firms

DIGESTS Global Law Firm is active in both civil and criminal disputes, and is notable for its work concerning regulatory investigations.
EY Uzbekistan specialises in M&A transactions and public private partnerships, alongside a strong employment and tax focus.
KPMG Law Uzbekistan handles a broad corporate and commercial workload in Tashkent.
MY LAWYER Law Firm handles a mixture of both deals and disputes work, including tax, debt recovery and trade mark matters for local and international clients, with a particular focus on the construction sector.
A boutique practice, Vakhidov & Partners is well-known for providing the full range of legal services to clients in the pharmaceutical sector. The team is also strengthened with the arrival of Kamila Sharipova at the senior associate level.

Leading firms in Uzbekistan

Centil Law

A cross-border firm active across the Central Asia region, Centil Law advises on a broad range of matters involving banking and finance, corporate and M&A, international trade and taxation. The firm assists with due diligence, drafting and amending the legislation, reviewing agreements and structuring financial transactions, and representation in arbitration proceedings. A team of seven partners leads the practice, which includes Umid Aripdjanov, who heads the energy and supervises subsoil practice, trade and investments head Otabek Suleimanov, transport infrastructure lead Dilshad Khabibullaev and banking and finance head Sofia Shaykhrazieva along with capital market expert Zafar Malikov, as well as Ravshan Rakhmanov and Husniddin Ochildiyev.

Responsables de la pratique:

Zafar Malikov; Umid Aripdjanov; Otabek Suleimanov; Sofia Shaykhrazieva; Dilshad Khabibulaev ; Ravshan Rakhmanov; Husniddin Ochildiyev


Autres avocats clés:

Maksud Karaketov; Yakub Sharipov, Abdulaziz Jurajonov


Les références

‘Excellent team, highly qualified specialists, versatility of the law firm, quick answers to questions.’

‘I have worked with Dilshad Khabibullaev, Yakub Sharipov, Abdulaziz Jurajonov and Maksud Karaketov. These individuals are highly qualified specialists.’

‘Our long-standing collaboration with Centil Law Firm has been fruitful over the years. They possess extensive expertise in navigating intricate cross-border transactions and regulatory matters.’

Principaux clients

World Bank Group


IFC


Asian Development Bank


Veolia


Total-EREN


Masdar


Mubadala


Metito


Uzbekneftegaz


Orano


Indorama Corporation


UzAuto


Air Marakanda


Atlas International


Air Products


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


Japan Bank for International Cooperation


ADM Jizzakh


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Veolia on the first unsolicited proposal under new PPP law for operation, rehabilitation and maintenance, with an investment plan of €1.5bn for 30 years in Tashkent.
  • Assisted JSC Uzbekneftegaz. JP Morgan and Citi, who acted as underwriters of an oversubscribed offering of corporate Eurobonds totalling$700m.
  • Advised IFC Advisory Service and World Bank Group on a massive scaling solar program in Uzbekistan.

Dentons

Dentons has a strong reputation in the Uzbekistan market, where it offers domestic and international clients a solid mix of contentious and non-contentious support. With key expertise in corporate law, banking and finance, M&A and project financing, the firm acts for government entities and clients across industries including energy, construction and mining. Leading the team is Eldor Mannopov, who has a strong reputation in energy and tax law and significant experience of handling cross-border transactions. The banking and finance team is led by the contractual and regulatory matters expert Shukhrat Yunusov, while the head of mining practice, Bobur Shamsiev , focuses on EPC contacts and subsoil projects. Ulugbek Abdullaev is the other name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eldor Mannopov; Shukhrat Yunusov; Bobur Shamsiev; Ulugbek Abdullaev; Saidakbar Bekitayev


Les références

‘The firm demonstrates a flexible approach to the client, a ready-to-use assistant, and a short-term commitment.’

‘Bobur Shamsiev is a ready-made helper who opens short and short notices in a short time.’

‘Dentons Uzbekistan has outstanding leadership driven by Eldor Mannopov. For foreign companies wanting to establish a business in Uzbekistan, his leadership style has created a culture of confident, knowledgeable talent who are excellent counsellors who connect with clients relationally.’

Principaux clients

AKSA Enerji


Calik Enerji


Joint-Stock Commercial Bank Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank


Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen (Helaba)


Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan


JV Silverleafe LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the Government of Uzbekistan with the privatisation of Poytaxt Qurilish va Xizmat LLC, owner of Hyatt Regency Tashkent 5-star hotel, for US$87m.
  • Advised Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen (Helaba) on the provision of a preferential loan in the amount of €67.3m to one of the leading mining and metallurgical plants in Uzbekistan.
  • Advised Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank JSCB on its US$100m green Eurobond offering.

Kinstellar

Counting international financial institutions, banks and companies among its key roster of clients, Kinstellar advises on a plethora of cross-border transactions, particularly in banking, financing, corporate and capital markets. The team is also active in project development, focusing on renewable energy, such as wind power projects. Managing partner Joel Benjamin, who leads the Tashkent, Almaty and Astana offices, has notable expertise in project finance and corporate transactions. A partner in the Tashkent office, Sherzod Yunusov focuses on both debt and equity transactions, along with energy and infrastructure projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joel Benjamin


Autres avocats clés:

Sherzod Yunusov


Principaux clients

Silk Road Fund


EBRD


IFC


ABU DHABI UZBEK INVESTMENT LLC


Emteko Holding SIA


JV LLC “IFODA AGRO KIMYO HIMOYA”


OTP Bank


ACWA Power Company


Wizz Air Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Société Generale, International Finance Corporation, the Austrian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the German development finance institution DEG on a private placement by JSCB “Uzpromstroybank”.
  • Advised Emteko Holding LLC on the acquisition of the pharmaceutical company Reka-Med in Uzbekistan using €10m financing from an existing loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development following a repurchase.
  • Advised OTP Bank on the successful acquisition of Uzbekistan’s fifth-largest bank, Ipoteka Bank.

Kosta Legal

Engaged by several multinational clients, the full-service practice at Kosta Legal advises on various corporate matters, including restructuring and M&A deals. The team frequently acts for global investment and commercial banks, financial institutions, foreign corporations and local companies; recent work spans construction, telecommunications, energy, transportation, banking and finance. The group also has notable strength in assisting with competition law, bankruptcy, insolvency law, real estate and handling dispute resolution. The team is jointly led by the managing partner Azizbek Akhmadjonov, who focuses on real estate transactions, including acquisitions and disposal, disputes expert Vazgen Grigoryan and projects and banking and finance group lead Nail Hassanov. Maxim Dogonkin and Jakhongir Olimjonov are the other key members of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Azizbek Akhmadjonov; Nail Hassanov; Vazgen Grigoryan


Autres avocats clés:

Maxim Dogonkin; Jakhongir Olimjonov


Les références

‘The team of Kosta Legal engaged in issues as such is well trained by practice that warrants merit. Corporate law and litigation service lines are well embedded into the client’s needs.’

‘Skills like openness, thorough review and listening, professional care, result orientation, vision of details and possible excesses in cases/issues/matters always accompany team members when providing services by lawyers/associates/assistants/employees. Some of them are Vazgen Grigoryan and Nail Hassanov, with whom I work closely on projects.’

‘Attention to detail, flexibility to accommodate client requirements and timely submission of deliverables.’

Principaux clients

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar


Asian Development Bank


Électricité de France


Indorama Agro


International Finance Corporation


Linde


Maxam Corp. International SL


MUFG Bank


Philip Morris International


Voltalia (France)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a consortium of EDF International, Nebras Power, Sojitz Corporation, and Kyuden International Corporation on developing and attracting financing for a state-supported project of a modern 1580 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant.
  • Advised ADB on a project to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan.
  • Assisted Indorama Agro FE LLC (Uzbekistan), with a dispute related to obtaining a compensation for damages caused by a breakthrough of a dam of the Sardoba reservoir in the Syrdarya region.

LEGATE

LEGATE caters to a diverse range of international and domestic clients across various industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, real estate, investment, retail and financial services. The team has vast experience in handling a broad cross-section of contentious and non-contentious issues, including corporate and M&A, projects and PPP, intellectual property and litigation. Managing partner Nigora Avazmukhamedova and senior partner Petr Avakyan co-head the practice and focus on transactional work. The other key members are Alisher Rahmatov and Pavel Jurayev.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nigora Avazmukhamedova; Petr Avakyan


Autres avocats clés:

Alisher Rahmatov; Pavel Jurayev


Les références

‘Petr Avakyan, Nigora Avazmukhamedova and Pavel Jurayev have a very high level of knowledge, including on international legislation. As noted above, the business approach to problem-solving and informal working out of issues are especially appreciated. In complex cases, employees offer non-standard solutions to questions. As a result, the business always offered a solution to the problem.’

‘The team of lawyers demonstrated a high professional level. All services are provided on time and with high quality. Lawyers are not limited to just the task at hand. For example, in preparing a legal opinion on the work scheme that we presented, the firm’s lawyers, in addition to analyzing the scheme, proposed an alternative scheme, which we can choose or amend the initial one.’

‘I work directly with Nigora Avazmukhamedova and Petr Avakyan. In providing legal services, they deeply study law enforcement practice and trends in legislative changes.’

Principaux clients

uPay


Uzcard


Majid Al Futtaim Holding


The Pirzada Group Limited


UJP PRAHA a.s.


Robocash


DXC Technology


Bank Ipak Yuli


Gourmet Concept


Lamanka Enterprises


Stone City Energy


Akhangarancement


UzAssets


State Assets Management Agency of Uzbekistan


Ameriabank


Humans


Uztransgaz


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Stone City Energy Company (Netherlands) on the financial closing of the loan facility with the project amount exceeding $1bn with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy for a gas turbine power plant.
  • Advised Humans.uz, fintech company, on issue and placement of preferred convertible shares (corporate fixed-income securities).

PraeLegal Uzbekistan

PraeLegal Uzbekistan is active across the real estate, pharmaceutical, aviation and retail sectors. The team acts for local and foreign clients, and has strengthened its litigation and arbitration capability on top of the firm's transactional practice. Practice head Sherzod Abdulkasimov has a transactional practice including equity capital markets. The firm also counts on the expertise of Irina Kim, whose practice includes investment structuring and compliance, while seasoned litigator Davranbek Ahmatov is another key name.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sherzod Abdulkasimov


Autres avocats clés:

Irina Kim; Davranbek Ahmatov


Les références

‘Well organised, speedy and gentle staff, with competencies in various fields.’

Principaux clients

Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A.


My Freighter LLC


Hyper Partners LLC


JV KO‘KDUMALOQ-GAZ


Qo`qon University


Joylive Elevators Ltd.


Cenomi Group (Alkohair Group)


Hyatt Regency Tashkent


Falcon Hunting Solutions LLC


Quramax Medikal LLC


FREEDOM FINANCE EUROPE LTD


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Quramax Medikal LLC in the Supreme Court, where the lower courts decisisons overturned in favour of the client, which saved the products worth almost $20m from destruction.
  • Represented N’Medov Holding in the arbitration case, recovering the damages for the subsidiaries at the London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation.
  • Assisted My Freighter LLC with a deal to purchase aircraft under a lease agreement.

SETTLE law firm

SETTLE law firm is well-equipped to advise and litigate across a wide array of intellectual property matters, including infringement and protection of trade marks and copyright. The team has been engaged in several trademark registrations for domestic and international manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, clothing and beverage companies. Managing partner Jamshid Agzamkhadjaev has a strong background in IP projects and co-heads the practice with Sherzod Utkirkhujaev, who focuses on corporate matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sherzod Utkirkhujaev; Jamshid Agzamkhadjayev


Les références

‘Expertise & knowledge in local laws and collaboration are their key strengths.’

‘Sherzod Utkirkhujaev is diligent and meticulous. He is very customer-focused and collaborative.’

‘The team knows our needs and puts every effort to meet them and provide cost-efficient solutions.’

Principaux clients

Panasonic


Mondelēz International, Inc.


Mars Inc.


Bacardi


Hugo Boss


Uklon


Disney


Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd.


RG Brands


BGP Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the Uklon with establishing its presence and Uzbek market entry.
  • Assisted HUGO BOSS with the protection of the client’s IP rights in Uzbekistan.
  • Advised Mars Inc. on matters related to market check in various regions to trace counterfeit goods and identify local manufacturers infringing on Mars Inc.’s trademarks.

Winfields

Winfields‘ team specialises in offering guidance on cross-border commercial and M&A transactions, debt recovery and finance matters, among others. Managing partner Janibek Abdurazakov is experienced in advising clients on project finance and commercial litigation, while Erkin Turabov leads the banking and finance practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Janibek Abdurazakov


Autres avocats clés:

Erkin Turabov


Les références

‘Timely delivery of legal services is one of the most important factors for our satisfaction. So it was important to us to be confident that they could achieve the required results on schedule, and they did.’

‘As in other areas of business, people are a law firm’s most important asset. In the case of Winfields, we worked only with first-class people; the company has the talent to meet our expectations.’

Principaux clients

JSC “Buhorogips” (Knauf International)


“Coca‑Cola Ichimligi Uzbekistan LTD” LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Knauf International on the acquisition of minority shares of JSC “Bufaragips”.
  • Assisted “Coca‑Cola Ichimligi Uzbekistan LTD” LLC with the complex litigation case against contractor under the construction contract.

Abacus Law Firm

Abacus Law Firm offers broad service, assisting clients with a full spectrum of matters including debt recovery, employment law, taxation and intellectual property law. The team is led by Akmal Sharopov , along with commercial expert Muhitdin Mustafaev and Aziz Akhtamov who has vast experience in handling matters before various levels of the Uzbek courts system.

Responsables de la pratique:

Akmal Sharopov; Muhitdin Mustafaev; Aziz Akhtamov


Les références

‘The company approaches emerging legal issues very responsibly. The company employs professionals in their field. Quick Feedback.’

‘All specialists have the highest competence, tact, and are ready to assist with any legal issues and offer the optimal solution to the issue.’

Principaux clients

Elan Express LLC


Media Lux LLC


Nowaday PE


Premium Auto LLC


Prime Media Solution LLC


Terminal Services Invest Group LLC


Winncom Technologies LLC


Web Communications LLC


JSCB TBC Bank


«United Nationwide Processing Center» LLC


Ardena Transport SIA


Perfect Balance PE


TBC Fin Service LLC


Zaamin-Market LLC


Asbis CA LLC


Flotent Chemicals LLC


Maroqand LLC (U-Pay)


Orient Invest Group LLC


Invescore UE LLC


Honor Truck Liz LLC


Invescore Capital LLC


Profi Scan LLC


Uzbekistan Football Association


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the TBC Fin Service LLC with the registration of the intellectual property to the marketplace of the client on an urgent basis.
  • Assisted the client with the legal analysis of the $450,000 contract between Profi Scan LLC and Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation.

Black Swan Consulting

Under the leadership of Amir Akhmedov, the team at Black Swan Consulting represents a broad range of domestic and international clients on a range of issues. Recently, it has seen significant activity in the IT sector, advising clients on the acquisition and day-to-day matters, including IP, employment, labour regulations and data protection.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amir Akhmedov


Les références

‘Black Swan Consulting is a team of professionals who know legal and business needs and can advise the best solution thanks to their client-oriented approach, good knowledge of local peculiarities and deep knowledge of the law.’

‘As for me, I highly appreciate BSC for compliance with agreed deadlines. I would like to mention Amir Akhmedov, managing partner of BSC, who is experienced in advising on any matter. His assistance was indispensable in solving corporate legislation and M&A, IP and IT law, and negotiations with banks and financial institutions (including Islamic banking). Amir is a very client-oriented and qualified lawyer with notable expertise and good knowledge in connections with authorities, so he always gives us effective and working advice. I’m impressed by his handling of complicated matters.’

‘Very strong in the field of data protection. Tax-related advice has also been solid.’

Principaux clients

Lerna


Magnum Retail


UC Venture Fund


Data Space Systems


Vita Markets


JSC Digital Area


Llama Labs


Fintech Forge


Uranus Investment Capital


OzPlanet


Itransition Holding Limited


IT Mercury


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Data Space Systems with an investment deal worth $140m.
  • Advised Vita Markets on market entry of the foreign investment platform and structured the business model in accordance with the existing legislation.
  • Assisted JSC Digital Area with the consultation and support for National Bank of Georgia subsidiary.

PETOŠEVIĆ

With a strong presence in across the CEE, CIS and - thanks to its combination with Cedar White Bradley IP LLP - the Middle East, PETOŠEVIĆ provides strategic advice to multinational companies in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious IP-related matters. It advises on the enforcement and protection of trade marks and patents, as well as litigation and licensing matters. Djakhangir Aripov leads the firm's Uzbekistan practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Djakhangir Aripov


Principaux dossiers


Putilin Dispute Management

Boutique practice Putilin Dispute Management has an excellent track record across all aspects of dispute resolution, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. The firm’s key areas of practice include finance, aviation, sports, agriculture, construction and manufacturing industries. Elijah Putilin heads the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elijah Putilin


Les références

‘Innovative and very results-focused approach. Excellent hands-on collaboration with local counsels in foreign jurisdictions. Generous sharing of knowledge and clear road map at the very initial stage of the project kick-off.’

‘Elijah Putilin is an outstanding communicator and builder of bonds and bridges of understanding between various negotiating parties and parties in disputes. The calm and balanced approach employed by Elijah Putilin made a huge difference and allowed us to settle the matter amicably at the very right moment in time.’

‘This is a single-man practice, but it offers an untypical service of an international arbitrator and a foreign arbitration professional. So, his strength is an international level of services affordable and available for local and foreign clients.’

Principaux dossiers


PwC Consulting LLC Uzbekistan

PwC Consulting LLC Uzbekistan acts for foreign companies entering Uzbekistan, offering guidance on commercial transactions such as M&A deals, joint ventures and restructuring. The firm also provides business incorporation advice relating to financial regulation. Director Vladimir Sokolov, who has recently joined the team from PwC’s Russia office, leads the Uzbekistan practice and has vast expertise in assisting clients from various industries, including retail, aviation, pharmaceuticals and energy.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vladimir Sokolov


Les références

‘PwC Consulting LLC Uzbekistan provided their work with outstanding professionalism until the end of the project. The team always responded promptly, which helped us get through in urgent circumstances when dealing with our client. In addition, PwC KR was able to present a very well-thought-out report to the client.’

‘I was able to work with Sevara Usmanova. What sets her apart could be described as tenacity and attention to detail.’

‘Team’s flexibility towards uncertainty.’

Principaux clients

MCS Investment LLC


Tenge Bank JSCB


KT&G Corp.


Globbing LLC


Cheil LLC


Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan


InterGlobe Aviation Limited


Inditex S.A.


Unipharm Laboratories Limited


FE LLC Liugong Machinery CA


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MSC Investment LLC (Mongolia) on acquisition of shares worth $5m in a group of Uzbek companies.
  • Advised Tenge Bank JSCB on the acquisition of property worth $24.5m.
  • Advised a major aviation company which underwent a reorganization on the legal causes of the inherited debit and credit (values exceeding $90m).

Virtus Leo Law Firm

Well-known for its litigation prowess, Virtus Leo Law Firm regularly represents domestic and international clients in administrative, commercial, and criminal matters. Under the headship of managing partner Alisher Zaynutdinov, the team is also active on non-contentious work and advises on intellectual property and investment matters. Odinabonu Abdukakhorova is another key contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alisher Zaynutdinov; Odinabonu Abdukaxxorova


Principaux dossiers