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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.