Leading Associates

Commercial, corporate and M&A in Kenya

Anjarwalla & Khanna

As part of Africa Legal Network, Anjarwalla & Khanna‘s large corporate and M&A practice is a first port of call for an array of local, pan-African and international investors and multinational corporations. With specialist sub-divisions including in private equity and forensics, as well as risk and compliance, the firm offers clients advice on cross-border transactions, capital markets, joint ventures, and restructuring. The competition team, led by Dominic Rebelo and Anne Kiunuhe, services merger control and restrictive trade practices queries, and Karim Anjarwalla, Roddy McKean, and Rosa Nduati-Mutero are highly recommended for their work on high-profile and cross-border transactions. The tax department, under Daniel Ngumy and with support from Kenneth Njuguna, assists with M&A-related structuring, and the data protection team benefits from the experience and expertise of Wangui Kanairu.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dominic Rebelo


Autres avocats clés:

Karim Anjarwalla; Roddy McKean; Rosa Nduati-Mutero; Anne Kiunuhe; Wangui Kaniaru; Daniel Ngumy; Kenneth Njuguna


Les références

‘ALN is very good at collaborating with other lawyers, whether within or outside Kenya. The services they have provided us include managing a team of 12 legal counsel in 12 jurisdictions.’

‘Rosa Nduati-Mutero is an exceptional and remarkable lawyer who delivers exceptional service.’

‘ALN has worked with us on several transactions both within and outside Kenya and part of their outstanding qualities, in addition to a well-grounded knowledge of the law and various legal issues, include availability, attentiveness, patience, and willingness to guide you through the process and stages of a transaction.’

Principaux clients

Moderna


New Forest Asset Management


Helios Investment Partners


Access Bank


Equator Capital Partners


Equity Bank (Kenya)


De La Rue Holdings


Access Bank


Equity Group Holdings


The Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation (Finnfund)


Vestas Eastern Africa


Danish Climate Investment Fund (KIF)


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Equity Group Holdings (EGH), a financial services company with banking subsidiaries across East Africa, in connection with its proposed acquisition of a 91.93% stake in Compagnie Générale de Banque (Cogebanque), a leading commercial bank in Rwanda.
  • Acted for New Forests Asset Management, a global investment manager offering high-impact strategies in sustainable forestry and related sectors, in connection with the acquisition of Green Resources, a leading forestry and wood processing company in East Africa with a combined approx. 40,000 hectares, and all its African subsidiaries.
  • Acted for Helios Investment Partners, a leading African private equity firm, through one of its entities, Lion Investment BidCo, in connection with the investment in IXAfrica Data Centre, the first Hyperscale Data Centre in East Africa intended to boost the digital habitat for cloud, colocation and connectivity in East Africa.

Bowmans

The corporate, commercial and M&A practice at Bowmans is a key industry player, boasting a high-profile client list in the financial services, private equity, agriculture, and food and beverage sectors. Large, cross-border transactions, public acquisitions, joint ventures, as well as due diligence and regulatory support form core pillars of work for the experienced team. M&A specialist Rainbow Field and competition law expert Joyce Karanja spearhead, with managing partner Paras Shah, who is well-versed in private equity and capital markets deals, Richard Harney, who is experienced in financing and structuring, and Philip Coulson, who covers company and commercial law, rounding out the team. Joyce Mbui, Vruti Shah, Kendall EvansWathingira Gituro, and Christina Nduba-Banja assist across the range of corporate and commercial matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rainbow Field; Joyce Karanja


Autres avocats clés:

Paras Shah; Richard Harney; Philip Coulson; Joyce Mbui; Vruti Shah; Kendall Evans; Wathingira Gituro; Christina Nduba-Banja; Alex Mathini


Principaux clients

Amethis Retail, Gakiwawa Family Investments


Naivas International


Diageo PLC


KCB Group PLC


Ascent Capital Holdings Africa II Limited


Ascent DBH Limited


IBL Energy Holdings Ltd (IBL)


STOA SA (STOA)


IBL Ltd (IBL)


Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco)


PEG Africa Ltd


Kartasi Products Limited


Kartasi Industries Limited


Women’s World Banking Capital Partners II (WWBCP II SSA, LLC)


Ascent Capital Holdings Africa II Limited


Sumitomo Corporation


Braeburn Schools Limited


Mawingu Networks Limited


Kenafric Biscuits Limited


East Africa Batteries Limited (EABL)


Oak Harbour Holdings Limited


Victory Farms Limited


Coca-Cola Beverages Africa


Hummingbirds AssetCo Blue Carbon


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Amethis Retail and Naivas International on the sale of an aggregate stake of 40% in the capital of Naivas International to a consortium of investors led by IBL Limited, a publicly listed company in Mauritius, and including DEG and Proparco.
  • Advised KCB Group PLC (KCB) on the acquisition of 85% of the shares of Trust Merchant Bank SA in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Advised IBL and Proparco on the acquisition of 65% of the shares in Westlands Heights Limited, a Mauritian holding company of the East African pharmaceuticals wholesale dealers, Harley’s Limited (Harley Kenya), Harley’s (T) Limited (Harley Tanzania) and Harley’s (U) Limited (Harley Uganda).

Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates

Leveraging its access to the DLA Piper network, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates boasts a broad client portfolio of household names across financial services, manufacturing, agriculture, nutrition, and FMCG. Delivering results across the whole range of corporate and commercial mandates, from M&A, project finance and private equity, to structuring, compliance and auditing support, the practice is regularly involved in large-scale transactions throughout the region. David Lekerai deftly navigates the spheres of M&A, private equity and corporate advisory, heading a team comprised of managing partner and corporate law authority James Kamau, capital markets and financial regulatory expert Kamami Christine Michira, developing markets specialist Ashley Zefira, and commercial and tax expert William Maema.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Lekerai


Autres avocats clés:

James Kamau; Kamami Christine Michira; Ashley Zefira; William Maema; John Mwangi; Michael Okeyo; Timothy Mukiti; Deborah Sese; Trishala Devani


Les références

‘Professional, timely and precise.’

‘They understand our goals and are willing to provide insights.’

‘Their client-centric process and approach with a keen focus on understanding client needs and providing the best possible solutions at a competitive cost is greatly appreciated. They have great local context understanding, especially in East Africa.’

Principaux clients

TransCentury PLC


Hillcrest Investments Limited & HIL Holdings Limited


Diani Beach Hospital Limited


Valley Hospital Limited and its shareholders


CMI Africa Holdings BV


General Electric Company


Flamingo Horticulture Investments Limited (a member of the Flamingo Group)


KCB Group PLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised 31 minority shareholders of Mayfair CIB Bank Limited on the sale to Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (CIB) of 49% of the share capital of MCBL owned by the minority shareholders, upon completion of which transaction, MCBL became a wholly owned subsidiary of CIB, which previously held 51%.
  • Advised TransCentury PLC on its rights issue and subsequent change of control, resulting in it being controlled by Kuramo Africa Opportunity Kenyan Vehicle Ltd.
  • Advised Hillcrest Investments Limited and HIL Holdings Limited in connection with the sale and transfer of its assets and business to Braeburn Schools Limited.

CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates

Utilising a strong sector-focused approach, CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates has a full-service offering to clients in the energy, aviation, financial services, telecoms, and manufacturing industries, in core corporate competencies including M&A, restructuring, special purpose vehicles, and regulatory and due diligence advice. Oil, energy, and mining specialist Julius Wako heads the team, joined by Shitul Shah, who works on M&A and capital markets, Hanee Khan, who enjoys a niche in aviation, Abdulhafeez Noorani, who is often retained for property and banking transactions, Alex Muchira, who has specialist expertise in foreign direct investments, and Cheryl Mageto, who deals with private equity and corporate compliance. Former practice head Hamish Keith retired in December 2022, but continues with the firm in a consulting capacity. Samson Mac’Oduol departed in December 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julius Wako


Autres avocats clés:

Shitul Shah; Haanee Khan; Abdulhafeez Noorani; Alex Muchira; Cheryl Mageto; Hamish Keith


Les références

‘The team has both depth and breadth of knowledge, and is well-connected in the Kenyan business community. This enables them to give pragmatic and practical advice to clients.’

‘Haanee Khan is well-connected and brings a wealth of advantages to the table. A great negotiator, he seeks workable and innovative solutions and is able to move business deals forward at a good pace.’

‘CMS is diverse in covering a wide spectrum. Professionalism is the key point that impressed. Everybody in the firm kept treating our cooperation with respect. Their advice was to accurate and to the point. Fulfilled all their obligations on time.’

Principaux clients

Thika Power Limited


Kentalya PLC (Part of Volmary Group)


Vodafone International Holdings BV


Hydrobox Group


Principaux dossiers


Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

Particularly active in the banking, logistics, and tech sectors, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is well-versed in M&A, private equity, competition, and antitrust law, capital markets, and regulatory advice and compliance. Practice head Richard Omwela has a strong track record advising on corporate mergers, while the trio of Andrew Mugambi, Daniel Wanjau Muriu, and Peter Okaalet Jr cover the breadth of M&A transactions, competition, and merger control, as well as private equity matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Omwela


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Mugambi; Daniel Wanjau Muriu; Peter Okaalet Jr


Principaux clients

Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E.


Rongai Workshop and Transport Limited


Viasat Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (CIB) on its acquisition of the remaining 49% shareholding in Mayfair CIB Bank Limited.
  • Advised Shareholders of Rongai Workshop & Transport Limited, the second-largest road transport company in Kenya (based on regional destinations served), on the sale of 100% of of its issued shares to an affiliate of Velogic Logistics Limited.
  • Advised Viasat Inc. on the subscription for a 70% stake in a Kenyan company, Simba Broadcasting Limited.

ENSafrica

ENSafrica‘s corporate M&A team regularly advises major national and international corporations undertaking significant M&A, public company, cross-border, joint venture and private investment transactions. Mahesh Acharya and Amar Grewal-Thethy jointly lead the team, the former a seasoned expert in tech, insurance and energy sector work, and the latter a reliable resource for listed companies engaged in capital markets, corporate restructuring, and joint ventures. Anthony Gakuru is well-versed in media and telecoms, while Timothy Mutegi, Faith Chebet, Belinda Ongong’a, and Meshack Mboya support across the range of corporate and commercial matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mahesh Acharya; Amar Grewal-Thethy


Autres avocats clés:

Anthony Gakuru; Timothy Mutegi; Faith Chebet; Belinda Ongong’a; Meshack Mboya


Les références

‘The team works in an efficient way.’

‘Professionalism, responsiveness, practical solutions.’

‘ENSafrica Kenya office has a solid practice across corporate, real estate and antitrust practice areas.’

Principaux clients

Cadbury Kenya Limited


Safaricom PLC


Zindua Trust


Minet Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited


City Lodge Hotels Limited


EDFI Management Company SA


Oikocredit Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society U.A.


Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development S.A.


Kyosk Digital


MFS Africa


Meridiam SAS


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Cadbury Kenya Limited on the corporate, commercial, regulatory and tax considerations relating to their entry into the manufacturing market in Kenya.
  • Assisted Safaricom PLC and Zindua Trust with reviewing and restructuring the Safaricom Spark Venture Fund, the venture capital investment arm of Safaricom PLC which supports investments in attractive mobile-based technology startups.

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates‘s acts for a high-profile roster of domestic and multinational corporations from sectors including energy, telecoms, media and tech, insurance, banking, FMCG, and aviation, with the team having significant expertise in complex M&A, internal restructuring, and shareholder agreements. Sarah Kiarie-Muia, whose specialism lies in advising development finance institutions, leads the team alongside Joseph Ng’ang’ira, who is an expert in M&A transactions. Capital markets work is the remit of Kenneth Kamaitha, and Mercy Chemutai distinguishes herself in competition law matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Kiarie-Muia; Joseph Ng’ang’ira


Autres avocats clés:

Kenneth Kamaitha; Mercy Chemutai


Les références

‘The firm has a diverse set of skills in various aspects of law with staff who are committed, resourceful and engaging. They offer top quality service that is tailored to client needs.’

‘Joseph Ng’ang’ira and Mercy Chemutai are skilled competition law practitioners. They are available and engaging, deliver within timelines and go over and above to fulfil client needs to make for swift resolution of complex legal matters.’

Principaux clients

ZEP RE (PTA Reinsurance Company)


Nordic Microfinance Initiative AS


AP Møller Capital P/S


ICEA LION Insurance Holdings and First Chartered Securities Limited


GEMS Africa Limited


The Dow Chemical Company


CFAO


Unilever Kenya Limited


International Finance Corporation


British American Tobacco


Coca Cola Kenya


Proparco


Safaricom PLC


Samsung Electronics


Hapag-Lloyd


Assa Abloy Group


Bata Corporation


Lafarge Holcim Group


Prudential Assurance Group


Absa Group


FedEx Group


DSV Group


SAP


Oracle


IBM


L’Oreal East Africa


Daimler


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised IBL Limited in its acquisition of a significant stake in Naivas Limited.
  • Advised CFAO SAS in its acquisition of a significant stake in Goodlife Pharmacies Limited.
  • Advised AP Moller Capital group in its acquisition of Thika Power Limited.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP is predominantly involved in regulated industries including renewable energy, fintech, healthcare, and environment, assisting with a variety of cross-border corporate and M&A transactions. Practice head Sammy Ndolo specialises in banking, finance, and capital markets work, working alongside private equity and venture capital expert Njeri Wagacha. Martha Mbugua of boutique firm Law3sixty joined the team following a merger in September 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sammy Ndolo


Autres avocats clés:

Njeri Wagacha; Martha Mbugua


Les références

‘The team has extensive knowledge in corporate, commercial, tax and IP-related matters.’

Principaux clients

Norrskken 22


AlphaMundi Group


The Cradle Journey


Creadev International


Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF)


Principaux dossiers


KO Associates

Embedded in the East African corporate and commercial space, KO Associates services a range of listed firms, startups, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and international development institutions, with an emphasis on the tech and infrastructure sectors. Founding partner Crispine Odhiambo heads the team in collaboration with Brian Odongo, together bringing a wealth of experience in transactions and structuring. Ken Rutere supports on matters in the TMT and IP fields.

Responsables de la pratique:

Crispine Odhiambo; Brian Odongo


Autres avocats clés:

Ken Rutere


Les références

‘KO Associates has a well-rounded team that has the rare and incredible ability to take time to understand one’s business/commercial environment in their assignment. They are deliberate and intentional in the conduct of their work. Not many firms have the ability to walk in the shoes of the entity they are offering legal solutions to.’

‘The team has a competent, hands-on, professional and dedicated workforce.’

‘Crispine Odhiambo has supported us immensely, sometimes on short notice, all the while delivering great value and professionalism. The team has shown up each time we required their support.’

Principaux clients

Adrian Kenya Limited


Water Sector Trust Fund


Bamburi Cement PLC


Kenya Investment Mechanism (KIM) Business Advisory Support Services (BASP)


Lordship Africa


Kenya Climate Ventures


BSD East Africa


Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)


Superfluid Labs


Blue Mountain Livestock Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Water Sector Trust Fund on the establishment of a well-functioning revolving fund and reviewed and appraised existing financing frameworks, principles, models and mechanisms for alignment with the funding criteria.
  • Advised Kenya Climate Ventures in the designing of an impact fund and provided support in fundraising from development financial institutions, commercial and impact investors and donors.
  • Advised Jubilee Holdings Limited on a deal involving diverse investigations by the Competition Authority of Kenya touching on abuse of buyer power, restrictive trade practices and consumer protection.

Mboya Wangong'u & Waiyaki Advocates

Financial institutions, insurers, government and state corporations, private equity firms, and international entities alike benefit from the expertise of Mboya Wangong'u & Waiyaki Advocates in corporate and M&A transactions. Managing partner Godwin Wangong’u heads the practice and is broadly specialised in corporate and capital markets transactions. Peter Waiyaki frequently advises on novel M&A deals, while CG Mbugua has a solid track record in projects and finance, and Kimani Njane is valued for his infrastructure sectoral expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Godwin Wangong’u


Autres avocats clés:

Peter Waiyaki; CG Mbugua; Kimani Njane


Les références

‘The very unique client care attitude of every member of the firm is what makes it very special.’

‘Godwin Wangong’u is an outstanding corporate lawyer. He has deep connections within the industry, which is a useful asset for clients.’

‘Timely service and timely feedback and follow-up make the practice unique. For potential clients, this practice can be recommended because it is client-centric.’

Principaux clients

Britam Asset Managers Limited


Privatization Consortium


Geminia Insurance Company Limited


Family Bank Limited


Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company


USAID’s Kenya Investment Mechanism/Capital Markets of Kenya


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Britam Asset Managers Limited on the investment of €14m in Everstrong Power Limited to fund the acquisition of 30% of the issued capital of Gulf Power Limited, a thermal power plant in Kenya with a contracted capacity of 80.32MW.
  • Advised Heri PLC on the sale and purchase of the shares of a group of schools.
  • Advised Geminia Insurance Company Limited on the demerger and separation of the company in compliance with the Insurance Act of Kenya and its regulations.

MMAN Advocates

As part of the Eversheds Sutherland Africa Alliance, MMAN Advocates leverages its extensive network in advising on M&A and private equity transactions in industries including aviation, tech, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Suzanne Muthaura and managing partner Waringa Njonjo are the duo at the top of the corporate practice, with cultivated experience in M&A, disposals, joint ventures, structuring, corporate governance, and shareholder agreements. Carole Ayugi provides projects and transactions support, and Christopher Kiragu, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, assists with banking and finance, capital markets, and projects matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Suzanne Muthaura; Waringa Njonjo


Autres avocats clés:

Carole Ayugi; Christopher Kiragu


Les références

‘The professionals are all uniformly efficient, quick, comprehensive and thorough. On technology too, I consider the firm as using the most modern tools.’

Principaux clients

Eastern and Southern Africa Trade Development Bank


Ascent Capital Management Africa II Ltd


Encomm Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Ascent Rift Valley Fund II LLP on its investment in Valley Hospital.

MMC ASAFO

Engaging in the breadth of the corporate and commercial market, MMC ASAFO has also gained traction advising local and state corporations in emerging areas such as ESG compliance, data protection and privacy, and carbon credits. The team is led by managing Esther Njiru-Omulele, who advises entities of all sizes in their formation, structuring and acquisitions, and Isaiah Mungai Kamau, who runs a dedicated practice in banking, finance and fintech.

Responsables de la pratique:

Esther Njiru-Omulele; Isaiah Mungai Kamau


Autres avocats clés:

Sylvia Kimani; Maxwell Mafubo; Melissa Were


Principaux clients

Intraspeed Arcpro (Kenya) Limited


FIPAR Agro International


Automobile Association of Kenya


Kenya Wine Agencies Limited


KWAL SEZ Limited


Happy Cow Limited


Kitea S.A. and Tana Africa Capital


Zoscales Partners


Urban Housing Renewal Development LLP


Loldia Northlake Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an international logistics company in its corporate restructuring following the conversion of a loan from a foreign international bank.
  • Advised the Automobile Association of Kenya (AAK) in their demutualisation process and capital raising through a restricted public offer.
  • Advised a long-established beverage manufacturer and distributor through the various stages and rigorous process of transfer of business to its Special Economic Zone enterprise.