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.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Nigeria
AELEX
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.