Akol Law continues to lead in the corporate and M&A arena, leveraging the bench strength of its team to advise insurers, domestic and multinational corporates involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The firm’s expansive client roster spans such sectors as tech, pharmaceuticals, financial services, fintech, e-commerce, life sciences, energy, manufacturing and transport. The practice is headed by managing partner Meltem Akol, who brings over three decades of experience to M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions; and Tuğçe Tatari, who brings expertise to major transactions and day-to-day corporate matters. Other key figures include counsel and regulatory specialist Başak Belet, and senior associate Pınar Babaoğlu.

Bolstered by the firm’s 2023 October acquisition of Bozoglu-Izgi Attorney Partnership, the competition team at Dentons-affiliated firm Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki remains a key leader in this area, bringing strength to advising financial institutions and domestic and multinational businesses on high-value, cross border matters. The firm’s robust client base spans such industries as tech, gaming, manufacturing, oil and gas, beverages and food. The practice is headed by managing partner Galip Selçuk brings experience to M&A, corporate governance, franchising and distribution and private equity. Other key figures include compliance and transactional expert Selim Keki; Doğan Eymirlioğlu, a specialist in shareholders’ agreements, insurance policies and management contracts; and Okan Arıcan, who provides expertise in tech industry matters.

Esin Attorney Partnership, Member Firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein remains a notable force in the market, pairing the bench strength and experience of its team to advise insurers, domestic and multinational corporates involved in complex, high-value cross-border transactions, across a diverse spectrum of sectors ranging from shipping, pharmaceuticals, gaming, financial services and chemicals to luxury goods, food, energy, manufacturing and medical devices. The group is headed by experienced managing partner and M&A specialist Eren Kurşun, who also heads the firm’s private equity practice. Other key figures include: Duygu Turgut, who specialises in high-profile M&A in the healthcare, energy and infrastructure, and retail industries; corporate disputes expert Ali Selim Demirel; Orçun Solak, who, in addition to transactional work, advises on compliance.

GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) remains a key leader in the practice space, harnessing the bench strength of its team to advise major insurers, financial institutions and domestic and multinational corporates involved in high-value, cross-border transactions, across such sectors energy, gaming, real estate, healthcare, logistics and luxury goods. The practice is led by Emre Özşar, an expert in complex M&A and joint ventures, in addition to being a seasoned litigator. Other key figures include insurance industry specialist Can Tolga Tezel, who was promoted to partner in January 2024; experienced senior associate Aslı Gülüm, who brings skill to both transactional and everyday corporate matters; and associates Gökçen Durgut, who provides key support on M&A and restructurings, and Emrehan Mermer, who handles corporate contractual arrangements, including share purchase agreements.

The M&A and corporate support team at Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership remains a force in the marketplace, utilising the experience of its team to advise domestic and multinational corporates involved in high-value multi-jurisdictional transactions, across sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals, insurance, shipping, mining, logistics and packaging to real estate, chemicals and retail. The practice is jointly led by senior partner and M&A authority Ümit Hergüner; Kayra Üçer, who, in addition to displaying strength in M&A, draws on his extensive involvement with the Corporate Governance Association of Turkey; Mert Oğuzülgen, a specialist in e-commerce; energy sector expert Deniz Tuncel; Zeynep Tor, who handles complex market entry and exit transactions.

Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli remains among the leaders in the marketplace, harnessing the expertise of its team to advise insurers, private equity firms and domestic and multinational corporates on day-today matters and in high-value, cross-border M&A. The firm’s client base spans such sectors as hospitality, retail, chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. A combined practice is led by founder, managing partner and head of the transactional department Umut Kolcuoğlu, who brings over 25 years’ experience; and by Serhan Koçaklı, who heads the corporate and commercial division. Other key members of the team include Bihter Bozbay Inan, a specialist in M&A and joint ventures; Melis Öget Koç, who handles complex energy and infrastructure matters; counsel Begüm İnceçam Kolcuoğlu, who draws on an extensive M&A skill set. Gökçe İldiri Coşgüner was promoted to partner in January 2024.

The powerhouse corporate, commercial and M&A practice at Paksoy remains a market leader, leveraging the bench strength and experience of its team to advise insurers and domestic and multinational businesses involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The firm’s robust client roster spans sectors ranging from automotive, mining, manufacturing, packaging and aerospace to chemicals, logistics and healthcare. The firm is led by practice area authority Elvan Aziz, who brings expertise to M&A, corporate governance, restructurings and strategic agreements; M. Togan Turan, a specialist in M&A and competition law matters; Stéphanie Beghe Sonmez, an expert in M&A, joint ventures and private equity investments. Other key figures include Nihan Bacanak, who draws on experience in the retail, healthcare and logistics spaces; and Nazlı Bezirci, who assists major insurers.

The Istanbul and Ankara-based corporate practice at Çakmak Attorney Partnership leverages the bench strength of its team to advise domestic and foreign businesses across the automotive, financial services, construction, engineering, telecoms, energy, and oil and gas sectors. The team’s full service covers matters ranging from structuring and joint ventures to corporate governance and cross-border M&A. The group is led by practice area expert Zeynep Çakmak; Naz Bandik Hatipoğlu, a specialist in energy, mining and infrastructure matters; and Gülsen Engin, who has particular expertise in corporate governance matters. Partner Gökhan Okan joined the firm from Verdi Hukuk Bürosu in February 2023.

The team at CIFTCI Attorney Partnership in association with Clifford Chance provides a comprehensive service to financial institutions and domestic and multinational companies involved in everyday corporate matters and high-value, multi-jurisdictional M&A, across industries ranging from energy, beverages, financial services, transport and pharmaceuticals to logistics, retail, tech, telecoms and manufacturing. The team is led by corporate authority Itır Çiftçi, who brings over 30 years’ experience to the practice; counsel and energy and infrastructure specialist Deniz Göcük. Senior associates Deniz Yetkin, Sabri Kaya and Aslı Kural are also of note.

‘With an experienced background, and a hands-on and efficient approach‘, the M&A, corporate and private equity team at Gen Temizer brings expertise to advising financial institutions and domestic and multinational corporates across industries ranging from tech, oil and gas, energy and natural resources to logistics, real estate, construction and TMT. The practice is headed by Baran Gen, a specialist in private equity transactions, including leveraged buy-outs. Other key figures include Ebru Temizer, who contributes over two decades of experience; Ömer Erdoğan, who joined from Güner Law Office in May 2023; and managing associate Dila Topuz. Since publication Edmund Emre Özer and Mert Elçin left the firm.

Moroglu Arseven leverages the bench strength of its team to advise domestic and multinational clients across sectors ranging from electronics, construction and tech to transport, building materials, life sciences and telecoms on M&A, takeovers, joint ventures, due diligence, wind-ups and other matters across the practice area. The group is led by Seyfi Moroğlu, who brings expertise to litigation, compliance and transactions; Benan Arseven, an expert in corporate governance; tax and fiscal matter specialist Ertunç Şirin; foreign investment adviser Burcu Tuzcu Ersin; Hazal Baydar, who utilises experience working with IT and energy sector clients; Başak Acar, who is noted for her work in the life science and pharmaceuticals sectors. Also of note are senior associates Sevi İslamageç and Nilüfer Hotan.

In addition to displaying strength in the energy sector, the team at Bezen & Partners advises domestic and multinational corporates across such industries as retail, construction, software, logistics, media and real estate, on matters ranging from company formation and multi-jurisdictional M&A to tax matters and compliance procedures. The practice is headed by M&A specialists founding partner Serdar Bezen and Murat Soylu, key support is provided by senior associate Eren Soydan, who assists clients with corporate structuring.

The commercial, corporate and M&A practice at Gökçe harnesses the expertise of its team to advise domestic and multinational corporates across such sectors as fintech, energy, health, e-commerce, tourism, food, financial services, with a particular focus on tech. The practice is headed by managing partner Görkem Gökçe, who brings experience to M&A, private equity, joint ventures and venture capital transactions; and Ali Paslı, who in additional to transactional work, assists clients with corporate disputes.

The corporate, M&A and private equity Istanbul and Izmir-based group at Moral | Kinikoglu | Pamukkale Attorney Partnership, which underwent a name change following the January 2024 departure of Sertaç Kökenek, utilises the bench strength of its team to advise a client base of blue chip local and international clients. The firm’s active client base spans sectors ranging from tech, cosmetics and agriculture to construction, food and beverages, manufacturing and retail. The practice is jointly headed by M&A specialists Reşat Moral, Serkan Pamukkale (who also brings expertise to IPOs) and Serra Haviyo. Key support is provided by Dilara Kaymaz, who, in addition to her transactional work, assists clients with corporate governance.

Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office leverages the experience of corporate and M&A team to provide a comprehensive service to banks, insurers and major household name multinationals, advising clients in such sectors as tech, oil and gas, manufacturing, automotive, maritime, media, infrastructure, and displaying particular strength in energy matters. The practice is headed by regulated industry expert Gokhan Enkur; Kerim Pelister, who handles complex M&A, privatisations and restructurings; Emre Atayilmaz; and Emre Keki, a specialist in the renewable energy space.

The Istanbul and Izmir-led corporate and M&A team at TURUNÇ advises private equity and venture capital houses, as well as domestic and multinationals corporates across such industries as financial services, media, tech, food, chemicals and energy, on everyday and transactional matters. The practice is headed by founding partner Noyan Turunç, a specialist in corporate governance and regulatory mandate; Kerem Turunç, who handles M&A and investment and divestment matters. Other key figures include İltem Dokurlar, who brings transactional expertise to transport sector matters; Esin Çamlıbel, who brings strength to a range of sales mandates; and Yasemin Erden.

The team at Bener Law Office leverages the expertise of its team to advise domestic and multinational businesses across areas ranging from medical devices, financial services, chemicals and aviation to logistics, tech, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and energy, on a range of day-to-day and transactional matters. The group is jointly led by Bahar Ülgen Hasşerbetçi, who brings experience to IPOs, M&A and restructurings; M&A and regulatory specialist Eren Üçok; Onur Kordel, who brings over 25 years to the practice area; Cem Davutoğlu; and founder and managing partner Erim Bener.

The team at Boden Law displays particular strength advising domestic and multinational corporates in the energy and tech sectors, on transactional and day-to-day matters. The practice is led by founding partner Değer Boden, who manages M&A and regulatory issues; senior partner and experienced litigator İnanç Akalın; and Sinem Mermer, who assists clients with tech industry issues.

The corporate and M&A department at Cigdemtekin Cakirca Aranci Law Firm advises high-net-worth individuals and domestic and multinational companies across the energy, e-commerce, mining, tech and software industries. The practice is headed by founder and managing partner Gamze Çiğdemtekin Özer, who brings experience to M&A deals and other commercial work. Other key individuals include Tuna Çakırca, who utilises a background representing sell and buy side clients; Başak Güneş, a specialist in corporate maintenance; and Ayca Arancı, who handles matters in such sectors as energy and IT.

The team at ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law excels at providing support on day-to-day corporate matters to multinational businesses, including local and American household names across sectors ranging from education, cosmetics, tech and beverages to apparel, energy, entertainment. The group, which additionally advises on reorganisations, joint ventures, and M&A, is headed by founding partner Gönenç Gürkaynak and Nazlı Nil Yukaruç, both practice area specialists.

Erdem & Erdem Law Office leverages the experience of its Istanbul and Izmir-based team to advise a diverse client base of domestic and multinational corporates spanning industries ranging from tech, luxury goods, energy, manufacturing and tech to mining, chemicals, retail and tourism, on everyday matters and M&A, joint ventures and share transfers. The team is led by founder and senior partner Ercüment Erdem, who draws on significant experience in the practice area; and multi-jurisdictional transactional expert Özgür Kocabaşoğlu. Also of note is Tuna Çolgar, who leads the firm’s Gulf Countries Desk; and Izmer office manager Sevgi Unsal Ozden.

The team at Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership advises Turkish businesses across such industries as construction, real estate, tech, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, on transactional and everyday matters. The practice is led by senior managing partner Hasan Akicioglu, who specialises in cross-border energy projects; Mutlu Ozturk Yurdakul, who handles, among other transactions, M&A, joint ventures and distribution agreements; Emre Ulcayli, whose transactional experience includes share purchase and asset transfer agreements; Başak Goksu Sari, who brings strength to airline industry matters; and Ecem Evin Baytun.

The team at PwC-affiliated GSG Attorneys at Law/GSG Hukuk brings expertise to advising a wide range of domestic and multinational corporates across such industries as electronics, oil and gas, agricultural, sports, chemicals, energy, sports, engineering, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, on day-to-day and transactional matters. Yavuz Dayioğlu leads the practice, specialising in corporate governance. Dilara Saatcioglu provides key support at the associate level, handling mergers, assets transfers and spin-offs. Former practice co-head Nilgün Serdar Şimşek departed in April 2023.

The team at Gün + Partners advises financial institutions, insurers and domestic and multinational corporates in apparel, tech, pharmaceuticals, media and entertainment, automotive, publishing and software, on matters ranging from cross-border M&A and restructurings to divestments and leveraged buyouts. The practice is headed by acquisitions specialist Görkem Bilgin and Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumus, who in addition to complex, cross-border M&A, handles shareholders’ and joint venture agreements. Managing associate Yalçın Umut Talay is also of note.

The team at Pekin Bayar Mizrahi specialises in advising on complex, cross-border transactions and everyday corporate matters for domestic and multinational companies across sectors ranging from infrastructure, automotive, mining, construction and insurance to tech, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and transport. The firm’s full offering extends to M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and shareholders’ agreements. The firm is headed by Selin Bayar, who advises on private equity investments, alliances, and IPOs; Ferhat Pekin, who is also admitted to the New York Bar; Deniz Altınay; and Sertaç Kökenek, who joined from Moral | Kınıkoğlu | Pamukkale Attorney Partnership in January 2024,

The team at Abcoo Law Firm advises domestic and multinational companies across sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals, real estate, financial services, energy, tech, construction and manufacturing, on day-to-day and cross-border transactional matters. The team is led by experienced partners Can Oğuzer, an expert in shareholder disagreements; M&A specialist Murat Aygün; and Berk Batur, who brings strength to real estate matters.

The team at ASC Law Office provides comprehensive day-to-day comprehensive services to insurers, banks, domestic and multinational corporates across sectors ranging from transport, engineering and retail to real estate, tech, construction and agriculture. The team is headed by founding partner Okan Beygo, who brings over three decades of experience to the practice space, and Ela Sarı, a specialist in M&A transactions.

The team at Çelepçi in cooperation with Schoenherr leverages the experience of its team to advise financial institutions and domestic and multinational corporates across such areas as manufacturing, life sciences, mining, tech, medical devices, engineering, energy and healthcare, on day-to-day matters and joint ventures and M&A. Managing partner Levent Çelepçi heads the team, bringing over 25 years of experience. In addition to M&A, Murat Kutluğ assists with drafting and the negotiation of sales purchase and lease agreements.

Egemenoglu Law Firm provides expertise to a client base of domestic and multinational businesses spanning the manufacturing, food and beverages, real estate, automotive, tech and telecoms industries, on every day corporate matters and on M&A, strategic alliance and joint ventures. The practice is led by multi-jurisdictional transaction specialist Efra Aydın Can, with key support from associate Buse Yonat.

The team at Kabine Law brings expertise to advising domestic and international clients across such sectors as energy, e-commerce, construction, food, tech and hospitality, on day-to-day corporate matters and complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. Headed by Mehmet Karlı, an expert in restructuring, governance and shareholder issues; and transactional specialist Tuvan Yalım, the team is supported by senior associate Özgecan Korkmaz, who assists with cross-border M&A.

The corporate and M&A team at KILINÇ LAW & CONSULTING assists domestic and multinational corporates in sectors ranging from logistics, tourism and health to hospitality and real estate, with regulatory, day-to-day and transactional matters. The practice is led by founding partner and M&A expert Levent Lezgin Kılınç; Seray Özsoy Yavuz, who in addition to acquisitions, specialises in private fund investments and joint ventures; and senior associate Gülenay Çapkınoğlu Kavcar.

The team at Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak in partnership with Gide Loyrette Nouel, which is an affiliate of Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I., employs the expertise of its team to assist insurers, financial institutions, domestic and multinational corporates in oil and gas, energy, logistics, cosmetics and construction, with day-to-day matters and complex, cross-border transactions. The team is led by Arpat Şenocak, who brings strength to work in regulated sectors, and Bülent Özdirekcan, who specialises in restructurings and M&A.

ÖzmenYalçin draws on the experience of its team to advise a roster of financial institutions and domestic and multinational corporates spanning such sectors as transport, building materials, financial services, tech and mining, on transactional and day-to-day corporate matters. The practice is headed by Ömer Gökhan Özmen, a specialist in multi-jurisdictional transactions; and Güneş Yalçın. Experienced M&A partners Handan Bacıoğlu; Damla Keskin Şerbetcioğlu; and counsel İris Erbil are also of note.

The corporate and M&A practice at Pekin & Pekin advises domestic and international clients across the apparel, automotive, chemicals, retail, software, aviation and tech industries, involved in day-to-day corporate operations, and complex, cross-border transactions. The team is headed by Firat Yalçin, who brings expertise to M&A, restructurings and spin-offs. Anıl Acar and İlker Demirtaş were promoted to partner and senior associate in May 2023.

The team at Penezoglu Law Firm advises financial institutions and domestic corporates across the media, banking, software, retail, real estate and food industries, on matters ranging from cross-border M&A and incorporation to restructurings, corporate governance and due diligence. The practice is led by founders Ozlem Bulut Penezoglu, an M&A specialist, and Yusuf Gokhan Penezoglu, an expert in taxation. Senior associate Ece Sara Tari and associate Ayse Burcak Cog are also of note.

The team at Vardar Şanli advises domestic and multinational corporates across the food and beverages, energy, pharmaceuticals and financial services sectors on matters ranging from cross-border M&A and corporate governance to investments and share purchase agreements. Headed by Çağdaş Umut Vardar, a specialist in energy, healthcare and insurance, he is supported by associate Fırat Can Keskin.

The Istanbul and Ankara-based team at Yazici Attorney Partnership assists domestic and multinational organisations in sectors including sports, construction, mining, tech, manufacturing, energy and defence, with day-to-day corporate matters and cross-border transactions. The practice is led by oil and gas industry specialist Murat Yazici; Elif Karagözoğlu; Ayşe Yazici Adanir, who handles complex due diligence; and Kerem Ariç.

YBK Law Firm in Cooperation with CMS leverages the experience of its to team to assist a roster of domestic and multinational businesses spanning the entertainment, chemicals, real estate, mining, manufacturing, food and beverages sectors, on transactional and corporate matters. The group is headed by M&A specialists Döne Yalcin and Alican Babalıoğlu; Hülya Kemahlı, who brings expertise to regulatory matters; and senior partner Alaz Eker Ündar.

The team at Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership provides domestic and multinational corporates across the telecoms, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate and government sectors with a full comprehensive service for commercial, corporate and M&A matters. Erman Öncel, who leads the practice, brings strength to such matters as private equity investments, restructurings, share deals and complex negotiations.