Kazakhstan

General business law

Work highlights

Advised Korea National Oil Corporation and its South Korean partners on their exit from the Zhambyl project in the Caspian Sea ($250 million investments exploration project), including structuring a sale of a 27% stake in Kazakhstan's offshore Zhambyl oil block in the Kazakh section of Caspian Sea, direct negotiations with KazMunaiGas (Kazakhstan national oil and gas company), drafting and negotiating SPA and assignment agreement with KazMunaiGas.

Advising Xingling Petroleum, a leading Singaporean oil company holding significant oil assets in Kazakhstan, on the acquisition of one of the largest oil deposits in Kazakhstan.

Key clients

China National Logging Corporation, EuroChem, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sinopec Engineering

General business law

Work highlights

Advised Kcell on official regulator clarification in deals with the competition authority concerning its network sharing agreement for the joint deployment of 4G/LTE services in Kazakhstan with Beeline Kazakhstan, a part of VimpelCom.

Key clients

CAIH Power, General Electric Company, GE Transportation, Imperial Tobacco Kazakhstan, inDriver, Yandex

Client feedback

“We are impressed with the efficiency and thoroughness of this firm in tax optimisation of complex cross-border corporate structures applying international agreements and their experience and unconventional approach to the resolution of a tax dispute between one of the holding’s companies and tax authorities that, as a result, strengthened the position of the company. In general, we are satisfied with the regular and prompt advice and recommendations on numerous tax and corporate issues received from the firm.” – Corporate and M&A, Dispute resolution, Tax

General business law

Work highlights

Advised an Italian investor with respect to its contemplated acquisition of a renewable energy asset in Kazakhstan. The firm conducted a full-fledged due diligence exercise and advised the client on regulatory compliance requirements. The deal was significant because the government of Kazakhstan is promoting renewable energy and is introducing relevant laws and regulations, which are not yet tested in practice. 

Advising an international commodities trader on its $2 billion secured financing to an investment management firm to finance part of its acquisition of 100% of the shares in a Kazakhstan-based joint stock company and to refinance some of the existing debt owed to the client under the existing loan facility.

Provided M&A support to JSC Medical Insurance Company Archimedes Kazakhstan in relation to the change of control within a company. The firm assisted the client with reviewing the respective transaction documents, as well as advising on all required governmental consents.

Client feedback

“The firm has strong expertise and practice in subsoil use, including in relation to stabilised subsoil use contracts and production sharing agreements. Among their strengths I would also highlight their dispute resolution and litigation practice in civil and administrative cases. The firm has represented us in many and various disputes and litigations, and always demonstrated diligence and proficiency in the subject matter.” – Dispute resolution, Tax

“Good, responsive, excellent English communications both verbal and written. Good understanding of Western practice.” – Corporate and M&A

“Excellent work both in analysis and execution. Dedicated and trustable professionals.” – Corporate and M&A

“Excellent professionals, with wide local and international experience, high standards, focused on results and performance.” – Corporate and M&A, Dispute resolution, Labour and employment

“Strengths: Tailor made approach from assisting lawyer, accuracy to details, client oriented approach.” – Corporate and M&A, Dispute resolution, Regulatory, Tax

“All work is done in the time agreed and follows high standards. The staff of SIGNUM are always available to provide the necessary explanations and feedback. Having three years of experience with SIGNUM, I can’t identify any weakness in their services.” – Corporate and M&A

“The SIGNUM team are responsive and helpful. SIGNUM is my go-to law firm in Kazakhstan: commercial and efficient while being legally correct. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova, Liza Zhumakhmetova and Gaukhar Kudaibergenova are all especially strong.” – Banking and finance

“Professional all round corporate law firm covering most aspects of corporate law but with very strong knowledge of oil and gas sector sub soil use law.” – Dispute resolution, Regulatory

“Professional and client oriented approach at all levels of management.” – Dispute resolution

General business law

Verum has been active in mining and oil and gas sectors, regularly advising clients on capital markets, competition/antitrust, corporate and M&A and regulatory issues. The firm is competent to assist in cross-border matters and negotiate with various public authorities in Kazakhstan.

Client feedback

“The major strength is a deep knowledge of Kazakhstani business, legal and regulatory environment and the industry sector (mining).” – Corporate and M&A, Energy