Kazakhstan

Aequitas is one of the most prestigious firms in the country. Yelena Pestereva heads the firm’s banking and finance practice and advises on financing, cross-border transactions and the regulation of broker-dealer operations.

Grata Law Firm is recognised by its peers and clients for its capabilities in banking and finance. Shaimerden Chikanayev is advising Bank of China on a $7.5 billion syndicated secured loan to Asia Gas Pipeline to finance a gas pipeline project in Kazakhstan. The transaction is one of the leading cases under an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and China.

Michael Wilson & Partners continues to cultivate its reputation as a specialist in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. Michael Wilson is involved in many of the largest projects in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and has more than 13 years’ experience in corporate finance and banking.

Unicase Law Frm (previously known as Colibri Kazakhstan) sits atop the rankings for its excellent work in advising on cross-border transactional and regulatory matters in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), infrastructure and energy sectors. Saniya Perzadayeva advised the Association of Islamic Finance Development on the implementation of Islamic finance regulations by the Unified Shariah Board. Perzadayeva also advised DEG on the €4 million ($4.47 million) loan agreement concluded with Bericap Kazakhstan for the construction of a plastic materials factory.

Grata Law Firm is experienced in advising on the Kazakh and international capital markets. Shaimerden Chikanayev has served major clients including JP Morgan Securities, VTB Capital, Citigroup Global Markets, Credit Suisse, UBS Investment Bank and HSBC. Chikanayev was involved in the public offering of one of the largest cellular service providers in Kazakhstan.

Oris has extensive experience in advising on all stages of debt and equity capital markets work, including the drafting and the sale of shares in IPOs and Eurobonds. With an impressive client roster including VTB Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank, the firm worked on many complex deals in the past year.

VSB Partners is known for its capability in advising on capital markets in Kazakhstan. Kairat Serikpayev is recognised as one of the most well-known practitioners in the region.   Issuers, underwriters and sellers of global capital markets securities offerings often seek advice from Gregory John Vojack on note issuance, bridge and term loans, credit facilities and other financing vehicles.

Aequitas remains a consistent performer on  antitrust issues in Kazakhstan. Natalya Braynina heads the antitrust practice of the firm and regularly advises global and domestic companies on antimonopoly regulations. This year Braynina spoke at the annual international conference of antitrust legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Eurasian Economic Union regarding the amendments to the Kazakhstan’s antitrust legislation.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners’ competition and antitrust practice is unanimously regarded by peers and clients as the leader in the market. “This firm provides very professional services. I am pretty sure in Kazakhstan you cannot find a more professional law team,” says one client. Amir Begdesenov advised a global healthcare company on a $40.5 billion acquisition of a global pharmaceutical company. Begdesenov also represented a leading Russian private commercial television broadcaster in obtaining an antitrust clearance for an acquisition of a Russian media company.

Aequitas sits atop the rankings for the construction and real estate practice area this year. Olga Chentsova is highly regarded by peers and clients for her considerable experience in advising on large industrial and residential projects.

Artyushenko & Partners specialises in construction and real estate. Despite its small size, the firm’s real estate construction team is highly regarded by many multinational companies. Andrey Artyushenko advised a leading European engineering company on obtaining a construction licence on a $30 million project. Artyushenko also advised an audit firm on a $200 million turnkey construction project.

Grata Law Firm’s construction and real estate practice is one of the leading players in Kazakhstan. “It is one of the top three firms in the area,” says a rival partner. Yerzhan Yessimkhanov heads the firm’s construction and infrastructure team. Yessimkhanov is advising Mercury Holding on its acquisition of several business centres and shopping malls in Astana, the capital, and other Kazakh cities.

Michael Wilson & Partners is a full service firm which has performed very well in construction and real estate during the past year. Michael Wilson advised a Chinese construction machinery and sanitation equipment manufacturer on the legal requirements and consequences of establishing its presence in Kazakhstan.

With clients including the Ministry of Oil and Gas, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and KOR Company, Olympex Advisers is actively involved in many oil and gas construction projects.

Oris is recognised for its solid experience in real estate transactions. The firm also provides legal support, due diligence and drafting of engineering, procurement and construction contracts.

Unicase Law Firm (previously known as Colibri Kazakhstan) is a full service law firm that is widely acknowledged to have strong construction and real estate practices. The firm is particularly well-known for its high success rate in representing clients on complex disputes. Artem Timoshenko advised a Chinese investment company and a Kazakhstan real estate operating company on a dispute over a bitumen factory. Timoshenko successfully represented the clients in the appeal against the contractor on improper performance during construction.

The M&A practice at Aequitas is highly regarded by peers for its role in large cross-border transactions and structurings. The firm advised local and foreign investors on the acquisition of oil and mining companies and oil assets in Kazakhstan. Olga Chentsova, Natalya Braynina and Nurlan Sholanov are leading partners in the practice.

Bolat Miyatov heads the corporate practice at Grata Law Firm and has solid experience in complex, high-value and cross-border M&A work. The firm’s corporate practice team advised an international bank on its proposed acquisition of a Kazakhstan commercial bank. It also has vast experience in obtaining permits from the Kazakhstan antitrust authorities for various acquisitions and conducting due diligence.

A specialist in M&A, Vadim Zakirov heads Olympex Advisers’s corporate practice. He is experienced in performing legal due diligence and regularly advises clients on optimal structures for acquisitions. Many international oil and gas, and chemical companies seek his advice.

Oris is one of the strongest players in the market and specialises in advising on joint ventures and consortiums, transactions with state-owned enterprises, M&A and liquidation matters.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners is highly regarded for its role in many large M&A transactions in Kazakhstan’s banking sector. Vitaliy Vodolazkin advised on the acquisition of one of the largest Kazakh insurance companies being sold by one of the largest Kazakh banks. Arman Berdalin represented an international consulting firm specialising in planning and managing a national development project. Berdalin also advised a leading Chinese energy company on a joint venture.

Unicase Law Firm has one of the strongest M&A practice teams in Kazakhstan and provides excellent cross-border transactional legal advice. Raushana Chaltabayeva advised one of the world’s largest wind turbine companies on the potential acquisition of companies holding construction licences. Zhanar Abdullayeva advised TE Connectivity and Allen & Overy on the multijurisdictional reorganisation of part of TE Connectivity and the $3 billion sale of TE’s broadband-networks business to CommScope Holding. Artem Timoshenko advised Baker Botts on behalf of Halliburton in connection with its proposed acquisition of Baker Hughes.

Verum is particularly strong in negotiating with state authorities and corporations in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Azamat Chinetov advised a Dutch company on the $55 million sale of a participation interest in a gold mining enterprise in Kazakhstan. Mirbek Kydyrov is advising Kazakhmys on the $150 million acquisition of assets and shares in a global copper producer.

Gregory John Vojack regularly advises global and domestic companies on all aspects of M&A matters at VSB Partners. The firm has considerable experience in obtaining government permits, advising on financing arrangements, and completing securities and contract assignments.

Valikhan Shaikenov heads the dispute resolution practice at Aequitas and has solid experience in representing clients in local courts and international commercial tribunals. The firm advises on a wide range of commercial disputes, with a focus on labour, tax, finance, intellectual property (IP) and anti-monopoly.

Strengthened by former judges with extensive dispute resolution experience, Grata Law Firm is a well-established name in litigation circles and has one of the strongest practice teams in Kazakhstan. Bakhyt Tukulov is representing a Russian oil and gas company in a dispute about transportation and storage fees against a transport company. He is also advising a leading engineering and construction company on a $50 million debt recovery matter. In another case, Tukulov advised a Chinese company on cross-border debt recovery in Kazakhstan.

Michael Wilson & Partners has considerable experience in handling international and domestic arbitrations, litigation and presentations before the tax authorities. The dispute resolution team focuses on disputes in the banking, hi-tech and hydrocarbon sectors. Michael Wilson is advising a leading financial data company on tax issues.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners continues to rise up the rankings, with peers and clients in agreement about the firm’s dispute resolution prowess. “This firm has a unique set-up. They are not a commercial type but very good and proper advocates,” says a rival partner. Vitaliy Vodolazkin advised a leading foreign bank on the termination of a $4.5 million bank guarantee, an innovative case involving state companies.

Unicase Law Firm is in demand with multinational corporations for its excellent reputation in handling complex cases. Artem Timoshenko successfully represented Renolit in a labour dispute despite the strong position of the employees’ union.

Aequitas continues to sit atop the energy and natural resources rankings. The firm regularly advises leading companies in the oil and gas, and mining sectors. Olga Chentsova is particularly strong in subsoil use law and practice.

Grata Law Firm is one of market leaders in the mining and natural resources sector. The firm covers all stages of a project from exploration and development to transportation and sale. Yerzhan Yessimkhanov heads the construction and infrastructure development practice, and has extensive experience in the energy sector. Yessimkhanov has advised international consortia and domestic construction companies on power plant projects.

Olympex Advisers is experienced in advising on many projects regarding subsurface use. The firm is particularly strong in the oil and gas sector.

Oris focuses on legal regulation of subsurface use and support in the exercise, acquisition and alienation of subsurface use rights. It is also involved in the construction of power plants, water, and heating facilities, and various infrastructure projects.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners has developed a strong presence in energy work over the years. Askhad Koshkarbayev represented a state-owned company in an M&A of a subsoil resources company, conducting due diligence and structuring the transaction. Koshkarbayev is advising an oil and gas company on a dispute with a shareholder of an oil and gas field. Arman Berdalin represented a listed Chinese energy company on the establishment of a Kazakhstan-China joint venture for the sale of fuel projects.

Bolstered by strong relationships with prominent international law firms including Allen & Overy, King & Wood Mallesons and Eversheds, Unicase Law Firm has an extensive network to advise on cross-border transactions and investment projects in Kazakhstan. Raushana Chaltabayeva advised the UN Economic Commission for Europe on developing international standards for public-private partnerships (PPP) involved in  renewable energy projects.

Verum is young in the market but the capabilities of its energy and natural resources practice are highly regarded.  “Partners of the firm have vast knowledge of various areas of law and provide a thorough analysis of legislation while maintaining a business approach in their mind,” says a client. Azamat Chinetov and Mirbek Kydyrov are also advising Advaita Trade, with $1 billion annual turnover, on purchase contracts with producers; contracts for logistics services with providers; cross-border customs and control issues; trading and logistics-related disputes; and Kazakhstan-related regulatory and taxation issues.

Bolotov & Partners focuses solely on IP matters and has served clients in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, transportation, energy, manufacturing and financial services. Yuri Bolotov is well-known for his work and extensive experience in the application and protection of IP rights. He specialises in licensing and franchising. Saule Kulzhambekova has vast experience in handling trade mark examination, and trade mark and patent rights infringement, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Michael Wilson & Partners is highly regarded for its strong IP practice. The firm has deep relationships with other firms that practise IP across Eurasia and regularly advises on trade mark registration and IP rights maintenance. Gulnara Ilyassova has extensive experience of IP issues including patents and trade marks.

Aequitas has served clients including the Kazakhstan government, landline and postal operators and international cellular companies. The firm regularly advises on information security and communication licences. It also represents clients in M&A transactions and due diligence of IT and communications companies.

Grata Law Firm moves up in the rankings for its excellent service in IT, telecommunications and media. Yerzhan Yessimkhanov heads the telecommunications and transport group. The team is experienced in licensing and permits, competition and regulatory advice, M&A and dispute resolution issues in the IT, telecommunication and media sectors. Yessimkhanov is advising Huawei on its telecommunications projects in Kazakhstan. He is also advising China Telecom, on the local construction process, governmental approvals and telecommunications standards.

Unicase Law Firm is well-known for the high quality of its service in a wide range of aspects in the technology and telecommunications sectors. The firm regularly advises industry players on antimonopoly legislation, commercial, financial and operational issues.

The labour and employment practice at Aequitas is secure in its position in the rankings this year. The firm has served clients in the energy and mining, transportation, pharmaceuticals, retail and production sectors in particular. The firm is strong in adapting global corporate employment agreements to meet local legislation requirements. Yulia Chumachenko heads the practice team and has extensive experience in the resolution of labour disputes.