Aequitas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.