The Legal 500

Gide Loyrette Nouel’s impressive roster of financial services clients includes Akbank, Finansbank, Citibank and EBRD, as well as more recent client wins Ak Yatirim and Oyak Yatirim. It recently acted as legal counsel to the underwriter, Oyak Yatirim, in connection with Kiler’s IPO of up to 15% of shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Jean-Gabriel Flandrois is the main contact.

White & Case Müsavirlik Ltd. Sirketi is the longest-established international firm in Turkey, and is highly respected. Its affiliations with Akol Avukatlik Bürosu and Çakmak Avukatlik Bürosu give the firm a presence in Istanbul and Ankara, respectively. Capital markets is a notable strength, an area in which Laura Sizemore ‘makes her mark’. Asli Basgoz is also a key member of the practice, providing deep experience in private power and infrastructure matters. The team recently represented Spanish bank BBVA in its $5.9bn acquisition of a 24.9% stake in Garanti Bank.

One of the most recent international firms to establish an office in the Turkish market is Chadbourne & Parke LLP. Managing partner Ayse Yuksel already has a strong reputation in the market having led the firm’s Turkey corporate practice from its offices in other jurisdictions. Its local affiliate law firm is Cigdemtekin Sahbaz Attorney Partnership, which itself has only been in existence since July 2011 and whose partners, Gamze Çigdemtekin and Deniz Sahbaz, are formerly of respected Turkish firms CCAO and Akol Avukatlik Bürosu, respectively. The Turkey office will focus on M&A, private equity, capital markets, corporate finance, project finance and tax.

Although still relatively new in the market –having arrived in June 2010 – DLA Piper Danismanlik Hizmetleri Avukatlik Ortakligi has ‘some very strong foundations in place’, including the ‘successful partnership’ with YukselKarkinKucuk, whose core practices (namely banking, finance and capital markets) complement those of DLA Piper Danismanlik Hizmetleri Avukatlik Ortakligi. Although primarily based in Italy, Francesco Ferrari plays a significant role in the Turkey practice. Ferrari is advising the Turkish Ministry of Health on the development and structuring of Turkey’s first healthcare PPP project. Ayla Özenbas is also recommended.

Kinstellar Danismanlik Hizmetleri Avukatlik Ortakligi’s clients are impressed by ‘the team’s dedicated approach and quick grasp of the commercial fundamentals of transactions’, as well as its ‘rigorous approach to due diligence and professionalism’. Istanbul managing partner Charles Dunn is recommended for his ‘business understanding of private equity and international client needs’. The Turkey office works in close conjunction with domestic firm CCAO.

Clifford Chance opened its doors in early 2011, and ‘seems to be building up a good team in Istanbul’. This has attracted the attention of some international clients for larger transactions. It draws its clients from a broad sector base, including energy, financial services and infrastructure. The team brings its services to bear through its association with Yegin Legal Consultancy, which is headed by Mete Yegin.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mostle LLP established its Turkey practice in 2007, and it acts for a number of domestic and international clients on inbound and outbound matters. It advised Turkish confectionery company Gulluoglu on trade mark registration and other IP issues in the Middle East and Europe, and advised Oceanworks on establishing a joint stock company in Turkey’s free trade zone. The firm is also proficient in international arbitration. Ali Gursel is the managing partner of the Istanbul office.

SNR Denton works in close co-operation with Istanbul-based Güner Law Office. Sector strengths include retail, energy and infrastructure, banking and finance, technology, insurance, media and telecoms.

Salans’ Turkish operations are rendered through its new association with Balcioglu Selcuk Akman, following the end of its partnership with Özel & Özel. The Istanbul presence leaves the firm strategically well positioned for cross-border transactions, including those into or out of CIS and Central Asian jurisdictions. The new practice focuses on banking and finance, litigation, M&A, real estate, and projects.

Schoenherr advises international and domestic clients on inbound and outbound investments and projects in the energy sector. It works closely with local firm Turkoglu & Celepci.