A cross-border firm active across the Central Asia region, Centil Law advises on a broad range of matters involving banking and finance, corporate and M&A, international trade and taxation. The firm assists with due diligence, drafting and amending the legislation, reviewing agreements and structuring financial transactions, and representation in arbitration proceedings. A team of seven partners leads the practice, which includes Umid Aripdjanov, who heads the energy and supervises subsoil practice, trade and investments head Otabek Suleimanov, transport infrastructure lead Dilshad Khabibullaev and banking and finance head Sofia Shaykhrazieva along with capital market expert Zafar Malikov, as well as Ravshan Rakhmanov and Husniddin Ochildiyev.
Leading firms in Uzbekistan
Centil Law
Practice head(s):
Zafar Malikov; Umid Aripdjanov; Otabek Suleimanov; Sofia Shaykhrazieva; Dilshad Khabibulaev ; Ravshan Rakhmanov; Husniddin Ochildiyev
Other key lawyers:
Maksud Karaketov; Yakub Sharipov, Abdulaziz Jurajonov
Testimonials
‘Excellent team, highly qualified specialists, versatility of the law firm, quick answers to questions.’
‘I have worked with Dilshad Khabibullaev, Yakub Sharipov, Abdulaziz Jurajonov and Maksud Karaketov. These individuals are highly qualified specialists.’
‘Our long-standing collaboration with Centil Law Firm has been fruitful over the years. They possess extensive expertise in navigating intricate cross-border transactions and regulatory matters.’
Key clients
World Bank Group
IFC
Asian Development Bank
Veolia
Total-EREN
Masdar
Mubadala
Metito
Uzbekneftegaz
Orano
Indorama Corporation
UzAuto
Air Marakanda
Atlas International
Air Products
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
ADM Jizzakh
Work highlights
- Advised Veolia on the first unsolicited proposal under new PPP law for operation, rehabilitation and maintenance, with an investment plan of €1.5bn for 30 years in Tashkent.
- Assisted JSC Uzbekneftegaz. JP Morgan and Citi, who acted as underwriters of an oversubscribed offering of corporate Eurobonds totalling$700m.
- Advised IFC Advisory Service and World Bank Group on a massive scaling solar program in Uzbekistan.
Dentons
Dentons has a strong reputation in the Uzbekistan market, where it offers domestic and international clients a solid mix of contentious and non-contentious support. With key expertise in corporate law, banking and finance, M&A and project financing, the firm acts for government entities and clients across industries including energy, construction and mining. Leading the team is Eldor Mannopov, who has a strong reputation in energy and tax law and significant experience of handling cross-border transactions. The banking and finance team is led by the contractual and regulatory matters expert Shukhrat Yunusov, while the head of mining practice, Bobur Shamsiev , focuses on EPC contacts and subsoil projects. Ulugbek Abdullaev is the other name to note.
Practice head(s):
Eldor Mannopov; Shukhrat Yunusov; Bobur Shamsiev; Ulugbek Abdullaev; Saidakbar Bekitayev
Testimonials
‘The firm demonstrates a flexible approach to the client, a ready-to-use assistant, and a short-term commitment.’
‘Bobur Shamsiev is a ready-made helper who opens short and short notices in a short time.’
‘Dentons Uzbekistan has outstanding leadership driven by Eldor Mannopov. For foreign companies wanting to establish a business in Uzbekistan, his leadership style has created a culture of confident, knowledgeable talent who are excellent counsellors who connect with clients relationally.’
‘As the lead partner of the practice, Eldor Mannopov drives solutions for clients. He understood the scope and importance of our transactions and legal needs. His staff and colleagues deliver the quality and integrity we expect.’
‘Strong litigation team.’
‘They integrate into the client’s environment, which makes it easy to cooperate as if Dentons lawyers were our in-house lawyers – trustworthy.’
‘The team is unique by its attitude to any work and task. Always seek solutions that would satisfy our needs even though the law does not provide a clear answer.’
‘I would mention Ulugbek Abdullaev here. He stands out by his utmost commitment to the promises he makes. If he committed to work by scheduled deadlines, he never failed. The product provided is normally of good quality and meets our expectations.’
Key clients
AKSA Enerji
Calik Enerji
Joint-Stock Commercial Bank Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank
Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen (Helaba)
Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan
JV Silverleafe LLC
Work highlights
- Assisted the Government of Uzbekistan with the privatisation of Poytaxt Qurilish va Xizmat LLC, owner of Hyatt Regency Tashkent 5-star hotel, for US$87m.
- Advised Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen (Helaba) on the provision of a preferential loan in the amount of €67.3m to one of the leading mining and metallurgical plants in Uzbekistan.
- Advised Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank JSCB on its US$100m green Eurobond offering.
GRATA International
GRATA International is noted for its cross-border capabilities, often assisting a varied client base across the real estate, banking, energy, construction and hospitality sectors. The team assists clients with the full range of corporate issues, project financing transactions, tax matters, and IP related mandates. Bakhodir Jabborov, whose areas of expertise are subsoil law and M&A transactions within the natural resources and infrastructure sectors, co-heads the practice alongside Nodir Yuldashev, who focuses on investment, trade and construction projects, in addition to his broad knowledge of international arbitration. Atabek Sharipov is the other key member of the team who leads the banking and project finance practice.
Practice head(s):
Bakhodir Jabborov; Nodir Yuldashev
Other key lawyers:
Atabek Sharipov
Key clients
Hyundai Auto Asia
JOGMEC
MTS
Accor S.A.
Bureau Veritas SA
China Energy International Group
Nordic Aviation
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Asian Development Bank
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Kinstellar
Counting international financial institutions, banks and companies among its key roster of clients, Kinstellar advises on a plethora of cross-border transactions, particularly in banking, financing, corporate and capital markets. The team is also active in project development, focusing on renewable energy, such as wind power projects. Managing partner Joel Benjamin, who leads the Tashkent, Almaty and Astana offices, has notable expertise in project finance and corporate transactions. A partner in the Tashkent office, Sherzod Yunusov focuses on both debt and equity transactions, along with energy and infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
Joel Benjamin
Other key lawyers:
Sherzod Yunusov
Key clients
Silk Road Fund
EBRD
IFC
ABU DHABI UZBEK INVESTMENT LLC
Emteko Holding SIA
JV LLC “IFODA AGRO KIMYO HIMOYA”
OTP Bank
ACWA Power Company
Wizz Air Group
Work highlights
- Advised Société Generale, International Finance Corporation, the Austrian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the German development finance institution DEG on a private placement by JSCB “Uzpromstroybank”.
- Advised Emteko Holding LLC on the acquisition of the pharmaceutical company Reka-Med in Uzbekistan using €10m financing from an existing loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development following a repurchase.
- Advised OTP Bank on the successful acquisition of Uzbekistan’s fifth-largest bank, Ipoteka Bank.
Kosta Legal
Engaged by several multinational clients, the full-service practice at Kosta Legal advises on various corporate matters, including restructuring and M&A deals. The team frequently acts for global investment and commercial banks, financial institutions, foreign corporations and local companies; recent work spans construction, telecommunications, energy, transportation, banking and finance. The group also has notable strength in assisting with competition law, bankruptcy, insolvency law, real estate and handling dispute resolution. The team is jointly led by the managing partner Azizbek Akhmadjonov, who focuses on real estate transactions, including acquisitions and disposal, disputes expert Vazgen Grigoryan and projects and banking and finance group lead Nail Hassanov. Maxim Dogonkin and Jakhongir Olimjonov are the other key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Azizbek Akhmadjonov; Nail Hassanov; Vazgen Grigoryan
Other key lawyers:
Maxim Dogonkin; Jakhongir Olimjonov
Testimonials
‘The team of Kosta Legal engaged in issues as such is well trained by practice that warrants merit. Corporate law and litigation service lines are well embedded into the client’s needs.’
‘Skills like openness, thorough review and listening, professional care, result orientation, vision of details and possible excesses in cases/issues/matters always accompany team members when providing services by lawyers/associates/assistants/employees. Some of them are Vazgen Grigoryan and Nail Hassanov, with whom I work closely on projects.’
‘Attention to detail, flexibility to accommodate client requirements and timely submission of deliverables.’
‘My main interaction is with Nail Hassanov. I have found him to be a stand-out practitioner. He has a strong understanding of the local Uzbek regulations, and his common law legal training makes him an ideal legal advisor to PPP and project financing transactions.’
‘Team has deep knowledge about local law and recent practices.’
‘Team members have good business acumen.’
‘The firm is very competent in their practice, has a developed and strong dispute resolution practice that makes their advice more precise, relevant, and practical; is very commercially oriented; constantly looks for new ways to improve their services and expand their practice. The firm tries to follow the best international standards for providing legal services. They also use new and project management solutions that facilitate our cooperation.’
‘They are very experienced, professional, and commercially oriented. In contrast to other top firms, the firm’s lawyers provide services in dispute resolution, land and real estate, competition and consumer protection, which are of utmost significance for our business. Vazgen Grigoryan has been our trusted advisor for many years and is a strong dispute resolution professional. Maxim Dogonkin is a strong and professional competition law expert, in many ways unique to Uzbekistan.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar
Asian Development Bank
Électricité de France
Indorama Agro
International Finance Corporation
Linde
Maxam Corp. International SL
MUFG Bank
Philip Morris International
Voltalia (France)
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of EDF International, Nebras Power, Sojitz Corporation, and Kyuden International Corporation on developing and attracting financing for a state-supported project of a modern 1580 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant.
- Advised ADB on a project to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan.
- Assisted Indorama Agro FE LLC (Uzbekistan), with a dispute related to obtaining a compensation for damages caused by a breakthrough of a dam of the Sardoba reservoir in the Syrdarya region.
LEGATE
LEGATE caters to a diverse range of international and domestic clients across various industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, real estate, investment, retail and financial services. The team has vast experience in handling a broad cross-section of contentious and non-contentious issues, including corporate and M&A, projects and PPP, intellectual property and litigation. Managing partner Nigora Avazmukhamedova and senior partner Petr Avakyan co-head the practice and focus on transactional work. The other key members are Alisher Rahmatov and Pavel Jurayev.
Practice head(s):
Nigora Avazmukhamedova; Petr Avakyan
Other key lawyers:
Alisher Rahmatov; Pavel Jurayev
Testimonials
‘Petr Avakyan, Nigora Avazmukhamedova and Pavel Jurayev have a very high level of knowledge, including on international legislation. As noted above, the business approach to problem-solving and informal working out of issues are especially appreciated. In complex cases, employees offer non-standard solutions to questions. As a result, the business always offered a solution to the problem.’
‘The team of lawyers demonstrated a high professional level. All services are provided on time and with high quality. Lawyers are not limited to just the task at hand. For example, in preparing a legal opinion on the work scheme that we presented, the firm’s lawyers, in addition to analyzing the scheme, proposed an alternative scheme, which we can choose or amend the initial one.’
‘I work directly with Nigora Avazmukhamedova and Petr Avakyan. In providing legal services, they deeply study law enforcement practice and trends in legislative changes.’
Key clients
uPay
Uzcard
Majid Al Futtaim Holding
The Pirzada Group Limited
UJP PRAHA a.s.
Robocash
DXC Technology
Bank Ipak Yuli
Gourmet Concept
Lamanka Enterprises
Stone City Energy
Akhangarancement
UzAssets
State Assets Management Agency of Uzbekistan
Ameriabank
Humans
Uztransgaz
Work highlights
- Advised Stone City Energy Company (Netherlands) on the financial closing of the loan facility with the project amount exceeding $1bn with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy for a gas turbine power plant.
- Advised Humans.uz, fintech company, on issue and placement of preferred convertible shares (corporate fixed-income securities).
PraeLegal Uzbekistan
PraeLegal Uzbekistan is active across the real estate, pharmaceutical, aviation and retail sectors. The team acts for local and foreign clients, and has strengthened its litigation and arbitration capability on top of the firm's transactional practice. Practice head Sherzod Abdulkasimov has a transactional practice including equity capital markets. The firm also counts on the expertise of Irina Kim, whose practice includes investment structuring and compliance, while seasoned litigator Davranbek Ahmatov is another key name.
Practice head(s):
Sherzod Abdulkasimov
Other key lawyers:
Irina Kim; Davranbek Ahmatov
Testimonials
‘Well organised, speedy and gentle staff, with competencies in various fields.’
Key clients
Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A.
My Freighter LLC
Hyper Partners LLC
JV KO‘KDUMALOQ-GAZ
Qo`qon University
Joylive Elevators Ltd.
Cenomi Group (Alkohair Group)
Hyatt Regency Tashkent
Falcon Hunting Solutions LLC
Quramax Medikal LLC
FREEDOM FINANCE EUROPE LTD
Work highlights
- Represented Quramax Medikal LLC in the Supreme Court, where the lower courts decisisons overturned in favour of the client, which saved the products worth almost $20m from destruction.
- Represented N’Medov Holding in the arbitration case, recovering the damages for the subsidiaries at the London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation.
- Assisted My Freighter LLC with a deal to purchase aircraft under a lease agreement.
SETTLE law firm
SETTLE law firm is well-equipped to advise and litigate across a wide array of intellectual property matters, including infringement and protection of trade marks and copyright. The team has been engaged in several trademark registrations for domestic and international manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, clothing and beverage companies. Managing partner Jamshid Agzamkhadjaev has a strong background in IP projects and co-heads the practice with Sherzod Utkirkhujaev, who focuses on corporate matters.
Practice head(s):
Sherzod Utkirkhujaev; Jamshid Agzamkhadjayev
Testimonials
‘Expertise & knowledge in local laws and collaboration are their key strengths.’
‘Sherzod Utkirkhujaev is diligent and meticulous. He is very customer-focused and collaborative.’
‘The team knows our needs and puts every effort to meet them and provide cost-efficient solutions.’
Key clients
Panasonic
Mondelēz International, Inc.
Mars Inc.
Bacardi
Hugo Boss
Uklon
Disney
Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd.
RG Brands
BGP Inc.
Work highlights
- Assisted the Uklon with establishing its presence and Uzbek market entry.
- Assisted HUGO BOSS with the protection of the client’s IP rights in Uzbekistan.
- Advised Mars Inc. on matters related to market check in various regions to trace counterfeit goods and identify local manufacturers infringing on Mars Inc.’s trademarks.
Winfields
Winfields‘ team specialises in offering guidance on cross-border commercial and M&A transactions, debt recovery and finance matters, among others. Managing partner Janibek Abdurazakov is experienced in advising clients on project finance and commercial litigation, while Erkin Turabov leads the banking and finance practice.
Practice head(s):
Janibek Abdurazakov
Other key lawyers:
Erkin Turabov
Testimonials
‘Timely delivery of legal services is one of the most important factors for our satisfaction. So it was important to us to be confident that they could achieve the required results on schedule, and they did.’
‘As in other areas of business, people are a law firm’s most important asset. In the case of Winfields, we worked only with first-class people; the company has the talent to meet our expectations.’
Key clients
JSC “Buhorogips” (Knauf International)
“Coca‑Cola Ichimligi Uzbekistan LTD” LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Knauf International on the acquisition of minority shares of JSC “Bufaragips”.
- Assisted “Coca‑Cola Ichimligi Uzbekistan LTD” LLC with the complex litigation case against contractor under the construction contract.
Abacus Law Firm
Abacus Law Firm offers broad service, assisting clients with a full spectrum of matters including debt recovery, employment law, taxation and intellectual property law. The team is led by Akmal Sharopov , along with commercial expert Muhitdin Mustafaev and Aziz Akhtamov who has vast experience in handling matters before various levels of the Uzbek courts system.
Practice head(s):
Akmal Sharopov; Muhitdin Mustafaev; Aziz Akhtamov
Testimonials
‘The company approaches emerging legal issues very responsibly. The company employs professionals in their field. Quick Feedback.’
‘All specialists have the highest competence, tact, and are ready to assist with any legal issues and offer the optimal solution to the issue.’
Key clients
Elan Express LLC
Media Lux LLC
Nowaday PE
Premium Auto LLC
Prime Media Solution LLC
Terminal Services Invest Group LLC
Winncom Technologies LLC
Web Communications LLC
JSCB TBC Bank
«United Nationwide Processing Center» LLC
Ardena Transport SIA
Perfect Balance PE
TBC Fin Service LLC
Zaamin-Market LLC
Asbis CA LLC
Flotent Chemicals LLC
Maroqand LLC (U-Pay)
Orient Invest Group LLC
Invescore UE LLC
Honor Truck Liz LLC
Invescore Capital LLC
Profi Scan LLC
Uzbekistan Football Association
Work highlights
- Assisted the TBC Fin Service LLC with the registration of the intellectual property to the marketplace of the client on an urgent basis.
- Assisted the client with the legal analysis of the $450,000 contract between Profi Scan LLC and Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation.
Black Swan Consulting
Under the leadership of Amir Akhmedov, the team at Black Swan Consulting
represents a broad range of domestic and international clients on a range of issues. Recently, it has seen significant activity in the IT sector, advising clients on the acquisition and day-to-day matters, including IP, employment, labour regulations and data protection.
Practice head(s):
Amir Akhmedov
Testimonials
‘Black Swan Consulting is a team of professionals who know legal and business needs and can advise the best solution thanks to their client-oriented approach, good knowledge of local peculiarities and deep knowledge of the law.’
‘As for me, I highly appreciate BSC for compliance with agreed deadlines. I would like to mention Amir Akhmedov, managing partner of BSC, who is experienced in advising on any matter. His assistance was indispensable in solving corporate legislation and M&A, IP and IT law, and negotiations with banks and financial institutions (including Islamic banking). Amir is a very client-oriented and qualified lawyer with notable expertise and good knowledge in connections with authorities, so he always gives us effective and working advice. I’m impressed by his handling of complicated matters.’
‘Very strong in the field of data protection. Tax-related advice has also been solid.’
‘Amir Akhmedov, the managing partner, is very client-oriented, responsive and goes the extra mile to deliver the best possible solutions and advice.’
Key clients
Lerna
Magnum Retail
UC Venture Fund
Data Space Systems
Vita Markets
JSC Digital Area
Llama Labs
Fintech Forge
Uranus Investment Capital
OzPlanet
Itransition Holding Limited
IT Mercury
Work highlights
- Assisted Data Space Systems with an investment deal worth $140m.
- Advised Vita Markets on market entry of the foreign investment platform and structured the business model in accordance with the existing legislation.
- Assisted JSC Digital Area with the consultation and support for National Bank of Georgia subsidiary.
PETOŠEVIĆ
With a strong presence in across the CEE, CIS and - thanks to its combination with Cedar White Bradley IP LLP - the Middle East, PETOŠEVIĆ provides strategic advice to multinational companies in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious IP-related matters. It advises on the enforcement and protection of trade marks and patents, as well as litigation and licensing matters. Djakhangir Aripov leads the firm's Uzbekistan practice.
Practice head(s):
Djakhangir Aripov
Work highlights
Putilin Dispute Management
Boutique practice Putilin Dispute Management has an excellent track record across all aspects of dispute resolution, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. The firm’s key areas of practice include finance, aviation, sports, agriculture, construction and manufacturing industries. Elijah Putilin heads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Elijah Putilin
Testimonials
‘Innovative and very results-focused approach. Excellent hands-on collaboration with local counsels in foreign jurisdictions. Generous sharing of knowledge and clear road map at the very initial stage of the project kick-off.’
‘Elijah Putilin is an outstanding communicator and builder of bonds and bridges of understanding between various negotiating parties and parties in disputes. The calm and balanced approach employed by Elijah Putilin made a huge difference and allowed us to settle the matter amicably at the very right moment in time.’
‘This is a single-man practice, but it offers an untypical service of an international arbitrator and a foreign arbitration professional. So, his strength is an international level of services affordable and available for local and foreign clients.’
Work highlights
PwC Consulting LLC Uzbekistan
PwC Consulting LLC Uzbekistan acts for foreign companies entering Uzbekistan, offering guidance on commercial transactions such as M&A deals, joint ventures and restructuring. The firm also provides business incorporation advice relating to financial regulation. Director Vladimir Sokolov, who has recently joined the team from PwC’s Russia office, leads the Uzbekistan practice and has vast expertise in assisting clients from various industries, including retail, aviation, pharmaceuticals and energy.
Practice head(s):
Vladimir Sokolov
Testimonials
‘PwC Consulting LLC Uzbekistan provided their work with outstanding professionalism until the end of the project. The team always responded promptly, which helped us get through in urgent circumstances when dealing with our client. In addition, PwC KR was able to present a very well-thought-out report to the client.’
‘I was able to work with Sevara Usmanova. What sets her apart could be described as tenacity and attention to detail.’
‘Team’s flexibility towards uncertainty.’
Key clients
MCS Investment LLC
Tenge Bank JSCB
KT&G Corp.
Globbing LLC
Cheil LLC
Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan
InterGlobe Aviation Limited
Inditex S.A.
Unipharm Laboratories Limited
FE LLC Liugong Machinery CA
Work highlights
- Advised MSC Investment LLC (Mongolia) on acquisition of shares worth $5m in a group of Uzbek companies.
- Advised Tenge Bank JSCB on the acquisition of property worth $24.5m.
- Advised a major aviation company which underwent a reorganization on the legal causes of the inherited debit and credit (values exceeding $90m).
Virtus Leo Law Firm
Well-known for its litigation prowess, Virtus Leo Law Firm regularly represents domestic and international clients in administrative, commercial, and criminal matters. Under the headship of managing partner Alisher Zaynutdinov, the team is also active on non-contentious work and advises on intellectual property and investment matters. Odinabonu Abdukakhorova is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Alisher Zaynutdinov; Odinabonu Abdukaxxorova