Pekin & Pekin > Istanbul, Turkey > Firm Profile

Pekin & Pekin
LAMARTINE CADDESI NO 10
TAKSIM
34437 ISTANBUL
Turkey

Turkey > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2

Pekin & Pekin’s pioneering record in cross-border banking, finance and capital markets matters is evidenced by its longstanding relationships with global banking heavyweights such as Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Deutsche Bank – all of whom it has been advising for over two decades. The group also counts multilaterals, alternative lenders and corporate borrowers among its extensive client roster. Following the recent departure of department co-head Eda Beltan, Göze Yıldırım solely leads the group and is particularly recognised for her growing reputation in the capital markets sphere; notably, she had a key role in representing the underwriters on all of the Republic of Turkey’s Eurobond issuances. Senior associate Göksu Gökay left in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Göze Yıldırım

Testimonials

‘Pekin & Pekin’s extensive knowledge and experience in banking law ensures a very high-quality service with prompt replies to queries and regular status updates to clients. One of its greatest strengths is that it not only knows the technicalities of banking law but also the practices of the regulatory authorities.’

Key clients

Citigroup Global Markets

BofA Securities

J.P. Morgan Securities

Goldman Sachs International

Standard Chartered Bank

HSBC Bank

ING Bank

Deutsche Bank, London Branch

Work highlights

  • Acted for the underwriters (Citigroup Global Markets, BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs International and JP Morgan Securities) on the Republic of Turkey’s Eurobond issuances, totalling $5.5bn.

Turkey > Tax Tier 3

Pekin & Pekin often advises insurers, banks, and high-net-worth individuals on matters ranging from the tax aspects of cross-border transactions, indirect taxation, tax inspections, as well in litigation. The team is headed by experienced tax planner Firat Yalçin, who also leads the firm’s M&A practice.

Practice head(s):

Fırat Yalçın

Turkey > Dispute resolution Tier 4

Pekin & Pekin houses a robust dispute resolution practice that acts for a mix of domestic and multinational clients in judicial, arbitral and mediation proceedings. The five-lawyer strong group is well versed across a wide scope of matters, including commercial disputes, administrative law issues, employment litigation and contentious IP cases. Senior partner Erdem Atilla steers the team, with support from senior associate Idil Kocaman.

Practice head(s):

Erdem Atilla

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘It is a resolute, reliable and customer-friendly team.’

‘We have been working with Erdem Atilla for approximately one year. During this period, the team has kept us promptly informed about the process, its consequences, and has always provided us with alternatives to find better solutions.’

‘Lawyers are really bright, agile and quick. The team is very professional, with knowledge of Turkish regulations and law. Really good communication and assistance. Nice legal advice and counsel.’

‘The team is always hands-on regarding disputes. Lawyers demonstrate very good judgement and negotiating skills. The quality of service is perfect.’

‘Erdem Atilla is very easy to reach out and very respectful. A presentable lawyer.’

‘The dispute resolution practice of Pekin & Pekin has outstanding expertise and capability even in the most complicated cases – both local and international.’

‘The entire Pekin & Pekin team (and Erdem Atilla in particular) is extremely detail-oriented in every assigned case. The swiftness of its response is never at the expense of quality. Each piece of legal advice provided is attentive to detail and individualised to the needs of the particular assignment.’

Key clients

Akkok Holding A.S. and Group Companies

Akkok Holding A.S.’s BoD members

Sakarya Elektrik Perakende A.S.

Fenerbahçe Sports Club

Index Group

George Tedarik Hizmetleri A.S. (subsidiary of Asda Sources, partially owned by Walmart)

Mango Labs LLC

Divan Turizm Isletmeleri A.S.

Skinfix

Laake

ScyllaDB

Klépierre

Acronis

Work highlights

  • Representing Akkok Holding, and its group companies, in a lawsuit filed by two shareholders requesting the annulment of the general assembly resolution with regard to a capital increase.
  • Advising Morgan Stanley & Co International on the legal validity of arbitration agreements and compliance with Turkish notification legislation.
  • Representing Turkey-based IT distributor Index Group in a compensation lawsuit arising from the termination of a distributor contract.

Turkey > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5

The corporate and M&A practice at Pekin & Pekin advises domestic and international clients across the apparel, automotive, chemicals, retail, software, aviation and tech industries, involved in day-to-day corporate operations, and complex, cross-border transactions. The team is headed by Firat Yalçin, who brings expertise to M&A, restructurings and spin-offs. Anıl Acar and İlker Demirtaş were promoted to partner and senior associate in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Fırat Yalçın

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A very accessible and agile team, providing swift and precise advice.’

‘High quality professionals.’

‘Very responsive.’

Key clients

Solenis LLC

The firm: Founded in 1971, Pekin & Pekin is a full-service law firm providing integrated legal services to clients involved in transactions within Turkey.

The vision of Pekin & Pekin today is the same vision as in 1971 – to provide clients with legal advice that helps them achieve their long-term objectives in Turkey and globally with the greatest efficiency. This vision is attained by a strategy of steady expansion, allowing the firm to retain its boutique character and standard of service.

The firm has pioneered legal structures for Turkish banking transactions, facilitated the introduction of new financial products and organisational structures, advised regulators on new laws and and regulations across multiple sectors, acted in the largest and most high-profile finance and M&A deals in the jurisdiction, and succeeded in numerous complex dispute resolution and arbitration cases.

Areas of practice
Banking and finance: Pekin & Pekin is renowned for having the strongest Banking and Finance team in Turkey, with a breadth of technical expertise and practical know-how that is unmatched. We advise clients and develop innovative solutions on cross-border and domestic deals that are significant in value. The firm is presently retained by 29 of the top 35 Fortune Global 500 banks. We act for all parties to a transaction, yet our reputation typically sees the firm being retained by the lenders to handle the more complex end of negotiations. This reputation extends to the relationships we have with the regulatory authorities, such as the Banking Regulatory and Supervision Agency (“BRSA”), which are optimised for the benefit of our clients.

We advise our banking and finance clients on a wide range of matters, including:

  • Derivatives and structured finance
  • Debt capital markets
  • Islamic finance
  • Equity
  • Capital markets
  • Leveraged finance
  • Securitisations
  • Project financing
  • Bank mergers and acquisitions
  • Real estate finance
  • Investment funds and structures
  • Restructuring  regulatory banking
    Team leader: Ahmed Pekin

Dispute resolution and arbitration: Recognised as having one of the finest dispute resolution teams in Turkey, Pekin & Pekin provides advice and specialist representation in complex and significant matters of litigation, arbitration, regulation and risk management. We also assist in the enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards in Turkey.

Clients are domestic and foreign companies, individuals and organisations, represented on both a retainer and case basis. The close relations we develop with our clients allow us thoroughly to understand their businesses and sectors and protect their interests as fully as possible.

We act in a broad range of commercial disputes, including:

  • Business crimes
  • Financial services
  • Bankruptcy and reorganisation
  • Insolvency and restructuring
  • Competition
  • Intellectual property
  • Compliance
  • Product liability
  • Consumer protection
  • Professional negligence
  • Employment disputes
  • Real estate investments
  • International arbitration
  • Insure litigation
    Team leaders: Ahmed Pekin, Erdem Atilla

Capital markets: The capital markets practice team offers several traditional services and specific advice on products and finance structures unique to the Turkish market. Clients are all leading players in the sector.

  • Brokerage operations
  • Finance sector M&As and company incorporations
  • Company incorporations
  • Financial services and markets
  • Debt capital markets
  • Foreign exchange regulations
  • Derivatives and swaps  ISDA documentation
  • Employee share plans
  • Product registration with the CMB
  • Equity capital markets
  • Product registration with the CMB
  • Equity, IPOs and secondary offerings
  • Real estate investment trusts
  • Regulatory services
  • Regulatory investigations
  • Structured products
  • Reserve IPOs
    Team leader: Eda Beltan, Göze Yıldırım

Corporate/M&A and employment: The Pekin & Pekin corporate/M&A and employment team possesses general and specialist expertise on a wide range of corporate laws, commercial transactions and business sectors. The main areas of interest to clients generally include:

  •  Commercial transactions
  •  Intellectual property and patents
  •  Company incorporations
  •  Joint ventures
  •  Competition and anti-trust
  •  License applications
  •  Corporate restructuring
  •  Liquidations
  •  Corporate reorganisation
  •  Mergers and acquisitions
  •  Employment
  •  PPP, PFI, BOT
  •  Private equity and venture capital
  •  Privatisation
  •  Regulatory advice
  •  Spin-offs

Our teams provide clients with a full range of consultancy services, advice and guidance relating to all matters of employment and labour law crucial to the effective operation of business interests in Turkey, including collective dismissals/layoffs

  •  Redundancy
  •  Data protection and privacy
  •  Re-employment
  •  Discrimination
  •  Resignations
  •  Employment contracts
  •  Salary, tax, benefits, pensions, vacation
  •  Employee transfers and redeployment
  •  Trade union and ministry relations
  •  Health and safety
  •  Work and residence permits
  •  Outsourcing
    Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Tax: The majority of commercial transactions have a tax element and these tax considerations often impact and guide the outcome of a transaction. As corporations react to the global economic crisis tax efficient structures have become more crucial.

The award winning Pekin and Pekin tax practice team leaves regular compliance support to accounting firms and instead focuses on more complex cases, giving clients direct practical and innovative advice. Legal assistance is provided on a standalone basis or as part of ongoing financing transactions in the main practice areas of corporate finance, project finance, M&A and capital markets. Moreover, the tax team provides legal assistance in major dispute resolution cases, involving representing clients in out-of-court settlement negotiations with the Tax Authority and advising on all phases of tax litigation.

The range of services include:

  • International tax services and consultancy (eg tax efficient holding company locations, tax planning, tax efficient supply chain and shared services, business models)
  • Re-structuring of group companies/holdings (eg merger, partial and full spin-offs, share exchanges)
  • Tax legal advisory services
  • Indirect taxes and consultancy
  • Sustainability and climate change tax
  • Tax controversy and dispute resolution
  • Corporate, project and structured finance solutions
  • Capital markets transactions
  • International debt and equity issues (inc. loan participation notes, mortgages and asset-backed securities)
  • Islamic finance structures (inc. murabaha and sukuk notes)
  • Drafting and reviewing employment agreements, personnel handbooks and policies
    Team leader: Fırat Yalçın

Competition: Our competition practice is integrated into our corporate arm of the firm. In addition to advising clients on the corporate law aspects of their undertakings in Turkey, our competition team also provides expert advice on all aspects of Turkish competition law, including cartels, restrictive practices, public procurement and state aid.

Merger control accounts for a large proportion of our work in this area and our extensive experience dealing with the Turkish regulatory authorities allows us to provide our clients with expert guidance through the notification and clearance process.

  •  Mergers and acquisitions
  •  Joint ventures
  •  Strategic alliances
  •  Cartels
  •  Compliance
  •  Restrictive practices
  •  Public procurement and state aid
  •  Litigation
    Team leader: Fırat Yalçın

Energy and climate change: Liberalisation, natural resources, supply and demand, sustainable and alternative energy sources, new technologies, carbon reduction, market and regulatory developments are among the many issues at the forefront of the business community as companies look for new investment opportunities.

Turkey is a top emerging market for renewable energy in particular and clients approach Pekin & Pekin due to its extensive capabilities. Transaction teams have closed a considerable number of major transactions and are consistently providing regulatory advice. Teams are multi-disciplinary and constructed according to lawyer expertise in the particular industry and practice area.

The team works with clients in the following industries:

  •  Biofuels and clean fuels
  • Oil and gas
  • Coal, minerals and mining
  • Real estate and construction
  • Clean technologies
  • Renewables and alternatives
  • Electricity and nuclear
  • Transportation and logistics
    Team leader: Fırat Yalçın

Insolvency and bankruptcy: The insolvency and bankruptcy team provides advice regarding formal insolvency and bankruptcy, with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional and multi-creditor transactions. Clients are led through Turkish insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings and legislation, the attaining of out-of-court arrangements and complex negotiations.

The range of services include:

  • Representation of creditors prior and following a debtor’s insolvency
  • Representation of debtors in insolvency proceedings
  • Rescission proceedings
  • Mergers and acquisitions of troubled estates
  • Purchase and sale of assets at bankruptcy
  • Out-of-court settlements
  • Bankruptcy litigation
  • Collateral arrangements
    Team leader: Fırat Yalçın, Eda Beltan

Intellectual property: Our IP specialists in the corporate and dispute resolution teams provide advice to clients eager to protect and exploit their IP rights in Turkey. We advise on a wide range of IP matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs, domain names and confidential information, acting on behalf of both the licensee and licensor.

The scope of work generally includes:

  • Trademark and domain name research
  • Trademark, patent and design applications and registration
  • IP license agreements
  • Copyright and trademark infringements
  • Trademark objections and opposition filings
    Team leader: Fırat Yalçın, Erdem Atilla 

Islamic finance: Pekin & Pekin is established in the market as a legal advisor to both Islamic finance and international institutions with interests in Turkey. The firm advises on Islamic financing and regulatory transactions and possesses very detailed knowledge of the legal structure in Turkey.

Our expertise in Islamic finance covers:

  • Financial principles of Islamic law
  • Turkish legal framework governing Islamic finance
  • Existing and pending regulatory developments
  • Structuring of Islamic finance transactions in line with Turkish law, in particular murabaha, mudarabah, ijarah and sukuk
  • Istisna transactions
  • Regulatory M&As involving Islamic finance institutions
  • IPOs
    Team leader: Ahmed Pekin

Private equity: Pekin & Pekin has an established private equity practice led by the corporate/M&A team. The PE practice advises PE firms, investors, financial institutions and funds in a pre-acquisition and post-acquisition capacity, from fund establishment to fund exit.  Typical deals are public and private M&As, leveraged and acquisition finance, structured and secured financing, and debt and equity financing. The practice team also advises on venture capital projects.

Our integrated approach means each transaction team can leverage assistance from other practice teams on matters of financing, tax and competition and benefit from the expertise of our sector specialists.
Team leader: Fethi Pekin, Fırat Yalçın

Project finance: Pekin & Pekin has a dedicated award-winning project finance team that advises on the biggest transactions in the jurisdiction. The team understands the need for the well-drafted financing documentation that protects the interests of all parties concerned and is generally retained by the lenders.

Our expertise in project finance covers:

  • Project structure and contractual issues
  • Drafting and negotiating project agreements
  • Advising on direct, security and sponsor support agreements
  • Understanding financial issues
  • Mitigation and avoidance of risk
  • Structuring security packages
  • Power purchase agreements and concession agreements in the transport, water, health and education sectors
    Team leader: Ahmed Pekin

Regulatory: The regulatory practice team provides clients subject to Capital Markets Board and Banking Regulatory Supervision Agency legislation on a range of issues:

  • Compliance with the complex regulatory environment
  • Structuring and filing public offerings in the Turkish market
  • Offerings of Turkish companies in international and European markets
  • Launching Turkish and foreign funds and the registration of the same with the CMB and all necessary follow-up procedures
  • Commercial and investment banking, and investment advice
  • Asset management brokerage and custody business
  • Licensing and registration requirements

The team is also heavily involved in regulatory filings and cross-border direct and indirect M&As ad splits where one of the parties is a local bank or financial institutions.

The incorporation of financial institutions and banks is also within the scope or the firm. Pekin & Pekin has incorporated many first-of-a-kind regulated companies, and has been retained to advise on the conversation and acquisition of nearly all Turkish brokerage companies.
Team leader: Eda Beltan

Restructuring: The restructuring practice offers clients a full range of services to successfully restructure their interests in Turkey. Each transaction team leverages expertise from across the firm to reach the optimal solution for the client. The practice is highly experienced and experienced in advising on the following:

  • Acquiring, reorganising and restructuring bankrupt companies to avoid insolvency
  • Restructuring following insolvency
  •  Innovative and complex financial restructurings
  • Debt to equity conversions
  •  Employment and redundancy advice
    Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın, Eda Beltan

Specialist sectors
Automotive: Pekin & Pekin advises multiple automotive clients on Turkish legislation, from matters of financing and disputes to M&As and joint ventures, corporate and competition law, employment and intellectual property.

Each automotives engagement team is formed in line with the objectives of the client and the requirements of the deal. Team are often cross-practice and include lawyers specialised in the sector, allowing clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our highly regarded lawyers from throughout the firm.
Team leader: Fırat Yalçın

Consumer products and retail: An unsaturated market, appealing production conditions and hungry consumers make Turkey an attractive jurisdiction for retail and consumer products companies. Pekin & Pekin advises mainly international clients in the durables FMCG and non-durable segments on their Turkey interests. Scope of work generally includes:

  • Competition clearances
  • Corporate governance issues and compliance
  • Disputes and litigation
  • Distributorships and franchise arrangements
  • Employment and labour law
  • Financing
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Licensing
  • M&As and joint ventures
  • Product liability
  • Real estate and construction issues
  • Regulatory environment
    Team leaders: Fethi Pekin, Fırat Yalçın

Energy and natural resources: The energy and natural resources opportunities in Turkey are attractive. The focus on renewable energy and Turkey’s position as an energy “bridge”, linking European countries to Caspian and Iraqi oil make it an important transit country. As such Pekin & Pekin is often approached to provide Turkish legal advice on various energy and natural resources projects. We advise on all aspects of projects, from financing and tax efficient structures, regulatory and compliance, to M&A and privatisation, corporate and competition.

Our energy and natural resources teams are cross-practice and formed in line with the objectives of the clients and the requirements of the deal. This allows clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our highly regarded lawyers throughout the firm.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Hospitality and leisure: Investors have been relatively slow to capitalise on the hospitality and leisure sector in Turkey – that is changing with strong economic growth predictions, the country’s appeal as a regional travel destination and larger amounts of Turks travelling abroad for leisure. Condé Nast named Turkey the number one destination in 2010 and Istanbul celebrated the year as a European Capital of Culture, which Pekin & Pekin sponsored.

Pekin & Pekin clients in the sector are traditionally focused on inward investment with a 2011 trend for outward investment by cash-rich Turkish companies bringing additional cross-border transactions to the team.

Deals, projects and investments generally cover:

  • Hotel and leisure complex construction and operating groups
  • Airline and terminal acquisitions, transfer of operating rights and construction
  • Project financing
  • Transport infrastructure and privatisation
  • Regulatory advice

Each engagement team is formed in line with the objectives of the client and the requirements of the deal. Team are often cross-practice and include lawyers specialised in the sector, allowing clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our highly regarded lawyers from throughout the firm.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Industrial manufacturing and service industries: Turkey is in the spotlight as the new hub for manufacturing companies in the region, making use of its young, trained workforce, developing infrastructure and proximity to key markets with favourable trade agreements. On the service industry side, the country offers numerous opportunities as Turkey takes leaps in utilising new technologies, products and services.

At Pekin & Pekin we have been providing legal advice to market players for many years. Our industrial manufacturing and service industries engagement teams are cross-practice and are formed in line with the objectives of the clients and the requirements of the deal. This allows clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of highly regarded lawyers from throughout the firm. These engagement teams also include lawyers with the specialist sector knowledge required for the specific project.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Infrastructure: Pekin & Pekin has provided legal assistance to a range of clients involved in Infrastructure projects in Turkey. Transactions typically involve financing and construction elements under BOT and PPP structures, and many involve privatisation.

Keys areas are airports, bridges, highways, metro and rail, ports, waterways and water and sewage systems. Utilities transactions can be found in the document ‘Our Experience: Energy and Natural Resources’.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Insurance: Whilst the banking and financial services markets in Turkey have developed rapidly, insurance is catching up with an abundance of opportunities for the foreign investor. The dominant insurance agency network has been joined by banc assurance, and the market is ripe for new products, investments and distribution lines.

Pekin & Pekin advises brokers, insurers, businesses and finance institutions in the non-life, life and compulsory insurance segments and credit insurance. Corporate/M&A, capital markets, dispute resolution, tax and banking lawyers work in integrated teams advising clients on a range of issues including:

  • Legal regulatory insurance issues including licenses and investigations by the regulators
  • Distribution channels and legal considerations
  • Tax advice
  • Insurance and reinsurance litigation
  • Labour law and employee-employer insurance obligations
  • Individual private pensions
  • Outsourcing
  • Construction, architecture and engineering (third party liability and professional liability insurance)
  • Agency and distribution agreements
  • Reinsurance
  • Product structuring – from compulsory and liability insurance to new products
  • Public and private M&As in the insurance sector
  • Capital markets and derivatives
  • Asset management
    Team leader: Ahmed Pekin, Fırat Yalçın

Pharmaceuticals, healthcare and biotechnology: The Turkish pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector is continuing to attract foreign investors, following ongoing regulatory reform, modernisation and restructuring. The potential for returns is excellent with forecasts of high growth and an expanding product market as Turkish consumers adopt a more sophisticated approach to healthcare. Turkish groups divesting their pharma enterprises, international healthcare providers groups establishing ventures in the private sector and global manufacturers entering and re-entering the market will ensure this sector remains in the spotlight for the years ahead.

At Pekin & Pekin we have been providing legal advice to market entrants for many years. Our pharmaceuticals, healthcare and iotechnology engagement teams are cross-practice and are formed in line with the objectives of the clients and the requirements of the deal. This allows clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our highly regarded lawyers throughout the firm.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Real estate and construction: Pekin & Pekin is very active in real estate and construction, advising on high value projects across Turkey and the region, for example Azerbaijan and Iran. We advise on all aspects of projects, from financing and tax efficient structures, regulatory and compliance, to corporate and competition.

Our real estate and construction engagement teams are cross-practice and are formed in line with the objectives of the clients and the requirements of the deal. This allows clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our highly regarded lawyers throughout the firm. Client engagement teams also include lawyers with the specialist sector knowledge required for the specific project.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Telecommunications, media and technology: At Pekin & Pekin we have been providing legal advice to market players for many years. Our telecommunications, media and technology engagement teams are cross-practice and are formed in line with the objectives of the clients and the requirements of the deal. This allows clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of highly regarded lawyers from throughout the firm.

Deals and clients include mobile telecoms operators, fixed line operators, ISPs, submarine cable operators, terrestrial TV, cable TV network operators, outdoor advertising, print and online media, software developers and distributors, and systems integrators.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Transportation, logistics and defense: Linking together Turkey’s transportation, logistics and defence industries, Pekin & Pekin advises a spectrum of mainly international clients on projects covering:

  • Roads, tunnels and bridges
  • Rail
  • Air
  • Maritime
  • Defence
  • Ancillary services

To highlight a few opportunities, Turkey is in an area of geographical importance, it has an unsaturated logistics market, pending EU membership, promise of increasing international trade, one of the largest truck fleets in Europe, and technological and manufacturing know-how in various segments including defence. Significant projects have been completed involving the modernising and improving of motorways and tunnels, ports, airports and bridges, with the government focusing on restructuring the railways and creating a high-speed network, the transfer of operating rights for motorways and toll bridges via privatisation, and the construction of the third Bosphorus bridge, to name a few.

Clients approach Pekin & Pekin for a variety of Turkish legal expertise, generally in the area of project finance, privatisation, regulatory and M&A. Each engagement team is formed in line with the objectives of the client and the requirements of the deal. Teams are often cross-practice and include lawyers specialised in the sector, allowing clients to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our highly regarded lawyers from throughout the firm.
Team leaders: Fırat Yalçın

Department Name Email Telephone
Banking and finance Ahmed Pekin postmaster@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Dispute resolution and arbitration Ahmed Pekin postmaster@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Islamic finance Ahmed Pekin postmaster@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Project finance Ahmed Pekin postmaster@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Corporate/M&A Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Employment Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Tax Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Competition Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Energy and climate change Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Intellectual property Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Private equity Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Automotive Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Consumer Products & Retail Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Energy and Natural Resources Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Hospitality & Leisure Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Industrial Manifacturing & Service Industries Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Infrastructure Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Insurance Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare & Biotechnology Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Real Estate & Construction Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Telecommunications, Media & Technology Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Transportation, Logistics & Defense Firat Yalçin fyalcin@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Capital markets Göze Yıldırım gyildirim@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Regulatory Eda Beltan ebeltan@pekin-pekin.com +90 212 313 3500
Photo Name Position Profile
Erdem Atilla photo Mr Erdem Atilla Position: Senior PartnerPractice Areas: Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law, Corporate Law,  Labour…
Eda Beltan photo Ms Eda Beltan Position: PartnerPractice Areas: Banking & Finance,  Energy, Corporate, Commercial
Fethi Pekin photo Mr Fethi Pekin Position: Managing PartnerPractice Areas: Corporate Law, M&A, Banking Law, Project Finance
Ahmed Pekin photo Mr Ahmed Pekin Position: Founding Senior Partner Practice Areas: Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law, Banking Law,…
Fırat Yalçın photo Mr Fırat Yalçın Position: Senior Partner Practice Areas: Corporate, M&A, Employment, Intellectual Property, Personal Data Protection,…
Number of lawyers : 29
English
French
German
Turkish
International Bar Association
Lex Mundi
ISDA
ILM
Istanbul Bar Association

Diversity and Inclusion is at the forefront of our firm’s recruitment strategy and we are proud of our record that most of the professionals at Pekin & Pekin are women. Our firm’s commitment is driven by the inspired leadership within the firm and local communities by our Corporate & M&A partners Elif Tolunay Banking and Finance partner Eda Beltan. All two are committed to creating an environment where colleagues can progress and develop their careers based on merit and without fear of discrimination. Our Banking & Finance partner Eda Beltan is one of the youngest women to become a partner of a law firm in Turkish legal market. By actively supporting diversity and inclusion, Pekin & Pekin always ensures that all our people are valued and treated with dignity and respect. Pekin & Pekin complies with all relevant Turkish legislation while regularly reviewing our own policies and make any updates to continue to work towards a diverse culture within the firm. Our Firm is aware of the fact that women being parents, do not constitute an obstacle in terms of career advancement. In this context, it conducts flexible working hours and semi-remote working practices additionally during the Covid-19 pandemic, fully remote working practices for our firm’s lawyer who has a child under the age of 2. We are in regular dialogue with leading international law firms and corporate legal departments and it is our firm’s policy to continue to work across jurisdictions like the US, UK, EU in a continuous and diverse manner. We are proud of our long-lasting efforts on diversity policy as we continue to ensure there are effective programs in place to identify, develop and sponsor a diverse range of high potential talent via our recruitment program. Women are majority in our Capital Markets, Banking & Finance and Corporate & M&A teams.


The Firm engages in cross-border transactions and since its establishment in 1971, it has gained broad experience in international and Turkish law to become a trusted business advisor with global experience. Our partners have more than 15 years of experience in total and are foreign educated which was combined with their extensive exposure to cross-border deals, means they are fully prepared to act for demanding international clients. Pekin & Pekin is the Lex Mundi exclusive member firm for Turkey, an associate member and counsel to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), counsel to the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Securities Lending and Repo Committee (SLRC) Capital Adequacy Directive Working Group, an affiliate of the Futures & Options Association (FOA) and a member of the International Project Finance Association (IPFA). Our clientele is predominantly foreign. We advise major multinationals investing in Turkey; such clients are demanding users of legal services with complex operations. Our firm is an independent law firm that has not been affiliated with an international law firm partner. This enables us to work with a range of international firms with or without a presence in Turkey on the most prestigious deals in the market. Pekin & Pekin has an extensive network, from legal associations to professional bodies and law firms. This network is essential for client development, knowledge sharing, best practice, referrals and deal execution. As the only Turkish law firm to be admitted to the associations Lex Mundi, Pekin & Pekin has an extensive legal network. As part of the Lex Mundi global network, we can provide our clients with preferred access to more than 21,000 lawyers around the world – all from a single point of contact. Being a member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms for more than approximately twenty years, our firm is ever building valuable and long-lasting relationships with both international laws firms and enjoying the opportunity to provide legal services to major leading companies for various sophisticated projects from United States of America to Asia. As a partner firm of Lex Mundi, it is worth mentioning that our firm has close connections with top tier firms all around the globe and our range of international law firms we have collaborated throughout the years expands from United States of America to Asia and Eastern market. Our membership of the Lex Mundi network (ranked ‘Elite’ by Chambers Global) gives us access to a network of leading firms across the world when involved in major, cross-border work related to difference practice areas. We have longstanding links with global law firms as their Turkish legal counsel. In addition to the Magic Circle and US firms, Pekin & Pekin has formed strong bonds with other firms as their clients have entered the Turkish market. The geographical location of these new firms is wide, from Norway to Japan and India to the United Arab Emirates.

Pro-Bono

Empowering our communities is one of the prioritized issue for our firm and we believe that justice and equality shall be the instinct of a lawyer. We consider that groups and individuals with limited means always deserve to have the access of equal justice and high standards of legal services. In this regard, our firm provides legal assistance for non-profit organizations and their fellows in many practice areas such as contracts, real estates, litigation, intellectual property and tax. One of our most considerable pro-bono work partnership is with Ashoka and Ashoka Fellows and Kiva Microfunds. Almost 50% of our lawyers are involved in at least one pro-bono works in 2020, and provided services for pro-bono works are equal to tens of thousands USD. Additionally every year we extent our pro-bono works volume and our partnerships and we will continue to demonstrate our willingness on pro-bono works as long as we serve as a law firm.

Fethi Pekin, Managing Partner

Pekin & Pekin, a leading law firm renowned for its dedication to client satisfaction and innovation, stands at the forefront of the legal landscape. As Managing Partner, Fethi Pekin shares insights into the firm’s unique differentiators, anticipating the growth of key practices, and unveiling strategic changes aimed at enhancing client experiences

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Pekin & Pekin from your competitors?

Pekin & Pekin distinguishes itself among competitors in the Turkish legal market with a rich legacy since its establishment in Istanbul in 1971. As a premier full-service law firm, we take pride in offering comprehensive legal solutions meticulously crafted to suit the diverse needs of our clients. Our decades-long journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence. At the core of our ethos lies a dedication to evolution, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of industry trends and regulatory changes. With over 50 years of experience in the legal market, Pekin & Pekin has witnessed immense changes in the Turkish legal landscape. We are proud to state that we have initiated change on various occasions and have contributed to jurisprudence with our outstanding legal approach.

Additionally, Pekin & Pekin distinguishes itself through a blend of extensive expertise and personalized client service. We aim to maintain a boutique approach to better serve our clientele. Our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction is evident in our ability to deliver exceptional service consistently. Equipped with a profound understanding of both Turkish and international law, Pekin & Pekin brings practical and client-oriented solutions with remarkable efficiency. Renowned for our proficiency in handling cross-border transactions involving Turkish entities, we have earned a stellar reputation for excellence in navigating complex deals. From pioneering frameworks for banking transactions to achieving significant milestones in finance, M&A deals, and arbitration cases, our track record speaks volumes about our ability to deliver tangible results and enhance the success of our clients’ endeavors.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

The acceleration of technology and digitalization necessitates legal expertise in technology, data privacy, and cybersecurity. As companies grapple with evolving regulations and cybersecurity threats, there is an increasing demand for legal guidance to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Simultaneously, as Türkiye remains dedicated to European Union accession, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy projects, fueled by new EU regulations. With ongoing regulatory changes in Türkiye to align with the EU market, an increasing number of businesses seek legal support to navigate environmental regulations, obtain permits for renewable energy initiatives, and implement sustainable practices.

Moreover, given the significant presence of foreign companies investing in Türkiye, understanding the legal implications of these geopolitical tensions is crucial for businesses operating in the region. Additionally, as global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions persist, disputes are likely to increase. In our experience, commercial conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory enforcement actions could potentially lead to increased litigation or arbitration. Consequently, there will be a growing demand for legal representation in resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, as clients seek to protect their interests and mitigate potential liabilities.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

One significant change we have implemented at Pekin & Pekin for the benefit of our clients is the comprehensive integration of technology into our operations. By utilizing client portals, secure communication platforms, and virtual meeting solutions, we have enhanced accessibility and communication channels, allowing clients to interact with us seamlessly and access information conveniently. Furthermore, our use of cutting-edge technology has revolutionized legal research, analysis, and document management processes, ensuring that we provide clients with timely, well-informed advice tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Our commitment to technology extends to strengthening data security, privacy protection, and regulatory compliance measures. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive client information and maintaining confidentiality throughout our engagements. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, encryption mechanisms, and compliance frameworks, we mitigate risks associated with data breaches, cyber-attacks, and regulatory violations, thereby fostering trust and confidence among our clients.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Indeed, technology is fundamentally transforming the way we interact with our clients and the services we offer at Pekin & Pekin. By utilizing digital communication platforms, such as email, video conferencing, and secure client portals, we can maintain constant and convenient contact with clients, regardless of their location. This facilitates real-time collaboration, ensures timely responses to inquiries, and fosters greater transparency throughout the legal processes. Furthermore, technology has expanded the scope and quality of services we can provide to our clients. Advanced legal research tools and data analytics platforms empower us to conduct deeper analysis, identify relevant legal precedents, and develop innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. Additionally, document automation and management systems enable us to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and increase the efficiency of document preparation and review processes. By leveraging technology-driven solutions, we can provide more accessible, efficient, and personalized legal services that empower our clients to achieve their objectives with greater ease and confidence.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

Through our adept negotiation skills, we secured a landmark partnership agreement for our client. This agreement granted them exclusive access to a coveted market and included favorable terms such as profit-sharing arrangements and first right of refusal on future acquisitions, propelling their business to unprecedented heights of success.

By providing strategic guidance and innovative solutions, we assisted a startup company in navigating the challenging regulatory landscape. This facilitated their rapid expansion into new markets and positioned them as industry leaders in a remarkably short period, attracting significant investor interest and unlocking unparalleled growth opportunities.

We advised on syndicated loan transactions, secured by share pledge agreements and vessel mortgages over Turkish companies’ assets. Furthermore, we facilitated syndicate of multiple banks on loan facilities for the acquisition of indirect shares and debt refinancing of a Turkish ro-ro operating company. We also counseled a syndicate on a high-value facility agreement for power generating units installation in Türkiye, secured by moveable assets pledge, mortgage, account pledge, and receivables assignment. Moreover, we provided legal counsel to multinational clients across various industries, including finance, manufacturing, automotive, and technology sectors, advising on acquisitions, distributorship agreements, and data protection matters in Türkiye.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Indeed, clients are increasingly seeking stability and strategic direction from their law firms, especially amidst the evolving complexities of the legal landscape and the broader business environment.

Looking forward over a span of three years, we envision Pekin & Pekin as an esteemed partner and a leading force within the legal industry, demonstrating excellence both within Türkiye and within the international arena. We are committed to maintaining our reputation for excellence, expertise, integrity, and client-centric approach while also adapting to emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory developments. We anticipate our firm will persist in continuing to evolve and expand our service offerings to address the evolving needs of our clients.

We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within our firm, ensuring that we remain agile, adaptive, and responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our clients. By cultivating a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, we aspire to attract top talent, nurture strong client relationships, and position Pekin & Pekin as the premier destination for legal services in Türkiye and beyond.