Dentons > Almaty, Kazakhstan > Firm Profile
Dentons Offices
135 ABYLAI KHAN AVENUE
050000 ALMATY
Kazakhstan
Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings
Kazakhstan > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Dentons‘ banking, finance and capital markets practice has notable experience representing local and international financial institutions, as well as large corporations, in high-value financial matters. The firm has been active in Kazakhstan for more than two and a half decades, with offices in both Almaty and Astana. Newly promoted partner Vassiliy Zenov leads the team, whose varied workload spans areas such as syndicated lending, asset finance, acquisition finance and aviation finance, among various others. Its recent work has also included a number of debt capital market transactions. Other key individuals include managing partner Abai Shaikenov and senior associate Ali Imanalin.Practice head(s):
Vassiliy Zenov
Other key lawyers:
Abai Shaikenov; Ali Imanalin; Nargiza Khamrayeva
Testimonials
‘The firm is very prompt and hard working. The partners put in effort to describe matters vividly, so there is little to no chance of having a round of questions sent back to them. We were very satisfied.’
‘Dentons have one of the strongest teams in the market, with deep industry knowledge. They understand the needs of the clients, they know current issues, future and potential developments. The banking, finance and capital markets team has exceptional quality control.’
‘Vassiliy Zenov is extremely matured in banking, finance and capital markets, in addition to related industries such as corporate, all of which helps Dentons to deliver exceptional results.’
‘Qualified personnel, close-knit team, prompt resolution of issues, long-term cooperation.’
‘Qualified, polite, flexible’.
‘Familiar with the local laws, requirements and developments in the derivatives market. They are quick to discuss issues at hand and their ability to work under tight deadlines is also much appreciated.’
‘Ali Imanalin was responsive, proactive and had to work under very tight deadlines which was appreciated by our team.’
Key clients
EBRD
Asian Development Bank
Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market
BTS Digital
Eurasian Resources Group
Astana Financial Services Authority
Air Astana
Work highlights
- Advised EBRD, National Bank of Kazakhstan, and Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market on drafting and negotiating the legislative changes on effective legal framework for resolution and sale of non-performing loans in Kazakhstan.
- Advised EBRD, National Bank of Kazakhstan, and Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market on developing an effective legal framework for cross-border OTC derivatives.
- Advised Asian Development Bank on the listing and placement on the KASE of KZT 14.5 billion 10.155% bonds, and on the settlement of trades via Kazakhstan Central Securities Depository.
Kazakhstan > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Managing partner Abai Shaikenov and Gani Ashimkhan head the commercial, corporate and M&A practice at Dentons. The Almaty-based team has a notable track record in transactions for local and international clients, with expertise in areas such as acquisition finance, competition and joint ventures, among various others. Recent work spans the aviation, mining, construction and energy sectors. In a landmark deal, the team advised TAV Holding Airports on the acquisition of Almaty International Airport, with subsequent advice still ongoing. Another name to note is Victoria Simonova, whose focus is on infrastructure projects in the oil and gas sector.
Practice head(s):
Gani Ashimkhan; Abai Shaikenov
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
TAV Holding Airports
Work highlights
- Advised TAV Holding Airports on the acquisition of the largest airport in Kazakhstan, in the major deal of the decade in the Kazakh aviation market.
Kazakhstan > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Daniyar Toigonbaev heads the litigation and dispute resolution practice at Dentons, which has an outstanding track record in complex commercial, corporate, administrative and tax disputes. The team is highly involved in matters against state authorities, acting for large enterprises that have been inspected for tax, environmental and other breaches. It is also active in high-profile international arbitrations; Aigoul Kenjebayeva has extensive experience as a Kazakh law expert in international arbitrations. Recent work has focused on the mining and oil and gas sectors, including the representation of major Kazakh steel producer ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC in disputes against the competition authority. Other key individuals include Victoria Simonova and counsel Artur Utarbayev.Practice head(s):
Daniyar Toigonbaev
Testimonials
‘Dentons has long been our go-to source for legal advice and representation when faced with the distress of litigation and dispute resolution.’
‘Dentons’ team headed by the brilliant partner, Daniyar Toigonbaev, are professional, tenacious, trustworthy and compassionate. They care about the client and fight hard for them.’
‘Dentons lawyers’ knowledge of the substantive and procedural law and navigation among effective litigation strategies are unmatched and the successful outcomes of our disputes speak for themselves.’
‘We would like to highlight Daniyar Toigonbaev and Artur Utarbayev. Their trial skills are well documented, but they are as effective in the conference room negotiating as they are in the courtroom litigating.’
Key clients
Kazzinc LLP
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.
Arcelor Mittal Temirtau JSC
Shaimerden JSC
PAO BANK VTB
Zhairem Mining and Concentrating Complex JSC
Halliburton International GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. on an environmental dispute which arose out of an environmental compliance inspection of the client.
- Representing ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC in court in two disputes against the competiton authority.
- Representing Zhairem Mining and Concentrating Complex JSC in court in a claim for invalidation of third-party licenses for mineral exploration issues for the client’s contract area.
Kazakhstan > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
Dentons has profound expertise in the field of energy and natural resources, with the team representing high-profile clients before governmental agencies, state authorities, courts and arbitral proceedings. It places particular focus on oil and gas, uranium and solid mineral mining projects. The group advises on subsoil use law and other connected areas, including M&A, contracts and licences, procurement issues, regulatory compliance, farm-outs, joint ventures and consortium agreements, among others. Almaty-based Daniyar Toigonbaev heads the practice, which also includes dispute resolution specialist Aigoul Kenjebayeva and senior associate Nazym Bekturova. Elsewhere, infrastructure head Birzhan Zharasbayev, who is also managing partner of the firm’s office in Astana, advises companies operating in the renewable energy sector.Practice head(s):
Daniyar Toigonbaev; Victoria Simonova; Birzhan Zharasbayev
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dentons’ subsoil use and energy team led by the seasoned partner, Daniyar Toigonbaev, has been providing us with time-tested and business-oriented legal services relating to the financing and development of projects involving the exploration, extraction, processing, transportation and sale of precious metals and other minerals.’
‘Dentons understands our business goals and develops tailored, efficient and cost-effective compliance strategies and legal solutions.’
‘Victoria Simonova and the team were available, responsive and clear in their advice.’
‘Victoria Simonova is very experienced, has good industry knowledge, and is a great negotiator.’
‘The team is efficient and available as soon as needed, which is critical in time-sensitive matters.’
‘Birzhan Zharasbayev has extensive experience in renewable energy matters.’
Key clients
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.
North Caspian Operating N.V.
Cameco Corporation and Cameco Kazakhstan LLP
Halliburton International
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd
Zhairem Mining and Concentrating Complex JSC
Work highlights
- Advising Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. on a wide range of legal issues relating to their activities as a major oil and gas producer.
- Advisisng North Caspian Operating Company N.V. on technical legal issues related to reserves estimation and approval.
- Representing Zhairem Mining and Concentrating Complex JSC in court in a claim for invalidation of third-party licenses for mineral exploration issues for the client’s contract area.
Kazakhstan > IP and TMT Tier 1
Reflective of the team’s excellent reputation in the IP arena, Dentons is the first port of call for multinational giants such as Red Bull, Hilton Hotels and Google, among others. Almaty-based practice chair Victoria Simonova possesses broad expertise in matters concerning trademarks, patents and inventions, as well as unfair competition. It also represents clients in IP disputes, including at pre-litigation (including administrative proceedings with state bodies) and litigation stages. Senior associate Aliya Seitova, who was recently appointed co-head of the firm’s IP practice in Kazakhstan, is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Simonova
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Red Bull GmbH
Hilton Hotels
Discovery
Fox Networks Group (UK) Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Red Bull GmbH before customs and trademark office, trademark infringers and courts in Kazakhstan and CIS countries.
- Advising a global social media network on regulatory issues of internet and mass media legislation.
- Advising a European luxury retail brand on copyright and licensing issues, as well as issues of relations with authorship societies in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan > Real estate and construction (including projects) Tier 1
Entrusted by a mix of high-profile owners, developers, lenders and managers, the team at Dentons is well-versed in projects concerning airports, railways, roads and new developments - commercial, residential, and mixed-use. Headed up by Astana-based Birzhan Zharasbayev, the team’s varied workload ranges from land use planning and zoning to construction (including procurement methods), commissioning, operation, financing and development management. Energy and natural resources projects are another key driver of work, including advice related to oil and gas installations, pipelines and renewable energy facilities. Names to note at associate level include Bogdan Piskorskiy, who works out of the firm’s Nur-Sultan office.
Practice head(s):
Birzhan Zharasbayev
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable and communicative. We rely on their expert opinion, and they reach out to other members of the team if the question falls outside of their area of expertise.’
‘Birzhan Zharasbayev has become one of the key legal advisors to all aspects of our operations in Kazakhstan. He is handling not only transactional work but providing useful guidance on corporate, land, and regulatory issues.’
Key clients
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
Royal Reesink BV
UPNK-PV LLP
Chaat LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Reesink BV on the acquisition of retail premises for selling special/agriculture machinery for its local subsidiary, including drafting and negotiating of the preliminary sale and purchase agreement, the main sale and purchase agreement and the mortgage agreement.
Kazakhstan > Tax and customs Tier 1
Almaty-based Daniyar Toigonbaev heads up the tax and customs practice at Dentons, an interdisciplinary team able to leverage wider expertise in areas such as corporate, real estate and litigation. The group has a strong reputation in high-value tax disputes, with a focus on major natural resources projects in Kazakhstan, counting a number of leading energy suppliers, mining companies among its client roster. Other key workflows originate from entities operating in the aviation, automotive, infrastructure and retail sectors. Senior associate Stanislav Lechshak, whose wide-ranging practice spans the pharmaceutical, telecommunications and financial services sectors, and tax advisor Darya Vologodskaya are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Daniyar Toigonbaev
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Provide high quality support on various tax matters.’
‘Dentons is distinguished by its highly qualified team of lawyers whose goal is to find the right and best solutions.’
‘Dentons’ tax and customs team consists of strong professionals with years of experience in advising and representing clients in relation to tax matters.’
‘Dentons’ tax and customs dispute resolution experience is unrivalled. When dealing with the tax and customs authorities in Kazakhstan, Dentons’ thorough understanding of the law and the practice of the authorities is of utmost importance.’
‘Daniyar Toigonbaev helped us to win very important and difficult cases.’
Key clients
Arcelormittal Temirtau JSC
Kazzinc
Louis Vuitton Kazakhstan LLP
Ramstore Kazakhstan LLP
Trans-Asia Gas Pipeline Company Ltd
Almaty International Airport
Geely Motors
Glovo Kazakhstan LLP
Work highlights
- Advising Arcelormittal Temirtau JSC on various Kazakhstan tax implications.
- Assisting Kazzinc in court on the process against the State Revenue Committee related to the recognition of a transaction as invalid.
- Advising Trans-Asia Gas Pipeline Company Ltd on the list of conditions that should be met to apply exemption of dividends from withholding tax under Kazakhstan law.
Dentons > Firm Profile
The firm: Dentons is the world’s largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI client service 30 Award winner and recognised by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Global Referral Network. Dentons’ polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which they live and work. www.dentons.com.
Dentons’ global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size.
In Kazakhstan, Dentons has been active for more than 20 years. With offices in Almaty and Astana, the firm is the largest, and the leading, international full service legal practice in the country with fully qualified legal and professional staff numbering well over 50. Dentons is consistently ranked #1 among law firms in Kazakhstan, with a leading position in oil and gas, mining, PPP/infrastructure, banking and finance, corporate, M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property.
Areas of practice: Dentons’ lawyers and professionals provide services in the following practice disciplines and industry sectors::
Banking and finance: Dentons covers every aspect of banking and capital markets transactions in the world’s leading financial centres. Dentons helps clients access and invest new sources of capital, develop and use financial products, structure financing transactions, comply with regulations, respond to investigations and resolve disputes.
Competition and antitrust Dentons provides legal advice and judicial assistance in all aspects of national and EU competition law, consumer law, state aid, tender procedures and regulatory issues. Clients receive tailored, industry-focused advice on complex litigation, investigations by competition authorities, merger control, competition compliance, or commercial arrangements.
Corporate and M&A: Dentons provides clients with comprehensive legal advice on public and private M&A, joint ventures, corporate finance, private equity, disposals, corporate restructurings, and general commercial, antitrust and corporate governance issues.
Intellectual property: Dentons’ lawyers identify, protect and help commercialise IP in the most highly developed markets and in jurisdictions where IP laws and enforcement are still evolving. They represent global corporations, academic and research institutions, inventors and artists, venture capital firms and others invested in patents, trademarks, copyrights and proprietary property.
Litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration: Dentons’ highly reputable litigation and dispute resolution lawyers are particularly well known for helping clients resolve disputes in energy, construction and engineering, banking, restructuring and insolvency, life sciences and retail. The team is also highly experienced in EU trade disputes, investigations and international arbitration.
Energy: with one of the world’s leading energy practices, Dentons guides clients on strategy, market entry, transactions, political and regulatory issues and dispute resolution. Its clients include oil majors, independents, distributors, power generators and utilities, financial institutions, public entities and large customers, new energy and old.
Real estate: Dentons’ real estate practice is the largest in the world. The firm advises real estate owners, investors and lenders on some of the most complex development, acquisition, disposition, debt and equity transactions in today’s market.
Restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy: Dentons’ teams formulate strategies for trustees, bondholders, investors, traders, debtors, creditors and creditor committees around the world as they pursue claims for clients through negotiation and litigation.
Tax: with experience in worldwide jurisdictions, Dentons provides comprehensive tax advice to individuals, private companies, multinationals and other entities on tax planning, compliance, M&A structuring tax-advantaged investing, transfer pricing, disputes with tax authorities and more.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Arbitration | Aigoul Kenjebayeva | ||
Banking, finance and capital markets | Abai Shaikenov | ||
Competition and antitrust | Abai Shaikenov | ||
Corporate, commercial and M&A | Abai Shaikenov | ||
Employment and labour | Victoria Simonova | ||
Renewable energy | Birzhan Zharasbayev | ||
Environment and natural resources | Daniyar Toigonbaev | ||
Environment and natural resources | Aigoul Kenjebayeva | ||
Environment and natural resources | Victoria Simonova | ||
Infrastructure and PPP | Birzhan Zharasbayev | ||
Intellectual property and technology | Victoria Simonova | ||
Litigation and dispute resolution | Victoria Simonova | ||
Litigation and dispute resolution | Aigoul Kenjebayeva | ||
Private equity | Gani Ashimkhan | ||
Private equity | Abai Shaikenov | ||
Real estate and construction | Birzhan Zharasbayev | ||
Real estate and construction | Abai Shaikenov | ||
Restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy | Victoria Simonova | ||
General commercial | Vassiliy Zenov | ||
Tax | Daniyar Toigonbaev | ||
Banking. Finance and Capital Markets | Vassiliy Zenov | ||
Corporate, Commercial and M&A | Gani Ashimkhan | ||
Litigation and dispute resolution | Daniyar Toigonbaev |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Gani Ashimkhan | Gani Ashimkhan is a Partner in Dentons’ Almaty office. He focuses on… | View Profile | |
Mrs Nazym Bekturova | Nazym Bekturova is a senior associate at Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution… | View Profile | |
Ms Aigoul Kenjebayeva | Aigoul Kenjebayeva is the Partner for Kazakhstan at Dentons. She has led… | View Profile | |
Mr Stanislav Lechshak | Senior Associate, Almaty | View Profile | |
Mrs Aliya Seitova | Senior Associate, Almaty | View Profile | |
Mr Abai Shaikenov | Abai is a Managing Partner at Dentons Kazakhstan. Abai has been actively… | View Profile | |
Ms Victoria Simonova | Victoria is a partner in Dentons’ Almaty office with over 20 years… | View Profile | |
Daniyar Toigonbaev | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Artur Utarbayev | Counsel at Dentons’s Almaty office. Artur has over 16 years of practical… | View Profile | |
Mrs Darya Vologodskaya | Darya is a Tax Advisor in Dentons’ Almaty office. Darya specializes in… | View Profile | |
Vassiliy Zenov | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Birzhan Zharasbayev | Birzhan’s expertise includes infrastructure, including renewable energy, construction and real estate, PPP,… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 12,000+ at this office : 30Languages
English Kazakh RussianMemberships
INTA - International Trademark Association AIPNOther
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