Firms To Watch: Competition

AAT Partners was established in 2020 and handles competition compliance matters.
Koyuncuoglu & Köksal Law Firm is a business law boutique with a niche expertise in competition litigation.
Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership has seen an uptick in competition investigation mandates recently.
SRP-Legal - 'a go-to when it comes to competition law' - is involved in government investigations, M&A clearance, antitrust proceeding, internal audits and dawn raids, among other matters. The team is led by Cigdem Ayozger Ongun who provides 'top-quality legal assistance' and is known for her 'devotion to diversity and inclusivity.'

Firms in the Spotlight Competition

ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law

ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law logo

ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law delivers the top competition law practice in Turkey with 52 competition law specialists, out of a total of 95 lawyers at ELIG Gürkaynak. In addition to unparalleled experience in merger control issues, ELIG Gürkaynak has vast experience in defending companies before the Turkish Competition Board in all phases of antitrust investigations, abuse …

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Competition in Turkey

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki fields a large team that is admired for ‘communicating complex competition law issues in a simple, clear and practical way‘. The firm has a strong recent history in the market, acting in some of its most notable investigations, including assisting Yemek Sepeti Elektronik İletişim Tanıtım Pazarlama with a precedent-setting Turkish Competition Authority labour market investigation. The team also frequently advises on merger control filings and competition law aspects of M&A. Şahin Ardıyok and Bora Ikiler share leadership duties, while Barış Yüksel joined as of counsel from ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law in October 2021, bolstering the practice in the energy and telecommunications sectors in particular.

Practice head(s):

Şahin Ardıyok; Bora İkiler


Other key lawyers:

Barış Yüksel; Armanç Canbeyli


Testimonials

‘BASEAK’s team has a deep knowledge of Turkish competition law and they are good in communicating complex competition law issues in a simple, clear and practical way to lawyers who are not specialized in competition law or even to sales teams.’

‘Bora Ikiler has a deep knowledge of competition law matters and he is also good in explaining complex matters in an understandable way.’

‘Şahin Ardıyok has valuable expertise and experience in competition law and FMCG sector.’

Key clients

ADM Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş.


Aksa Enerji Üretim A.Ş.


Aktaes Dağıtım ve Pazarlama A.Ş.


Arkel Elektrik Elektronik San. ve Tic. A.Ş.


Armut Teknoloji A.S.


Batıçim Batı Anadolu Çimento Sanayii A.Ş.


Cargill Tarım ve Gıda Sanayi Tic. A.Ş.


CarrefourSA Carrefour Sabancı Ticaret Merkezi A.Ş.


Club Jolly Turizm ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Daimler – Mercedes – Benz Finansman Türk A.Ş.


Enerjisa Elektrik Perakende Satış A.Ş.


Eren Holding A.Ş.


Ferrero Fındık İthalat İhracat ve Tic. A.Ş.


GDZ Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş.


Göltaş Göller Bölgesi Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Johnson & Johnson Medikal San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti.


Johnson and Johnson Sıhhi Malzeme Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti


JTI Tütün Ürünleri Pazarlama A.Ş.


Krea İçerik Hizmetleri ve Prodüksiyon A.Ş. (BeIN Turkey)


Lilly İlaç Ticaret Ltd. Şti.


L’Oréal Turkiye Kozmetik Tic. ve San. A.S.


Magis Teknoloji A.Ş.


Metro Grosmarket Bakırköy Alışveriş Hizmetleri Ticaret Ltd. Şti.


Multinet Kurumsal Hizmetler A.Ş.


Mynet Medya


OMV Aktiengesellschaft


Orma Orman Mahsulleri Integre Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Panasonic Life Solutions Elektrik San. ve Tic. A.Ş.


Siemens Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


SPITCH Ltd


Toyota Pazarlama ve Satış A.Ş.


Türk Henkel Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Varinak Onkoloji Ssitemleri Satış ve Servis A.Ş.


Vava Cars Turkey Otomotiv A.Ş.


WBS Veri Merkezi Çözümleri Ltd. Şti.


Yemek Sepeti Elektronik İletişim Tanıtım Pazarlama A.Ş. (Delivery Hero Turkey)


Work highlights


  • Advising Krea İçerik on an investigation before the TCA concerning its pricing policies and distribution system related to Turkish football broadcasting.
  • Assisting Johnson and Johnson Sıhhi Malzeme with submitting an individual exemption for its selective distribution system concerning four medical products.
  • Advising Yemek Sepeti Elektronik İletişim Tanıtım Pazarlama on two investigations.

ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law

A unique expert in competition law of Turkey‘, ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law fields the largest team of dedicated competition law practitioners in the market and is a regular fixture across the full spectrum of matters in the field. The head of the department, Gönenç Gürkaynak, is synonymous with Turkish competition law and seen by one client as ‘the best option for local competition counsel in Turkey‘. He draws on over 25 years of experience, dating back to the inception of the Turkish Competition Authority, and is supported by a sizeable team of practitioners with varying backgrounds. ‘ExpertKorhan Yıldırım, Ebru İnce, and counsel Kağan Uçar all come with client praise. Dilara Yeşilyaprak, Öznur Inanılır and Onur Özgümüş are among the other key contacts.


Practice head(s):

Gönenç Gürkaynak


Other key lawyers:

Korhan Yıldırım; Öznur İnanılır; Onur Özgümüş; Dilara Yeşilyaprak; Eda Duru; Ebru Ince; Kağan Uçar


Testimonials

‘This practice offers unique level of support when it comes to competition law matters (number of lawyers & economists and great leadership skills of the managing partner). I’ve not seen many firms with that capability in Europe.’

‘Gönenç Gürkaynak – outstanding practitioner with excellent communication skills and impressive experience. He really makes you feel like you are taken care of by the best possible legal team.’

‘The founding partner, Gönenç Gürkaynak, brings a business-friendly approach to client service reflective of his time at leading US firms. He has an unusual level of sophistication that is often not found in local counsel. I think he is the best option for local competition counsel in Turkey.’

‘Gönenç Gürkaynak is incredibly responsive and attentive to client needs, involving himself where appropriate, but not micro-managing. Kağan Uçar has supported on many cases and is frequently responsive into his evening and promptly responds to client questions.’

‘ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law is an absolutely unique expert in competition law of Turkey. Gönenç Gürkaynak and his team provide the highest level of professional assessments and legal support, advise on crisis matters and handle complex legal cases with a very prudent legal and operational excellence. The team is always very professional with legal management, client-oriented, quick and has a good business acumen.’

‘Korhan Yıldırım is our partner in charge. He has become an expert in our industry, knowing our business in full detail. He is always available to us. Best in class competition lawyer.’

‘The team is really experienced in competition law. The case we worked together was the first case that we met investigation. They helped us like a mentor and replied to all our questions They are fast and competent compared to the other external law offices.’

‘We usually worked with Ebru İnce. She really understood our market and our sensitivities.’

Key clients

Google LLC


Google Turkey


Allianz Sigorta A.Ş.


L’Oréal Türkiye Kozmetik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Çimentaş İzmir Çimento Fabrikası Türk A.Ş.


MLP Sağlık Hizmetleri A.Ş.


UNMAŞ Unlu Mamuller Gıda San. ve Tic. A.Ş.


Jubilant Foodworks Limited


Quidel Corporation


Juki Corporation


OCIM Sdn. Bhd.


Kumho P&B Chemicals Inc.


CMA CGM


PAI Partners S.à.r.l.


The Carlyle Group Inc.


DaVita Inc.


Grifols S.A.


CPP Investments


3M San. ve Tic. A.Ş.


Medcem Beton Üretim Pazarlama Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi / Medcem Madencilik ve Yapı Malzemeleri San. ve Tic. A.Ş.


Edenred Kurumsal Çözümler A.Ş.


Gruma S.A.B. DE C.V./ Semolina Mısır İrmiği Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi


Pfizer İlaçları Ltd. Şti.


Curtiss-Wright Corporation


PKG Schürfeld GmbH


3i Group Plc


Mirova-Eurofideme 4


Advent International Corporation


HgCapital LLP


ENEOS Corporation


ironSource Inc.


BCP Acquisitions LLC.


BDP Intermediate 1, Inc


Bouygues SA


Ponooc Investment B.V.


Elliott Investment Management L.P.


Align Tech Turkey Tıbbi Cihazlar Ltd. Şti.


Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company


Comcast Corporation


ViacomCBS Inc.


General Electric Company


Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.


Veolia Environnement S.A.


Trinity Investments Designated Activity Company


Biocon Limited


Westlake Chemical Corporation


The Kraft Heinz Company


Faerch A/S


Société Générale S.A.


Mutlu Akü ve Malzemeleri Sanayii Anonim Şirketi


Çimsa Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (a subsdiary of Sabancı Holding)


Akçansa Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Associated British Foods Plc


Merck Sharp Dohme İlaçları Ltd. Şti.


Tetra Pak AB


Universal City Studios Productions LLP


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.


Medtronic plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Elliott Investment Management and Brookfield Private Equity Holdings on the acquisition of indirect joint control over Nielsen Holdings by funds and/or investment vehicles managed by Elliott Investment Management.
  • Represented Willis Towers Watson in its acquisition of sole control by Aon.
  • Acted for General Electric Company in the acquisition of its GE Capital Aviation Services business by AerCap Holdings.

ACTECON

ACTECON has specialist focus on competition, international trade, and regulations advisory matters, approaching 20 years’ activity in the Turkish market. An impressive client list of multinationals and leading domestic companies instructs the team on M&A and joint ventures with complex competition law implications. Practice heads Fevzi Toksoy and Bahadir Balki are also coveted for representation in investigations by the country’s competition authority. The firm comes with client recommendation for its ‘grasp of litigation procedures‘ and ‘capability to prepare a petition answering all the allegations of the [competition] board with theoretical and practical competition law knowledge‘.

Practice head(s):

Fevzi Toksoy; Bahadir Balki


Other key lawyers:

Ertugrul Can Canbolat


Testimonials

‘Actecon’s team is always very accessible. Their practise area is crucial for most of the companies. If you work with a competition law firm, you expect to reach them any time you call. Despite the fact that this is very hard to achieve, they are always ready to provide the services. They have ability to evaluate the issues not only from a theoretical legal perspective but also from a commercial perspective, as well and this makes them unique.’

‘The individuals in Actecon are very experienced. They provide you a brief but to-the-point answer for your question. They make you feel safe. They follow up the legislation and local Competition Authority decisions very closely and keep you updated.’

‘The founder and partner of Actecon, Bahadir Balki and Fevzi Toksoy are stand out individuals, they have great sense of business, and very active. they are unarguably the best their own area of practice.’

‘ACTECON is providing advisory and litigation services to our company regarding the Turkish Competition Board’s decision imposing an administrative fine for alleged market behaviours. ACTECON team prepared a petition submitted to the courts with strong arguments analysing the board’s decision and showing with explicit evidence that the rationale behind the administrative fine is not valid.’

‘Bahadir Balki was the team leader of our project. He was instrumental in managing the ACTECON team and was adept at pinpointing the relevant parts of the findings in the simulation. We value his and his team’s know-how in competition law, work ethics and practical solutions regarding compliance with competition law.’

‘I definitely call the team as a expert in competition field because they have experiences and practices in every kind of sector but especially in retail which is our company’s business, they are highly qualified. Also they follow last amendments in this area regularly and inform their client about it. Their information techniques are very different and unique, they makes presentation and compliance projects not boring and easy to understand for our workers.’

‘Mustafa Ayna: He made presentation for our company online and face to face and for both of them was very sufficient and effective. He explain complicated legal terms in a way that everyone can understand.’

‘Fevzi Toksoy has a very strong knowledge about competition law and makes feel his client safe by taking its corporate decisions. He has always strong capacity to understand the client’s market dynamics and is ready to involve and guide his clients in terms of competition law and compliance issues when needed.’

Key clients

AGESA Insurance


AK-KİM


APG


Astorg Asset Management


Audi AG


Baker Hughes Company


BANVİT (Turkey Branch of BRF)


BUPA Acıbadem Insurance


Coca-Cola


Çelebi Ground Handling


DFDS


DOMINO’S PIZZA


ERDEMIR


EssilorLuxottica


GETİR


Global Infrastructure Partners


Goodyear


Groupama Insurance


Jacobs Douwe Egberts


IVECO-Turkey


Kronospan


LeasePlan


Lone Star Funds


Meridiam


Meta (Facebook)


Mondelez International


n11


Nissan


NN Life Insurance


OYAK Cement, Concrete and Paper Group


Philips Domestic Appliances


Puma


Renault MAIS


Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (“Dussur”)


Statkraft


Boyner Group


Vestel


Volkswagen AG


Watsons Group


Teknosa


Work highlights


  • Acted for Global Infrastructure Management and Meridiam in the acquisition of joint control over certain shares and assets of Suez and its affiliates.
  • Advised Astorg Asset Management on its acquisition of sole control over Corden Pharma Holding and Corden Pharma US Holdings.
  • Acted for Volkswagen and Audi before the TCA in the ‘Circle of Five’ investigation.

Erdem & Erdem Law Office

The ‘very professional, collaborative, solution-oriented‘ competition practice at Erdem & Erdem Law Office has a strong standing in the domestic market, having been increasingly active in investigations advice, as well as regularly assisting clients with merger control filings. Its predominantly domestic client base includes a number of sector-leading companies needing advice on abuse-of-dominant-position investigations. Mert Karamustafaoğlu has a ‘high level of knowledge, expertise, experience and accessibility‘ and co-leads the department with senior and founding partner Ercüment Erdem. Senior associate Merve Bakırcı and managing associate Ecem Süsoy Uygun are further names with client recommendation.

Practice head(s):

Mert Karamustafaoğlu; Ercüment Erdem


Other key lawyers:

Merve Bakırcı; Ecem Süsoy Uygun


Testimonials

‘They add value to the company, particularly Mert Karamustafaoğlu is one of the best lawyers in this area.’

‘Erdem & Erdem is a very professional, collaborative, solution-oriented, well-intentioned, disciplined, easily accessible, hardworking law firm.’

‘Merve Bakırcı always provides solutions and gives legal advice to our questions as quickly as possible. We trust her and Mert Karamustafaoğlu’s expertise. Merve Bakırcı and Mert Karamustafaoğlu are always easily accessible and they provide highly qualified service in a reasonable time.’

‘Erdem & Erdem is highly specialized and very competent in competition law. It provides a very high quality and satisfying service. Client communication is handled sensitively also client satisfactory is at a high level in terms of contract signing, petitions, representation before the authorities and use of technology.’

‘The team is very talented and capable.’

‘Mert Karamustafaoğlu – High level of knowledge, expertise, experience and accessibility provide a positive differentiation from competitors.

‘Team members are all experienced in their areas and capable of advising clients. The lawyers are very responsive and provide good quality legal opinion within the agreed timeline.’

‘All the work done by Ecem Süsoy Uygun is exceptional.’

Key clients

BİM (Birleşik Mağazalar A.Ş.)


TEB (Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş.)


TEB Arval Araç Filo Kiralama A.Ş.


Sagard SAS


Şişecam (Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş)


Arvato Lojistik Dış Ticaret ve E-Ticaret Hizmetleri A.Ş.


Şekerbank T.A.Ş.


Mercedes-Benz Finansman Türk A.Ş.


Red Bull Gıda Dağıtım ve Pazarlama Ticaret Ltd.


İstanbul Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.


McDonalds (Anadolu Restoran İşletmeleri Ltd. Şti.)


Çolakoğlu Metalürji A.Ş.


Gemlik Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.


Anadolu Motor Üretim ve Pazarlama A.Ş.


Anadolu Isuzu Otomotiv San. Tic. A.Ş.


LGE Electronics


Carrefoursa (Carrefour Sabancı Ticaret Merkezi Anonim Şirketi)


Anadolu Efes Biracılık ve Malt Sanayi A.Ş.


Paşabahçe Cam Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Ekol Lojistik A.Ş.


Yalova Ro-ro Terminali A.Ş.


Alternative Taşımacılık A.Ş.


Çelik Motor Ticaret A.Ş.


BMC Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi


Iş Bankası (Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.)


Trakya Cam Sanayii A.Ş


Remzi Avcı Özel Sağlık Hizmetleri Tekstil Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Work highlights


  • Representing BİM in an action for annulment before the Administrative Court regarding the Competition Authority’s decision in relation to the FMCG market.
  • Advising Sagard on the merger control filing submitted regarding its acquisition of joint control over ADIT Group.
  • Representing McDonalds in the recent investigation initiated by the Competition Board.

Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein

Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein supports an international client base on merger control filings in Turkey, as well as assisting with industry investigations by the Turkish Competition authority. Hakan Özgökçen co-leads the team with senior associate Sinan Diniz, who has a ‘fantastic knowledge of Turkish competition law‘ having concentrated his practice there for ten years. Fellow senior associate Ceren Seymenoğlu is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Hakan Özgökçen; Sinan Diniz


Other key lawyers:

Ceren Seymenoğlu


Testimonials

‘Sinan Diniz is a very bright lawyer with solid experience in competition law and has a calm attitude under stress.’

‘Having the chance to work with Esin Attorney Partnership was great as they were highly competent in the area, always providing consultancy on a timely manner and happy to help. What makes Esin great is that we can always get their help in any area of competition law and feel that we are on the safe side.’

‘Sinan Diniz is a great lawyer, very calm demeanour, fantastic knowledge of Turkish competition law. Very quick response times.’

Key clients

Cigna Corporation


Sika AG


Silver Lake Group LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Sika on the merger control filing regarding its acquisition of sole control of MBCC Group.
  • Advised Silver Lake Group on a merger control filing concerning its £767.3m acquisition of joint control of RAC Group.
  • Assisted Cigna Corporation with merger control issues and the filing of the $5.75bn acquisition by Chubb of the sole control over Cigna Corporation’s personal accident, supplemental health and life insurance businesses.

GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case)

Sezin Elçin-Cengiz comes highly recommended by her clients as ‘a spectacular competition specialist and standout professional‘ who ‘harmonises her top-notch antitrust knowledge with her business acumen‘. She spearheads the department at GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case), which handles a range of merger control filings, M&A-related competition issues, and industry antitrust investigations for a diverse, international client base. Senior associate Esma Aktaş supports the practice head on the range of matters.

Practice head(s):

Sezin Elçin Cengiz


Other key lawyers:

Esma Aktaş


Testimonials

‘GKC Partners has been providing services to our company on competition issues for many years and their services have been always top-notch and exceptional. The level of expertise and knowledge of the team is outstanding. The service we received is highly detailed, punctual, practical and well presented.’

‘Sezin Elcin-Cengiz is a spectacular competition specialist and standout professional. She has undeniable, broad experience in competition practise and works in a timely manner, provides an outstanding service. She also has great communication skills, has the ability to explain in understandable terms.’

‘GKC competition law team provides us a comfort in all our competition related issues. They are always reachable and ready to provide full assistance despite a tight time frame. They are well experienced and very good at following and proactively alerting the client of the legal environment on the regulator side.’

‘Sezin Elçin Cengiz is a very knowledgeable expert in competition law field. She is always reachable and ready to assist in every possible way to address client needs, never makes do with just high level legal opinions but provides down to earth, applicable solutions with a business oriented perspective. She has a good network with regulators and this adds a lot of value to her assistance.’

‘There is a solid team for the competition practice of GKC, spearheaded by Sezin Cengiz – a prominent figure in the Turkish competition law environment. They are quite agile to formulate their operating models depending on the client’s needs, and would be keen to dive deep on the business details, even those that are not strictly related to their area of expertise for bespoke legal advice.’

‘Sezin is a hands-on partner, always reachable and quick to rise to the occasion when needed. She harmonises her top-notch antitrust knowledge with her business acumen.’

‘Sezin Elçin Cengiz – her having close relationship with the competition authority, conveying the expectations and approaches of the authority, and experience in this matter are extremely important for our company. Being able to evaluate the sector analyses made by us is a plus value. She has a collaborative approach. Her dominance of local practise and jurisprudence comes to the fore.’

‘The practice area requires deep knowledge of Turkish competition law and great relationship with the Turkish Competition Authority. The GKC team excels in both areas.’

Key clients

A15 Holding Netherlands B.V.


Cobepa SA


EQT IX Collect EUR SCSp and EQT IX Collect USD SCSp


Huron Inc. / Ardian France SA


IFM Investors


Nestle Türkiye Gıda Sanayi A.Ş.


SIBUR Holding PAO


Synthos S.A.


Zynga


ALD Group / Societe Generale S.A.


The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc


Abdi İbrahim


Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC


Work highlights


  • Acted for Synthos in merger control aspects and related filings to the Competition Authority in Turkey with respect to its acquisition of Trinseo’s synthetic rubber operations.
  • Advised Zynga on merger control filings for its acquisition of Forgerhero Yazılım, a mobile game developer.
  • Acted for ALD Group in merger control filings for its acquisition of LeasePlan, a Netherlands-based fleet management and driver mobility company.

Paksoy

Paksoy‘s diverse workload in competition law has included a large share of the market’s technology sector investigations, which have had a notable increase in recent years, as well as a host of cross-border merger filings. The ‘very responsive and dedicated‘ team is led by Togan Turan, who has been a key figure in the market for 15 years. The department has a large pool of non-partner lawyers from which, Gülçin Dere, Deniz Benli and Kansu Aydoğan Yeşilaltay all stand out.

Practice head(s):

Togan Turan


Other key lawyers:

Gülçin Dere; Deniz Benli; Kansu Aydoğan Yeşilaltay


Testimonials

‘Very responsive and dedicated.’

‘The team respond very quickly and are very commercial in their approach.’

‘Kansu Aydogan really stands out – I have valued her quick responses and regular updates.’

Key clients

Al-Dabbagh Group / Gulf Refined Packaging


American Securities


BC Partners


Chubb Limited


Clayton, Dubilier & Rice / TPG


Concord Resources Limited


DL Chemical


Groupe Bruxelles Lambert


HAL Investments


Itochu Corporation


KKR & Co.


KKR & Co. / Global Infrastructure Partners


Landis+Gyr


Mandiant


Paper Excellence


Permira Advisers Holdings Limited / Affinity Equity Partners


Silverfleet


Tenneco


The Carlyle Group


Work highlights


  • Advised of American Securities on the merger filing for its acquisition of Ferro Corporation.
  • Acted for HAL Investments in the merger filing for its acquisition of Royal Boskalis Westminster.
  • Advised Mandiant on the merger filing for the sale of the company to Google.

ARI Attorneys at Law

Clients of ARI Attorneys at Law appreciate the ‘reliable and comprehensive‘ offering in competition law, jointly led by Haluk Ari and Benan Arı. The boutique firm, founded in 2017, has its strength in managing clients’ relationships with the Turkish Competition Authority, be it in investigations or in appealing fines. The firm also assists with the competition aspects of transactions.

Practice head(s):

Haluk Ari; Benan Ari


Other key lawyers:

Gözde Süngü


Testimonials

‘Haluk Ari has a deep understanding of how TCA works. More importantly, rather than basically saying no’s and don’ts, he always tries to find a solution between the needs of compliance and business. I can confidently state that ARI Attorneys at Law has one of the best price/quality ratio in Turkish competition law community.’

‘ARI Attorneys offers a boutique service. It offers special solutions and special attention for your need.’

‘Our main contact is Haluk Ari. He has a caring and responsive approach, detailed work, and strong work ethics. He is also very knowledgeable on competition matters. Benan Ari has also expertise in competition matters and she is a very meticulous and responsive counsel. Their work is always detailed and they render good advice since they do their best to understand our business and values.’

‘The team knows what your needs are and provide their services which allows you to prevent competition risks. They do their work on time and you may reach them easily.’

‘Each team member has a strong academic foundation, is a subject matter specialist in their area of consulting, and is dedicated to their work.’

‘What makes Ari Law Firm valuable the most is that they are always accessible whenever we need them and that we can communicate with them effectively. In particular, Haluk Ari and Benan Ari’s academic works in the field of competition law and their experience in the sector are important to us, and they offer reliable and comprehensive legal solutions to protect our legal interests in this regard.’

‘The expertise of the team on antitrust cases and their collaboration is excellent.’

‘Haluk Ari and his team are always available for consultation.’

Key clients

Koç Holding A.Ş.


Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş.


Tofaş Türk Otomobil Fabrikası A.Ş.


D-Market Elektronik Hizmetler ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Düzey Tüketim Malları Sanayi Pazarlama ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Arçelik Pazarlama A.Ş.


Aygaz A.Ş.


Anadolu Anonim Türk Sigorta Şirketi


Hayat Kimya Sanayi A.Ş.


Kastamonu Entegre Ağaç Sanayi veTicaretA.Ş.


Otokoç Otomotiv Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş.


Türkiye Beyaz Eşya Sanayicileri Derneği


Doğan Trend Otomotiv Ticaret Hizmet ve Teknoloji A.Ş.


Ege Gübre Sanayi A.Ş.


KoçSistem Bilgi ve İletişim Hizmetleri A.Ş.


Arkem Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Altıntel Liman ve Terminal İşletmeleri A.Ş.


Gökbil Nakliyat Depolama Lojistik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O


Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankası A.Ş.


Tat Gıda Sanayi A.Ş.


Sompo Sigorta A.Ş.


Sütaş Süt Ürünleri A.Ş.


Koçtaş Yapı Marketleri Ticaret A.Ş.


Doğuş Bilgi İşlem ve Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.Ş.


Dimes Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Nobel Pazarlama Limited Şirketi


D-Elektronik Şans Oyunları ve Yayıncılık A.Ş.


BMC Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Hicri Ercili Deniz Nakliyat Kimyevi Maddeler Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi


Dardanel Önentaş Gıda Sanayi A.Ş.


Work highlights


  • Acted for Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası and Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankası in the actions for annulment of fines imposed by the TCA.
  • Advised Hicri Ercili Deniz Nakliyat Kimyevi Maddeler on annulment of fines given by the TCA.
  • Represented Tofaş Türk Otomobil Fabrikası in two different TCA investigations.

Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli

A team of ‘talented and experienced lawyers‘ at Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli assists its clients with TCA investigations, individual exemption applications, and merger control filings in various sectors. Umut Kolcuoğlu brings a ‘powerful business perspective‘ to matters and co-leads the practice with counsel Neyzar Ünübol, who ‘proactively supports the client on the developments in the area as well as relations with the regulator‘. Associate Ali Tunçsav is a further key contact to note and has expertise in competition law, as well as across commercial law.

Practice head(s):

Umut Kolcuoğlu; Neyzar Ünübol


Other key lawyers:

Ali Tunçsav


Testimonials

‘The firm provides a wide range of legal services with a large team of talented and experienced lawyers. We worked with the team in several complicated M&A deals, partnership agreements and other financial deals. They have always been reachable, capable of delivering high quality legal assistance even in tight time frames without any delay.’

‘Umut Kolcuoğlu is a great professional in all aspects. He is knowledgeable, always available and willing to assist, punctual, has a powerful business perspective, strong leadership in designing the legal strategy, he is a hard worker indeed and ensures the client comfort with his hands-on approach.’

‘Kolcuoğlu’s top strength is to follow up so closely all the topics. Always goes in details, no credit to lost information, informing the client in any update is available.’

‘As a client, we can get quick, proper and right guidance.’

‘Combination of business-oriented approach, practicality of advice and legal expertise makes KDK stand out. We are always confident to refer our matter to KDK since we know that we will receive advice fitting our purpose.’

‘We worked with Neyzar Unubol and Ali Tuncsav. They both demonstrate very practical approach which allows us to make decision with due consideration of all aspects.’

‘The team has very unique expertise on their area which was combined with high collaboration level. We work with all counterparts like teammates – kind of relationship beyond a usual agent and client interaction.’

‘All members are very responsive with high collaboration level. Whenever we need consultancy on a specific subject, we receive high quality feedback in a very short time.’

Key clients

Likewize Corp. (formerly known as Brightstar Corp.)


Boyner


Gratis


Hedef Filo


ORIX Corporation


Cheplapharm


QTerminals


team.blue NV


HDI Insurance


The Boston Consultancy Group


Vitol


Mediterra Capital


Turkven Private Equity


Talanx


Iyzico


Logo Software


Azertelecom / NEQSOL Holding


Upfield


Sesa Packaging


Hun Holding


Duracell


Vinmar International Ltd.


NBK Capital Partners


Inveon


Bunzl


Work highlights


  • Acted for Gratis in a TCA investigation against it and 28 other large-scaled FMCG retailers and suppliers, relating to allegations with respect to coordinated price increases during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Advised Hedef Filo on a TCA investigation regarding allegations of anti-competitive information exchange in the second-hand car market.
  • Assisted Mediterra Capital with the merger control clearance of its €35m Elba Bant acquisition.

NAZALI Attorney Partnership

NAZALI Attorney Partnership has quickly gained a strong reputation in Turkey’s competition law market since its inception in 2014. Clients appreciate the ‘experience and knowledge of department head Metin Pektaş‘, who co-leads the practice group with associate Derviş Boran Beysülen, who has varied recent experience in investigations and M&A. The firm has offices in both Istanbul and Ankara, the latter being a boon in terms of proximity to the offices of the Turkish Competition Authority.

Practice head(s):

Metin Pektaş; Derviş Boran Beysülen


Other key lawyers:

Beyza Sarıpınar


Testimonials

‘We are working with competition team. The team has a great senior head. Metin Pektaş, as a Former Chief Competition Specialist and Case Officer of Turkish Competition Authority (TCA) helps us in various cases and daily counseling. We can get fast and detailed answers on the issues we consult during the day. We are able to coordinate and work together with the team.’

‘Metin Pektaş transfers his competitive experience gained in different sectors with the young and dynamic team it creates makes a great contribution.’

‘In my opinion what makes Nazali, specifically competition team unique and stand out is their availability. As a client, until now we have reached them in all our critical times. Their other key strengths are their capability to produce high quality work in short timeframes, their understanding of business teams’ needs and sometimes finding mid way with them.’

‘In competition team our first point of contact is Metin Pektaş. He is a highly qualified professional with a strong competition law and energy law background. He makes himself available, easy to reach and easy to communicate with.’

‘Very good responsiveness. Clear and pragmatic advise.’

‘Nazali has a very strong team of competition experts, led by Metin Pektaş, one of the top 3 competition experts in Turkey. I see them as the most underrated firm in competition law in Turkey. They have a very large client base, and are adding more clients to their portfolio every year, mostly due to very positive feedback and recommendations from their existing clients.’

‘Metin Pektaş – He has deep knowledge of competition law, knows the approach of the Turkish Competition Authority, has a talent for clearly explaining complex matters to lawyers who are not specialized in competition law, gives practical advice.’

Key clients

Yemek Sepeti Elektronik İletişim Perakende Gıda Lojistik A.Ş.


Türk HENKEL Kimya San. Tic. A.Ş.


Haribo Şekerleme Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi


Yamaha Motor Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi


CP Standart Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi


Obilet Bilişim Sistemleri A.Ş.


Dyson Turkey Elektrikli Ürünler Ticaret Limited Şirketi


Daikin Heating and Cooling Systems Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Şirketi


Reckitt Benckiser Temizlik Malzemesi Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi


Abalıoğlu Balık ve Gıda Ürünleri A.Ş. (ABL Foods)


Elektrik Dağıtım Hizmetleri Derneği (ELDER)


Gediz-Aydem Elektrik Perakende Satış A.Ş.


Fersan Fermantasyon Ürünleri San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.


Sakarya Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş.


Yeşilırmak Elektrik Perakende Satış A.Ş.


Ak Portföy Yönetim A.Ş.


Fujifilm Dış Ticaret A.Ş.


KRİSTAL YAĞLARI – Ticaret ve Sanayi Kontuvarı T.A.Ş.


Euro Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi


Work highlights


  • Advised Haribo on competition law issues, conducted dawn raid simulations and training sessions and represented this company before Turkish Competition Authority during FMCG investigation.
  • Advised Dyson on competition law issues, conducted dawn raid simulations and training sessions.
  • Advised Henkel for its distributorship agreements for adaptation to new legislation.

Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak

Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak fields ‘a very dynamic team with an excellent background in the subject‘ for competition law. The practice assists with transactional matters involving complex competition law implications, compliance training, and investigations by the TCA in a variety of sectors; the automotive and dairy industries being recent areas of activity. Arpat Şenocak heads the team and has expertise on the M&A side of things. Senior associate İklim Gülsün Aytekin concentrates her practice in competition law and comes highly praised by the firm’s clients.

Practice head(s):

Arpat Şenocak


Other key lawyers:

İklim Gülsün Aytekin


Testimonials

‘Firstly, Ozdirekcan Dundar Senocak Ak Team’s first significant feature is their absolute dedication to their work. Clients can feel this caring from the first moment to the last. In my opinion, in our world everything connect to each other but you need to know how to use this connection. In this sector, your legal team needs to know and use every single detail. This firm knows this. At last but not least, Iklim Aytekin’s professional attention to her client is so valuable.’

‘This law firm is highly flexible at working hours and complies with a company’s variable requests in terms of competition law including legal and contractual advisory, attendance to dawn raids, compliance workshops etc. I would highly suggest working with this full service firm with overqualified expertise in the competition field.’

‘I have worked with Iklim Aytekin who has an extensive knowledge including comparative approach with EU law and practice in competition law. I would strongly recommend working with her, since she is always available and responsive. Working with her would be quite easy and fruitful for global companies since she is fully competent to work in both English and French languages.’

‘During our collaboration, the team acted absolutely professional and supported us very efficiently. They were all well informed of the procedure as well as our field of activity. They’ve managed the whole process very successfully.’

‘The lawyer who was assigned to our project was very helpful and well-informed. She took the initiative when needed and managed the project flawlessly. She was very capable of directing us and she never missed the opportunity to inform us about the updates.’

‘They have a very dynamic team with an excellent background in the subject. Their ability to work under tight deadlines was assuring.’

‘The leader of this dynamic team, Iklim Aytekin stand out with her strong oral and written communication skills. Also, she was capable of understanding complex technical details of the project and identifying what was relevant out of mass information.’

‘I have worked with Iklim Aytekin who is highly qualified in competition law and she does fully meet a company’s expectations with customized, diligent and effective work style.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas Cardif Sigorta A.Ş.


NN Hayat ve Emeklilik A.Ş.


TEB Portföy Yatırım A.Ş.


Groupama Filiales et Participations


Believe International


Thermofisher


Gestamp


ÇEPAŞ Galvaniz Demir Çelik Madencilik A.Ş.


Yakamoz Yağ San ve Tic. A.Ş.


EFI B.V.


Sodrugestvo


Steelcase SAS


Work highlights


  • Advised Zeplin on the milestone investigation initiated by the Turkish Competition Authority concerning the labour market.
  • Advised Compagnie de Saint-Gobain on the notification of the concentration involving its acquisition of the sole control over three companies of Starcin Group.
  • Assisted Renault Trucks with competition compliance training.

Gedik & Eraksoy

Gedik & Eraksoy hired Süleyman Cengiz as counsel from Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership in May 2022 to head its competition practice, which covers cartels, abuse of dominant position, and merger control filings. The firm’s association with Allen & Overy makes it a popular destination for a variety of multinationals operating in Turkey. Cengiz draws on 14 years of experience working at the TCA and is supported by associate İpek İnce.

Practice head(s):

Süleyman Cengiz


Other key lawyers:

İpek İnce


Key clients

Google LLC / Google International LLC / Google Turkey


Standard Chartered Bank


Saudi Aramco


United Initiators


Ball Corporation


BSH Hausgerate GmbH


Kingspan Group Limited


Iron Mountain


Providence Equity Partners


Intermediate Capital Group


Adisseo


DSM


Advent


Network International Holdings PLC


Rabobank


Work highlights


  • Advising Google in various cases including the Android investigation by the Turkish Competition Authority.
  • Advised supermarket chain A101 on two investigations initiated by the Turkish Competition Authority into price increases in the sector.
  • Acting for BSH Hausgerate in both its on-going investigation and its commitment procedure for the sales on platforms.

Gen Temizer Ozer

Gen Temizer Ozer fields a ‘young, ambitious‘ practice in competition law that leverages the firm’s association with international outfit, Kinstellar, to advise on cross-border merger filings and the competition aspects of major transactions. Clients include top names in traditional and digital industries, and they benefit from practice head Bulut Girgin‘s 15 years of experience advising on competition law, regulated industries and compliance. He is supported on the range of matters by associate Simru Tayfun.

Practice head(s):

Bulut Girgin


Other key lawyers:

Simru Tayfun


Testimonials

‘Young, ambitious and caring team for a first-time client. Always on top of deadlines and effectively following up. They are extremely motivated to go the extra mile even on the most mundane issues.’

‘Bulut Girgin is a young and inclusive leader, experienced and knowledgeable in competition law issues in Turkey.’

‘Very prompt. Advice was very practical. Displayed a keen knowledge and understanding of local regulatory requirements and regulators’ concerns to ensure a smooth and timely approvals.’

‘Gen Temizer Ozer has a very strong competition law team. On top of their high quality and swift day-to-day advice, they have conducted a successful competition compliance programme at the company. The competition compliance programme was very well tailored out needs. The compliance documents they have created are very innovative and useful.’

‘Bulut has an excellent command on competition law. He is a kind of partner that know the matters thoroughly and have an hands-on approach. He was very professional and calm during the competition law trainings he gave infront of large audiences in the company and we have received very good feed-backs from within the company who participated to trainings.’

‘With the professional studies they prepare specifically for the required subject, they ensure that the needs of the customers are provided in a fast and convenient manner.’

‘We have a great impression of competition law department of Kinstellar’s Istanbul office, Gen & Temizer | Özer. Their service is solution-oriented, very efficient, precise and clear. The team always works to the highest standard and delivers on time. They are also quite creative and come up with the best advice to ensure that the company acts compatible with the law at all times while also not killing the business.’

‘I would like to mention Bulut Girgin who is the firm’s regional practice area leader for the competition law for his competence in the area. He constantly comes up with unique and business-minded advices. It’s very easy to reach out to him, he is really responsive.’

Key clients

BP Petrolleri A.Ş.


BP plc


Castrol Madeni Yağlar Ticaret A.Ş.


China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)


Dahua Technology


DSM Grup Danışmanlık İletişim ve Satış Ticaret A.Ş. (Trendyol)


EİP Eczacıbaşı İlaç Pazarlama A.Ş.


Eren Perakande ve Tekstil A.Ş. (Lacoste, Burberry, Converse)


Eureko Sigorta A.Ş.


Gitti Gidiyor Bilgi Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.Ş. (Ebay Turkey)


Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd. (OPPO)


Kaynak Su-Kaynak Suları İşletmesi Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş. (Sırmakeş)


Pia Bilişim Hizmetleri A.Ş.


Ravago Chemicals S.A.


RMA Holdings Limited / Clipper Holdings Limited


SK ON Cn., Limited


South32 Limited


Torunlar Gayrimenkul Yatırım Ortaklığı A.Ş.


Volkswagen Financial Services AG


Vivense Teknoloji Hizmetleri ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Votorantim Cimentos / Votorantim Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.


Work highlights


  • Acted for Votorantim Cimentos in an investigation initiated by the Turkish Competition Board.
  • Assisting Volkswagen Doğuş Finansman with regular consultancy on competition law matters to ensure compliance with Turkish competition law.
  • Defending Vivense Teknoloji in the ongoing investigation carried out by the Turkish Competition Board.

Gün + Partners

The life sciences sector is the standout strength of Gün + Partners‘ competition practice, where Özge Atılgan Karakulak and 2021 partner promotion Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumus co-lead matters. The department assists its clients with industry investigations and merger control filings, as well as a host of issues at the intersection of regulatory and competition law.

Practice head(s):

Özge Atılgan Karakulak; Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumuş


Key clients

Align Technology


Novo Nordisk


BMS


Beckman


Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership

Kayra Üçer leads the competition law department at Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership, which works with the firm’s corporate and M&A lawyers to support clients with potential issues after M&A, as well as advising on investigations by the TCA. The firm also has a history advising on cartel investigations.

Practice head(s):

Kayra Ucer


Other key lawyers:

Hazar Başar


Key clients

Adel Kalemcilik Ticaret Sanayi Anonim Şirketi


Gerflor Mipolam GmbH


ArcelorMittal S.A.


NGK Spark Plug Co.


International Paper


Akkök Holding A.Ş.


Değer Merkezi Hizmetler ve Yönetim Danışmanlığı A.Ş


SeAH Changwon Integrated Special Steel Corporation


Alfa Laval Corporate AB


HOYA Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised ArcelorMittal on the notification process before the Turkish Competition Authority of the transfer of sole control to acquisition of joint control over AM InvestCo Italy.
  • Advised Akkök Holding and its subsidiaries A.R.D Holding and NDÇ Holding on the notification process before the Turkish Competition Authority of the joint acquisition of 51% of the share capital of Epsilon Kompozit Teknoloji.
  • Assisted Baymak Makina with the investigation initiated by the TCA, claiming vertical relationships with distributors.

Moroglu Arseven

Moroglu Arseven‘s competition law offering is fully integrated into its broader comprehensive corporate and M&A group, assisting with issues relating to transactions, as well as industry investigations. Seyfi Moroğlu, Benan Arseven and Burcu Tuzcu Ersin oversee the practice. The firm’s client base in this area includes a prestigious list of international business that are long-term clients of the firm in various areas.

Practice head(s):

Seyfi Moroğlu; Benan Arseven; Burcu Tuzcu Ersin


TURUNÇ

A team of exceptional experts in competition law‘ acts for clients of TURUNÇ in merger clearance analyses and compliance advice relating to major corporate transactions. Noyan Turunç is praised 'as commercially savvy with robust legal knowledge‘; he heads the practice with Esin Çamlıbel, whose work exhibits the ‘perfect combination of business and academia‘. Managing associate Gizem Günel and associate Beste Yıldızili Ergül are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

Esin Çamlıbel; Noyan Turunç


Other key lawyers:

Gizem Günel; Beste Yıldızili Ergül


Testimonials

‘Vast experience on capital markets, detailed and comprehensive analysis.’

‘Esin Camlibel is the embodiment of perfect combination of business and academia.’

‘TURUNÇ has a team of exceptional experts in competition law. Their approach stands out, as they do not provide reactive legal guidance but instead life-saving preventative competition law services. Their track record is impeccable and the commercial benefit to clients priceless. Their work is incredible technical and complex, yet their communication is always straight-forward and solutions, sharp.’

‘Noyan Turunç offers exceptional value-add with his commercial savviness and robust legal knowledge. Esin Çamlibel plays a leading role when it comes to competition-related matters; and she is thorough, technical, communicative and comforting. Her academic background distinguishes her from her rivals.’

‘We normally work with Noyan Turunç and Esin Çamlibel. Both are able to provide easy-to-digest advice. Noyan in particular stands out with his experience and excellent understanding of commercial considerations. Esin’s academic background comes in handy in comprehending the approach of the Competition Board to issues.’

‘They are very easy and pleasant to work with. They take care of all technical details and don’t bother the client with trivial matters. They understand cross-border competition law issues well, which is critical for us because we’re part of a multinational group and operate in a highly competitive industry.’

‘Noyan Turunç has been our primary contact since the beginning. He is extremely experienced and oversees his team and the project like a maestro. He also spots potential issues and problems before they arise thanks to his experience.

‘Esin Çamlibel is extremely organized and clear. Her advice is always accurate.’

Key clients

SC Johnson


Joygame


BigChefs


Akzo Nobel


Itochu


Android Industries


Boğaziçi Ventures


Caffè Nero


Camper Shoes


Lycian Capital


Vektor Tanitim


Netcad


Taxim Capital


Work highlights


  • Assisted SC Johnson with avoiding inclusion in the Turkish Competition Board’s price gouging investigation into 29 companies operating in the hygiene products, food and retail sectors.
  • Acted for Boğaziçi Ventures in competition compliance issues related to its investments.
  • Advised BigChefs on the competition law aspects of its international franchise agreements.