Erdem & Erdem Law Office > Istanbul, Turkey > Firm Profile
Erdem & Erdem Law Office Offices
Ferko Signature, Büyükdere Caddesi
No. 175, Kat. 3
34394 Esentepe - Sisli, Istanbul
Turkey
Profiles
Erdem & Erdem Law Office > The Legal 500 Rankings
Turkey > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Seen as having the ‘perfect combination of an academic, strategic and practical approach‘, Erdem & Erdem Law Office acts in the full range of dispute resolution matters in Turkey, from court proceedings and execution proceedings to international and domestic arbitration. Firm founder and managing partner Piraye Erdem co-leads the department with Suleyman Sevinc, who has ‘a significant practice in the field‘. Senior figure Ercüment Erdem is a key name in arbitration, and Alper Uzun focuses on consultancy of legal disputes and litigations, risk analysis, and enforcement of pre-adjudication and post-adjudication. Managing associate Sevgi Unsal Ozden and senior associate Duygu Öner Ayçiçek stand out from the strong pool of non-partner lawyers in the team.Practice head(s):
Piraye Erdem; Süleyman Sevinç
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We are a foreign firm. The most important thing for us is their communication skills. Erdem & Erdem team has highly deep legal knowledge. They always provide us satisfied solutions. No matter how stressful a position we are in, they are always calm and direct in their approach.’
‘Very fast replies and always trying to find a solution.’
‘E&E has a well diversified legal team. They are very easy to communicate and easy to access to. Once they understand you and firm’s legal problem or situation, they come up with their solution in a short time. E&E representation of our firm outperforms our expectation most of the time.’
‘The Erdem & Erdem team is very responsive, always and easily accessible – also at partner level – and has very thorough and in-depth knowledge of Turkish procedural law and many areas of substantive law which play a role in commercial dispute resolution. I have worked with the Erdem & Erdem team in some major cartel damages claims before the Dutch courts for many years and it has always been a huge pleasure working with them. Very hands-on and they are real team-players for the benefit and in the interest of our mutual clients. Perfect combination of an academic, strategic and practical approach.’
‘Erdem & Erdem team did a great job with high-level expertise in dealing with the dispute. They successfully took the necessary legal actions in representing us before the administrative court. They were easy to contact and ready to assist during their consultancy. Their expertise in the marine sector was beneficial for us to handle such a complex issue and have a court decision in favour for our firm.’
‘Süleyman Sevinç is a well-known figure and has a significant practice in the field. His masterful skills and responsive manner gave us a sense of assurance. Duygu Öner is really creative and determined. We were impressed by her detail-oriented and value-driven style. Sevgi Ünsal Özden is really client-friendly, knowledgeable and resourceful in finding solutions.’
‘The team is in a good coordination between themselves. When making a decision about a subject, the partners and associates with expertise in the related subject all offer their opinions.’
‘The lawyers that we work with have very good communication skills. They also have the ability to draw reasonable, logical conclusions. And they are not only logical, they display a great deal of creativity in their problem-solving.’
Key clients
Yildirim Holding A.S.
Belport Holdings SARL and Belport Development Limited
UBER B.V. &|UBER Turkey Yazillm ve Teknoloji Hizmetleri Ltd. ŞTİ. (UBER Turkey)
Birlesik Magazalar A.S.
LG Electronics
Enerjisa Baskent Elektrik Perakende A.S.
Enerjisa Toroslar Elektrik Perakende Satis A.S.
Enerjisa Istanbul Anadolu Yakasi Elektrik Perakende Satis A.S.
Sodrugestvo Group S.A.
Yakamoz Yağ Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Coca Cola Meşrubat Pazarlama Dan. San. Tic. A.s.
Yildiz entegre agac san. ve tic. A.S.
Istanbul Gubre Sanayi A.S
Akinon Internet Yatirim ve Proje Gelistirme A.S
Kumport Liman Hizmetleri ve Lojistik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.
Howden Axial Fans APS
Enerjisa Elektrik Enerjisi Toptan Satis A.S.
Limak Iskenderun Uluslararasi Liman Işletmeciliği A.Ş.
Turkiye IS Bankasi A.S.
PR Middle East
BMC Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.
BMC Otomotiv ve Ticaret A.S.
EMAAR
Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari A.S.
Trakya Cam A.Ş.
Eurochem Trading GmbH
Credendo Short Term and Credendo Single Risk
IC Ictas Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.
GFK
Supreme Group
Mivan-Kier
Westford Trade Services
RM Line
IFP (International Forest Products)
Gemlik gübre san. A.Ş.
Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC
Work highlights
- Representing İş Bankası in disputes arising from competition law and law of obligations.
- Acting for Emaar in breach of contract in a residence project in Istanbul, and related lawsuits arising from labour law, commercial law and administrative law, regarding a project in Istanbul.
- Representing LG Electronics in a lawsuit brought against it and seven other companies by a leading Turkish electronics manufacturer seeking compensation of damages.
Turkey > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Erdem & Erdem Law Office has an impressive client base of banks and financial institutions, to which HSBC and Deutsche Bank Switzerland were notable new international additions in 2022. It is equally strong in that regard on the domestic front and supports clients with loan transactions, structuring, and day-to-day retainer services. The banking and finance department also advises corporate issuers, private equity funds, and financial institutions on debt capital markets matters, covering high yield foreign currency or Turkish lira bond issuances, secured and unsecured debt supply, and private placements. Firm founder and senior partner Ercüment Erdem coordinates the practice with Özgür Kocabaşoğlu, who draws on 20 years’ broad experience across banking, finance and capital markets, and has a niche knowledge of the Chinese market. Managing associate Didem Adlığ joined from an in-house position in February 2022.Practice head(s):
Ercüment Erdem; Özgür Kocabaşoğlu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team responded our inquiry efficiently and timely manner. Our request had been taken instantly and they provided their feedback and report in a very short period of time. I found the team professional, easy to communicate and efficient.’
‘Individuals took our project instantly and provided their feedback and report in a timely manner. I was happy with the level of service and offering. Their report was easy to understand and comprehensive. Individuals always replied back to our questions and remarks in a very efficient way. I was very happy with their service offering.’
‘It is a great pleasure for us to work with Ercüment Erdem. While conveying his opinion on a subject, he is very clear about the subject. He provides great legal certainty.’
Key clients
Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.
Yıldırım Holding A.Ş.
Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş.
Göçtur Turizm Yatırım ve Ticaret A.Ş.
İş Portföy
Ege Endüstri ve Ticaret A.Ş.
HSBC UK
Mikro Capital
Sarten Ambalaj
Deutsche Bank (Deutsche Bank Türkiye)
Deutsche Bank AG (Switzerland)
Türkiye Finans Katılım Bankası A.Ş.
QNB Finansbank A.Ş.
HSBC Bank A.Ş.
Yapı ve Kredi Bankası A.Ş.
Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası A.Ş.
SACE
HERMES
Samruk – Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund Joint Stock Company
Work highlights
- Advising domestic bank İş Bankası on retainer services including general or transactional advice on several matters regarding banking and capital markets legislation.
- Advising QNB Finansbank on structuring of Step Halıcılık Group in Turkey.
- Advising Yıldırım Holding on execution of ISDA agreement and providing a legal opinion for the capacity.
Turkey > Competition Tier 2
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:
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.
Turkey > Compliance Tier 2
Erdem & Erdem Law Office provides comprehensive advice to clients on data privacy regulations in Turkey. As part of its broader competition and compliance department, the firm also assists with anti-corruption and labour laws in a variety of sectors. Mert Karamustafaoğlu leads the team, supported by head of corporate law, Özgür Kocabaşoğlu, and managing associate Sevgi Unsal Ozden, who has a deep understanding of data protection and privacy.Practice head(s):
Mert Karamustafaoğlu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The communication of the individuals is very strong and their response to the requests is positive and fast.’
‘Personal data protection is extremely important to us. Erdem & Erdem assisted us in modifying our procedures in accordance with recent decisions made by the personal data protection board and data protection legislation. Their compliance team helped us through this complicated process with a solution-oriented approach.’
‘We worked with Mert Karamustafaoglu and Sevgi Ünsal Özden. Mert is an excellent data protection expert. He is fast, knowledgeable and dependable. He managed the process with utmost diligence. Sevgi Ünsal Özden is so professional and always available. She knows how to explain complex subjects such as data protection and new legislation in simple terms. She is a good communicator.’
‘Erdem & Erdem covered two jurisdictions for us when handling an international privacy matter. The team has been pleasant to work with. They have a super understanding of data protection and commercial business aspects of a global acting company.’
‘Sevgi Ünsal Özden has a deep understanding of data protection and privacy questions. He provided exceptional advice on time and within budget.’
‘The compliance team for data protection law is lead by former Turkish Competition Authority officer Mert Karamustafaoglu, who is extremely multi functional, experienced and sophisticated. The compliance program conducted mostly via online platforms due to Covid restrictions, where necessary technology has been used and practiced by Erdem & Erdem efficiently.’
‘Legal assessment considering key elements of the business. Prompt response during all phases of legal advice request. Professional approach to the matter in subject. Building a kind and sincere relation with client.’
‘Erdem &Erdem is a highly reputable law firm. They assisted us on data protection legislation. Erdem & Erdem team did a great job. They are interested in establishing a long-term commercial relationship and has extensive knowledge of us and our sector. In terms of business information and legal support, the team is responsive and client-centred. What I find remarkable about them is their excellent sectoral expertise and deep knowledge on KVKK and GDPR.’
Key clients
Çolakoğlu Metalurji A.Ş.
Xiaomi Turkey Teknoloji Limited Şirketi
Livewell Giyilebilir Sağlık Ürün ve Hizmet ve Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
Trigo Çözüm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Trigo Group)
Ceva Logistics
Samsunspor Futbol Kulübü A.Ş.
Arvato
İş Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş.
Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.
Şişecam
Feka Otomotiv Mamulleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Tohum Türkiye Otizm Erken Tanı ve Eğitim Vakfı ile Tohum Türkiye Otizm Erken Tanı ve Eğitim Vakfı İktisadi İşletmesi
International Chamber of Commerce
Göçtur Turizm Yatırım ve Ticaret A.Ş
Work highlights
- Advised Çolakoğlu Metalurji on the inquiries related to the personal data processing activities along with preparing memorandums within this scope, and implemented an anti-corruption compliance program.
- Advised Livewell Giyilebilir Sağlık Ürün on its day-to-day data protection inquiries.
- Advised Göçtur Turizm Yatırım on the inquiries concerning the applicable data protection legislation, drafting and revising the necessary agreements, policies, and procedures.
Turkey > Energy Tier 3
Erdem & Erdem Law Office advises a range of clients, including electric utilities, independent power producers, mining farms and transport companies in regulatory and legislative matters, litigation and transactional work. Practice head Tuna Çolgar is experienced in cross-border business transactions and acquisition finance.Practice head(s):
Tuna Çolgar
Testimonials
‘In renewable energy, the team has a great contract information and the team can rapidly and pro-actively comment and contribute to the issues. They are very flexible and responsive.’
‘Even in case of technical issues, the team has a very good of understanding and is very capable of inserting the issues into the letters and contracts. Especially as they are very good at directing us in legal issues.’
Key clients
Eti Krom A.Ş.
Enerjisa
Work highlights
- Advised Eti Krom A.Ş. on the structuring of the project and preparing the EPC contract for a solar energy farm.
- Advised Enerjisa on the firms’ renewable energy investments.
Turkey > Project finance/projects Tier 3
Erdem & Erdem Law Office assists credit providers, sponsors, joint venture partners and contractors with a range of power and infrastructure project types. Airport and port operation mandates are both strong areas for the practice. Senior partner Ercüment Erdem and experienced project financing professional Özgür Kocabaşoğlu are the main contacts and are supported by managing associate Didem Adlığ, who joined from an in-house role in February 2022.Practice head(s):
Ercüment Erdem; Özgür Kocabaşoğlu
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Qazaq Soda LLP
Yılport Holding
Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş.
Deutsche Bank A.Ş
Çolakoğlu Metalurji A.Ş.
IC Holding
Yılport Terminal Operation Ecuador
Work highlights
- Advising Qazaq Soda on a greenfield soda ash plant project, from tender phase to preparing EPC contracts and project finance stages.
- Advising Yılport Holding – Çolakoğlu Metalurji Consortium on the tender phase, EPC and definitive agreements drafting stages.
Turkey > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4
Erdem & Erdem Law Office combines ‘strong legal background with industrial expertise‘ in assisting its international client base with a range of instructions, though it stands out for infrastructure deals in particular. Senior statesman Ercüment Erdem heads the practice group alongside Özgür Kocabaşoğlu, who has experience in cross-border work, especially involving Chinese investment in Turkey. Tuna Çolgar is an active figure, while managing associate Sevgi Ünsal Özden is the name to note at the Izmir office.Practice head(s):
Ercüment Erdem; Özgür Kocabaşoğlu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Erdem and Erdem combines its strong legal background with industrial expertise. Thus they can provide in depth and comprehensive consultancy.’
‘Mert Karamustafaoğlu stands out with its public sector experience with the Turkish Competition Authority and his intense interest in specific industries combined with a strong academic approach to the issues.’
‘Specific legal expert re mining law, good knowledge of law, customer-oriented.’
‘We admire the people, billing, diversity, technology, collaboration.’
Key clients
Esan Eczacıbaşı Endüstriyel Hammaddeler Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
VTS Group
Acıbadem Sağlık Hizmetleri ve Tic. A.Ş.
Tepaş
Akinon
Ottera
Sisecam
Gucci
Yves Saint Laurent
Turkon
İş Portföy
Norm Holding A.Ş.
Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. (MIP)
Yıldırım Holding A.Ş.
Yılport Holding A.Ş.
Enerjisa
Innovative Pipe Solutions
RENK GmbH
Göçtur
Segezha Ambalaj & Segezha Packaging
IC Holding
Invitrx
Liwevell
Samsunspor
Sapio Life Turkey
AUNDE Achter & Ebels GmbH
IC Holding
Work highlights
- Advised Akinon on the Series B venture capital investment for $20m.
- Assisting MIP with port operations as well as corporate secretary and legal maintenance services.
- Advising VTS Group on the closing actions under the SPA, drafting closing documents and completion of post-closing procedures.
Erdem & Erdem Law Office > Firm Profile
The firm: Erdem&Erdem is an international law firm dedicated to providing practical business solutions to a diverse range of clients particularly in cross-border business transactions, M&As, corporate restructuring and governance, international contracts, corporate finance, project finance, energy/renewable energy, privatizations and PPPs, private equity investments, capital markets, competition and antitrust, litigation (execution and bankruptcy) and international arbitration.
Erdem&Erdem has a team of 50 fee-earners with specializations in line with the firm’s growing reputation and diversified practice areas.
Areas of practice
International transactions, M&As and private equity: The firm advises public and private companies, private equity firms, financial sponsors, investment banks, governmental entities in a variety of complex, cross-border and strategic transactions including structuring and organizing fund sponsors and investment funds, executing acquisitions, financing and exit transactions.
Competition and antitrust: The firm has a strong record of successful representation of the largest regulated and networked companies in Turkey, Europe, Asia, and the CIS and advisory in competition regulations.
Banking and finance: The firm advises corporate borrowers, private equity funds, financial advisers, commercial banks, investment banks in construction and acquisition finance and refinance, project finance, banking and capital market transactions, including issuances of high-yield debt security, secured and unsecured debt offerings and private placements.
Privatization: The firm represents foreign and local clients in privatization projects in Turkey, Western Europe and Southeast Asia. Its clients encompass refinery, port, airport, energy, healthcare, real estate, consumer goods, natural resources, and infrastructure and construction industries, also banks and financial institutions.
International contracts, agency and distributorship: The firm has decades of diverse experience in the field of international contracts. Team members are known for their in-depth know-how and extensive experience in drafting and negotiating all types of commercial contracts, such as agency, franchise, supply and distribution and commission arrangements, foreign representative and consultancy agreements.
Energy and renewables: The energy sector experience includes natural gas, coal and oil-fired power plants, co-generation facilities, agricultural and municipal solid waste projects, hydroelectric projects, and wind, solar and other renewable energy facilities.
Real estate and construction: The firm represents investors, developers, owners, lenders, prime contractors, REITs, PPPs, subcontractors, architects, port management authorities, airlines and energy utility companies involved in the construction and development of manufacturing, distribution and operational facilities in real estate finance, joint venture, leasing, acquisition and disposition of real estate assets.
Capital markets and corporate governance: The firm provides innovative solutions to a wide variety of capital raisings and compliance and governance issues the clients face in Turkey and abroad.
International arbitration: The firm’s arbitration practice is among its most prominent field of work. The team handles commercial and treaty dispute cases under the rules of every major arbitration system and in a wide variety of industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications, construction, finance, manufacturing and sports arising in Western Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the CIS.
Litigation and bankruptcy: The hallmark of the litigation team is the experience of the lawyers who have been involved in litigation in almost every major practice, including M&As and post-closing disputes, insurance, transportation, breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, real estate contracts, unfair competition, franchise and distributor disputes, government contracts, shareholders disputes.
Maritime law: The firm regularly represents clients in trials and appeals of admiralty and maritime matters. Their team handles and provides efficient resolution to maritime insurance and liability claims and other transportation matters in international or coastal trade. Erdem&Erdem has been involved in both prosecuting and defending transportation claims involving marine carriers.
Aviation: The firm regularly counsels airlines, airport authorities and other aviation industry clients in civil aviation regulation and enforcement, aircraft finance, engine and aircraft leasing, competition law and antitrust, mergers and alliances, aircraft acquisition and disposition, airport terminal construction and expansion projects, as well as aviation company reorganization, and restructuring issues.
Hospitality and leisure: The team is often engaged by foreign and local clients to provide support in all aspects of the development, acquisition, sale, financing, franchising, leasing and operation of hospitality and leisure assets that include hotels, resorts, theme parks, entertainment and sport complexes and convention centers that are abroad and in Turkey.
Intellectual property: The firm advises clients in telecommunications, Internet, advertising, and media who develop and license intellectual property, enter into transactions involving intellectual property, acquire portfolios of intellectual property, and make strategic decisions that are based on such considerations.
Tax law: Taking into account the fact that every commercial transaction comes with tax implications, we provide our clients with tax advisory and tax litigation services.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
M&A and private equity | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
M&A and private equity | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Competition and antitrust | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Competition and antitrust | Mert Karamustafaoglu | ||
Banking, project finance and PPPs | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Banking, project finance and PPPs | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Banking, project finance and PPPs | Didem Adlığ | ||
Privatisation | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Privatisation | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Privatisation | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
International contracts, agency and distributorships | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
International contracts, agency and distributorships | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Energy and renewables | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Energy and renewables | Mert Karamustafaoğlu | ||
Real estate and construction | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Real estate and construction | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Capital markets and corporate governance | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Capital markets and corporate governance | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Capital markets and corporate governance | Didem Adlığ | ||
International arbitration | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
International arbitration | Piraye Erdem | ||
International arbitration | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Litigation and bankruptcy | Piraye Erdem | ||
Litigation and bankruptcy | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Litigation and bankruptcy | Alper Uzun | ||
Maritime | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Aviation | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Hospitality and leisure | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Intellectual property | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Compliance | Mert Karamustafaoğlu | ||
Personal data protection | Mert Karamustafaoğlu | ||
Tax law | Canan Doksat | ||
Labor law and mediation | Alper Uzun |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mrs Didem Adlig | Managing Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Tuna Colgar | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Canan Doksat | Partner and Tax Leader | View Profile | |
Mrs Piraye Erdem | Founder and Managing Partner | View Profile | |
Prof Dr Ercüment Erdem | Founder and Senior Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Mert Karamustafaoglu | Partner and Competition and Compliance Leader | View Profile | |
Mr Ozgur Kocabasoglu | Özgür Kocabaşoğlu is a Partner and the Head of Corporate of Erdem… | View Profile | |
Mr Suleyman Sevinc | Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Mrs Ecem Süsoy Uygun | Managing Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Alper Uzun | Partner and Mediator | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 32 at this office : 3Languages
English French German TurkishMemberships
TAGLaw TerraLexOther
Contacts : Prof Dr H Ercument Erdem Contacts : Piraye Erdem Other office : IstanbulErdem & Erdem Law Office > Firm Profile
The firm: Erdem & Erdem is a global law firm that focuses on delivering effective business strategies to a wide variety of clients, with a particular emphasis on cross-border commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and governance, international contracts, corporate finance, project financing, energy and renewable energy, privatizations and public-private partnerships, private equity investments, capital markets, competition and antitrust matters, as well as litigation involving execution, bankruptcy, and international arbitration.
Erdem&Erdem has a team of more than 50 fee-earners with specializations in line with the firm’s growing reputation and diversified practice areas.
Areas of practice
International transactions, M&As and private equity: The firm advises public and private companies, private equity firms, financial sponsors, investment banks, governmental entities in a variety of complex, cross-border and strategic transactions including structuring and organizing fund sponsors and investment funds, executing acquisitions, financing and exit transactions.
Competition and antitrust: The firm has a strong record of successful representation of the largest regulated and networked companies in Turkey, Europe, Asia, and the CIS and advisory in competition regulations.
Banking and finance: The firm advises corporate borrowers, private equity funds, financial advisers, commercial banks, investment banks in construction and acquisition finance and refinance, project finance, banking and capital market transactions, including issuances of high-yield debt security, secured and unsecured debt offerings and private placements.
Privatization: The firm represents foreign and local clients in privatization projects in Turkey, Western Europe and Southeast Asia. Its clients encompass refinery, port, airport, energy, healthcare, real estate, consumer goods, natural resources, and infrastructure and construction industries, also banks and financial institutions.
International contracts, agency and distributorship: The firm has decades of diverse experience in the field of international contracts. Team members are known for their in-depth know-how and extensive experience in drafting and negotiating all types of commercial contracts, such as agency, franchise, supply and distribution and commission arrangements, foreign representative and consultancy agreements.
Energy and renewables: The energy sector experience includes natural gas, coal and oil-fired power plants, co-generation facilities, agricultural and municipal solid waste projects, hydroelectric projects, and wind, solar and other renewable energy facilities.
Real estate and construction: The firm represents investors, developers, owners, lenders, prime contractors, REITs, PPPs, subcontractors, architects, port management authorities, airlines and energy utility companies involved in the construction and development of manufacturing, distribution and operational facilities in real estate finance, joint venture, leasing, acquisition and disposition of real estate assets.
Capital markets and corporate governance: the firm provides innovative solutions to a wide variety of capital raisings and compliance and governance issues the clients face in Turkey and abroad.
International arbitration: The firm’s arbitration practice is among its most prominent field of work. The team handles commercial and treaty dispute cases under the rules of every major arbitration system and in a wide variety of industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications, construction, finance, manufacturing and sports arising in Western Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the CIS.
Litigation and bankruptcy: The hallmark of the litigation team is the experience of the lawyers who have been involved in litigation in almost every major practice, including M&As and post-closing disputes, insurance, transportation, breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, real estate contracts, unfair competition, franchise and distributor disputes, government contracts, shareholders disputes.
Maritime law: The firm regularly represents clients in trials and appeals of admiralty and maritime matters. Their team handles and provides efficient resolution to maritime insurance and liability claims and other transportation matters in international or coastal trade. Erdem&Erdem has been involved in both prosecuting and defending transportation claims involving marine carriers.
Aviation: The firm regularly counsels airlines, airport authorities and other aviation industry clients in civil aviation regulation and enforcement, aircraft finance, engine and aircraft leasing, competition law and antitrust, mergers and alliances, aircraft acquisition and disposition, airport terminal construction and expansion projects, as well as aviation company reorganization, and restructuring issues.
Hospitality and leisure: The team is often engaged by foreign and local clients to provide support in all aspects of the development, acquisition, sale, financing, franchising, leasing and operation of hospitality and leisure assets that include hotels, resorts, theme parks, entertainment and sport complexes and convention centers that are abroad and in Turkey.
Intellectual property: The firm advises clients in telecommunications, Internet, advertising, and media who develop and license intellectual property, enter into transactions involving intellectual property, acquire portfolios of intellectual property, and make strategic decisions that are based on such considerations.
Tax law: Taking into account the fact that every commercial transaction comes with tax implications, we provide our clients with tax advisory and tax litigation services.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
M&A and private equity | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
M&A and private equity | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
M&A and private equity | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Competition and antitrust | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Competition and antitrust | Mert Karamustafaoglu | ||
Banking, project finance and PPPs | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Banking, project finance and PPPs | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Banking, project finance and PPPs | Didem Adlığ | ||
Privatisation | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Privatisation | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Privatisation | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
International contracts, agency and distributorships | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
International contracts, agency and distributorships | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Energy and renewables | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Energy and renewables | Mert Karamustafaoğlu | ||
Real estate and construction | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Real estate and construction | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Capital markets and corporate governance | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
Capital markets and corporate governance | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Capital markets and corporate governance | Didem Adlığ | ||
International arbitration | Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem | ||
International arbitration | Piraye Erdem | ||
International arbitration | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Litigation and bankruptcy | Piraye Erdem | ||
Litigation and bankruptcy | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Litigation and bankruptcy | Alper Uzun | ||
Maritime | Süleyman Sevinç | ||
Aviation | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Hospitality and leisure | Tuna Çolgar | ||
Intellectual property | Özgür Kocabasoglu | ||
Compliance | Mert Karamustafaoğlu | ||
Personal Data Protection | Mert Karamustafaoğlu | ||
Tax Law | Canan Doksat | ||
Labor Law and mediation | Alper Uzun |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 32 at this office : 29Languages
English French German TurkishMemberships
TerraLex TAGLawOther
Contacts : Prof Dr H Ercüment Erdem Contacts : Piraye Erdem Other office : IzmirInterviews
Piraye Erdem, Founder and Managing Partner
What do you see as the main points that differentiate Erdem & Erdem from your competitors?
Our customer-oriented practice philosophy developed more than 35-year history has always been one of the elements that make us who we are in Turkey and neighboring geography. For more than 35 years, we have worked in many different industries, in various fields of law, both nationally and internationally. We aim to provide the highest quality legal service to our clients. While doing this, we also aim to create an environment that supports our most significant assets, our employees, to be peaceful, contemporary, and productive. In the turbulent environment caused by the pandemic, many law firms in Turkey had to dismiss their employees, but by clinging to our values, we managed to overcome most of this difficult process without being have to separate ways with a single person, on the contrary, by growing even more.
During the pandemic, we gave importance to the mental health of our employees as much as their physical health, and prioritized their peace and happiness at work. We handled the entire procedure with transparency and informed our employees at every stage. Even we have constantly reviewed and updated the measures we have taken according to their ideas, thoughts and emotional state.
As Erdem & Erdem, we draw our strength from our teammates, who are the best in the industry. Their career development, happiness, stability of their lives and deepening of their legal knowledge are very important to us. We know that employee-centered approach creates highly engaged people and successful organizations. This approach, I believe, is one of the most essential aspects that sets us apart from our competitors.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
We see constant growth in our anti-trust, personal data protection and anti-corruption areas, therefore we expect that our compliance programs will be in demand due to the international or internal legal environments. We have special compliance programs with an all-over approach in relation to competition, personal data protection, anti-corruption and labor laws.
Erdem & Erdem designs and implements tailor-made compliance policies and programs with the best defensible position possible concerning compliance with the predominant anti-corruption and export control laws. The firm adopts an all-over approach by reviewing existing operations, structure, and corporate governance procedures, and consequently designs or builds on existing compliance programs and corporate controls, including anti-corruption and international trade and sanctions compliance matters, tailored to each client’s corporate culture.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
As a firm with a strong academic bases, we care about the ongoing development and training of our employees so that they are constantly prepared to respond to the issues and difficulties that our clients, who operate in a variety of industries, encounter. We have established different practice groups or industry teams on banking and finance intellectual property, IT law, start-up law, family businesses, real estate and construction, energy, transportation, and other topics in order to keep our knowledge up to date and provide more systematic and high-quality service. In addition, we prepare annual sectoral reports including the amendments in practices in different industries.
We have also undergone a great change physically last year. As part of our expansion plans, we moved to a new office having a high-tech infrastructure and larger workspaces in Levent, Istanbul. We provide more efficient, innovative and fast service to our clients.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
It does, constantly with an exponential rate. As a law firm providing services to clients all over the world, we were using video conference systems frequently even before the pandemic transformed this communication method as a common practice. Yet again, we managed to leverage our digital competences to tackle the communication and security problems that the pandemic brought and kept providing legal services to our clients at any place and any time. Thanks to our technology infrastructure, we adopted easily to electronic filing system, virtual hearings and meetings.
We know that technology is helping us to inform our clients swiftly and accurately. Good planning and punctuality have always been a priority for us, and we strive to use all the opportunities provided by information technologies, to ensure this promise of ours.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
We review our clients’ existing operations and corporate governance procedures, and we prepare tailormade compliance programs for them. We also provide trainings and if need be review clients’ employees’ computers in order to better understand where the client companies stand in terms of their compliance culture and compatibility. We also take note and report the results of these reviews, trainings and examinations, and provide assistance for a more tailored and controlled compliance compatibility within the client companies. As a result, we are able to protect our clients from incurring hefty fines by spotting potential issues ahead of time.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Among the law firms in Turkey, Erdem & Erdem has one of the highest employee engagements. I believe this commitment is that making us one of the most stable offices in this region. Our lawyers who improves us by developing themselves with the knowledge and experience created by this commitment, regularly examine current legal developments and publish academically-based articles and reports. This help us draw a strategic direction in the region by enabling other lawyers and law firms to act mostly by relying on our opinions.
On the same goal above, Erdem & Erdem also provides Capital Markets Board (SPK) and Competition Board with legal opinions whenever needed. Thus, we believe that we have the role to create a strategic direction and legal stability in Turkey and we strenghten our aim with assisting legal instutitions in the country we operate. As the business in this region and Turkey grow we keep growing our team and still be there in the next three years to stand with our clients.
- Dispute resolution
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Competition
- Compliance