Ateş Turnaoğlu > GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) > Istanbul, Turkey > Lawyer Profile

As the first international firm established in Turkey, the ‘responsive’ team at GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) has deep experience in the local market and is consequently able to provide a ‘top-tier service’ to a lender-focused client base across a plethora of domestic and cross-border financings. Team head Güniz Gökçe has strong ties with domestic and international commercial banks, as well as IFIs which she regularly advises on big-ticket new money (including to facilitate local and cross-border M&A) and restructuring mandates. ‘Excellent in seeing the bottom line’, Ateş Turnaoğlu is also very accomplished at handling cross-border transactions, particularly in the context of syndicated loans provided for the purpose of infrastructure and energy projects. The team also has a market-leading reputation for both issuers and underwriters within the equity and debt capital markets, where it is appreciated for its ability to provide ‘a good service on both local and international law’. Derin Altan spearheads this work and ‘has a very pragmatic approach that helps clients through complex transactions’, including on corporate bond issuances and on IPOs.

GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) is frequently involved in high-profile projects in the energy, transport and infrastructure sectors, assisting IFIs, ECAs, Islamic financiers and commercial banks. Ateş Turnaoğlu ‘stands out for his strategic vision and leadership’. He co-leads the projects group with Güniz Gökçe, who frequently assists arrangers, lenders and multilateral financial institutions with complex infrastructure financing projects. Kaan Alkan ‘brings a level of technical expertise and precision that is truly impressive’.

GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) ‘stands out in a highly competitive field due to its distinctive blend of expertise, innovative approaches, and client-centric solutions’. The practice is led by restructuring specialist Güniz Gökçe and finance partner Ateş Turnaoğlu, who is frequently involved in multi-layered syndicated restructuring or debt re-profiling transactions. Both represented lenders in the $330m financial restructuring of a major company in the confectionery industry. The practice, which predominantly acts for banks, is known for its ‘responsiveness and proactive approach, adapting seamlessly to changing circumstances’.

GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) is renowned for its project financing expertise, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The team regularly advises lenders, IFIs, sponsors, and project developers on significant renewable energy mandates, with a strong regulatory understanding that is essential for clients’ energy transition projects. Güniz Gökçe is highly sought after by Turkish and international financial institutions for project finance matters. Ateş Turnaoğlu plays a key role in negotiations and regulatory communications related to project financing transactions.