Dentons maintains a strong position in the market for the management of M&A transactions governed by both Georgian and English law. They utilise their wider, international team to manage complex transactions. The firm assists clients from the infrastructure, energy, telecoms, transport, and mining industries. Co-head Avto Svanidze advises clients on sophisticated corporate, financial, and project matters, including complex M&A cases under Georgian and English law. Fellow co-head Otar Kipshidze cover banking and finance, infrastructure, energy, and commercial M&A issues. They are assisted by Lela Basilaia, who assists with general and corporate law matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Dentons’ Commercial, Corporate and M&A team in Georgia stands out for its exceptional combination of international standards, local market insight, and pragmatic execution. The team operates seamlessly across complex cross-border transactions and high-value domestic mandates, bringing together lawyers with deep experience in corporate structuring, investment law, and transactional negotiations. What distinguishes the practice most is its strategic, solution-oriented approach — the lawyers are not only technically proficient but also commercially minded, always attuned to clients’ business objectives and risk profiles. Compared with other firms in the market, Dentons offers a true international platform. The team’s access to global know-how, coupled with a deep understanding of Georgian corporate law, gives them a unique advantage on complex, multi-jurisdictional deals.
- Dentons Georgia's exceptional corporate and commercial practice proved itself to be extremely efficient and reliable, combining and demonstrating deep knowledge of deal structuring and extensive experience in M&A.
- Avto Svanidze stands out for his exceptional dedication, analytical precision, and depth of legal and commercial understanding. He combines meticulous attention to detail with a strong grasp of the broader strategic context, which makes his advice both technically sound and highly practical. Avto’s professionalism and responsiveness consistently inspire confidence, and his extensive background across corporate, M&A, and regulatory matters allows him to anticipate challenges before they arise.
- Avto Svanidze, who heads the practice, is highly regarded for his expertise in advising on the full range of commercial and corporate matters and is an exceptional lawyer. Ms. Lela Basilaia has provided valuable advice with transaction closings.
- 'Lela Basilaia has provided valuable advice with transaction closings.'
- 'Dentons' exceptional corporate and commercial practice proved itself as extremely efficient, reliable, combining and proving deep knowledge of deal structuring and extensive experience in M&A.'
Key clients
- Booking.com
- CMA CGM Georgia
- Egis Pharmaceuticals
- FCC Aqualia
- Masdar
- Or Yasca
- Silknet
- Sungrow Renewable Energy Investment
- Upclick
- Wolt Georgia
Work highlights
Assisting Sungrow Renewable Energy Investment on due diligence of target project lands, and drafting of the share purchase agreement and shareholder agreement with respect to acquisition of 85% shares in the project company.
Advising FCC Aqualia on the acquisition of remaining 20% of shares in public utility holding company Georgia Global Utilities pursuant to the exercise of the put option by minority shareholder Georgia Capital for the price of $ 70m.
Advising Or Yasca on a share purchase agreement with respect to Kass Diamond project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Avto Svanidze; Otar Kipshidze
Other key lawyers
Lela Basilaia