Baker McKenzie LLP is reputed for its robust expertise in emerging markets, focusing largely on trade, export, and commodity financing. The team’s offering spans Asia, Europe, CIS, the Middle East, and Latin America, acting for financial institutions, multilateral institutions, commodity traders, exporters, producers and corporate borrowers. Team head Luka Lightfoot is a go-to for both lenders and sponsors on banking and finance matters in Africa. US and UK qualified Megan Schellinger is a debt capital markets expert and is particularly active in Türkiye. International debt offerings also form a core of Adam Farlow‘s practice, while Philip Thomson focuses on the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘BM has provided excellent advice in complex/first of a kind projects which involve multiple workstreams. They are particularly great in covering interfaces between various components of the project and provide a holistic and integrated service. They have efficiently deployed their local and international expertise in these projects.’
‘I recommend Luka Lightfoot.’
‘I have worked with Baker McKenzie on a cross-border M&A transaction and what makes them different amongst the peers is that they are really patient, make sure they understand what I want to achieve and what my priorities are. They can really listen and manage my expectations.’
Key clients
- AB Svensk Exportkredit
- Africa Finance Corporation
- African Export-Import Bank
- Almarai Company
- Almarai Sukuk Ltd.
- Arabian Centres Company
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Banque du Caire S.A.E.
- BinDawood Holding Company
- Citibank
- Commerzbank
- Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Work highlights
Advised the joint bookrunners, J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Emirates NBD in connection with Zorlu Enerji's debut offering of USD 800m senior guaranteed sustainability-linked notes.
Advised ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc on its strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi's mining champion, International Resources Holding RSC Ltd.
Advised TBC Bank in connection with an offering of USD 300m 10.25% Perpetual Subordinated Callable Additional Tier 1 Capital Notes, lead managed by Citibank and J.P. Morgan.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Philip Thomson
Other key lawyers
Luka Lightfoot; Megan Schellinger; Adam Farlow