KST Law / Kinstellar Istanbul has a stellar group specialising in M&A, corporate, and private equity matters. With unique strength in cross-border transactions, the team advises both local and international clients across a diverse range of sectors, including automotive, infrastructure and energy. The practice is co-led by Edmund Emre Özer, whose practice spans cross-border M&A, joint ventures, capital markets transactions, and corporate finance issues in multiple sectors, and Mert Elçin, who focuses on M&A, banking and finance transactions, insolvency, and restructuring matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Edmund Emre Özer is one of the very few dual-qualified M&A lawyers in Turkey. He is thorough, commercial, and always a pleasure to deal with.'
- 'Kinstellar’s Commercial, Corporate, and M&A practice in Turkey stands out for its ability to combine international standards with deep local expertise. The team is pragmatic, commercially astute, and highly responsive, giving us confidence when navigating complex cross-border transactions. Compared with other firms in the market, they are particularly strong at bridging cultural and regulatory nuances while ensuring smooth execution of deals.'
- 'Their advice is clear and solutions-focused, even under tight timelines, and the team remains approachable and collaborative throughout. Project management is excellent, with appropriate resourcing, consistent communication, and proactive updates. We also value their transparency on billing and efficiency in delivery, which makes them a trusted transactional partner.'
- 'The individuals we worked with demonstrated a rare combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and genuine commitment to client service. Partners were accessible, highly engaged, and able to provide strategic insights beyond the legal mechanics of the transaction.'
- 'Associates were detail-oriented, reliable, and consistently delivered high-quality work. In particular, Helin Akbulut stood out for her responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to keep complex matters moving smoothly under tight deadlines. What truly sets the Kinstellar team apart is their ability to anticipate challenges and provide practical solutions before issues arise.'
- 'As a team, they demonstrate high professional and legal advisory standards, with a project approach that is constructive, solution-oriented, transparent, and strongly collaborative.'
- 'Partners are always actively involved in transactions, and the team effectively leverages its international network to address complex inquiries.'
- 'The Kinstellar Turkey team is very well suited for international clients, as well as Turkish clients involved in international transactions.'
Key clients
- Allison Transmission Holdings Inc
- Balderton Capital
- BYD
- Delta Star Enerji ve Madencilik
- Eleven Fund III Cooperatief U.A
- Felix Capital
- Grupo Antolin
- Honweywell
- Limak
- Met-Gün Group
- Opontia Pte. Ltd
- Partners for Growth VI, LP
- Quexco Inc.
- RMA Group
- Yokohama
Work highlights
Advised Quexco Inc. on its strategic entry into the Turkish market through the acquisition of Mutlu Akü, Turkey’s largest automotive battery manufacturer.
Advised Honeywell on the transfer of its Turkish assets related to its safety materials business to an SPV, which was subsequently sold to Protective Industrial Products, Inc.
Advised Allison Transmission Holdings Inc on the Turkish law aspects of its approximately US$2.7b acquisition of Dana Incorporated’s Off-Highway business.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Edmund Emre Özer; Mert Elçin
Other key lawyers
Yağmur İpek Özen; Eren Ertem; Sıla Şaylı; Helin Akbulut