As part of Africa Legal Network, Anjarwalla & Khanna‘s large corporate and M&A practice is a first port of call for an array of local, pan-African and international investors and multinational corporations. With specialist sub-divisions including in private equity and forensics, as well as risk and compliance, the firm offers clients advice on cross-border transactions, capital markets, joint ventures, and restructuring. The competition team, led by Dominic Rebelo and Anne Kiunuhe, services merger control and restrictive trade practices queries, and Karim Anjarwalla, Roddy McKean, and Rosa Nduati-Mutero are highly recommended for their work on high-profile and cross-border transactions. The tax department, under Daniel Ngumy and with support from Kenneth Njuguna, assists with M&A-related structuring, and the data protection team benefits from the experience and expertise of Wangui Kanairu.

The corporate, commercial and M&A practice at Bowmans is a key industry player, boasting a high-profile client list in the financial services, private equity, agriculture, and food and beverage sectors. Large, cross-border transactions, public acquisitions, joint ventures, as well as due diligence and regulatory support form core pillars of work for the experienced team. M&A specialist Rainbow Field and competition law expert Joyce Karanja spearhead, with managing partner Paras Shah, who is well-versed in private equity and capital markets deals, Richard Harney, who is experienced in financing and structuring, and Philip Coulson, who covers company and commercial law, rounding out the team. Joyce Mbui, Vruti Shah, Kendall Evans,  Wathingira Gituro, and Christina Nduba-Banja assist across the range of corporate and commercial matters.

Leveraging its access to the DLA Piper network, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates boasts a broad client portfolio of household names across financial services, manufacturing, agriculture, nutrition, and FMCG. Delivering results across the whole range of corporate and commercial mandates, from M&A, project finance and private equity, to structuring, compliance and auditing support, the practice is regularly involved in large-scale transactions throughout the region. David Lekerai deftly navigates the spheres of M&A, private equity and corporate advisory, heading a team comprised of managing partner and corporate law authority James Kamau, capital markets and financial regulatory expert Kamami Christine Michira, developing markets specialist Ashley Zefira, and commercial and tax expert William Maema.

Utilising a strong sector-focused approach, CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates has a full-service offering to clients in the energy, aviation, financial services, telecoms, and manufacturing industries, in core corporate competencies including M&A, restructuring, special purpose vehicles, and regulatory and due diligence advice. Oil, energy, and mining specialist Julius Wako heads the team, joined by Shitul Shah, who works on M&A and capital markets, Hanee Khan, who enjoys a niche in aviation, Abdulhafeez Noorani, who is often retained for property and banking transactions, Alex Muchira, who has specialist expertise in foreign direct investments, and Cheryl Mageto, who deals with private equity and corporate compliance. Former practice head Hamish Keith retired in December 2022, but continues with the firm in a consulting capacity. Samson Mac’Oduol departed in December 2022.

Particularly active in the banking, logistics, and tech sectors, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is well-versed in M&A, private equity, competition, and antitrust law, capital markets, and regulatory advice and compliance. Practice head Richard Omwela has a strong track record advising on corporate mergers, while the trio of Andrew Mugambi, Daniel Wanjau Muriu, and Peter Okaalet Jr cover the breadth of M&A transactions, competition, and merger control, as well as private equity matters.

ENSafrica‘s corporate M&A team regularly advises major national and international corporations undertaking significant M&A, public company, cross-border, joint venture and private investment transactions. Mahesh Acharya and Amar Grewal-Thethy jointly lead the team, the former a seasoned expert in tech, insurance and energy sector work, and the latter a reliable resource for listed companies engaged in capital markets, corporate restructuring, and joint ventures. Anthony Gakuru is well-versed in media and telecoms, while Timothy Mutegi, Faith Chebet, Belinda Ongong’a, and Meshack Mboya support across the range of corporate and commercial matters.

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates‘s acts for a high-profile roster of domestic and multinational corporations from sectors including energy, telecoms, media and tech, insurance, banking, FMCG, and aviation, with the team having significant expertise in complex M&A, internal restructuring, and shareholder agreements. Sarah Kiarie-Muia, whose specialism lies in advising development finance institutions, leads the team alongside Joseph Ng’ang’ira, who is an expert in M&A transactions. Capital markets work is the remit of Kenneth Kamaitha, and Mercy Chemutai distinguishes herself in competition law matters.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP is predominantly involved in regulated industries including renewable energy, fintech, healthcare, and environment, assisting with a variety of cross-border corporate and M&A transactions. Practice head Sammy Ndolo specialises in banking, finance, and capital markets work, working alongside private equity and venture capital expert Njeri Wagacha. Martha Mbugua of boutique firm Law3sixty joined the team following a merger in September 2022.

Embedded in the East African corporate and commercial space, KO Associates services a range of listed firms, startups, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and international development institutions, with an emphasis on the tech and infrastructure sectors. Founding partner Crispine Odhiambo heads the team in collaboration with Brian Odongo, together bringing a wealth of experience in transactions and structuring. Ken Rutere supports on matters in the TMT and IP fields.

Financial institutions, insurers, government and state corporations, private equity firms, and international entities alike benefit from the expertise of Mboya Wangong'u & Waiyaki Advocates in corporate and M&A transactions. Managing partner Godwin Wangong’u heads the practice and is broadly specialised in corporate and capital markets transactions. Peter Waiyaki frequently advises on novel M&A deals, while CG Mbugua has a solid track record in projects and finance, and Kimani Njane is valued for his infrastructure sectoral expertise.

As part of the Eversheds Sutherland Africa Alliance, MMAN Advocates leverages its extensive network in advising on M&A and private equity transactions in industries including aviation, tech, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Suzanne Muthaura and managing partner Waringa Njonjo are the duo at the top of the corporate practice, with cultivated experience in M&A, disposals, joint ventures, structuring, corporate governance, and shareholder agreements. Carole Ayugi provides projects and transactions support, and Christopher Kiragu, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, assists with banking and finance, capital markets, and projects matters.

Engaging in the breadth of the corporate and commercial market, MMC ASAFO has also gained traction advising local and state corporations in emerging areas such as ESG compliance, data protection and privacy, and carbon credits. The team is led by managing Esther Njiru-Omulele, who advises entities of all sizes in their formation, structuring and acquisitions, and Isaiah Mungai Kamau, who runs a dedicated practice in banking, finance and fintech.