Demonstrating ‘a strong understanding of both legal and commercial issues’, Akol Law remains a very popular choice among domestic and international companies, and is singled out for providing ‘innovative solutions tailored to complex business needs’. Much of the M&A work handled by the team has a cross-jurisdictional component, and is active in both inbound and outbound investments. Founding partner Meltem Akol, who has deep traction among the local business ecosystem, ‘casts an especially unique profile among corporate lawyers in Turkey’ and is regularly at the forefront of the highest-profile M&A deals in the market for both strategic and financial investors. Praised for her ability to add a ‘high level of insight and commercial awareness’ to deals, particularly in the fintech space, Tuğçe Tatari co-heads the team alongside Akol which also includes Başak Belet.

Resourcing deals utilising a balanced mix of partners and some ‘very capable associates’, as well as being able to collaborate with the other key practice groups, including competition law, Balcioglu Selçuk Eymirlioglu Ardiyok Keki Attorney Partnership has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous range and volume of M&A work for buyers and sellers across a myriad sectors. The firm’s alliance with international behemoth Dentons also ensures that clients benefit from a truly one-stop-shop service on multi-jurisdictional mandates. Selim Keki excels in handling cross-border transactions, including those involving a nexus to German-speaking countries, and is particularly adept at handling deals in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors. As well as handling private equity-led M&A matters, the team, which is led by the vastly experienced Galip Selçuk, has developed market-leading expertise in relation to venture-backed mandates. Okan Arıcan acts for start-ups (including gaming companies) and investors throughout the investment lifecycle. Doğan Eymirlioğlu , who heads up the French desk, is also a key member of the team on the transactional and corporate governance front.

Esin Attorney Partnership, Member Firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein is particularly adept at providing ‘strong legal and commercial guidance’ on cross-border M&A mandates where it benefits from ‘outstanding coverage across jurisdictions’. This manifests itself both in public and private equity-led transactions, with the team benefiting from particular strengths in the the gaming, TMT, food and beverage and manufacturing sectors. The tone is set from the top, with team head Eren Kurşun deploying ‘outstanding legal analysis and a hands-on approach’ on many high-profile deals, including his work for Tofaş Türk Otomobil Fabrikası on its acquisition of Stellantis Otomotiv Pazarlama. Ali Selim Demirel, who worked on this deal alongside Kursun, also has ‘a proven track record in M&A law’, providing an additional level of expertise in risk management and post M&A disputes. Of the more junior practitioners, the ‘outstanding’ Orçun Solak excels at handling transactions in the gaming, e-commerce and media sectors, and Mehmetcan Atasoy handles sales and acquisitions, including share transfers and subscriptions, asset transfers, JVs and public equity offerings.

Combining a ‘thorough understanding of the local market dynamics with global standards’ and also able to leverage the broader resources of the association with White & Case, GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case) is a preferred choice for clients ‘seeking sophisticated legal counsel’ on complex and high-profile domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. The team is particularly skilled at handling work within highly regulated sectors including energy and financial services, recently advising TotalEnergies Renewables on its $160m acquisition of a 50% stake in Rönesans Enerji Üretim ve Ticaret. Appreciated for his ‘calm and practical approach’, team head Emre Özşar advises core client Zurich Insurance on its Turkish-based transactional activity and on commercial and contractual matters. The ‘very skilled’ Can Tolga Tezel also has ‘significant experience and know-how’ in the corporate/M&A field and is appreciated for his ‘calmness and hands-on approach’. Dual-qualified in Turkey and the UK, Gökçen Durgut continues to advise on matters governed by English law.

The ‘very versatile’ team at Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership provides ‘innovative solutions’ to clients (including via a retainer service) from a varied array of sectors on M&A transactions and ongoing operational concerns. The very well-connected and experienced Ümit Hergüner heads up the overarching transactional team which houses the corporate offering and as well as regularly advising on energy M&A, is also noted for his prowess at advising on corporate governance matters. Managing partner Kayra Üçer has a focus on cross-border mandates and excels at advising foreign clients entering or exiting the Turkish market. Other key individuals include M. Mert Oğuzülgen , who is adept at handling conventional M&A and private equity/VC-led matters, including within highly regulated sectors; Deniz Tuncel, who is particularly skilled at advising on energy-related M&A; and the ‘very hardworking and responsive’ Zeynep Tor who has developed a particular niche advising on real estate and hospitality-related M&A.

The ‘very diligent and commercially-minded’ team at Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli acts for clients in highly regulated sectors across a range of transactional work, where clients benefit from the firm’s ‘second to none’ knowledge of the M&A process. As well as regularly handling work on behalf of high-profile blue-chip corporates on their inbound transactional activity, the firm has gained a market-leading reputation advising on funds-related M&A matters. Here, under the guidance of Umut Kolcuoğlu, the practice regularly advises core client Turkven Private Equity on its downstream investment activity, as well as handling a considerable amount of work for Middle Eastern investors, including UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala. ‘Organized, detail-oriented and informative’, Gökçe İldiri Coşgüner is increasingly key to the firm’s success on the private equity front, and alongside the ‘exceptional’ Bihter Bozbay Inan, who also has niche expertise at handling bank M&A, is recognised as a rising force in the team. Serhan Koçaklı  co-heads the team with Kolcuoğlu and as part of his advisory offering, has a focus on establishing/improving corporate governance structure for family-owned businesses.

Leveraging strong relationships with a myriad international law firms, as well as many direct ties with domestic and international corporates and private equity firms, Paksoy remains very prominent on both the buy and sell-side across a range of big-ticket domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. While it is sector agnostic, the team has been very active of late, handling deals within the financial services sector (including fintech and payments), with Stéphanie Beghe Sonmez and Nazlı Bezirci both advising on prominent and complex acquisitions in this space. Elvan Aziz, who heads up the overarching corporate practice, also excels in handling large-scale M&A transactions for strategic and financial investors, as well as advising across a range of day-to-day operational concerns for companies established in the country, including on corporate governance matters. Other key practitioners include M. Togan Turan for merger control issues; Nihan Bacanak, who excels at handling cross-border M&A, including within the retail and healthcare sectors; and Ayşe Demirel Atakan, who joined from Verdi Avukatlik Ortakligi in September 2024, further boosting the firm’s credentials on the private equity front.

The ‘thorough and diligent’ team at longstanding independent full-service firm Çakmak Attorney Partnership provides ‘solid and reliable’ advice to international and domestic corporates, often acting in a trusted adviser role, across the full panoply of their transactional and operational needs. Although it is well-versed at handling mandates across a myriad industries, it has over the years gained particular acclaim for its work in the energy/infrastructure space. Team head Gülsen Engin provides ‘high quality and sharp’ advice on domestic and cross-border M&A matters’, and excels at advising on corporate governance issues.

The ‘highly responsive’ team at CE Partners in association with Clifford Chance acts for strategic and financial investors on M&A across a wide range of industry sectors, including financial services and energy. ‘One of the most experienced and insightful M&A counsels in the market’, Itır Sevim-Çiftçi excels at handling big-ticket cross-border transactions where she is bridging ‘the gap between local law and business culture with standard western legal criteria’. Deniz Göcük co-heads the team alongside Çiftçi and is particularly adept at advising private equity funds on their Turkish-based investment activity. Senior associate Deniz Yetkin is recommended for private equity transactions and the structuring of JV agreements.

Combining ‘a unique blend of technical precision and personalized service’, Gen Temizer Erdogan Girgin Attorney Partnership regularly takes the role as trusted adviser to domestic and international corporates/funds on their Turkey-related transactional work, where as well as having core M&A strength, is also able to handle ancillary matters including competition and data privacy. A ‘cornerstone of the Turkish M&A world’, Baran Gen is able to draw from her deep well of institutional expertise to provide bespoke solutions to clients across a myriad of transactional mandates encountered by both strategic and financial investors. The ‘reliable, hardworking and responsive’ Ebru Temizer also has a diverse M&A offering which frequently sees her involved in cross-border transactions involving tech, IT and energy companies. Dila Topuz is a ‘smart deal lawyer’, both on M&A and equity capital markets matters, while Irmak Seymen Varat is pivotal to the firm’s highly successful corporate retainer service taken up by many international companies seeking advice on their ongoing business operations in Turkey.

Combining ‘legal expertise with commercial insight’, Moral | Kınıkoğlu | Pamukkale Attorney Partnership  ‘excels at providing tailored strategic solutions’ to domestic and international clients across a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial work. On the transactional front, the team led by Vefa Reşat Moral advises strategic and financial investors on the buy and sell-side, with the team also called upon by referring law firms to advise on the relevant Turkish law aspects of multi-jurisdictional matters. Serra Haviyo is also a key practitioner for M&A work, including for private equity firms, as is ‘very skilled and experienced corporate lawyer’ Dilara Kaymaz. The team also regularly handles corporate advisory matters through its well-received retainer offering.

Drawing upon strong ties with funds and corporates, Moroglu Arseven regularly acts on both the buy and sell-side on transactions across a diverse range of settings, encompassing minority and majority acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures, brownfield investments, greenfield investments, as well as mergers and demergers. The team’s holistic approach to work in the space, which includes corporate governance, commercial contracts and litigation prowess, ensures that clients receive a one-stop-shop service and is perhaps best exemplified by the work of name partners Seyfi Moroğlu and Benan Arseven, with both working across a myriad highly regulated industry sectors. The team is also keenly attuned to the needs of start-ups, with Burcu Tuzcu Ersin regularly acting on the company and investor side on venture capital transactions, including within the fintech space. Hazal Baydar handles venture capital work, M&A and corporate transactions.

Able to tap into vast institutional knowledge gleaned from many years’ activity in the market, TURUNÇ  assists corporates and funds with both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. Founding partner Noyan Turunç has vast experience in both private practice and in his previous in-house positions, ensuring that he has an in-depth understanding of the commercial drivers of deals, including within the tech sector, a particularly fertile source of work for the team. Kerem Turunç co-heads the team alongside Noyan and also excels at advising on tech-driven M&A mandates, including for leading funds. Esin Çamlıbel combines a ‘strong academic background with real-world experience’ to good effect ensuring that she is able to provide ‘solid and actionable advice’ on complex corporate and commercial matters, including for large multinational clients under a retainer arrangement. Naz Esen excels at advising on corporate governance matters.

Exhibiting a ‘combination of commercial acumen and legal precision’, Bezen & Partners delivers ‘value-driven solutions’ to domestic and international companies on work spanning the life-cycle of their operational needs, from company formation, through to advice on ongoing regulatory and commercial needs, as well as on transactional matters. ‘Highly accessible’ Eren Soydan has a ‘deep understanding of M&A intricacies’ and is a key member of the team that is headed by Serdar Bezen and Murat Soylu.

With a ‘strong emphasis on client collaboration’, Çigdemtekin Aranci Günes has, in the decade since it formed, been able to develop strong and long-lasting ties with a number of large domestic and multinational entities which it assists with both transactional and day-to-day corporate advice. Under the leadership of Gamze Cigdemtekin, the firm has successfully integrated capital markets expertise into the team to mirror the increased number of clients seeking equity financing to raise capital and the subsequent increase in public M&A (and the associated regulatory expertise such deals require). Other key members of the team include Tuna Cakırca Engur, who displays a ‘hands-on approach’ to clients in the payments and fintech space, and Ayça Arancı who has a focus on work in the energy sector and software development.

Since the firm was established in 2010, the team at Gökçe has a notable focus on domestic venture capital work. Consequently, it has a “first-mover” advantage in the now thriving ecosystem, with a company-side client base that is appreciative of its knowledge of the tech sector and ability to guide it throughout its growth process from seed investment through to late-stage and exit strategies. Managing partner Görkem Gökçe co-heads the team alongside Ada Çataklar, who joined in June 2024.

Newly rebranded as KST Law / Kinstellar Istanbul following internal restructuring, Kinstellar’s Turkish affiliate office maintains a strong offering in the market, particularly in the context of large-scale cross-border M&A mandates where the firm is singled out for its ‘brilliant mix of local and international experience’.  This is best exemplified by English-law-qualified Edmund Emre Özer who acts for strategic and financial investors on M&A across a variety of sectors. Ozer co-heads the team alongside Mert Elçin, who is ‘exceptionally smart, technically strong and eminently pragmatic’. The team was also boosted in December 2024 by the arrival of Yağmur İpek Özen from Gen Temizer Erdogan Girgin Attorney Partnership.

The ‘highly capable and dedicated team’ at Pelister Keki Sarac & Co is frequently instructed by corporates on both inbound and outbound transactions. An ‘efficient and experienced dealmaker’, Kerim Pelister is well-versed across a range of sectors, including in fast-growth industries where he handles work on both the investee and investor side. In addition, leveraging his broader restructuring skills, Pelister is also skilled at handling distressed M&A, including for funds clients and on the sell-side in relation to NPL disposals. Emre Keki is appreciated for his ability to ‘propose pragmatic solutions’, including on matters with a nexus to Germany, and handling ESG-related compliance matters. Pelister and Keki co-head the team alongside Nazli Macun, whose versatile offering includes transactional, corporate advisory and disputes mandates.

Recently established as one of the splinter firms from the now defunct Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office, the ‘very experienced and talented’ team at Atayilmaz Enkür Çetinkaya Öner (AECO) Law Office has quickly made in-roads into the market providing ‘tailored and innovative solutions’ to corporates in highly regulated industries, in particular. Much of the work is transactional, with ‘very accomplished’ team head Gokhan Enkur frequently teaming up with Yafes Öner  – who joined the firm in March 2024 from Çakmak Attorney Partnership – on inbound M&A transactions for foreign investors.

The team at Bener Law Office provides ‘very commercially focused’ advice to domestic and multinational businesses from myriad sectors, including life sciences, financial services, tech and energy, on a range of day-to-day and transactional matters. Eren Üçok who divides her time between the firm’s Istanbul and Amsterdam offices, provides ‘business-oriented and accurate guidance’ on both M&A transactions and general corporate advisory work, including on behalf of Turkish companies establishing and expanding their operations in the Netherlands. Bahar Ülgen Hasşerbetçi is also pivotal to the firm’s M&A expertise and Pelin Tırtıl Esin is the main contact for commercial contract drafting and regulatory matters.

Boden Law‘s primary corporate and M&A focus remains on work within the energy sector. Here, under the guidance of founding partner Değer Boden, the firm draws upon deep sectoral knowledge ensuring it is frequently instructed on transactional, as well as contractual and regulatory work. Boden co-heads the team alongside İnanç Akalın.

Under the guidance of Efra Aydın Can,  Egemenoglu has gained increased traction in recent years among clients, including those in the manufacturing sector, across domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. Can has both a ‘deep understanding of Turkish law paired with a global perspective’, which has been appreciated by clients, particularly on matters involving multi-jurisdictional considerations. This growing and thriving aspect of the practice complements a traditionally strong corporate consultancy offering, led by Günsel Dede and Egemen Egemenoğlu, and handles a range of corporate governance and commercial contracts work for clients under a retainer system.

Singled out for its proactivity ‘in finding creative solutions to legal challenges’, ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law has a strong following among large multinational corporates with Turkish operations, handling a range of day-to-day corporate/commercial issues relating to business operations in the country. Co-heads Nazlı Nil Yukaruç and Gönenç Gürkaynak take the lead on this work and are noted for their corporate compliance expertise, while also handling some transactional matters, including joint venture structuring and M&A transactions.

Erdem & Erdem Law Office acts for clients across a range of corporate and commercial work, and the scope of work traverses the full corporate life-cycle, from establishment, operational needs and M&A work, through to company dissolution. Tuna Colgar ‘stands out for his strategic thinking’ on both inbound and outbound transactions, and has notable experience handling matters with a nexus to the Gulf region. The team is co-headed by Ercüment Erdem and Ozgur Kocabasoglu, with the latter having a core focus on China-related matters.

Galvanised by the arrival of the ‘impressive’ Caner Elmas from Esin Attorney Partnership, Member Firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein in February 2024, Gedik & Eraksoy is increasingly well-positioned to advise on inbound and outbound corporate transactions due to Elmas’ cross-border expertise and the ability to leverage the firm’s existing alliance with A&O Shearman. Elmas, who ‘stands out for his deep understanding of the nuances of M&A transactions’, is able to provide ‘strategic and commercial’ advice on the buy and sell-side on private equity and strategic M&A.

Demonstrating an innovative approach to work in the sector, most visibly seen through its embracing of legal technology, including a very well-received AI-based software tool, Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership provides a ‘forward-thinking’ and cost-effective service to clients across the gamut of their corporate and commercial needs. Displaying a ‘remarkable blend of strategic thinking, legal acumen, and client-focused communication’, Mutlu Ozturk Yurdakul is a key member of the team, particularly in the context of international business transactions and the drafting of international commercial contracts. Other key members of the leadership team include Hasan Akicioglu, who is adept at handling regulatory and corporate matters in the media and telecoms space; Başak Goksu Sari, who impresses clients with her ‘meticulous attention to detail and her strong work ethic’; Emre Ulcayli, whose transactional experience includes share purchase and asset transfer agreements; and Ecem Evin Baytun.

The team at GSG Attorneys at Law/GSG Hukuk is particularly adept at advising international companies on the establishment of offices in Turkey and subsequent expansion and ongoing corporate/regulatory compliance advice. The team also handles transactional work, with Ecesu Pınarcı regularly handling mergers and spin-offs, and share and asset deals. Clients also benefit from the firm’s alliance with the the PwC global network, which provides added value in relation to tax, consulting and risk management-related matters associated with transactions.

The team at Gün + Partners provides ‘pragmatic and commercial’ advice to domestic and international corporates across a range of transactional work, including on M&A deals and restructurings, as well as day-to-day corporate advisory and commercial contracts advice. The team is particularly skilled at handling matters within highly regulated sectors, with Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumus adept at advising on pharmaceutical-related mandates. Görkem Bilgin co-heads the team alongside Okumus.

Combining local know-how with international expertise, the ‘highly motivated’ team at Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak in partnership with Gide Loyrette Nouel is well-positioned to advise on cross-border M&A work for clients from a wide range of sectors, including financial services, energy and industrial. The majority of this work is for international investors, including French, Italian and German corporates on their inbound activity, where clients also benefit from a value-added offering on the tax and competition law front. Bülent Özdirekcan, who is ‘very competent and experienced’ co-heads the team alongside Arpat Şenocak.

Although it has better established banking and finance credentials, ÖzmenYalçin has also quickly gained traction in the M&A market since it was established in April 2022 as a spin-off from Akol Law. In this context, the firm is acting for  strategic and financial investors on both domestic and cross-border mandates and has effectively leveraged the firm’s strong capital markets prowess to good effect, including on the pre-IPO investment/corporate restructuring process and in relation to work for publicly-held companies on their listing compliance obligations. Ömer Gökhan Özmen is praised for his ‘exceptional commercial understanding’ and co-heads the team alongside Damla Keskin Şerbetcioğlu.

Combining ‘legal acumen with strategic business thinking’, Pekin Bayar Mizrahi provides ‘very efficient and professional legal services’ to domestic and international clients on corporate compliance matters, as well as M&A transactions on both the buy and sell-side. Recognised as a ‘skilled negotiator who balances the interests of buyers and sellers’, the arrival of Sertaç Kökenek from Moral | Kınıkoğlu | Pamukkale Attorney Partnership enhances the firm’s M&A capabilities for both strategic and financial investors. Kökenek co-heads the team with Ferhat Pekin and Selin Bayar.

YBK Law Firm in Cooperation with CMS is a popular choice among domestic and international public and private companies from a range of sectors, including financial services, industrial, manufacturing and energy. Managing partner Döne Yalcin is key name to note, regularly working alongside other key firmwide offices throughout the CEE region on cross-border matters. The team also has retainer arrangements with a myriad of longstanding clients, with work including advice on their ongoing operations in the country including on corporate governance matters and regulatory guidance.

Drawing upon an impressive ‘depth of knowledge and experience across a wide range of industries and corporate matters’, Abcoo Law Firm is well-placed to act for local and international clients on the drafting of commercial agreements, M&A transactions and restructurings. Can Oğuzer is appreciated for his ‘unprecedented sound judgement’ which enables him to handle transactional work as well as in the context of ensuing corporate/shareholder disputes. Oğuzer co-heads the team alongside Murat Aygun, who is recommended for M&A and project finance transactions, and Berk Batur focuses on M&A and real estate mandates.

Combining ‘a deep understanding of the law with a practical, business-oriented approach’, Aksan Law Firm is able to provide ‘solutions and results-oriented advice’ to domestic and international clients, from a range of sectors including technology, across a plethora of domestic and cross-border corporate advisory and transactional matters. Team head Onur Ergün is recommended for M&A matters, including on necessary competition clearance, and also regularly advises venture capital funds on investments in start-ups.

Providing ‘strategic advice that is both innovative and commercially focused’, ASC Law Office excels in advising clients seeking standalone advice on intricate regulatory compliance, and corporate governance issues, in addition to complex M&A transactions. The ‘responsive’ Can Payal is appreciated for his ‘smart and actionable insights’ which he imparts to good effect across a range of corporate (including M&A) and capital markets matters. Payal co-heads the team alongside Okan Beygo and Ela Sarı.

Best-known for its work for tech-focused domestic start-ups, as well as being increasingly well-positioned to advise on cross-border M&A deals by virtue of the close collaboration the firm has entered into with Eversheds Sutherland, Aykan & Co Law Firm continues to grow its presence in the market since it was founded in 2018. Experienced founding partner Ömer Yiğit Aykan ‘has a great understanding of transaction dynamics and gives commercial and practical advice’.

Leveraging the firm’s overarching technology industry knowledge, the team at BTS & Partners provides ‘practical and precise’ advice to clients on both transactional and commercial/regulatory issues. In the venture capital space, the team acts for both investees and investors, with Selin Beceni handling work for Koc Ventures on its investment activity. Zeynep Ünlü co-heads the team alongside Beceni.

Led by Levent Çelepçi, Çelepçi in cooperation with Schoenherr is well-versed at advising clients from a range of industries, including manufacturing, life sciences and energy sectors, on corporate compliance and commercial contract drafting related to their Turkish business operations. It also handles transactional work with a nexus to CEE, where the firm can effectively leverage its alliance with Schoenherr.

Combining ‘strong legal acumen, client-centric service, and innovation’, Kabine Law ‘delivers tailored and business-focused advice’ to domestic and international corporates, often in highly regulated sectors, navigating the Turkish business/legal landscape. The scope of this advice includes transactional work, including M&A/restructurings, as well as contractual drafting and corporate governance guidance. Mehmet Karlı has an ‘in-depth knowledge of international commercial law’, as does ‘very knowledgeable’ dual US and Turkish law-qualified co-head Tuvan Yalım, with both also very well-versed in handling corporate disputes.

KILINÇ LAW & CONSULTING provides ‘creative solutions’ to clients across a  range of matters, from day-to-day corporate/commercial assistance through to advice on complex joint ventures and M&A transactions. Much of the work has a cross-border complexion, with Levent Lezgin Kılınç  particularly skilled at advising foreign investors, including those from the Gulf region, on their inbound transactions. Seray Özsoy Yavuz co-heads the team alongside Kılınç and is noted for her buy and sell-side M&A expertise for corporates and funds.

Drawing upon an ‘excellent knowledge of Turkish law’ allied with international sensibilities, NAZALI Attorney Partnership is able to provide ‘practical solutions’ to domestic and international clients across a range of transactional and day-to-day corporate housekeeping. Team head Ayşe Ülkü Solak is skilled in both areas, including handling work for venture capital funds investing in start-ups.

Able to ‘combine in-depth legal expertise with a proactive, business-oriented mindset’, NSN Law Firm provides ‘bespoke, innovative, and client-centred’ advice to corporates from a wide range of industry sectors across a broad swathe of corporate and commercial matters. Although it does handle some transactional work, the team has undoubtedly gained most acclaim for its skill at helping clients on their day-to-day corporate activity, including advice on commercial contracts, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Bi̇lge Deri̇nbay is key to this work, where she is appreciated for having an ‘in-depth understanding of corporate and commercial law with a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcomes for her clients’. Derinbay co-heads the team alongside Nazlı Selek.

Although it does handle some M&A work, the ‘commercial and responsive’ team at Pekin & Pekin is most active advising international corporates on day-to-day corporate and commercial matters associated with their business activity in the country. The scope of this work is wide-ranging and covers contract reviews, advice on shareholders’ agreements, board resolutions and general corporate governance advice. Firat Yalçin heads the team.

The small but agile team at Penezoglu Law Firm provides a one-stop-shop service to domestic and international clients on both the legal and tax considerations of structuring M&A transactions. Appreciated for her ‘deep know-how’ and ability to ‘forsee future risks’, Ozlem Bulut Penezoglu handles the corporate law side of the work, while co-founding partner Yusuf Gokhan Penezoglu provides the tax structuring input.

The ‘very responsive’ team at Sengüler & Partners provides ‘commercially sensible and sound legal advice’ to domestic and international corporates across a range of day-to-day corporate/commercial and transactional matters. Energy-related mandates remain a core area of focus, however, the scope of the work increasingly traverses other industry sectors including healthcare, IT, and technology. Team head Nihan Yigit has a ‘commitment to delivering tailored solutions’, including for publicly-held companies – where she is able to parlay her capital markets strength. Leveraging dual English and Turkish language skills, senior partner Jonathan Blythe is also key to the firm’s success and ‘mixes commercial common sense with a fine eye for detail’.

Formed in 2021 as a spin-off from Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership, boutique firm SSI Law Firm has a core focus on corporate and commercial work and has already gained a strong reputation in the market for its ‘business-oriented approach’ and ability to provide ‘personalised and tailor-made solutions’. Praised for her ‘great strategic mindset’ and ‘go-getter attitude’, team head Çiğdem Bal Ilgın is key to the firm’s success, overseeing all the major M&A projects at the firm, including within the gaming and energy sectors, two niche areas of strength. The ‘brilliant’ Taceddin Kulekci has  ‘outstanding contract drafting skills’, which he implements to good effect, including with regard to commercial contracts within the aviation sector.

The ‘young and motivated’ team at Vardar Şanlı, which was founded in 2019, has quickly earned a reputation among clients for its ability to provide ‘strategic and solutions-oriented advice’ to corporates, high-net-worth individuals and funds across a range of corporate matters. ‘Smart and pragmatic’ team head Çağdaş Umut Vardar is pivotal to the firm’s success on the M&A front, in particular, where he is noted for his ability to communicate  ‘complex legal issues in a clear manner’. İsmail Mert Şanlı  is the co-founder along with Vardar and excels at handling energy-related corporate matters.

Since its establishment in 2016, Vircon Legal Consultancy has focused on work for start-ups in the burgeoning start-up ecosystem. As a result of the firm’s involvement as somewhat of a “first-mover” in the now flourishing sector, the firm has gained excellent connections and knowledge as to the needs of start-ups throughout their growth strategies, incorporating some pertinent legal/business strategies from more mature venture capital markets, including the US. Key to the firm’s success in the sector is team head Erdem Hacıpaşaoğlu who has ‘impressive legal expertise and deep understanding of the start-up ecosystem and founders’ perspectives’. He is one of many in the team, which also includes the ‘meticulous and detail-oriented’ Kubilay Doruk Cetin and Elif Eyilmaz, who are also skilled at handling cross-border mandates, most specifically in relation to “flipping” a Turkish company to the US.

A longstanding presence in the Turkish market and with offices in Istanbul and Ankara, the ‘professional, knowledgeable and attentive’ team at Yazici Attorney Partnership has gained a particularly strong reputation for handling energy projects, chiefly as a result of founding partner Murat Yazici‘s pre-eminence in the oil and gas sector. Turkish and New York-law qualified partner Ayşe Yazici Adanir has strong international sensibilities and provides  ‘analytical and sharp advice’ to clients on M&A and general corporate advisory matters.

With a 'solid understanding on local laws', Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership is particularly skilled at advising international companies on day-to-day corporate and commercial matters associated with their operations in Turkey. Team head Erman Öncel is key to the firm's success on behalf of clients from a varied array of sectors, including pharmaceuticals and telecoms.