Nigeria: Mergers & Acquisitions
With the conclusion of the national elections earlier in the year, many domestic and foreign companies are eyeing Nigeria with increased confidence in the country’s political and economic stability. No group of lawyers will feel the effects of this commercial optimism more keenly than the 18 names we recognise in this chapter, whose expertise in M&A transactions marks them out as “national leaders”.
Aluko & Oyebode sees four of its lawyers earn listings in this section. The “outstanding” Gbenga Oyebode MFR is the firm’s managing partner and leads the corporate team, having handled transactions for major players in a number of sectors, including oil and gas, aviation, telecoms and project finance. Kofo Dosekun’s financial services expertise is “second to none” according to sources who praised her work in local and foreign currency transactions. Oghogho Makinde has handled numerous major project financing and acquisition transactions in the natural resources, shipping and automotive sectors, and counts General Motors and First Bank of Nigeria among her clients. The “very well respected” Olubunmi Fayokun completes the firm’s strong showing in this chapter and earns recognition for her work on behalf of such clients as Johnson & Johnson, Korea National Oil Corporation and CFAO Nigeria.
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie also fields four professionals here. Founding partner Udoma Udo Udoma is internationally recognised for his “sterling” work in this area. Dan Agbor was described as “world class” by peers who admire his natural resources, tax and fund transactions. Co-head of the firm’s asset management and collective investment practice Yinka Edu is noted for her work in banking, finance and capital markets transactions and Jumoke Lambo is a “go-to individual” for M&A in the telecoms sector.
Olaniwun Ajayi sees two of its partners earn prominent listings in this section. Managing partner Konyinsola Ajayi SAN is known throughout Africa as a specialist in complex commercial deals with “outstanding” banking and finance transactional expertise. Tominiyi Owolabi is the partner in charge of the firm’s specialised transactions practice and is a “hugely respected” name in the field.
Two names also feature from Banwo & Ighodalo. Asue Ighodalo is “a true innovator” according to sources around the world who describe his capital markets and international finance related transactions work as “cutting edge”. Femi Olubanwo’s practice encompasses transactional work in the mining, IP and financial services sectors and his peers call him a “first class” figure in the national bar.
Adepetun Caxton-Martins Agbor & Segun fields “brilliant” name partner Afolabi Caxton-Martins who has handled deals for numerous multinationals and well as acting as a commercial services consultant to several foreign embassies in Nigeria engaged in trade and investment proceedings.
Oladipo Odujinrin MFR of Odujinrin & Adefulu has over 37 years of experience in handling financial services, trade and energy related transactions, and he has represented the Calabar and Ogun state governments as well as the federal government in recent matters.
A “very well regarded” practitioner in this area, Norma Jackson-Steele has handled transactions for a number of leading banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, and she represents Jackson Etti & Edu, where she acts as senior partner.
Adedolapo Akinrele SAN is the managing partner of F O Akinrele & Co and is a “great” name in natural resources and shipping transactions.
AELEX’s Theophilus Emuwa is “well known” for his corporate expertise, encompassing everything from preliminary due diligence to transactional and governance issues, as well as his “impressive” tax and IP work.
At Templars, the “superb” Olumide Akpata is head of the corporate and commercial practice group and advises local and international clients in joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and takeovers.