Editorial – Chamber & Partners
The firm has once again been identified as a top law firm in Nigeria in the Banking & Finance, Energy & Natural Resources and Corporate/Commercial areas of the practice The is a result of the world class service rendered to clients at Aluko & Oyebode. See below the editorial excerpts from Chambers & Partners website.
“THE FIRM This large team is active in the telecoms, IP and real estate sectors, offering a broad range of expertise in corporate affairs and transactions. M&A work remains a significant mainstay of the practice, which advised Sanlam Developing Markets on its purchase of a 35% interest in FBN Life Assurance, as well as acting as Nigerian counsel to Wal-Mart in its acquisition of South African retailer Massmart. Litigation clients include BAT, and the firm is also engaged in numerous arbitrations.
Sources say: “A top firm – highly respected, and offers very polished service.” “This firm is still the Rolls-Royce as far as we’re concerned.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Gbenga Oyebode is widely regarded as a top commercial lawyer, with prodigious experience and market knowledge. Clients value Olubunmi Fayokun‘s expertise, describing her as a “good negotiator,” who is “responsive, and offers well-structured opinions.” In the dispute resolution team, the “thorough, clear understanding” of Babatunde Fagbohunlu draws high praise: “He is establishing a reputation as one of the best commercial litigators in Nigeria.” Adeniyi Adegbonmire handles a broad range of corporate and financial litigation and also advises on property transactions.”
“THE FIRM This large firm continues to operate at the forefront of the financial market. The team receives widespread praise for all aspects of its banking practice, including commercial lending, acquisition finance and capital markets. Its workload also encompasses some of the largest financings in sectors such as telecoms, projects and energy, and highlights feature a NGN318 billion raising by MTN Nigeria Communications that involved a variety of substantial loan facilities.
Sources say: “They are highly reputed internationally – I strongly recommend them.” “They show very good tenacity in working towards their clients’ interests.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are extremely impressed with Kofo Dosekun, who is retained by an array of high-profile banks: “She’s fantastic – really responsive and on top of things.” Managing partner Gbenga Oyebode is “a big name” in the field, described as “extremely commercial and big picture in his thinking.” Oghogho Makinde‘s workload included advising on the USD143 million financing of a sugar refinery project.”
“THE FIRM This leading firm has a strong presence in the energy sector, and advises several major oil and gas companies. Sources commend the team for the smooth co-ordination of project financing matters, and related highlights include a USD70 million facility provided to AccuGas for a gas pipeline and processing facility. Other high-profile clients include ExxonMobil and Korea National Oil.
Sources say: “They’re very knowledgeable, and can problem-solve as well as just identifying issues.” “It’s quite seamless.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS Gbenga Oyebode is valued for his depth of knowledge, and the extensive experience he brings to financing deals. Olubunmi Fayokun handles both energy and mining matters, and oil and gas work features advising Korea National Oil on its local oil exploration. Oghogho Makinde is ranked for the first time this year for her thorough approach and stalwart contribution to the team.”
Source: Chamber & Partners
