Banking, finance and capital markets

Paksoy

The team at Paksoy is distinguished by its ‘exceptionally strong eye for detail’, according to sources. Equally adept at handling sophisticated finance transactions and complex regulatory work, the full-service practice also impresses with its longstanding relationships with cross-border lenders – including foreign banks – as well as major corporate borrowers. Sera Somay heads the banking and finance group and specialises in financings, fund-related investments and restructurings. The department additionally fields a dominant capital markets offering, which is steered by go-to specialist Ömer Çollak; he recently advised Ebebek on its headline-grabbing IPO on the Borsa Istanbul. Corporate finance specialist Ökkeş Şahan, recently promoted to partner, is also to note, while Beril Paksoy and ’up-and-coming talent’ Merve Kurdak are highly regarded senior associates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Paksoy is a highly dedicated firm. It has the outstanding ability to understand financial products and structured client needs. The team is well-connected in terms of networks and its clientele brings it diverse cases — hence it has never failed us in terms of extensive knowledge on any legal need.’
‘We value the team for its close client contact, punctual deadline management, and knowledge. Sera Somay is a top-notch partner and never fails.’
‘The team is knowledgeable on local Turkish law, and has vast experience in capital markets transactions. In addition, it is familiar with multilateral development banks, and their requirements, so its proposals take into account that aspect, making the process much smoother and efficient.’
‘Ömer Çollak was always on the ball and his advice was brimming with clarity. He really has an in-depth understanding of the Turkish market, both from a legal and commercial point of view.’
‘All team members have an exceptionally strong eye for detail that has been a benefit to our firm on more than one occasion. They are very focused and reply to questions as quickly as possible with answers and solutions to our problems.’
‘Each team member has a deep knowledge in the area in which they practise. They show the utmost care when reviewing and drafting documents to meet the needs of the client.’
‘Ömer Çollak inspires confidence, is well-grounded and solution-oriented. He understands what we look for and prioritise, and reconciles it with the counterparty's request to find an agreement in tough negotiations. He is always available and reachable.’
‘Senior associate Merve Kudak also deserves praise as an up-and-coming talent in this market. She is helpful, takes initiative and provides excellent support when needed. She is attentive and punctual.’

Key clients

ArcelorMittal
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Citigroup
Ebebek
Eksun
Emirates NBD Bank
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
J.P. Morgan Securities
Kaleseramik
Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO)
Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance
Türkiye Kalkınma ve Yatırım Bankası (TKYB, Turkish Development and Investment Bank)
Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası (TSKB, Industrial and Development Bank of Turkey)
Ülker
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Ziraat Investment Securities

Work highlights

Advised Ebebek on its IPO and listing on the Borsa Istanbul.
Advised IFC, DFC and AIIB on their $300m investment in Akbank’s Tier-2 sustainable and gender-linked bond placement.
Advised Ülker on a $195m sustainability-linked financing package with conventional and Islamic tranches.

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