Paksoy

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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.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Ömer Çollak
Ömer Çollak is the partner heading the capital markets practice of the firm with a specific focus on equity, debt and equity-linked transactions representing the underwriters and issuers in initial public offerings, Eurobond offerings, Islamic finance transactions, and private placements. He also acts in regulatory capital issuances under Basel III, and represents clients in structured finance transactions, including but not limited to securitisations. Ömer further has significant experience in listed company mergers and acquisitions in addition to various high-ticket cross border mergers and acquisitions in varying sectors, including financial institutions and retail, acting for private equity firms and strategic investors.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Beril Paksoy
Merve Kurdak
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Sera Somay
Sera Somay is the partner heading the banking and finance practice of the firm with a specific focus on Islamic finance transactions. Sera works on syndicated and club loans for financial institutions and corporates, acquisition financing, secured financing and other structured financings. Sera advised on the first international Sukuk issuance by the Republic of Turkey and the first Sukuk issuance by a Turkish Islamic bank. She also works on murabaha syndications of Turkish participation banks as well as their annual sukuk issuances. Sera also advises on regulatory M&As across a variety of sectors with a focus on Banking M&As.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ömer Çollak, Sera Somay

Other key lawyers

Ökkeş Şahan, Beril Paksoy, Merve Kurdak