CCAO oversees transactional and advisory matters for a broad base of domestic and foreign banks and financial institutions. The group also frequently advises corporate lenders, particularly in the energy, infrastructure and real estate spheres. A former in-house lawyer at Yapı Kredi Bank, Onur Taktak leverages over 25 years of experience in the banking and finance field. Other key contacts include up-and-coming specialist Candemir Baltalı; dual-qualified (Turkey and New York) corporate, finance and energy partner Begüm Yörükoğlu; and Halide Çetinkaya, who handles corporate and finance work. Onur Görkem Köksal was recently promoted to senior associate.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is well-geared, and team members are knowledgeable and responsive. We have collaborated with the team on a number of transactions across several of our global offices. Clients would be well-served engaging CCAO for complex/premium Turkish work.’

  • ‘Key individuals we've worked with are Onur Taktak, Candemir Baltalı and Begüm Yörükoğlu. They are very pragmatic, knowledgeable and responsive – keen to do the right thing for their clients.’

  • ‘Dedicated team members, perfect legal support within a reasonable budget.’

  • ‘Commercial approach in line with legal aspects, flexible and efficient solutions, resilience to work under time pressure.’

  • ‘The team distinguishes itself through its expertise, client-centred approach, and commitment to solutions. With a collaborative synergy that harnesses the team's collective strengths, it provides legal solutions that align with clients' broader goals.’

  • ‘In comparison to other firms, this team's legal excellence, client-focused ethos, supportiveness in every aspect, and friendly and easily accessible approach sets it apart, ensuring clients receive not only top-tier legal counsel but also a personalised and collaborative experience.’

  • ‘The lawyers we have had the privilege of working with truly stand out in their field, demonstrating qualities that set them apart from their competitors. Their unwavering dedication to clients is evident in every interaction, going above and beyond to provide expert legal counsel while fostering a sense of partnership.’

  • ‘Candemir Baltalı has consistently showcased friendly and understandable strategic insight and a keen understanding of the nuances of our cases, guiding us towards favourable outcomes with unwavering professionalism.’

Key clients

  • Le Erzin GES Enerji
  • Habib Bank Zurich
  • TAV Ege Terminal Yatırım Yapım ve İşletme
  • JP Morgan Chase Bank
  • Citibank
  • Firstrand Bank
  • ING Bank
  • Credit Europe Bank
  • Denizbank AŞ / Denizbank AG
  • Halkbank
  • Garanti Bank BBVA
  • Akbank
  • DZ Bank
  • Fibabanka
  • Yapı ve Kredi Bankası
  • Akbank
  • Türkiye İş Bankası
  • T. Vakıflar Bankası
  • T. Ziraat Bankası
  • Çelebi Holding
  • Dogan Holding
  • Timur Gayrimenkul
  • Cengiz Holding
  • Rönesans Holding

Work highlights

  • Advised JP Morgan Securities on a $300m loan granted to finance the repayment of the current bonds of Petkim Petrokimya Holding.
  • Advised TAV Ege Terminal Yatırım Yapım ve İşletme and TAV Havalimanları Holding on the restructuring of $275m of loan facilities provided by a group of lenders for the acquisition of concession rights in relation to the İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
  • Advised Türkiye İş Bankası and Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası on loans of $85m advanced to EİS Pharmaceuticals, a publicly listed subsidiary of Eczacıbaşı Group, for the acquisition of Gensenta İlaç.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Begüm Yörükoğlu, Candemir Baltalı, Halide Çetinkaya, Onur Taktak

Other key lawyers

Onur Görkem Köksal