A popular choice for large-scale or cross-border restructurings, GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case)’s group is particularly dominant in energy and project-related matters. In a recent example of its practice sweet spot, the team advised the lenders (Garanti BBVA, Ziraat Bank, Yapı Kredi Bank, İş Bank, Vakıfbank and Halkbank) on the restructuring of Kangal Thermal Power Plant’s debts. The Kangal work was led jointly by Güniz Gökçe, who heads the banking and finance practice, and Ateş Turnaoğlu, who possesses an ‘extraordinary ability to understand the client’s needs’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Exceptionally forward-thinking, proactive, and committed to delivering comprehensive services. The team consistently grasps the structure of your vision and delivers precisely what you require.’

  • ‘Its attention to detail and dedication to producing high-quality results are characteristics of the team. Lawyers' dedication makes the deal easier.’

  • ‘Ateş Turnaoğlu consistently demonstrates an exceptional work ethic, boasts an outstanding command of pertinent laws and regulations, and possesses an extraordinary ability to understand the client's needs and constraints. His dedication, along with that of his team, significantly eases the entire process.’

  • ‘Aybike İplikçi is not only approachable and highly responsive but also impressively knowledgeable.’
  • ‘Ateş Turnaoğlu and Sertaç Yüksel from GKC Partners are extremely caring and excellent choices for collaboration.’

  • ‘Recently we have started to work with the firm for restructuring and insolvency matters. The team's responsiveness is amazing. Lawyers always collaborate with us to find the best approach with the authorities based on their relationships with them. The service they provide is top tier.’

  • ‘Ateş Turnaoğlu is my key contact for cross-border transactions where we need assistance in foreign jurisdictions. I also take counselling from him on Turkish law matters as well, from time to time. He is really good at seeing the bottom line and he almost always finds a way to get to the point.’

Key clients

  • Garanti Bankası (Garanti BBVA)
  • T.C. Ziraat Bankası
  • Yapı ve Kredi Bankası
  • Türkiye İş Bankası
  • Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası TAO
  • ICBC Türkiye Bank
  • Türkiye Halk Bankası
  • Ziraat Katılım Bankası
  • HSBC Türkiye

Work highlights

  • Representing Garanti BBVA, Ziraat Bank, Yapı Kredi Bank, İş Bank, Vakıfbank and Halkbank, as the lenders led by Ziraat Bankası, on the restructuring of the debts of Kangal Thermal Power Plant under the financial restructuring programme.
  • Advising the lenders on the financial restructuring of Konya Şeker and Panagro Tarım Hayvancilik Gıda.
  • Representing ICBC Türkiye and ICBC Dubai on the refinancing of Optimum Ankara Shopping Mall to be made available to Kurtköy Gayrimenkul Yatırım İnsaat Turizm.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Güniz Gökçe
Güniz Gökçe
GKC Partners (in professional association with White & Case)
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.

Güniz Gökçe, Ateş Turnaoğlu

Other key lawyers

Aybike İplikçi, Sertaç Yüksel