Aequo stands out for its ‘deep expertise in various sectors, coupled with its strategic approach’ and is regularly called upon to advise on legislation and policymaking procedures. The team supports its impressive roster of national and international clients throughout the full transaction lifecycle, as well as corporate restructurings. The firm continues to strengthen its practice in innovative sectors, providing full-service support to clients in the tech sector. Dual-qualified in both Ukrainian and English law, Anna Babych heads the team. Michael Lukashenko plays a lead role in M&A, bringing to the team particular expertise in the private equity space. Active in cross-border transactions, Denis Lysenko is a go-to choice for foreign investors, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Mykyta Polatayko is an expert in the IT sector and Olena Radko is active in the sale and acquisition of energy projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Aequo’s profound expertise in navigating both the complex business landscape and the intricate regulatory framework proves invaluable when uncovering less obvious or hidden "legal pitfalls" that may be overlooked by others. Their team has a keen ability to anticipate potential legal challenges and provide proactive solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. Aequo stands out for delivering top-tier legal advice that not only addresses immediate concerns but also supports long-term objectives.’

  • ‘Anna Babych is exceptionally responsive, providing prompt and well-considered legal advice that reflects her deep expertise and commitment to excellence. She consistently demonstrates a thorough understanding of both the legal landscape and the latest market trends, ensuring that her clients receive high-quality insights aligned with best practices in the industry. She is known for her ability to deliver tailored, strategic solutions that anticipate client needs and address complex challenges with precision.'

  • 'Michael Lukashenko brings a highly client-centric approach, seamlessly combining his in-depth knowledge of business dynamics with his specialised expertise in M&A, corporate and commercial law. His ability to understand and address the unique demands of each client ensures that his legal advice is not only technically sound but also practical and actionable. Michael’s focus on providing solutions that align with broader business goals, coupled with his strong grasp of industry nuances, makes him a trusted advisor in navigating complex transactions and corporate matters.’
  • ‘Aequo has remarkable team; we mostly work with Michael Lukashenko, Roman Yarmola and Marta Demkiv. What truly sets this practice apart is its commitment and readiness to deliver all and everything, while working for us on a pro-bono basis.'

  • 'The team has deep expertise in various sectors, coupled with its strategic approach, allows them to provide tailored legal solutions that genuinely meet our needs. Michael’s exceptional negotiation skills, and overall thorough understanding of regulatory landscapes make them invaluable specialists.'
  • 'Aequo has introduced number of innovative solutions for us that enhanced our experience and commercial positions with counterparties. Furthermore, their emphasis on collaboration—both internally and with clients—ensures that every project benefits from diverse perspectives and comprehensive insights. More to the point, they have very diverse approach while hiring. Despite being quite an established firm, Aequo is always ready to seek new solutions for us and our requests.'
  • 'In comparison to other firms, Aequo stands out for its proactive approach and client-focused ethos. They not only respond to legal challenges but also anticipate client needs, positioning themselves as trusted advisors rather than just service providers. Overall, Aequo exemplifies what it means to be a modern law firm. Their unique blend of expertise, innovation and commitment to client success truly distinguishes them in the legal landscape.’
  • ‘My main counterparties are Michael Lukashenko, Roman Yarmola and Marta Demkiv. All of them are exceptionally good professionals and give not only great legal services, but also provide high quality of client relationship.’

Key clients

  • NEQSOL Holding
  • Dragon Capital
  • BGV Group
  • Svit-Agro
  • Vodafone Ukraine
  • Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
  • Military Innovation Technology Solutions (MITS)
  • Superhumans Center
  • Darnytsia
  • UMG Investment (UMGI)
  • Diia City United
  • Brave1, defence tech cluster
  • Google
  • Arricano Real Estate
  • Comeco Corporation
  • 'Ukrainian Defence Industry' JSC (the former UkrOboronProm state company)

Work highlights

  • Advised Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrainian Defence Industry (UDI) in connection with the establishment of the joint venture with Rheinmetall AG.
  • Advised Superhumans, the cutting-edge prosthetics rehabilitation centre serving veterans and injured civilians, with its daily legal requirements.
  • Advised Svit-Agro Group on the sale of its large oil processing plant in the Kyiv region (Kyiv-Atlantic) to LNZ Group, an agricultural holding and partner of Monsanto, DuPont and Syngenta.

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.
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.

Anna Babych

Other key lawyers

Michael Lukashenko, Denis Lysenko, Mykyta Polatayko