LAW DIGEST A F R I C A A WA R D S 2015 WINNERS
INTRODUCTION Law Digest Africa Awards are a brand new concept in recognising and honouring excellence in the African legal services market, by recognising the contributions of individual lawyers, law firms and in-house teams equally. We are pleased that the awards have been well received across the continent. The quality of the submissions has been very impressive, which made judging very difficult. We would like to thank all participants, including the candidates, referees and most of all our judges who have given their time to review the submissions. We hope that you will continue to support the award for years to come.
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CONTENTS 05
Law Firm Of The Year
06 - 07
Managing Partner Of The Year
08 - 09
Female Managing Partner Of The Year
10 - 11
Young Managing Partner Of The Year
10 - 11
Power & Natural Resources Team Of The Year
12 - 13
Capital Markets Team Of The Year
14 - 15
M&A Team Of The Year
14 - 15
Banking & Finance Team Of The Year
16 - 17
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team Of The Year
18 - 19
Property & Infrastructure Team Of The Year
20 - 21
To reserve your table, contact
General Counsel Of The Year
23 - 22
or 00 44 (0) 7772 943 889 or by email at
In-House Legal Team Of The Year
24 - 25
In-House Team Of The Year (Trade & Industry)
26 - 27
In-House Team Of The Year (Banking & Natural Resources)
28 - 29
In-House Team Of The Year (Power & Natural Resources)
30 - 31
Support Services Provider Of The Year
32 - 33
Lifetime Achievement Award For Contribution To Law
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POST CONFERENCE A N D A WA R D S D I N N E R
The Judges
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WHEN:
Friday 6th November 2015, 6.00pm – 10.00pm
WHERE: Four Point by Sheraton, Plot 9/10 Block 2 Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria DRESS:
Black tie or Traditional
The evening will showcase the Law Digest Africa Awards and present the awards to the winners. ATTENDANCE: Strictly by invitation. Seyi Clement on 00 44 (0) 203 223 0800 editor@nglawdigest.com
SPONSOR:
THE JUDGES
C H I E F B AY O O J O
S E G U N O S U N TO K U N
KAMAL SHAH
SAN, CON, FCIArb - Principal Partner BAYO OJO & CO
Partner and Head of Africa Group - Berwin Leighton Paisner
Partner and Head of Africa and India Group – Stephenson Harwood LLP
S E Y E KO S O KO
J U L I E T M A N T E AW - K U T I N
M A H E S H A C H A R YA
B O R I S M A R TO R
Head, Legal Services & Company Secretary – Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria
Head, Legal Services & Company Secretary – Anglogold Ashanti
Partner - Kaplan & Stratton
Partner and Head of Africa Group - Eversheds LLP
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LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR A LU KO & OY E B O D E ( N I G E R I A ) Aluko & Oyebode (the “Firm”) is one of the largest integrated
Markets and Mergers and Acquisitions practices in the topmost
(SPDC), Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Total E&P
law firms in Nigeria providing a comprehensive range of
tier and this ranking has been maintained by the Firm in the
Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) in Oil Mining Lease 29 and the Nembe
specialist legal services to a highly diversified clientele
2014/2015 editions of IFLR1000.
Creek Trunkline. The Dispute Resolution team which regularly
including top-tier Nigerian, African, international and multinational clients. Established in January 1993, the Firm is a true partnership with 16 Partners (10 Equity Partners and 6 Salary Partners) and 59 Senior Associates/Associates with varied areas of expertise and combined experience that spans several years in all areas of Nigerian law. The Firm’s areas of expertise include: Corporate and Commercial Practice; Project/Infrastructure Finance; Banking and Finance; Capital Markets; Mergers and Acquisitions; Power; Aviation; Shipping; Energy and Natural Resources; Litigation and Arbitration; Telecommunications; Intellectual Property; Real Estate; Public Private Partnerships/Privatisation and Taxation. IFLR1000 (The Guide to the World’s leading Financial Law Firms) has consistently ranked the Firm’s Project Finance, Banking, Capital
The Firm also received the highest ranking in Nigeria for its Banking and Finance, Energy and Natural Resources, Corporate Finance and Dispute Resolution practices in the 2014/2015 editions of Legal 500 and in the 2014/2015 editions of Chambers Global, was the only Nigerian law firm to receive the highest ranking in all assessed practice areas. In 2014, the Firm was involved in several innovative and high profile transactions. One headline deal saw the Firm’s Transactions team acting as counsel to the Lenders in connection with the provision of a US$1.488 Billion Senior Secured Medium Term Financing Facility for Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Limited for the acquisition of interests held by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited
acts in frontline commercial litigation and arbitration matters also secured a landmark judgment in a pro bono matter on behalf the family of a deceased Gambian journalist, in a case against the Republic of Gambia at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States. The Firm also advised the Issuer, Access Bank Plc, in connection with its establishment of a US$1 Billion Global Medium Term Note Programme, which re-emphasised the bank’s dominant position in the African market as well as investor appetite for debt instruments from large Nigerian corporates. The Firm remains highly sought after by clients for its in-depth knowledge of the law and exceptional legal advice in complex cross border and local transactions.
L AW F I R M O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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Anjarwalla & Khanna
Kenya
Banwo & Ighodalo
Nigeria
Aluko & Oyebode
Nigeria
Walker Kontos
Kenya
ENSafrica
South Africa
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Nigeria
Webber Wentzel
South Africa
Cabinet Maitre Julius Achu
Cameroon
AB & David
Ghana
Standing, Left to Right:
Oghogho Makinde
Mark Mordi
Gbenga Oyebode, MFR
Reginald Udom
Sumbo Akintola
Olubunmi Fayokun
Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN
Uche Nwokocha
Kofo Dosekun
Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN
Chukwuka Ikwuazom
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MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR AL AN KEEP - BOWMAN GILFILL AN (SOUTH AFRICA) Internationally ranked as a leader in his field, and a member
seamless cross-border support to their clients’ needs
Marsh and Ericsson. Recent major transactions that Alan has
of the International Bar Association, Alan Keep is Managing
throughout Africa. In addition, the firm has had a highly
advised on include acting for SABMiller in the formation of its
Partner of Bowman Gilfillan Africa Group (BGAG), a position
successful pro bono year providing a rand value of over
African soft drink joint venture with The Coca Cola Company,
he has held since early 2014. With offices in South Africa
R15,5 million for the financial year ending 28 February 2015.
and the disposal of its strategic stake in Tsogo Sun Limited,
Botswana, Tanzania, Madagscar, Uganda and Kenya, Alan plays a vital role in managing the group’s strategic vision of becoming Africa’s pre-eminent law firm.
advising Fountainhead Property Fund in its acquisition by
The group has enjoyed numerous accolades since Alan’s
Redefine, advising Standard Bank on various issues relating to
appointment including most recently, Chambers & Partners
its Tutuwa black economic empowerment transaction and
reaffirming BGAG’s position as a leading pan-African legal
advising BP on the conclusion of its empowerment transaction
BGAG, which now has over 400 lawyers in offices across six
services provider in March this year and BGAG’s M&A team
countries on the African continent, has enjoyed significant
winning the Africa Legal Advisers category of the 2015 Cell
growth during Alan’s tenure and continues to progress towards
C DealMakers Annual Awards in May, where they earned top
fulfilling the group’s strategy. In 2014 the Kenyan office grew
position in both deal value and number of transactions.
substantially in size with the admittance of new partners, the Botswana office moved into purpose-built offices due to their growth, and BGAG opened an office in Madagascar bringing the total number of countries across the continent that the group has offices in, to six. This growth is expected to continue with the group remaining focused on delivering
with Kapela Investments. Alan has advised on the structuring and implementation of numerous significant black economic empowerment transactions in the South African market. Alan is ranked by Chambers Global as a leader in his field and
Alan works on major transactions for South African and
by Legal 500 as a leading lawyer, and is also ranked by other
international clients in the tax, banking, beverages, financial services, mining, property and communications sectors. Alan’s regular clients include Standard Bank, SABMiller, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BP, Barloworld, PPC, Anglogold Ashanti,
legal publications, including Best Lawyers and IFLR. Alan has held office within the Tax Committee of the International Bar Association and has presented numerous papers at its annual conference.
M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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Gbenga
Oyebode
Aluko & Oyebode
Nigeria
Michael
Kontos
Walker Kontos
Kenya
Daniel
Agbor
Udo Udom & Belo-Osagie
Nigeria
Adil
Khawaja
Hamilton Harrison
Kenya
Piet
Fabar
ENSafrica
South Africa
Hon Nimrod
Mkono
Mkono Associates
Tanzania
Alan
Keep
Bowman Gilfillan
South Africa
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FEMALE & YOUNG MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR I S A B E L B O AT E N - A B & D AV I D ( G H A N A ) Mrs. Boaten was appointed Managing Partner in November, 2012 and became the youngest female Managing Partner of an internationally recognised top tier law firm in Ghana.
(d) increasing revenue growth; and (e) instituting a social responsibility program that would
For 2013/2014, Ms. Boaten commenced the implementation of a 5 point agenda agreed with the Board, which focused
• Through the improved task planning, billing, invoicing and
provide an opportunity for the government and the private
monitoring of Work In Progress, the firm increased its revenue
sector to engage on key issues affecting business.
by 30%.
on the clients, staff, systems and the markets by:
Fulfilment of the Strategic Plan under Isabel Boaten
Legal Expertise
(a) developing a quality assurance system;
• I n 2014, AB & David became the first law firm in Africa to
Ms. Boaten was part of the team that advised Ecobank
(b) creating a more conducive working environment for staff and clients; (c) implementing an innovative HRM system to create a happier work force. AB & David wanted to be known as a “for Happiness Corporation”;
secure the Lexcel award and renewed it in 2015.
Development Corporation on a $300m dollar transaction for
• In January 2014, ABD opened its West Africa Headquarters, an ultra-modern law firm built to international standard.
the financing of the refurbishment of a major oil refinery in West Africa. She also advised on the issue of a $100m Medium Term Note for the financing of mortgage backed securities and the
• In 2014, AB & David implemented a pay structure which supports staff development, and rewards team and individual contributions. They also introduced family friendly
F E M A L E M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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policies including the introduction of a flexi – time policy.
financial restructuring of the power sector (ECG, VRA) and GRIDCO in Ghana.
Y O U N G M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
Aisha
Bade
Leo Attorney
Tanzania
Adeoye
Adefulu
Odujinrin Adefulu & Co
Nigeria
Donia Hedda
Ellouze
Cabinet Donia Hedda Ellouze
Tunisia
Michael
Orimobi
Tokunbo Orimobi & Co
Nigeria
Isabel
Boaten
AB & David
Ghana
Babajimi
Ayorinde
The New Practice
Nigeria
Fernanda
Lopes
FL&A Advogados
Mozambique
Isabel
Boaten
AB & David
Ghana
Olabisi
Soyebo, SAN
Abdullahi Ibrahim & Co
Nigeria
Ola
Alokolaro
Advocaat
Nigeria
Funke
Aboyade, SAN
Aboyade & Co
Nigeria
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POWER & NATURAL RESOURCES TEAM OF THE YEAR TEMPLARS (NIGERIA) Templars have been advising Azura Power West Africa Limited
Power Purchase agreements. Their work has also involved assisting
agreement, transmission network agreement) have become
on the development (including the structuring, negotiating and
the project company in structuring the debt and equity elements
template documents for other private developers of power
financing) of a greenfield Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Edo
of the transaction and negotiating the entire senior and junior
plants in their negotiations with the same or similar
State which, upon completion, is expected to add up to 500MW
debt documentation with the financiers.
counterparties;
of electric power to the National Grid. This transaction began in 2012 with a valuation of circa US$1.1 billion with senior debt of
The project is notable for being a trailblazer for many reasons:
about US$800 million (from International Finance Corporation,
(a) it is the first of a new wave of Nigerian Independent Power
Standard Chartered Bank, First Rand Bank, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V and a syndicate of other foreign and local lenders) and shareholder
Plants to be developed on a purely project finance basis; (b) it is the first IPP in Nigeria to conclude a power purchase agreement with the newly created government-backed bulk
loans of approximately US$300 million less equity contributions
power purchaser, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity
from the sponsors. As project counsel, Templars have been
Trading plc (NBET);
involved from the inception of the project, advising on regulatory and shareholder issues, licensing, site acquisition and
(c) as a result of the pioneering status of the project, the project
related disputes, host community relations, negotiation of EPC
documents negotiated for the Azura-IPP project (including
contracts, Gas supply and Transportation Agreements, as well as
the gas purchase agreements, the grid connection
(d) t he project is the first to benefit from the Federal Government of Nigeria’s put and call options arrangement covering termination risks; (e) t he financial obligations of the Government counterparties under the project are fully backed by World Bank Partial Risk Guarantees (PRG); and (f) t he project debt and Sponsor equity are covered by MIGA political risk insurance - and the project is the first in Nigeria to receive approval from both the World Bank PRG and full MIGA coverage for debt and equity.
P O W E R & N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S T E A M O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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Advisory Legal Consultants
Nigeria
ACAS
Nigeria
Aluko & Oyebode
Nigeria
Oxford & Beaumont
Ghana
Templars
Nigeria
Walker Kontos
Kenya
Aelex
Nigeria
A&B David
Ghana
Standing, Left to Right: Olumide Akpata (Partner, Governmental Relations & Corporate) – Team Lead Desmond Ogba (Senior Associate, Finance & Projects)
Oladiran Ajayi (Senior Associate, Energy and Projects)
Chike Obianwu (Partner, Finance & Projects) – Team Lead
Sitting, Left to Right:
Mojisola Fashola (Associate, Energy & Projects)
Oghogho Akpata (Partner, Energy & Projects) – Team Lead
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CAPITAL MARKETS TEAM & M&A TEAM OF THE YEAR B A N W O & I G H O D A LO ( N I G E R I A ) Banwo & Ighodalo is one of the premier law firms in Nigeria and
principal amount of 11.5% senior secured notes due in
is constantly listed as a 1st Tier law firm and their Partners are also
2016 and 2019 respectively;
listed in leading directories, publications and journals, including: • Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers • IFLR’s Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms • Chambers Global Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers • International Who’s Who Law Directories
Limited and its merger with Standard Trust Bank;
• advising the joint bookrunners (Citigroup Global Markets Ltd and Goldman Sachs International) in connection with a US$350million Eurobond issuance by Access Bank Plc; • Counsel to Diamond Bank Plc’s offering of 37,593,985 Global Depositary Receipts (GDR). The GDR are listed on the
The Firm is a member of the International Project Finance
Professional Securities Markets of the London Stock Exchange
Association and is one of the three Nigerian law firms that are
which was the first of this kind by a Nigerian Bank; and
members of the Loan Market Association. Some of the notable work the firm has been involved includes:
• advisers to Helios Towers Nigeria in connection with the US$250million Notes issued by Helios Towers Finance
• advising the joint bookrunners (Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Global Hunter Securities, LLC and Nexis) to Afren Plc’s US$500million and US$300 million aggregate
• U nited Bank of Africa Plc’s acquisition of Continental Trust Bank
Netherlands BV, a special purpose vehicle promoted by Helios Towers Nigeria. Banwo & Ighodalo has also advised on numerous M & A transactions, most notably:
• F idelity Bank Plc’s merger with FSB International Bank Plc and Manny Bank Plc. • D angote Industries Ltd’s sale of a 63% majority stake in Dangote Flour Mills Plc to Tiger Brands Ltd of South Africa and the sale of a 95% equity interest in Savannah Sugar Company Ltd; the merger of Dangote Cement Plc and Benue Cement Company Plc creating the largest cement company in both Nigeria and Africa; • B ureau of Public Enterprises’ privatisation of the Kaduna and Port Harcourt Refineries and Petrochemical companies; and • O ppenheimer Group of South Africa’s acquisition of an equity interest in Promasidor Nigeria Ltd who are a leading foods and beverages company in Nigeria.
M&A TEAM OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST CA P I TA L M A R K E T O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Nigeria
Nigeria
Odujinrin & Adefulu
Nigeria
Banwo & Ighodalo
Nigeria
G Elias & Co
Nigeria
Alliance Law Firm
Nigeria
Walker Kontos
Nigeria
Punuka Chambers
Nigeria
Banwo & Ighodalo
Nigeria
Oxford & Beaumont
Ghana
Oxford & Beaumont
Ghana
George Etomi & Partners
Nigeria
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Nigeria
Katende Ssempebwa & Co Advocates
Uganda
Engling, Stritter & Partners
Namibia
Mkono Associates
Tanzania
Olaniwun Ajayi LP
Nigeria
AB & David
Ghana
Kola Awodein & Co
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Standing, Left to Right:
Isa Alade, (Senior Associate)
Ayodele Faboya, (Associate)
Asue Ighodalo, (Partner)
Kehinde Ojuawo, (Partner)
Tomisin Ojuawo, (Associate)
Olumide Osundolire, (Senior Associate) Aramide Sanni, (Associate)
Sitting, Left to Right: Afeesat Atanda, (Associate)
Ayotunde Owoigbe, (Partner) Azeezah Muse-Sadiq, (Senior Associate)
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BANKING & FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR G ELIAS AND CO. (NIGERIA) G Elias and Co has contributed to one of the premier banking
On this transaction, G Elias and Co advised Ibadan Electricity
This transaction has set the precedent for future intervention by
transactions in Nigeria. This was through its work on the Central
Distribution Company Plc and Yola Electricity Distribution
the CBN in other sectors of the Nigerian economy without the
Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) ₦213 billion (approximately US$1.1
Company Plc, two of the eleven Discos which entered into
need to amend the CBN’s enabling Act.
billion) term loan facility (“Intervention Fund”) to electricity
separate “Disbursement Agreements” with the CBN.
distribution companies in Nigeria (the “Discos”).
The structure created by G Elias allowed the CBN to lend to
The transaction stands out because of the novel issues that
an entity not licensed to carry on banking activities in Nigeria,
arose and the creative and innovative solutions that were
using the licensed commercial banks as “makers” and
used to address them.
“disbursers” of the Intervention Fund to the Discos and the NESI Stabilization Strategy Limited as collectors of the loans.
BANKING & FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
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Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Nigeria
Walker Kontos
Kenya
Aluko & Oyebode
Nigeria
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Nigeria
G Elias & Co
Nigeria
Capital Law Partners
Uganda
Olaniwun Ajayi LP
Nigeria
FL&A Advogados
Mozambique
Oxford & Beaumont
Ghana
Engling,Stritter & Partners
Namibia
AB & David
Ghana
Standing, Left to Right:
Fidelis Adewole
Toyin Nathaniel
Lynda Chinweoku
Nosa Aguebor
Kamoru Lawal
Pelumi Asiwaju
Okechukwu Okoro
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LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION TEAM OF THE YEAR A LU KO & OY E B O D E ( N I G E R I A ) Aluko & Oyebode’s Litigation and Disputes Resolution Team is
Mr Hydara. Later that day, whilst in the company of two
primarily focused on commercial dispute resolution. However,
employees of The Point newspaper, Mr Hydara was shot dead.
despite the commercial focus of the Team’s work, the Team devotes substantial resources to pro bono matters involving human rights law. In 2014, the Team worked on behalf of the family of a deceased Gambian journalist, in a case brought against the Republic of Gambia at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Point Newspaper (Gambia). On 16 December 2004, an operative of the State Security Service was seen spying on
The Team prayed the court to declare that Gambia had
The investigation into his death was conducted shoddily by the
violated Articles 1, 4, and 9 of the African Charter on Human
State, with no ballistic test conducted nor was the evidence
and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Article 66 of the Revised
of the two employees who witnessed Mr Hydara’s death
ECOWAS Treaty. They sought general and special damages
investigated. The Team represented the family and the African
for pecuniary and non- pecuniary.
Chapter of the International Federation of Journalists in a suit brought against the Gambian Government before the ECOWAS court.
Deyda Hydara was a Gambian journalist and founder of
violated the right to freedom of expression in Gambia.
The court upheld the Plaintiffs’ claims, and awarded the Plaintiffs compensation of $50,000.00 for the prejudice suffered as a result of Gambia’s failure to investigate Mr Hydara’s killing.
The Team argued inter alia that the Gambian government failed to effectively investigate Mr Hydara’s murder and
L I T I GAT I O N & D I S P U T E R E S O LU T I O N T E A M O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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Aluko & Oyebode
Nigeria
Fidelis Oditah & Co
Nigeria
Kola Awodein & Co
Nigeria
Punuka Chambers
Nigeria
Templars
Nigeria
Katende Ssempebwa & Co
Nigeria
Aelex
Nigeria
Abdullahi Ibrahim & Co
Nigeria
Wole Olanipekun & Co
Nigeria
Strachan Partners
Nigeria
Standing, Left to Right:
Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN
Sitting, Left to Right:
Chinedu Anaje
Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN
Tosin Iyayi
Deji Olomojobi
Mark Mordi
Imaobong Haastrup
Chukwuka Ikwuazom
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PROPERTY INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION TEAM OF THE YEAR A B & D AV I D ( G H A N A ) AB & David has worked on a wide range of pioneering projects
• project formation and advisory for the construction of water
• providing legal and transaction advice to the private
in Ghana and Africa for the public and the private sectors,
infrastructure for the production and transportation of
sector party for the construction and rehabilitation of the
providing innovative solutions to its diverse clientele. Some
potable water, estimated at US$700million;
Western Railway Line of Ghana’s Railway network estimated
of the most notable assignments are:
• advising on the establishment of a Diagnostic and
• advising on the PPP and procurement processes for the selection of a strategic investor for the upgrade and development of Tema PSC Shipyard, one of the biggest shipyards and dry docks on the African continent; • preparation of PPP legislation for Ghana to provide a clear regulatory framework for private and public sector financing
Urology Centre at the Korle-Tu Teaching Hospital under a PPP arrangement;
at $300m; and • providing advisory services on the construction of an office complex and terminals at the Kotoka International Airport.
• providing transaction advice in partnership with Pricewaterhouse Coopers on the selection of private sector firms for the development of and tolling of a 230km Accra – Kumasi Highway;
of Ghana’s infrastructure gap;
PROPERT Y INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION TEAM OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
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Odujinrin & Adefulu
Nigeria
Babalakin & Co
Nigeria
Templars
Nigeria
Hamilton Harrison & Matthews
Kenya
Banwo & Ighodalo
Nigeria
AB & David
Ghana
Detail Solicitors
Nigeria
Sitting, Left to Right:
Standing Front Row, Left to Right:
Benjamin Lartey
Standing Back Row, Left to Right:
Laurene Attivor
Akosua Akowuah
Isobel Acquah
Irene Agyenim-Boateng
Joseph Dzakpasu
Benjamin Sackar
Isabel Boaten
Vera Osei Owusu
Nana Serwah Godson-Amamoo
Mawusi Bedjrah
George Owusu-Ansah
Kwadwo Ohene-Boakye
Abena Banful
Lesley Brown
Marie Isabelle Oppong
Sena Agbekor
Martin Agyen-Sampong
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GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE YEAR D R . A D E S E G U N A K I N - O LU G B A D E , O O N , A F R I CA F I N A N C E CO R P O R AT I O N ( N I G E R I A ) Dr. Akin-Olugbade, OON is the Executive Director (Chief
Verde, a toll road in South Africa, a greenfield power plant in
Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1984, where he came top of his
Operating Officer) and General Counsel of the Africa Finance
Ghana and a flagship road infrastructure project in Côte
graduating class. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar
Corporation (“AFC” or the “Corporation”). He has responsibility
d’Ivoire. In addition, AFC, in 2013, secured its first International
Association, International Bar Association and the International
for Corporate Governance, Legal, Administration, Corporate
credit rating from Moody’s which assigned AFC an A3 (long
Law Association, where he is one of two African members of
Communications, Country and Investor Relations (including
term) /P2 (short term) foreign currency debt rating, making the
the distinguished Committee on International Monetary Law
expansion of AFC’s operations in East and Southern Africa) and
AFC the second highest investment grade rated multilateral
(MOCOMILA). He conceived the African Legal Support Facility
Information Technology. He was previously General Counsel
financial institution on the African continent. In April 2015, he
(ALSF) He was a pioneer Non-Executive Director (NED) of Asset
and Director at the African Development Bank.
co-led the team that put together the legal framework as
& Resources Management Company Limited (ARM) Nigeria
well as priced AFC’s inaugural US$750 million 4.375% 5-year
from 1994-1999, and currently serves as NED on the Boards of
international bond. This represents the first issue under AFC’s
Directors of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), AFC Equity
US$3,000,000,000 Global Medium Term Note Programme.
Investments Limited, Mauritius, Allied Atlantic Distilleries Limited
Acting in his capacity as General Counsel of AFC, as an integral part of the Executive Management Team of AFC, he has steered the path of AFC in becoming a leading African
and OBA Transport Limited. He is Chairman of Dr. Adesegun
institution in infrastructure financing on the continent, fostering
The final order book was more than six times oversubscribed
economic growth and industrial development of African
at over US$4.7 billion from a total of 315 investors, enabling a
countries, while delivering a competitive return to its
well-diversified distribution among international institutional
shareholders. The Legal team of AFC, under his leadership has
investors across Asia, Europe and the US. A graduate of King’s
provided strong legal support in over US$ 1.9 billion in investment
College London, School of Law, he also has a Masters degree
across Africa, financing high- impact infrastructure projects like a
and a Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School. He was
West African submarine cable, a commercial wind farm in Cape
called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the
Akin-Olugbade Foundation, Axion Realty & Development Company Limited and Southern Marine Petroleum Limited. He is an alumnus of several executive management programmes and was conferred with the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Nigeria Government in 2012.
GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
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Olatowun
Candide-Johnson
Total Exploration Nigeria
Nigeria
Wola
Joseph-Ojoye
Eko Electricity Distribution plc
Nigeria
Angela
Omo-Dare
Stanbic IBTC
Nigeria
Paul
Okocha
Corlay Cameroon
Cameroon
Michael
Otu
Zenith Bank plc
Nigeria
Ngozi
Okonkwo
Oando
Nigeria
Andre
Rosetto
Odebrecht
Ghana
Dr. Adesegun
Akin-Olugbade
Africa Finance Corporation
Nigeria
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IN-HOUSE LEGAL TEAM OF THE YEAR OA N D O ( N I G E R I A ) Oando’s legal team is highly integrated and dynamic to ensure
• commencing deleveraging of the Independent Power Plant
• providing legal support to the proposed acquisition of key
that their service delivery is of the highest quality. It is this
exercise. The team also successfully secured 100% project
downstream storage assets of a MNC in South Africa in
quality service delivery which has led to a number of
financing for the Gaslink Greater Lagos 4 pipeline
collaboration with a local BEE partner in SA; and
achievements for the team including:
construction contract;
• acquiring 3 business entities of ConocoPhillips in Nigeria for
• advising on a Joint Venture for the deployment of drilling
• downstream Legal provided support to the entity in its
US$1.5 billion. As part of the financing for this transaction
efficient entry into the following markets in 2014 - UAE,
OER and its affiliates entered into the following facilities
Rwanda, Switzerland, South Africa and Mozambique.
ships within Nigeria whilst still meeting the requirements of Nigerian Content Laws in a novel way.
They advised on structures which mitigated investment
(i) a $450m RBL Facility;
and high tax exposure risk; • the proposed divestment of two midstream entities and a
(ii) a $350m Corporate Facility; and
key divestment in the downstream division are three highly
(iii) a $100m Subordinated Facility.
strategic transactions which are expected to generate
• the divestment of Oando’s Gas & Power’s East Horizon Gas
revenue of almost US$500 million for their Group;
Company Limited for US$250 million to Seven Energy International Limited also took place in 2014;
I N - H O U S E L E GA L T E A M O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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Oando
Nigeria
East African Breweries Group
Kenya
Seplat Petroleum
Nigeria
MTN
Nigeria
Sun International
South Africa
Corlay Cameroon
Cameroon
Sitting, Left to Right:
Standing, Left to Right:
Mrs. Jumoke Fagbure
Mrs. Efuntomi Akpeneye
Mr. Tuoyo Ejueyitchie
Mr. Oluwayomi Babalola
Mrs. Ngozi Janice Okonkwo
Mrs. Olufolake Akinlose
Miss Nana Gbemisola Abdulmalik
Mrs. Iyabosola Olurunfemi
Mr. Chukwuemeka Okezie
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IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR (TRADE & INDUSTRY) SOUTH AFRICA BREWERIES (SOUTH AFRICA) SAB is South Africa’s premier brewer and distributor of beer. The company’s ability to innovate is one of the reasons it has evolved into the world’s second largest brewer. SAB’s legal team under the leadership of Ian Robert Vos effectively supports strategic product innovation, through its wide-ranging legal and technical skills in food hygiene, safety and ingredients, and also brewing, packaging, sales, distribution and marketing (including liquor licensing, intellectual property, advertising, labelling, market research and product liability). As the global liquor markets evolve, this dynamic team is required to provide timely, relevant and effective advice to mitigate risks, and help SAB meet its innovation,
Competition Commission v SAB and Others In March 2014, SAB won its case against the Competition Commission. The case resulted from an investigation into SAB’s dual distribution system and pricing activities between 2004 and 2007. The matter involved four different charges, which went to the heart of SAB’s distribution system. The team’s understanding of the issues and relevant legal provisions; as well as of the fundamentals of SAB’s distribution system enabled it to devise the appropriate legal and economic arguments for the company.
Two key pieces of our work have been highlighted for the period under review:
SAB’s newly-established Flavoured Beer category in South Africa. The legal team assisted the multi-disciplinary project teams to ensure that these products were specifically formulated for foodstuff, liquor and excise regulatory compliance. In addition and in an effort to secure a new excise tariff for grain-fermented flavoured alcoholic beverages, the legal department collaborated with tax, technical, innovation and corporate affairs teams to engage with various government departments that regulate liquor products, excise, trade and National Treasury Alcohol policy.
Product development
strategic and commercial growth needs.
Castle Milk Stout Chocolate and Castle Lite Lime, reinforcing
The legal team was central in advising SAB and drafting
Also in 2014, SAB developed and launched Castle Milk Stout Ultra Smooth in a can, Indlamu Sorghum Beer, a first of its kind bottled traditional African beer, and two flavoured beers,
regulatory definitions and workable requirements for flavoured beer, traditional African beer and grain fermented flavoured alcoholic beverages to comply with current and evolving excise, foodstuffs and liquor products regulation.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR (TRADE & INDUSTRY) SHORTLIST
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Dangote Cement
Nigeria
Shoprite Holdings
South Africa
South Africa Breweries
South Africa
Odebrecht
Ghana
MTN
Nigeria
Airtel
Nigeria
Nigerian Breweries
Nigeria
Vodacom
Tanzania
Left to Right:
Ms. Karen Pinheiro (Senor Legal Advisor)
Ms. Angela van Hoffen (Legal Advisor)
Ms. Raksha Jagan (Legal Administrator)
Ms. Pranisha Maharaj (Legal Advisor)
Ms. Christine Iraka (Legal Advisor)
Ms. Ayanda Olifant (Competition Economist)
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IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR (BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES) ZENITH BANK (NIGERIA) The Team’s expertise has help make Zenith one of the leading
Exploration, etc.). Most of these involved either charging the
banks in Nigeria, assisting the company to navigate the
borrower’s participating interest in Oil Mining Leases or other
(MTN) (EuroBond) which was listed on the Irish Stock
complex regulatory environment in the country and abroad.
exotic assets.
Exchange (ISE).
In recent times, the Department has managed numerous
• over US$5 Million (equivalent of ₦1 Billion) Facility to Afren
• issuance of a US$500 Million Global Medium Term Notes
The Team has also been instrumental in managing down
credit transactions involving significant amounts both in
Nigeria Limited for the purpose of developing the OML 26.
litigation risk to such as extent that the Bank’s litigation
foreign and local currencies and involving complex
This entailed some intricate securitisation including the
portfolio is undoubtedly the leanest in the Industry.
security arrangement. Some of these include:
power of the Bank to appoint an operator to operate the
• numerous Club Lending/Syndication in the oil and gas
joint venture in case it needs to realise the assets, etc; and
as well as the power sector (e.g. Aiteo, Seplat, Quantum
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR (BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES) SHORTLIST
28
AMCON
Nigeria
Access Bank plc
Nigeria
Zenith Bank plc
Nigeria
Stanbic IBTC
Nigeria
African Re
Nigeria
UBA
Nigeria
Cross section of Zenith Bank plc in-house team
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IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR (POWER & NATURAL RESOURCES) S E P L AT P E T R O L E U M ( N I G E R I A ) In 2011, Seplat took the decision to pursue a listing of the
The Legal Team were instrumental in the disclosure process and
listed on the LSE and the first exploration and production
Company’s shares on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange
the production of the prospectus to satisfy the requirements of
company to be listed on the NSE.
and the London Stock Exchange and the Legal Department
the regulatory and listing authorities in the UK and Nigeria.
amongst others was tasked with bringing this to fruition. The Legal Department worked seamlessly with external advisers including lawyers, accountants, bankers, brokers, reserves specialists, environmental experts, media advisers and others to achieve the IPO.
The transaction has received a number of praises not least from
The SEPLAT IPO was successfully completed in April 2014, raising
the UK regulator which said that it expects the deal structure
the full US$ 500m.
and processes that they worked on together to create and
The IPO was ground breaking and has been described as a “pioneering transaction”, which represents a genuine first for
to serve as a template for transactions that follow – both from Nigeria itself and from other African countries.
the capital markets. SEPLAT is the first Nigerian company to be
I N - H O U S E T E A M O F T H E Y E A R ( P O W E R & N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S ) S H O R T L I S T
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Oando
Nigeria
Shell Petroleum
Nigeria
Total Exploration
Nigeria
Corlay Cameroon
Cameroon
Sasol
South Africa
Eko Electricity Distribution plc
Nigeria
Seplat Petroleum
Nigeria
Sitting, Left to Right:
Standing, Left to Right:
Mr Amatare Oki
Dr Obinna Okere
Mrs Elizabeth Adegbola
Mrs Ngozi Osuzoka
Dr Mirian Kachikwu
Mrs Ebele Nnaji
Mr Ademola Fashiku
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SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER OF THE YEAR LawPavilion (NIGERIA) LawPavilion is Africa’s leading electronic Legal Research and
applicable to the legal industry. Their flagship product is
appeal. LPELR remains the only paginated and paragraphed
Practice Management Solution developed by Grace InfoTech
LawPavilion Electronic Law Reports (LPELR), the most widely
Electronic Law Reports in Nigeria thereby making for easy
Limited. Boasting an impressive suite of products for legal
accepted and cited Electronic Law Report in Africa. They have
citation in court and cross referencing. Their LPELR and
practitioners, judges, academics and students.
since expanded their solutions to include LawPavilion Case
Solicitors’ Toolkit are powered by super-fast search
Manager for individuals and Law Firms, LawPavilion Court
engines that generate results within milliseconds.
With a database of over 13,000 reported cases and the ability to report decided cases from the highest court of records in
Manager and LawPavilion Solicitors’ ToolKit.
Nigeria within 48hrs of release, LawPavilion blaze the trail
Their unique LawPavilion 360° appellate review feature enables
with providing information on the latest cases and laws
Counsel to determine the status of a matter that has gone on
All LawPavilion solutions have an easy interface with other devices including mobile devices.
S U P P O R T S E RV I C E S P R OV I D E R T E A M O F T H E Y E A R S H O R T L I S T
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LawPavillion
Nigeria
CLRN
Nigeria
Lexis Nexis
South Africa
LawAfrica
Kenya
Cross section of LawPavilion staff
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAW G B E N GA OY E B O D E M F R Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, MFR is the Chairman of Aluko & Oyebode. He is on the Africa Advisory Committee of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and the Nigerian Leadership Initiative. A Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) and Belgian Royal Honour of “Knight of the Order of Leopold�. He is a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (admitted June 1980) and Attorney at Law of the Supreme Court of New York State (admitted November 1983), and the American Bar Society of the International Law. Mr. Oyebode was educated at University of IFE (LL. B Honours) and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (LL. M Honours) where he graduated in 1979 and 1982 respectively. The Board of Law Digest wishes to confer on Mr. Oyebode, MFR our first Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Law for his commitment to the improvement of standards in the practice of law in Nigeria. This commitment and passion found a home in the NBA Section for Business Law, which he led until recently.
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