Selected Experience

• Cross-Border Oilfield Services Acquisition. Provided comprehensive legal support to a major international surface data logging services company in connection with its acquisition of the Kazakhstan business of Weatherford International plc.

• London Stock Exchange Reverse Takeover. Advised a Norwegian company on the indirect acquisition of a Kazakhstan-based subsoil user through a reverse takeover on the London Stock Exchange. The work included legal and tax due diligence, preparation of Kazakhstan-law transaction documents and general M&A support.

• Mining Transactions. Advised international investors on the acquisition of mining assets and participating interests in Kazakhstan, including seven subsoil use assets. The work included legal and tax advice, review of transaction documents and assessment of compliance with Kazakhstan law.

• Oil Trading M&A. Advised a major international oil trading company on the acquisition of two Kazakhstan companies registered in special economic zones, including legal due diligence, obtaining regulatory approvals, preparation of transaction documents and closing support.

• Engineering and Construction M&A. Advised a global mechanical engineering services company on the acquisition of a participating interest in a Kazakhstan construction company, including transaction documentation, regulatory approvals and closing assistance.

• Technology and Digital Services Transactions. Advised on acquisitions of Kazakhstan companies operating in telecommunications, IT services, data storage and processing, online retail and digital taxi-booking services, including red-flag legal due diligence, review of transaction documents and closing support.

• Energy and Natural Resources Due Diligence. Conducted legal and tax due diligence in connection with the proposed acquisition of an international exploration and production company, a national company involved in a metallurgical silicon investment project and a Kazakhstan renewable energy company owning solar power plants.

• Banking and Finance. Advised a leading European bank on Kazakhstan-law matters relating to a USD 120 million committed secured syndicated borrowing-base facility provided to an international commodities group.

• Green Energy Financing and Project Contracts. Advised a leading Greek industrial company on Kazakhstan-law issues arising under EPC, operation and maintenance, and procurement contracts in connection with a bond issuance on the Athens Stock Exchange financed by the EBRD.

• Market Entry and Commercial Operations. Provided comprehensive legal support to major European food delivery services and a French luxury bakery and confectionery brand on entering the Kazakhstan market. The advice included corporate establishment, regulatory requirements, business models and commercial contracts with local partners.

• Public-Private Partnerships and Strategic Projects. Advised a Swiss-based global provider of secure identification solutions on a public-private partnership project with the Government of Kazakhstan, corporate and management restructuring of its Kazakhstan subsidiaries, the buyout of local partners and joint arrangements with a major telecommunications operator.

• Oil and Gas Regulatory Advice. Prepared legal opinions and memoranda for a major global oil trading company on licensing, permits, insurance, registration, domestic supply requirements and competition regulations applicable to industrial assets and liquefied petroleum gas production.

• Licensing and Sector-Specific Compliance. Advised an international surface data logging services company on obtaining licences relating to subsoil use operations and precursor circulation, a lifting equipment manufacturer on construction and installation requirements for the Abu Dhabi Plaza project, and a global medical device company on Kazakhstan certification requirements.

• Data Regulation and Corporate Investigations. Advised a major global technology company on data localisation, deemed export and cybersecurity requirements and participated in an internal investigation into alleged misappropriation at an international consumer goods company.Legal and tax due diligence in connection with the contemplated transaction on acquisition of an international E&P company. SIGNUM acted as a leading counsel of the project.