SIGNUM has substantial experience advising international and Kazakhstan technology companies, digital platforms, telecommunications operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as businesses operating in the aviation, railway, maritime and broader transportation sectors.
We support clients across different stages of their business development - from market entry and corporate structuring to commercial and technology contracts, launches of digital products, regulatory compliance, M&A transactions, tax structuring, employment matters and dispute resolution.
In technology and telecommunications, our experience covers software and IT services, digital platforms and mobile applications, payment solutions, e-commerce, personal data and cybersecurity, satellite technology, telecommunications equipment and radio-frequency spectrum. In transportation, we advise airlines, railway operators, maritime and logistics companies on contractual, corporate, tax and regulatory matters.
Our understanding of the highly regulated environment in which these businesses operate enables SIGNUM to support both day-to-day operations and complex cross-border transactions, technology projects and disputes.
Advised a major transportation company on freight forwarding and transportation arrangements, acquisition of railway cars and leases of movable and immovable property.
Drafted lease agreements for an international telecommunications company.
Advised a major international offshore contractor on the use of vessels in Kazakhstan, including drafting bareboat charter agreements and registration of vessels at the Aktau seaport.
Advised a major Turkish construction company in negotiations with the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications on contracts for the reconstruction of an airport in Astana and roads in various regions of Kazakhstan.
Advised one of the largest Russian online platforms and technology companies on the launch of a new digital advertising business in Kazakhstan.
Advised a major international food delivery service on the launch of a new business line in Kazakhstan, including commercial and regulatory matters.
Advised a major Finnish software company on its market entry model, regulation of its operations and intellectual property matters in Kazakhstan.
Advised an international cloud mining company on establishing its operations in Kazakhstan, deploying technology equipment and arranging connection to power supply infrastructure.
Advised a major international authentication, identification and traceability company on the corporate restructuring of its Kazakhstan subsidiaries and the buy-out of interests held by local partners.
Advised an international communications satellite technology company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on financial restructuring options in connection with Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States.
Assisted with the liquidation of the Kazakhstan representative office of a major German telecommunications company.
Advised telecommunications businesses on corporate restructuring arising from mergers of international groups.
Provided full M&A support on the acquisition of Kazakhstan subsidiaries of a major group providing telecommunications and IT services relating to data storage and processing, including red flag due diligence, review of transaction documentation and closing.
Provided full M&A support on the acquisition of Kazakhstan subsidiaries of a major international ride-hailing services group.
Advised a major Russian railway operator on the indirect acquisition of 100% of the shares in one of Kazakhstan’s ten largest freight rolling stock owners.
Advised on corporate and competition law matters in connection with the merger of two major telecommunications companies.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a Kazakhstan technology company providing payment solutions for the banking and retail sectors in connection with a potential investment.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a satellite operator in connection with financing by one of Kazakhstan’s largest banks.
Advised on tax matters relating to the launch in Kazakhstan of a major information service connecting passengers with taxi service providers.
Advised an international telecommunications company on taxation of software imports into Kazakhstan.
Advised a major European telecommunications company on managing and minimising VAT exposure in Kazakhstan.
Advised mobile operators on tax exemptions and investment preferences.
Advised a major German airline on VAT matters and application of the double taxation treaty between Kazakhstan and Germany.
Advised a Russian airline on VAT implications relating to Kazakhstan suppliers.
Represented an international telecommunications company in a commercial dispute with a Kazakhstan contractor arising from failure to perform contractual obligations. The claim was valued at approximately USD 1.5 million.
Represented an international telecommunications company in an administrative dispute with the customs authorities concerning customs clearance and potential confiscation of telecommunications equipment valued at approximately USD 1 million.
Represented a major international airline in a tax dispute concerning the application of a double taxation treaty, resulting in the cancellation of tax assessments of approximately USD 1.3 million.
Represented a major German telecommunications company in litigation concerning a VAT refund.
Represented technology and telecommunications companies in commercial, tax, customs and employment disputes.
Prepared a legal memorandum for one of the largest telecommunications companies on telecommunications and satellite regulation in Kazakhstan.
Advised a major international technology company on cross-border data transfers and Kazakhstan cybersecurity requirements.
Advised a major telecommunications company on construction and technical requirements applicable to the installation of cellular communications infrastructure in Kazakhstan.
Developed a regulatory compliance programme for a major German telecommunications company.
Provided regulatory support to an international telecommunications equipment manufacturer in connection with its operations in Kazakhstan.
Advised on tender procedures and regulatory requirements relating to the use of radio-frequency spectrum in Kazakhstan.
Advised a telecommunications operator on competition law requirements relating to cellular tariff policies.
Advised a major telecommunications company on participation in a tender for the implementation of a billing system.
Advised a Kazakhstan technology start-up on the regulation of payment systems in Kazakhstan.
Advised a major Swiss technology company on the implementation of a raw-material traceability system through a public-private partnership, including regulatory analysis and drafting proposed amendments to Kazakhstan information technology legislation.
Provided comprehensive legal support to an international authentication, identification and traceability company on the implementation of a technology project under a public-private partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan.
Advised an IT company on an employment agreement incorporating a flexible work schedule and seasonal changes to working hours.
Advised a leading Chinese telecommunications equipment and mobile communications operator on employment disputes in Kazakhstan.
Advised technology and telecommunications companies on employment agreements, working-time arrangements, termination of employment and other day-to-day workforce matters.