The corporate, commercial, and M&A team at Anjarwalla & Khanna is praised by clients for being an ‘exceptional team with a strong commitment to quality’. The practice adopts a multidisciplinary approach, advising both local and international clients on a full range of matters, including public and private M&A transactions, private equity, joint ventures, and restructurings. Dominic Rebelo sits at the helm of the practice, and he advises clients on privatisations, share acquisitions and, commercial transactions. Industry veteran Karim Anjarwalla and Anne Kiunuhe have extensive experience advising regional and international clients on M&A matters, and Rosa Nduati-Mutero is a key port of call for corporate governance and compliance matters. Roddy McKean retired in June 2025.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Kenya
Anjarwalla & Khanna
Praxisleiter:
Dominic Rebelo
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Karim Anjarwalla; Anne Kiunuhe; Rosa Nduati-Mutero; Charlotte Patrick-Patel
Referenzen
‘Exceptional team with a very strong commitment to quality.‘
‘Professionalism, deeply knowledgeable, high quality of work in all engagements and timely delivery.‘
‘Speed, responsiveness, ability to contextualize law in solving business challenges.‘
Kernmandanten
Ethio Telecom Share Company
Amsons Industries
Moniepoint
Apollo Investments
Maziwa
East Africa Growth Holding
Sanlam Kenya
Sanlam Allianz (South Africa)
Penda Health
Holmarcom Africa Financial Services
Twiga Holdings
Pamstad
Liberty Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Ethio Telecom Share Company, one of Africa’s largest telecom operators by subscriber base, in connection with a landmark public offering for the sale of a 10% stake in the company, constituting 100 million ordinary shares at a price of approximately USD250m.
- Acting for Amsons Industries Kenya, an investment vehicle incorporated for this transaction, in connection with its public takeover and acquisition of 100% of Bamburi Cement, a leading cement and concrete producer in Eastern Africa, owning and operating two cement plants in Kenya, supplying regional markets in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
- Acting for East Africa Growth Holding in connection with a two-fold transaction that involved a subscription of additional shares in I&M, supported by financing through a co-investment between AfricInvest, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, and Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden into EAGH (the Co-investment).
Bowmans
With a pan-African presence in the market, the corporate team at Bowmans, which is jointly led by Rainbow Field and Joyce Karanja, is commended by clients for its ‘strong expertise in M&A and commercial law’. Field specialises in corporate and commercial transactions, as well as joint ventures, while Karanja is well-versed in competition merger control. Paras Shah is experienced in private equity and capital markets work, and Kendall Evans is a key member of the team for matters related to corporate restructurings. Other key contacts in the group include venture capital expert Vruti Shah, private M&A specialist Christina Nduba-Banja, Yusra Butt, Richard Harney, and Wathingira Gituro.
Praxisleiter:
Joyce Karanja; Rainbow Field
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Yusra Butt; Vruti Shah; Paras Shah; Kendall Evans; Christina Nduba-Banja; Richard Harney; Wathingira Gituro
Referenzen
‘We have worked with the Bowmans team on several occasions during the review period as our offshore counsel. Their collective expertise and responsiveness are unparalleled, enabling our Sri Lankan clients to enter and expand within the African market with confidence and ease. Our positive experience with the team has led us to consistently recommend Bowmans to all our clients seeking to invest or establish operations in Africa.’
‘We have worked extensively with Paras Shah, Vruti Shah, and Yusra Butt. The team demonstrates strong expertise in M&A and commercial law matters and has effectively guided our clients in establishing their initial ventures in the African market.‘
‚The expertise and support of Vruti Shah and Yusra Butt were instrumental in the successful closure of one of our key transactions in Kenya.’
Kernmandanten
Amethis Milling, Arrandale Holdings Ltd, Merec Financial Corporation
Actis
Star Food Holdings Ltd
The Bluck family and Nodor International
Lipton Teas and Infusions B.V.
Holcim Group
Africa Poultry Development Ltd
Kenchic Uganda Ltd
Wananchi Group (Holdings) Ltd
KCB Group Plc
Leapfrog Investments
Kenafric Manufacturing Ltd
E3 Capital Management
Injaro Ghana Venture Capital Fund
E3 Capital Management
Incofin Investment Management NV
Orangina Schweppes Holdings B.V.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Amethis Private Equity Fund, Merec Financial Corporation, and Arrandale Holdings Ltd (as the Sellers) on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Stratton Africa Holding Ltd, the Mauritius holding company of the Merec industries, to Dubai-based Invictus Investment Company Plc, a listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
- Advising Actis Fund (through Star Foods Holding Limited) on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Java House to Alterra Africa and Phatisa, private equity funds.
- Advising a majority of the shareholders of Wananchi Group (Holdings) Ltd on the sale of their shares to Axian Telecom Fibre Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Axian Telecom Ltd, a company incorporated under the Laws of Mauritius.
Kaplan & Stratton Advocates
Kaplan & Stratton Advocates boasts a comprehensive corporate M&A offering, enabling the team to advise a range of clients in the energy, TMT, retail, and financial services sectors on a full range of issues. The practice is jointly steered by experienced professionals Joseph Ng’ang’ira, who has significant experience in cross-border M&A work, and Sarah Kiarie-Muia, who is knowledgeable in corporate and commercial law. Kenneth Kamaitha is a notable member of the team who is well-versed in handling complex capital markets transactions. Another key team member is Immanuel Nzaku, who is praised for his ‘strong mix of eloquence, analytical depth, and hands-on commitment’.
Praxisleiter:
Joseph Ng’ang’ira; Sarah Kiarie-Muia
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Immanuel Nzaku; Kenneth Kamaitha
Referenzen
‘What makes this team stand out is the way they blend experience with opportunity.‘
‚They have got a solid group led by Joseph Ng’ang’ira, who knows the industry inside out. He brings deep knowledge and calm leadership, which sets the tone for the rest of the team.‘
‚It’s not just about experience, they also give younger professionals real chances to contribute. Instead of keeping them on the sidelines, they involve them in projects, letting them learn and grow. That mix of fresh energy and seasoned insight makes their work both sharp and forward-thinking.‘
Kernmandanten
Eurazeo SE in collaboration Bredin Prat
Marubeni Corporation
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
ZEP RE
Nordic Microfinance Initiative AS
Blackrock Inc.
AP Møller Capital P/S
GEMS Africa Ltd
CFAO Toyota Tsusho
Unilever Kenya Ltd
International Finance Corporation
British American Tobacco
Safaricom PLC
Samsung Electronics
Hapag-Lloyd
Lafarge Holcim Group
Prudential Assurance Group
Absa Group
FedEx Group
SAP
Oracle
IBM
L’Oreal East Africa
Daimler
Clifford Chance LLP
Allen & Overy
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for Bamburi Cement PLC, the largest cement manufacturer in East Africa and a listed company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, in connection with the acquisition of a 58.9% stake by Amsons Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate.
- Advised HID Global Corporation, an ASSA Abloy brand and global leader in trusted identity solutions, on the divestiture of its Citizen Identity Solutions business, HID CID Ltd and its subsidiaries, one of which is based in Kenya, to Toppan Global Security Ltd.
- Advised Safaricom Plc on the formation of a strategic joint venture with Apeiro Ltd and Konvergenz Network Solutions Ltd to deliver a first-of-its-kind digital health infrastructure project for the government of Kenya.
CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates
CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates is particularly impressive in the corporate M&A arena, as the practice is well-equipped to advise multinational corporations, financial institutions, private equity firms, and startups on a wide array of matters. The practice group is co-led by the experienced Julius Wako, who specialises in joint ventures and corporate governance work, and Shitul Shah, who focuses on capital markets, as well as asset and share purchases. Abdulhafeez Noorani advises clients on corporate projects and commercial transactions, while Kevin Kwasa boasts expertise in corporate debt and equity restructurings.
Praxisleiter:
Julius Wako; Shitul Shah
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Abdulhafeez Noorani; Kevin Kwasa
Highlight-Mandate
ENSafrica
Lauded by clients as being a ‘powerful pan-African platform’, the corporate M&A team at ENSafrica is highly capable of handling all aspects of private equity and venture capital matters. The group is under the joint leadership of Mahesh Acharya, whose practice focuses on joint ventures, and Amar Grewal-Thethy, who specialises in corporate restructurings and cross-border M&A. Anthony Gakuru is well-equipped to handle a range of matters in the corporate commercial landscape, and Binti Shah is another key member of the team who routinely advises on transactions from a banking and finance perspective.
Praxisleiter:
Mahesh Acharya; Amar Grewal-Thethy
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Binti Shah; Anthony Gakuru; Timothy Mutegi
Referenzen
‘ENSafrica’s Commercial, Corporate and M&A practice demonstrated strong technical capabilities in conducting a comprehensive legal due diligence. Their review covered corporate information, contracts, property, licences, IP, litigation, taxation, employment, data protection, and KYC/AML. They provided actionable recommendations, identified key legal risks, and flagged important housekeeping issues such as shareholder approvals, data protection compliance, and registration of security rights.‘
‘The key ENSafrica team members were Mahesh Acharya and Binti Shah. Both provided a rigorous legal review and brought strong knowledge across multiple regulatory and contractual areas. Their work was thorough, and they were effective in spotting material risks and compliance gaps.‘
Their ability to produce comprehensive legal risk mapping was valuable.’
Kernmandanten
Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP
Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development S.A.
West China Cement Ltd
FSD Africa Investments
Sanlam Allianz Africa (Pty) Ltd
M-Pesa Foundation – CarePlay
Rubis
Alterra Capital Partners
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Rubis Energy Kenya Plc on a joint venture with Solarise to develop and finance solar photovoltaic systems for some of Rubis’ premises and in future, for its commercial and industrial customers in Kenya.
- Advising Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP on behalf of the client to provide legal, regulatory, and transactional advice for the acquisition of Nodor International Ltd.
- Advising Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development S.A on acquisition by AKFED of 2.42% of the shares in TPS Eastern Africa Plc (Serena Hotels) from Aga Khan University Foundation.
DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
The corporate and M&A practice at DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates) provides both domestic and international clients with the full range of advice, including on project finance, private equity, corporate restructurings, and compliance reviews. David Lekerai heads the team and is experienced in M&A, as well as corporate advisory work. Kamami Christine Michira is a key contact for capital markets and financial regulatory advice, while John Mwangi and James Kamau are also notable members of the team.
Praxisleiter:
David Lekerai
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kamami Christine Michira; John Mwangi; James Kamau
Referenzen
‘Highly experienced and diverse expertise. Very responsive and excellent involvement of senior partners in deal structuring and key legal aspects.’
‘The legal counsel was very experienced and solution driven, responsive and client centric. Really enjoyed working with the team.’
‘The Firm’s ability to navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and strategic insight remains invaluable.‘
Kernmandanten
Access Bank PLC
Ascent Capital Holdings Africa II Ltd
African Development Bank
Ramco Inc.
Kenbe Investments Ltd
Ramoda Ceramics Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Ascent Capital Holdings Africa II Ltd on its acquisition of up to 49% shareholding in Dune Packaging Ltd, a paper packaging manufacturer based in Kenya.
- Advised Access Bank PLC on its acquisition of 100% of National Bank of Kenya Ltd from KCB Group PLC; this acquisition aligns with Access Bank’s strategy to expand its presence in the Kenyan and East African markets.
- Advised AfDB on its acquisition of 25% stake in Dhamana Guarantee Ltd, which reinforced the catalytic role and potential of credit enhancement companies in leveraging opportunities for infrastructure financing in local currency.
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP
Highly regarded by clients for ‘consistent delivery of high-quality advice in complex local and cross-border M&A transactions’, the practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP is led by experienced professional Sammy Ndolo. Njeri Wagacha is geared to support with private equity, venture capital investments, and M&A work, and Martha Mbugua is well-versed in corporate debt and restructuring mandates. Brian Muchiri was promoted to partner in April 2025.
Praxisleiter:
Sammy Ndolo
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Martha Mbugua; Njeri Wagacha; Brian Muchiri
Referenzen
‘What sets this practice apart is the breadth of specialisations and the depth of expertise that each individual brings within their field.‘
‚The team demonstrates genuine care for the business and consistently provides support with its best interests in mind. They foster a true sense of partnership, making you feel like more than just a client.’
‘I have worked with Sammy Nodolo and Njeri Wagacha as partners in the Corporate Commercial department. Each has demonstrated deep knowledge and expertise in their respective areas of specialisation.‘
Kernmandanten
Axian Group
Enko Education
PPC International Holdings
BasiGo
Sasini
Acumen Fund
Metal Cans & Closures Kenya Ltd
Kuramo Capital Management
Liberty Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Axian Group on a high-profile acquisition in the telecoms sector.
- Advised Sasini on its proposed acquisition of a leading tea producer in Kenya.
- Advised BasiGo, as Kenyan counsel, on its USD24m Series A equity round led by Africa50 Infrastructure Investment Platform.
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co advises financial institutions and investors, as well as local and multinational corporations, on a range of corporate and commercial issues. The practice is jointly steered by Jared Kangwana and Mati Munuve; Kangwana is skilled at advising clients on cross-border M&A and restructurings, while Munuve advises on commercial agreements. Alex Devereux is a key associate in the team and is actively involved in a range of matters.
Praxisleiter:
Jared Kangwana; Mati Munuve
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alex Devereux
Referenzen
‚Clyde & Co’s Commercial, Corporate and M&A practice stands out for its exceptional command of complex transactional matters and its deep understanding of the commercial realities faced by clients operating across East Africa.‘
‚The team’s ability to combine strategic legal insight with practical, execution-oriented advice makes them an invaluable partner for any cross-border transaction.‘
‚Mati Munuve has been outstanding in leading the engagement. He combines deep technical knowledge with a strong commercial sensibility, offering solutions that are not only legally robust but also practical from an operational standpoint. His calm, composed leadership and ability to manage complex negotiations involving multiple stakeholders have been particularly impressive.‘
Kernmandanten
Zurich Insurance Group
Nexgen International LLC
Avia Solutions Group
Better Cooking Company
Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation of the Government of Kenya
ECM Solutions
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Zurich Insurance Group on the acquisition of AIG’s global personal travel insurance and assistance business, including Travel Guard by Zurich Insurance Group.
- Assists a client with successfully seeking and obtaining a notification exemption on the COMESA Competition Commission, and following extensive consultations with COMESA and certain conditions granted in the exemptions having been met, successfully lodged a full merger notification, which was approved.
- Acted for the buyer in the sale of assets by a company that makes eco-friendly biomass briquettes from sugarcane husks.
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews
Richard Omwela leads the corporate practice at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, and the team is highly capable of advising on M&A transactions, private equity matters, capital markets transactions, and regulatory compliance. Andrew Mugambi is experienced in advising clients who are active in the petroleum, retail, and financial services industries on M&A transactions, while Daniel Wanjau Muriu has a broad corporate practice. Peter Okaalet Jr is another core member of the team.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Omwela
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andrew Mugambi; Daniel Wanjau Muriu; Peter Okaalet Jr
Referenzen
‘What makes the practice unique is their deep knowledge in PE that goes beyond legal knowledge and their ability to break down and communicate complex problems in an easy way.‘
‚Peter Okalat Jr is calm and unfazed by a crisis.‘
Kernmandanten
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
The Monarch Insurance Company Ltd
Servair – SIA QSR Kenya Ltd
Westland Heights Ltd
Harley’s Ltd
Muthaiga-ABC Forex Bureau Ltd
CFAO Motors Kenya Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for NCBA Bank Kenya PLC in relation to its acquisition of the remaining 65% shareholding in AIG Kenya Insurance Company Ltd. The matter involved full legal due diligence, drafting and negotiating the share purchase agreement, brand licence agreement, transition services agreement, and other related documentation.
- Advised Monarch Insurance Company Ltd on the sale of 51% of its shares, valued at over KES 219,000,000, initially purchased by an external investor in 2021.
- Represented the founders of Harley’s Limited in selling a 65% stake to IBL Group (in partnership with Proparco).
KO Associates
The corporate practice at KO Associates delivers advice on a wide spectrum of matters, such as corporate governance, restructuring, private equity, and venture capital mandates. The department is under the leadership of a seasoned duo: Ken Rutere, who is skilled at contract drafting and corporate structuring, and Crispine Odhiambo, who boasts deep expertise in M&A transactions. Stephen Kiptinness is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Ken Rutere; Crispine Odhiambo
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stephen Kiptinness
Referenzen
‘The team exhibited great collaboration, especially with regulators, and were able to provide all necessary requirements on time, showing that they also understand the regulatory landscape in Kenya very well.’
‘They were very articulate throughout the transaction, providing the right support which enabled the transaction to close in the shortest time possible.‘
‚They were great time-keepers and respected the client’s time and all involved in the transaction.‘
Kernmandanten
Kenya Climate Ventures Ltd
Don Bosco Tech Africa
Tawi Fresh Ltd
Water Sector Trust Fund
USAID Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Finance (WASH-FIN 2) program
Spire Bank Ltd
BSD Group
Kentegra Biotechnology Ltd
Ahadi Wireless Ltd
Jubilee Insurance Ltd
Poa Internet Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Kenya Climate Ventures Ltd on the establishment of the USD25m Impact Fund.
- Supported a Tawi Fresh Limited (Tawi) on the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital in Tawi Fresh Limited (Tawi) by Edaa Int’l Kenya Ltd (Edaa).
- Advising on the financing framework for a USD45m Impact Program in the Water Sector Trust Fund aimed to develop sustainable funding mechanisms to provide financial support to unserved and underserved communities in Kenya.
MMAN Advocates
The active corporate commercial practice at MMAN Advocates is praised by its clients for its ‘deep expertise in corporate, technology, and commercial law’. The team is led by Suzanne Muthaura, who advises both local and regional clients on private equity transactions and governance. Waringa Njonjo is a key member of the team, routinely advising on cross-border M&A transactions, as well as corporate reorganisations. Carole Ayugi is knowledgeable in commercial and corporate law.
Praxisleiter:
Suzanne Muthaura
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Carole Ayugi; Waringa Njonjo
Referenzen
‘MMAN builds strong relationships not only with clients but also focusing on co-counsel and cross-border relations, providing deep expertise in corporate, technology, and commercial law.‘
‚They offer really personalized solutions.‘
‚Its very nice working with MMAN and it enables us to provide seamless legal support – whether transactional, commercial, or regulatory.‘
Kernmandanten
African Infrastructure Investment Managers
Economic Industries Ltd
Acele Africa Industries Ltd
Kennedy Van Der Laan
Van Helvoort Company Bv
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising AceleAfrica Limited, a leading battery technology company, on the purchase of assets and liabilities located in Kenya from Aceleron Energy its parent company.
- Advising African Infrastructure Investment Managers, a leading pan-African infrastructure fund focused on digital infrastructure, energy transition, mobility and logistics, on the Kenyan legal aspects of African Drybulk Ltd.’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Incorp Ltd, the holding company for Bulkstream Ltd.
- Advising the shareholders of Economic Industries Ltd, a leading manufacturer of school and office stationery, puzzles, paper, and envelopes, on the sale and transfer of the business to Kenafric Manufacturing Ltd.
MMC ASAFO
MMC ASAFO is home to an experienced corporate commercial team that advises on a wide range of matters, with diverse expertise in the healthcare, infrastructure, transport, technology, and energy sectors. The group is led by a highly capable duo: Esther Njiru-Omulele, who specialises in business reorganisations, corporate governance, and private equity matters, and Isaiah Mungai Kamau, who focuses on corporate contracts, due diligence, and corporate restructurings.
Praxisleiter:
Esther Njiru-Omulele; Isaiah Mungai Kamau
Highlight-Mandate
TripleOKlaw Advocates
Led by Brian Muindi, the corporate and M&A team at TripleOKlaw Advocates routinely represents large corporations and financial institutions in a wide array of matters. Muindi has strong expertise in regulatory compliance and cross-border advisory work, as well as capital markets transactions. Other key team members include Stephen Mallowah, who advises clients on joint ventures and acquisitions, and Jinaro K. Kibet, SC, who has extensive experience in due diligence and corporate restructurings.
Praxisleiter:
Brian Muindi
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stephen Mallowah; Jinaro K. Kibet, SC
Referenzen
‘The firm is reputable in Kenya as it has participated in some of the most recent and notable transactions in Kenya. The firm has senior partners that are well experienced in commercial law.‘
‘Stephen Mallowah has deep expertise in commercial law and State Law. Solid lawyer to have as part of the transaction team.‘
Brian Muindi has deep expertise in capital markets and has a good grasp of the real estate landscape, laws and regulations in Kenya.‘
Kernmandanten
Acorn Holdings Ltd
Old Mutual Holdings Plc
International Housing Solution
Bupa Global
Trade Catalyst Africa
Habitat for Humanity Kenya
Equity Group Holdings Plc
Tribe Hotel Ltd
CIC Insurance Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised IHS, a leading South African private equity firm specialising in green (incorporating environmentally sustainable designs and construction practices) affordable housing across Sub-Saharan Africa, on acquiring 200 environmentally sustainable residential units within the ‘237 Garden City’ development along Thika Road Superhighway, Kenya.
- Advised Bupa Global, a leading international healthcare insurer operating across seven countries, on its strategic expansion into Kenya’s insurance market.
- Advised Trade Catalyst Africa, a catalytic fund, on its USD1.3m investment in Modular Real Estate EPZ Ltd to fund the construction of an industrial shed facility at the Athi River Export Processing Zone.