Aequo is a full-service firm which was established in Kyiv in 2014.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is experienced in advising foreign and domestic clients on mostly cross-border transactions across all areas of the corporate law.
In banking and finance, it advises private companies, institutional investors and banks in their roles as lenders and borrowers on project finance, refinancing and acquisition finance. It has experience advising clients in the banking and finance sectors on market entries and providing regulatory advice.
In capital markets it has experience in advising issuers on Eurobond issues, as well as on advising international and domestic institutions on capital markets legislation improvements.
In corporate and M&A it has a track record in advising private equity funds and foreign investors on acquisitions of shares and assets in various industries, including IT and energy.
A recent addition to the corporate and M&A team of the firm is Michael Lukashenko, an internally promoted corporate and M&A partner.
Key clients
Among its clients are Epicentr K, State Savings Bank of Ukraine, Dragon Capital, Piraeus Group, Ukrposhta, EMSO Asset Management, Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Güris, Deposit Guarantee Fund of Ukraine, Naftogaz of Ukraine, Mercury and DebtX.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
In banking and finance, the firm has been receiving mandates in the fields of education, logistics and financial services.
In debt capital markets, the firm has been active in the oil and gas sector and the financial services sector.
In terms of M&A work, this research period has seen Aequo active in the fields of oil and gas, technology and telecommunications and food and beverages. The firm has received predominantly cross-order mandates and has usually acted on the side of the acquirer.
In Project development the firm has been active in areas such as agriculture, oil and gas, industrials and manufacturing, mainly working on the investor side.
In the Restructuring and Insolvency practice area, the firm has been active mainly in the financial services and the oil and gas sector, working for both creditors and debtors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
State Savings Bank of Ukraine $
100 million mezzanine finance
Naftogaz of Ukraine $
615 million note restructuring
Cameco Corporation and Brookfield Renewable Partners’
$7.8 billion acquisition of Westinghouse Electric Company
Deposit Guarantee Fund of Ukraine $5 billion debt restructuring
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
M&A
"We are very confident in Anna Babych and Michael Lukashenko. Apart from being very bright lawyers they are also very knowledgeable on the Ukrainian market which makes their advice extremely practical and straight to the point. I am also very impressed with how they always go the extra mile to make sure that all aspects of the transaction (even those that we might have not considered) are completely covered. It also goes without saying that the team is always accessible and ready to advise on complex matters. "
“Aequo find out the goal that the client is trying to achieve and the main parameters of the transaction and, based on the information received, offer options that are most suitable for each client, always acting in the best interests of the client.”
"They are great project leaders and M&A advisers. "
Project development
"Quality legal services; efficiency; customer focus. "
Private equity
"Reliable and professional team."
Michael Lukashenko
"Michael has very good understanding of transactions and he always considers every aspect of the matter referred to him. He is well aware of every little detail on the transaction, which brings needed confidence to the matter."
"The most incredible positive attribute of Michael is the intention to provide each client with a bespoke solution, with the understanding of the client's needs and final goals."
"He is a great M&A lawyer. Very responsible. Clients feel safe with him."
Denis Lysenko
"Availability and efficiency."
