Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners: Corporate Services and M&A

EPA&P's corporate practice includes the representation of both Russian and foreign clients' interests in Russia, as well as the representation of Russian business interests abroad, and offers a wide range of services.

Having advised on the biggest Russian M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) deals in recent years, the Firm became the recognized leader in M&A legal advice in Russia.

Our lawyers provide legal support for investment projects and M&A, which often entails developing a solid legal strategy that incorporates the interests of all participating parties. EPA&P uses an integrated approach to problem-solving. Not only attorneys take part in the development of a legal strategy, but also the client, auditors, and other experts in the area. Our goal is to create among the parties involved in an investment project legal relationships optimizing terms of law and taxation.

An integral part of our corporate practice is the legal due diligence audit aimed at estimating risks connected with acquiring a target company. Legal due diligence in Russia is also necessary with respect to selling a business, attracting a major investor, or raising a loan.

Due diligence is a crucial part of preparing for an IPO, an action which is increasingly the subject of our legal practice.

Another service EPA&P offers in our corporate practice is the handling of contractual matters, including the drafting of documents, participating in negotiations, and exercising ongoing supervision.

The interests of major Russian businessmen are increasingly concerned with the reorganization of business to enhance its capitalization. Our lawyers provide our clients with a complete spectrum of services, from suggestions as to minimizing existing transaction risks to recommendations with respect to corporate restructuring.

EPA&P's corporate services also include tax planning provided by our corporate department in collaboration with our tax department.

Examples in corporate and M&A include:

• Advising RUSAL on its US$30 billion merger with SUAL of Russia and Glencore of Switzerland creating United Company RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer.
• Advising RUSAL on the acquisition of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) – the first ever M&A deal in Africa advised by the Russian law firm.
• Advising Russian Machines, Russian leading automotive holding, on the US$1,5 billion private equity deal for the shares of NYSE-listed Magna International, the world’s leading auto components manufacturer.
• Advising Basic Element, one of Russia’s leading investment groups, on the acquisition of a 30 percent stake in STRABAG, European leader in construction.
• Advising Basic Element in the acquisition of Transstroy, the largest infrastructure construction holding in Russia.