At Ajumogobia & Okeke, we have a core team of lawyers dedicated to Capital Markets and Private Equity (PE) advisory work. We make it a priority to provide legal advisory services to our clients that is comparable to the best international practices available. We are available at short notice and are able to dispense our duties to clients from resources available in our three (3) offices located in key cities in Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt).
A&O’s Capital Markets and Private Equity practice has amassed a great deal of experience over the years relating to project financing transactions in general which encompasses private equity, traditional financing, restructuring, M&A and capital markets through issuance of debt and equity capital on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and public, private partnerships amongst others.
The PE team has been engaged in PE transactions involving a range of multifaceted issues ranging from general transaction agreements (contractual, regulatory and corporate), identification of risk mitigating circumstances, effective risk allocation, tax structuring, fund raising investor Due Diligence (DD) – pre investment DDs, Investee/Investor DDs and post investment integration considerations amongst others. We have advised clients on exit planning related issues as well as proffering advice on the most appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms.
In the course of our duties, we have had cause to prepare transaction specific Agreements which often includes Share Sale (or Purchase) Agreements, Domiciliation and Escrow Agreements and Loan Note Instruments. In line with laid down rules of the industry or regulator, we are usually required to produce Due Diligence checklists and questionnaires to allow for a more seamless transaction, we conduct comprehensive Due Diligence exercises and we are able to highlight red flag or green light issues from time to time. We collate information on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOTs) that may impact on the transaction. We have reviewed management and employment issues, governance rights issues, contractual protections, investment vehicle structure(s), exclusion lists, risk ranking issues as well as minority and majority rights.