Aequo Gains Top Positions in the Legal 500 2015 Ranking

On April 8, 2015, a renowned international directory Legal 500 published its 2015 law firm rankings for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). According to this globally acclaimed source AEQUO is a first tier firm in Banking, Finance and Capital Markets. Aequo is also recommended as one of the leading Ukrainian firms in Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property and Tax.

Aequo’s Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice group, recently formed by "a respected team of experts" from Vasil Kisil & Partners, is highly recommended by Legal 500 as "strong in Ukrainian banking law". The researches highly acknowledge Denis Lysenko and the "technically strong, commercially aware" Yulia Kyrpa who "provide excellent client service and have a 'can-do' attitude".

According to the research, Aequo’s Corporate/M&A practice has market leaders in former Vasil Kisil & Partners lawyers Denis Lysenko, Anna Babych and competition expert Mariya Nizhnik, who are "totally committed to client service and ensure deals are completed quickly". Lysenko advised Ireland’s AWAS Group on the $100m lease of aircraft to a Ukrainian company and Babych represented UBG Group during the sale of its stake in Dobrobut to Concord Capital.

The directory also recommends Aequo’s Dispute Resolution team led by Oleksandr Mamunya, formerly of Vasil Kisil & Partners. Pavlo Byelousov is local counsel alongside a UK Magic Circle firm advising UK-based receivers on handling the assets of a Kazakh tycoon being sued by BTA Bank for damages exceeding $6bn.

Aequo’s Intellectual Property practice "has the right blend of local and international experience". The firm advised Mobile Telesystems on recognition of its trade mark in Ukraine. Oleksandr Mamunya is defending Pioneer Hi-Bred against trade mark infringement claims.

Legal 500 recommends Denis Lysenko, managing partner, head of tax practice group, as "well versed in current market practice". He advised Ireland’s AWAS Group on tax aspects of its $100m leasing of aircraft to a Ukrainian company. Other work included advising Inditex on the taxation of dividends.

Four partners are listed in elite "Leading lawyers" list: Anna Babych and Denis Lysenko (Corporate and M&A), Yulia Kyrpa (Banking, finance and capital markets) and Oleksandr Mamunya (Intellectual property). 6 lawyers are recommended in The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa 2015 editorial: Denis Lysenko, Yulia Kyrpa (Banking, finance and capital markets); Anna Babych, Denis Lysenko, Mariya Nizhnik (Corporate and M&A); Oleksandr Mamunya, Pavlo Byelousov (Dispute resolution), Oleksandr Mamunya (Intellectual property); Denis Lysenko (Tax).

“We highly appreciate the first ranking of our new firm as a leading law firm in Ukraine. This recognition demonstrates success of our business model and strategy. Most of all we appreciate that our work is highly regarded by our clients and peers”, says Denis Lysenko, Aequo’s managing partner.

For 27 years, The Legal 500 has been analyzing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market.