46 Acquisition International - August 2017 Tunji Braithwaite & Co was established in 1961 by the managing partner, Dr Tunji Braithwaite. As winner of the Leading Income Generation and Microfinance Adviser of the Year – Nigeria, we interviewed the founder to learn more about the firm’s distinguished work in the legal sector. unji Braithwaite & Co has been a distinguished and outstanding legal practice in Nigeria, for over 50 years and was at the forefront of commercial activity, following Nigeria’s Independence. Their clients include multinationals such as Swissair, (obtaining landing rights for the Airline), Julius Berger (incorporated in Nigeria by Dr Braithwaite in 1965 as they began to construct Eko Bridge), BASF; HOESCHT (both German chemical conglomerates), Carrara Marble Co and Weide & Co. Dr Olumide Braithwaite is a Member of Lincoln’s Inn London and was called to the English Bar in 1959 and today he is the managing partner of the firm. He kicks things off by revealing the firm’s aims and his own areas of expertise. “Tunji Braithwaite & Co continues to gain prominence for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality and integrity, in the provision of legal services to our clients. “I am the managing partner of the firm, with wide ranging experience in practice, both as an effective litigator and in non-contentious matters. I have a considerable wealth of experience in advising on foreign investment, IP, banking & finance and oil & gas transactions. I have also acted for several notable sports personalities negotiating favourable contracts with international football clubs. I am registered member of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm’s practice areas include banking and finance, Olumide tells us. He explains more about this aspect of the firm’s work and shares his thoughts on commercial litigation, as well as alternative dispute resolution. “The firm’s banking and finance department provides transactional and advisory services to clients. We provide advice in the areas of securitization, trade finance and international capital markets, Company: Tunji Braithwaite & Co Name: Olumide Braithwaite Email: olumide@ tunjibraithwaiteco.com
[email protected] Web: www.tunjibraithwaiteco.com Address: 34 Okesuna Street Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria. P.O. BOX 785 Phone: +234 1 775 59 81 Tunji Braithwaite & Co Raise the Bar T 1706AI21 projects, global depositories, asset finance and collective investments securities, foreign exchange regulations and hedging mechanisms, syndicated and bilateral lending, leveraged finance, private placements and recapitalisations. The firm’s clients include investment and commercial borrowers and lenders. We also act for international banking houses, advising them on lending within Nigeria and internationally. “I am a renowned litigator and my reputation precedes me. The firm is therefore able to draw on my considerable expertise, to provide unmatched services to clients on all aspects of commercial litigation. We can act effectively and successfully on behalf of clients, particularly in managing complex multi-faceted matters, involving several claims and parties. “The firm also recognises that in the best interests of clients, disputes where possible should be quickly and effectively resolved, without recourse to the courts. As such, we offer clients an alternative dispute resolution service, that meets their needs.” Tunji Braithwaite & Co also looks at corporate and commercial, as well as intellectual property, Olumide adds. “The firm’s corporate department offers a market- leading capability on public and private mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructurings, projects, joint ventures and more. Within this department, the firm has a wealth of expertise in capital markets and we can offer clients a broad spectrum of services and advice on investment law. Added to this, where necessary we can provide representation at the Investment and Securities Tribunal. We also provide a full company secretarial service, together with advice on all aspects of company formation and operation. “On intellectual property, we provide a full range of services in the protection of such rights, ideas, concepts, trade names, trademarks, patents, copyright, licensing and franchising. From searching to registration to use and enforcement and where necessary, litigation upon infringement, the firm can provide a complete service to clients in the both use and protection of their assets.” In terms of project finance, the firm’s lawyers have been advising around this area for some time, Olumide points out. “We have therefore built up considerable expertise in a wide range of jurisdictions. We engage mainly “Tunji Braithwaite & Co continues to gain prominence for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality and integrity , in the provision of legal services to our clients.”