Esin Attorney Partnership, a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International, has advised Nafiz Kerim Kotan and Murat Zorlu on the acquisition of 99 percent of the share capital of Arma Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş. (Arma Portfolio) from Ahmet Dedehayır and Rhea Portföy (Rhea Portfolio).
Istanbul-based Banking & Finance and M&A Partner Muhsin Keskin advised on the transaction.
“Due to the tax and legal advantages introduced last year, we’ve seen an increase in the portfolio management business, and we expect this trend to continue,” Muhsin Keskin said.
The firm’s other recent financial institution M&A experience includes advising a global business services and management solutions company on the acquisition of a credit rating agency and its associated data services business in Turkey, as well as a U.S.-based client in relation to the acquisition of a minority stake in Borsa Istanbul.
Initially established as Bender Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş. in 2003, Arma Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş. is a portfolio management company specializing in the provision of qualified portfolio and wealth management services to corporate investors. As part of its new strategy, Arma Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş. will also start providing portfolio and wealth management services to individuals.
The acquisition of Arma Portfolio is a strategic move in an industry expected to grow exponentially in the next 10 years. In an interview, Kotan noted that Arma Portfolio is already well known in the fund management industry due to its strong infrastructure and deep sector roots. He further commented that Arma Portfolio is looking forward to partnering with Rhea Portfolio on common points of interest and strategic issues.
Nafiz Kerim Kotan will continue to focus on his current M&A activities and will act as financial investor and vice chairman of the board in the newly acquired franchise.
