One of the biggest firms in Nigeria, full-service outfit AELEX was founded near the turn of the millennium by a four-way merger. It has offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja in Nigeria, as well as an office in Accra Ghana.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm advises on financing and is competent in the capital markets space with experience in IPOs, Eurobonds, derivatives and rights issues. It also acts as counsel on large infrastructure projects in Nigeria. A regular stream of its mandates come from foreign clients looking to invest directly into Nigeria.
A core practice for the firm is energy and infrastructure where the firm acts as counsel to major players in the oil and gas sector. The firm is prominent on the corporate side of oil and gas work and often works on farm-ins, farm-outs and M&A involving the industry.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships within the banking practice with FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Export-Import Bank of the United States, African Export-import Bank, EMTS, Keystone Bank, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Securities Solutions, Emerging Markets Payment West Africa, PayU Payments Nigeria, Sentinel Exploration & Production, Vitol, African Development Bank, Cedar Consortium, Ecobank Nigeria, FBN Capital, and Dangote Cement.
In capital markets the firm has connections with Food Concepts, Stanbic IBTC, Securities Solutions, Coca-Cola, 7UP Bottling Company, and Securities Exchange Commission.
In M&A the firm has ties to Google, Helios Investment Partners, Petrobras, Nampack Nigeria, SAP Africa, KLM Line Maintenance International, Lufthansa, Shoprite Holdings, Chevron Nigeria, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Azura Power West Africa, The Shell Petroleum Company of Nigeria, CNOOC E&P, and Beacon Power Services Nigeria.
In project development the firm has relationships with All Grace Energy Nigeria, ADDAX Petroleum, Benue Minerals, Shelf Drilling, Nagarjuna Fertilizer and Chemicals Nigeria, Blue Power Energy, Modandola Group, SDP Services, and Rusal Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria.
In project finance the firm has developed bonds with Global Telecommunications Company, Africa Finance Corporation, PetroMetrics, Gigagas, Honeywell Group, SacOil Nigeria, SDP Services, APR Energy, and Van Oord Dredging & Marine Contractors.
Research period review: 34th edition (2024/2025)
The firm was active in banking, capital markets debt, capital markets equity and M&A.
In banking, the firm advised on acquisitions, project financing, refinancing and loans for clients for borrowers and lenders in the oil and gas, infrastructure, banking and energy sectors.
In capital markets, the firm advised clients on the establishment of bond programmes and issuance of notes and bonds for clients in the financial services and consumer sectors.
In M&A, the firm focused on corporate reorganisations, acqusiitions and divestments for clients in the oil and gas, energy and consumer sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2024/2025)
Air Liquide Afrique S.A.S divestment in Air Liquide Nigeria
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2024/2025)
Restructuring
"Aelex's team (mainly represented by Chinyerugo Ugoji - Partner) have shown great dedication and efforts and high standard advisory during incorporation, especially in pharmaceuticals field. Their dedication, prompt response and advisory were exceptional and their ability to find solutions to legal obstacles is well noted."
"High standard solutions with quick intervention and efficiency is their key."
Chinyerugo Ugoji
"Very high skills of corporate knowledge and advanced solutions whether in relation to incorporation or corporate governance as well. His availability around the clock and immediate responses are exceptionally saving."
