WakiliAfrica's Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice advises buyers, sellers, investors, and target companies through every stage of corporate transactions in Kenya and across East Africa. From early-stage term sheets and due diligence to regulatory approvals and post-merger integration, our transaction lawyers provide commercially-focused legal counsel that protects your interests and accelerates deal completion. We have experience across sectors including financial services, real estate, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and agribusiness.
Buyers, sellers, founders, investors, boards, lenders and regional groups planning acquisitions, disposals or reorganisations.
A transaction overview, target and ownership information, heads of terms, available data-room records and the proposed funding structure.
Our Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Services
- Buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory
- Share purchase and asset purchase agreement drafting and negotiation
- Legal, corporate, and regulatory due diligence
- Financial and tax due diligence coordination
- Transaction structuring and deal optimisation
- Shareholders' agreements and joint venture agreements
- Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) merger notification and approval
- Capital Markets Authority (CMA) regulatory compliance
- Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) approvals for financial sector transactions
- Sector-specific regulatory approvals (insurance, energy, telecoms, mining)
- Management buyout (MBO) and leveraged buyout (LBO) structuring
- Private equity and venture capital investment agreements
- Employee share ownership plans (ESOPs)
- Earn-out, escrow and deferred consideration structuring
- Post-merger integration legal support
- Distressed asset acquisitions and corporate rescue transactions
- Cross-border M&A with multi-jurisdictional coordination
- Warranties, indemnities and disclosure letter preparation
How Our Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Team Helps
M&A transactions in Kenya involve multiple regulatory bodies — the Competition Authority of Kenya requires merger notifications above prescribed thresholds, while sector regulators (CBK, CMA, IRA, EPRA) impose additional approval requirements. A poorly structured deal or missed regulatory filing can lead to voided transactions, penalties, or post-completion liabilities. Our M&A team has closed transactions across East Africa and brings deep knowledge of Kenyan corporate law, competition law, and sector-specific regulations to every deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Competition Authority approval required for all mergers in Kenya?
Merger notification is required when combined turnover or assets exceed KES 1 billion, or the acquired entity's turnover/assets exceed KES 500 million. Even below these thresholds, parties may voluntarily notify. We assess your transaction early and prepare the CAK filing to avoid delays.
How long does a typical M&A transaction take in Kenya?
A straightforward transaction can complete in 2–4 months. Complex deals involving multiple regulatory approvals, sector-specific licences, or cross-border elements may take 4–9 months. We manage the process end-to-end with clear timelines and milestone tracking.
What is included in legal due diligence for an acquisition?
Our due diligence covers corporate records, material contracts, employment matters, litigation and disputes, intellectual property, real estate, regulatory licences, tax compliance, environmental issues, and data protection compliance. We produce a comprehensive report highlighting risks and recommended protections for the purchase agreement.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us the outcome you need, your deadline and which documents you already have. We will confirm the next practical step.