Leading Adviser Awards 2026 www.acquisition-international.com • Leading Adviser Awards 2025 Featuring: Aprigliano Law Firm: Leading Italian Citizenship Litigation Attorney Julius & Creasy: Comprehensive Intellectual Property Services from Sri Lanka’s Leading Law Firm
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Contents 4 Mc Naught & Co.: “We Practice Law with Heart” 5 VIVANCO & VIVANCO: Lawyer and Director Promoting Women in Law Leadership 6 Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond 8 Salvador Llanillo & Bernado: The Best of the Best in the Philippines’ Taxation Scene 9 Aprigliano Law Firm: Leading Italian Citizenship Litigation Attorney 10 Pascua & Pascua Law Offices: A Trusted Partner to Manilla’s Legal Sphere 11 Damma Legal Advisors: Unrivalled Experience in Peru’s Legal Landscape 12 Evi Papacleovoulou: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus 14 O’Brien Solicitors: Because Your Rights Deserve Its Expertise 15 Sámano Abogados: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Law 16 Hui Ye Law Firm: Legal Excellence from Shanghai to Shenzhen 17 PRIMEX: Decades of Excellence in Consulting Leadership 18 Julius & Creasy: Comprehensive Intellectual Property Services from Sri Lanka’s Leading Law Firm 19 Strategic UK Group Ltd: Strategic Consultancy Designed to Enable and Disrupt 11 5 17
4 | Acquisition International, Leading Adviser Awards 2025 24 | Acquisition International December 2025 Mc Naught & Co.: “We Practice Law with Heart” South Africa’s legal field is becoming increasingly competitive and, with it, clients’ expectations continue to rise. Mc Naught & Co. has built its reputation by meeting those expectations head on, delivering expert legal services steeped in client-centricity and trust. We took a closer look at the firm and its outstanding operations below, following its recent recognition in the Leading Advisor Awards 2025. Contact: Mark Leathers Company: Mc Naught & Co. Web Address: www.maclaw.co.za With offices located in Durban and Sandton, Mc Naught & Co. is an established law firm of attorneys, conveyancers, and notaries public. The firm was founded in 1984 and, following four decades dedicated to honing its skills, has since risen to stand as a globally recognised leader in its field. Now, Mc Naught & Co. enjoys a longstanding legacy as a pioneer in conveyancing and an accredited specialist property law arbitrator, renowned for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the success of its clients and its field. Mc Naught & Co. was established by Founding Attorney Dave Mc Naught, a seasoned expert with more than 40 years of experience in property and corporate matters, consumer rights, family law, and interpretation and application of statuses. Dave studied at the University of Natal and graduated with B.A. and LLB. Degrees in 1979 and 1981 respectively, and established Mc Naught & Co. following the successful completion of his Articles of Clerkship. Today, Mc Naught & Co. provides a range of legal services in complex areas of law, driven by 107 years of combined legal experience. This includes property conveyancing, with a specialisation in property transfers, property developments, mortgage bonds, and sectionalisations. Its conveyancing services cover residential and commercial properties, established schemes, property sub-divisions, and the establishment of townships. The firm also offers expert estate planning solutions, guiding clients through the daunting process with sound, tailored advice. Through an in-depth estate planning phase, the meticulous drafting of documents, and the administration and finalisation of deceased estates, Mc Naught & Co. aids clients in planning their estate to ensure that all liabilities are taken care of with efficiency whilst providing a clear picture of how their assets will be shared. In the field of commercial law, Mc Naught & Co. simplifies the complexities for its clients, allowing them to focus on growing their business in any commercial environment. It is becoming increasingly difficult to own and operate a business in South Africa but by leveraging a range of commercial law capabilities, from drafting contracts to company registrations, Mc Naught & Co. has set up hundreds of entrepreneurs for success, without threat of legal implications. Finally, Mc Naught & Co. offers MacLaw Comply, a compliance audit service designed to verify a business’s compliance with various laws and regulations governing businesses in South Africa, including licensing, labour laws, tax compliance, consumer protection, company documentation, intellectual property, and more. Through MacLaw Comply, businesses can avoid legal issues, build trust with stakeholders, and contribute to a fairer, well-functioning business environment. Across its varied services, Mc Naught & Co. takes immense pride in its dedication to client satisfaction. It has built a stellar reputation across the region, not only for skill and expertise but for understanding and service. The firm encourages client-centricity at all levels, ensuring that each member of the team takes a personal interest in the matters they handle and remains accessible for client communication as queries and concerns arise. From its unrivalled specialties to its unwavering client-centricity, Mc Naught & Co. has successfully positioned itself as a trusted partner to clients across South Africa. The firm has earned international recognition over the years, including being an International Advisory Experts Winner in 2019, earning the Certificate of Excellence from Advisory Excellence in 2022, and establishing itself as a Recommended Firm and Recommended Attorney by Global Law Experts. With a legacy built on trust, expertise, and a steadfast devotion to client success, Mc Naught & Co. now celebrates another remarkable milestone: recognition as South Africa’s Leading Estate Planning Lawyer of the Year 2025. Oct25048
18 | Acquisition International December 2025 Lawyer and Director Promoting Women in Law Leadership firm fully connected to the local history of Latin America, with its lawyers over the last 123 years having played an active role in drafting laws, preparing bills, and engaging in strategic litigation, few teams operate atop the reputation of VIVANCO & VIVANCO. Recognising the tremendous weight that is on their shoulders, the experts comprising the firm – a blend of young creatives and experience professionals – leverage their shared skills and perspectives to offer an innovative legal approach to every case. Nobody embodies this ethos better than Sandra Touma, whose legal experience covers the public sector and private practice alike. An alumni of Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, the University of Barcelona, and Harvard Law School, Sandra is not only an authority in this environment, she is a cornerstone of the firm she proudly represents, having served as VIVANCO & VIVANCO’s Legal Director now since mid-2022. This is the latest in a long line of impressive positions she has occupied in the legal landscape. Having worked her way up from assistant roles for local firms through to more senior jobs for the likes of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security and the Citizen Prefecture of Guayas, Sandra’s journey over the last 15 years has helped to open more doors for women in this space, reflecting a positive cultural shift that is currently taking place in the industry. VIVANCO & VIVANCO is using its premier status to influence this further, seen through the almost the 50-50 split between men and women across its teams. With offices in Argentina, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Chile, VIVANCO & VIVANCO is driving legal transformation across Latin America and beyond. This platform empowers female lawyers like Sandra to grow, inspire, and lead innovation well beyond national borders. The firm’s global vision is further reinforced by its headquarters in Florida, USA. Sandra’s commitment to female empowerment extends beyond VIVANCO & VIVANCO, with her even becoming a member of Women in a Legal World (WLW) earlier this year. She also participated in the Harvard Negotiation and Leadership program, attended AIJA in Washington, spoke at the EKOS Talent Summit, and participated in INTA 2025 in San Diego. The networks Sandra has built are only the surface of her deep commitment to share her knowledge and experience. The endless opportunities for learning and development these events offer allow Sandra to build on what is already a robust and encompassing legal knowledge, covering everything from legal consultancy and support with operational management through to drafting legal documents, administrative law, and leadership in this setting. Underpinning this expertise is both the educational capacity and affiliation with both the Council of the Judiciary of Ecuador and the Guayas Bar Association that Sandra boasts. Such an impressive portfolio sees Sandra able to seamlessly navigate legal systems, business environments, and personalities worldwide, helping both her colleagues and her clients to see clarity in the complexity and move ahead with confidence and purpose. Commenting on this, Sandra explained: “Today, I see my work not just as providing legal solutions, but as building bridges between law, strategy, and people. That’s what keeps me passionate and what continues to define my approach as both a lawyer and a leader.” Continuing to fly the flag for advancing women’s leadership within the world of law, as well as shaping the global landscape through the channels available thanks to VIVANCO & VIVANCO’s heritage, it is our pleasure to recognise Sandra Touma as the Leading Corporate Law Adviser of the Year 2025 – Ecuador. More information on the legal solutions the firm provides to LATAM and beyond can be found at the link down below. Contact: Sandra Touma Company: VIVANCO & VIVANCO Web Address: https://vivancoyvivanco.com/ With an illustrious history dating back to 1902, VIVANCO & VIVANCO is one of the oldest and most sought-after law firms in Latin America. Helping the firm to preserve its legacy but ensure that it does not simply rest on its laurels is Legal Director Sandra Touma, who, working out of the firm’s branch in Ecuador, has occupied this position now for more than three and a half years. Recognised as the Leading Corporate Law Adviser of the Year 2025 – Ecuador in this feature, we caught up with Sandra for more on what sets both her and the firm apart in this dynamic field. A
6 | Acquisition International, Leading Adviser Awards 2025 8 | Acquisition International December 2025 ating back to his days at the University of Abomey-Calvai, which is Benin’s main public university, it was clear that Nicolin Assogba was destined for spectacular things within the country’s legal landscape. After cutting his teeth through a number of law-based positions for smaller firms in Benin, Nicolin secured a legal partner role with SCPA D2A in 2016, in the process starting a tenure that would last almost a decade and counting, during which he has helped take the firm to new heights and served clients across Benin and beyond. Over this same period, Nicolin has blossomed into one of the best lawyers, consultants, trainers, and research officers of his kind in the field, with his diverse skill set spanning everything from drafting documents, reports, and provisions through to providing financial advice for investors and states. A career highlight has seen Nicolin practice arbitration as counsel in various capacities across ICC, CCJA, CAMEC-CCIB, and ISCSID proceedings, to name a few. Such scope makes Nicolin an invaluable member of his firm’s team. He is, however, just one component of a team which are more than sum of their parts, and it is the magic captured through these ranks that makes SCPA D2A such a pioneering force in what is one of Africa’s most exciting legal and commercial environments, for reasons discussed further down below. Since this operation is a team effort through and through, it is fair to say that this recognition extends beyond Nicolin and also applies to the wider firm. For this reason, it pays to understand more about the synergy within SCPA D2A itself. Founded in 2000 by Professor Joseph Djogbenou, SCPA D2A is a leading law firm specialising in legal engineering, consulting, and litigation. With a team divided into two main departments – one focusing on engineering and consulting and the other litigation – the firm collaborates with a host of experts and consultants, resulting in its expertise across the landscape of this West African country being unrivalled. It is thanks to this that SCPA D2A is able to put its proficiency to use across numerous areas of law, such as corporate and commercial. Speaking of its team, Professor Djogbenou is a leading figure of Benin’s legal community, Professor Joseph DJOGBÉNOU founded SCPA D2A and established the intellectual and methodological foundations that continue to shape the firm today: academic rigor, strategic foresight, and uncompromising ethical standards. Furthermore, Maître Olga Anassidé is an outstanding example of technical precision and litigation expertise. Maître Olga Anassidé is a senior lawyer within the firm, Maître Olga Anassidé represents the operational precision and technical excellence that characterise D2A’s work. Her practice spans business law, economic litigation, labour law, and both domestic and international arbitration. She plays a pivotal role in coordinating teams, supervising sensitive matters, and advancing specialised areas such as digital law, civil law, and complex commercial disputes, earning recognition for her strategic insight, rigorous method, and reliable execution. Maître Nicolin Assogba, serves as co-managing partner, has significantly contributed to the firm’s development and consolidation as a regional leader. His background in business law, banking and finance, economic litigation, international arbitration, and legal research has strengthened the firm’s standing both locally and internationally. His practice covers international arbitration before the ICC, CCJA, CAMEC-CCIB, ICSID and other institutions; strategic advisory for investors, corporations, and public bodies; drafting and structuring of complex commercial and financial contracts; high-value commercial and banking litigation; advancement of innovative legal practices and digital transformation within the profession; academic and professional teaching in OHADA law. His engagement within international institutions — including the African International Conference of Bars (CIB), the International Arbitration and Mediation Center (CIAM), and national arbitration bodies — further reinforces the positioning of D2A as a centre of excellence in business law, dispute resolution, and legal innovation. More than a law firm, D2A is a legal institution, shaped by the combined strengths of its three partners the intellectual vision and academic authority of Professor Joseph Djogbénou; the technical expertise and operational leadership of Maître Olga Anassidé; the multidisciplinary reach, international orientation, and innovative capacity of Maître Nicolin Assogba. For almost ten years now, Nicolin Assogba has been a partner lawyer at D2A Société Civile Professionnelle d’Avocats (SCPA D2A), a Benin-based law firm located in Cotonou, the country’s largest city. Leveraging a background in business and judicial law, as well as a wealth of expertise in fundamental private law, Nicolin’s ten years of legal excellence has paved the way for continuous growth for SCPA D2A, which is today one of Benin’s leading law firms. On the back of Benin’s recognition with the title of Leading Corporate & Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Benin, we take a closer look at both his journey and the distinguishing points of the firm he represents. D Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond “ Together, they form one of the most influential legal teams in Francophone Africa, offering strategic, ethical, and bespoke legal services to national and international actors navigating increasingly complex legal and economic environments. ”
Nicolin Assogba: A Multifaceted Legal Masterclass in Benin and Beyond
8 | Acquisition International, Leading Adviser Awards 2025 22 | Acquisition International December 2025 The Best of the Best in the Philippines’ Taxation Scene n experienced and trusted law firm aiming to be the leading tax, commercial, and intellectual property law firm in the Philippines, SLM is proud to call many of the top 500 companies and various multinational corporations its clients. More than just providing solid legal services to these organisations, the team strive to deliver a true, trusted counsel for them, a commitment that has resulted in SLM’s reputation as one the country’s foremost law firms, particularly when it comes to tax advisory and planning services. Delivered by a handful of top-tier tax lawyers known for their effortless combination of technical prowess, global reach, and detailed knowledge of any issues that may arise from transactions, controversies, or more general business operations (including government workings), these services are taken up by a wealth of organisations. The same is true of all its tax-related services, including the planning of refund cases, corporate transactions, reorganisations, tax treaty issues, and even transfer pricing solutions. So prolific is the firm in the field of tax that it is also a member of TAXAND, a global network comprising more than 3,000 of the world’s leading tax advisors from across 50 countries. This membership gives the team here access to this shared knowledge, meaning they can collaborate with their fellow professionals to deliver advice that is always practical – regardless of whether it is requested on a local or an international scale. On the back of this leverage, SLM has handled countless tax cases over the years – it now handles the most cases at the Court of Tax Appeals – with the total amount adding up to billions of pesos. Much of the credit for this has to go to Serafin Salvador himself, who, prior to propelling this firm to be one of the leading commercial law firms in the region, headed up the tax division of what is the Philippines’ largest professional services firm. The knowledge he possesses as a result of this makes him a highly sought after lawyer. Having lent his peerless knowledge and expertise to SMEs and multinationals alike, helping them to effectively navigate the rapid changes and overcome the complex issues inherent in this highly competitive market, this founding and managing partner has been celebrated right across the Philippines for his work. Examples include previous appointments as President of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines and as a bar examiner. This feeds into what is one of this leading tax planning lawyer’s passions: training and educating the next generation of industry professionals on the intricacies of taxation. As for how he does this, Serafin has taught at some of the top law schools in the country, such as the UP College of Law, the Ateneo Law School, the University of Manila College of Law, and even the Philippine Women’s University College of Liberal Arts – as well as giving lectures and seminars for institutions and other such bodies across this nation. Finally, it is also worth noting the articles that SLM’s principal has written for prestigious publications including the CCH Journal of Asia-Pacific Taxation, the SGV Tax Division’s ‘Tax Files’ column within the pages of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and also several local publications. This has only furthered the reach of this taxation expert, bolstering the contributions he has made to the field of taxation law in the Philippines. With Serafin upholding the mission and vision of his eponymous firm, including providing excellent client services and fostering the highest standards of ethics and professionalism across a familial, nurturing, and inclusive workplace, his recognition as the Leading Tax Planning Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Philippines was an obvious choice. This is not to take away from the effort behind this accolade, which is built on decades of hard work and education, all in the name of mastering what is an everevolving craft. Further details on the full scope of services delivered by Salvador Llanillo & Bernado can be found at its website, the web address for which is linked down below. Contact: Serafin Salvador Company: Salvador Llanillo & Bernado Web Address: https://salvadorlaw.com/ For 22 years now, Salvador Llanillo & Bernado (SLM) has delivered a legal service built on trust and strengthened by integrity to corporations across the Philippines. Specialising in the areas of taxation, commercial law, intellectual property law, labour and litigation, as well as immigration law, the firm is powered by the collective experience of its team, headed up by Serafin Salvador. With this founding and managing partner being named the Leading Tax Planning Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Philippines, we take a look at the expertise powering the firm below. A
Acquisition International December 2025 | 21 Leading Italian Citizenship Litigation Attorney efending the constitutional right to Italian citizenship by reconnecting families with their heritage, Aprigliano Law Firm works rigorously to set the global benchmark when it comes to safeguarding heritage, setting legal precedents, and inspiring policy change on a national scale. The aim here is to make sure that every person with Italian blood running through their veins can reclaim, preserve, and pass on their citizenship for generations to come – all in as seamless a manner as they can and with a true partner by their side. The man spearheading this noble pursuit is Salvatore Aprigliano, a Milan-based lawyer whose distinction in this environment comes from him being one of the first lawyers in the country to focus on citizenship by descent . Following this, he has helped thousands of people from all over the world to reclaim their heritage through a process of strategic legal action, with this work being fuelled by the core belief that citizenship should be a constitutional right for those to whom it applies – not a privilege. A member of both the Milan Bar Association and the Italian Supreme Court, Salvatore got his law doctorate from the University of Milan in 1999, giving him more than two decades worth of experience in this field. This experience is leveraged to deliver a global, boutique, highly personalised journey for his clients, all built around high-quality legal strategies and support. In the case of its flagship Italian citizenship services, this covers bases including citizenship by marriage, residency, or reacquisition for individuals. Beyond this, Aprigliano Law Firm also delivers its strategic legal support across immigration, real estate, and corporate law services, spanning visa processes, property transactions, and business structuring (including cross-border support) – all with a laser focus on protection and compliance. Upholding this approach, alongside Salvatore, is a team comprising more than 50 of the finest professionals working in this environment today – such as lawyers, legal analysts, genealogists, case managers, and communication strategists. With this multilingual team able to offer every client a global perspective and represent them before the courts and institutions alike, it is no surprise that the firm enjoys a plethora of five-star reviews across both Google and testimonials received in-house. One example comes from a client, Libia, who wrote: “Aprigliano Law Firm did an outstanding job with my Italian citizenship case. They handled everything, including document retrieval and registration, helping me achieve a lifelong dream in under a year.” Similarly, another client, Daniel, added: “Waking up to the news that my sister and I were recognised as Italian citizens was unforgettable, all thanks to Aprigliano Law Firm. After years of frustration in the U.S., their clear guidance and prompt communication made all the difference. The process took around nine months with transparent, milestone-based payments.” Dozens of like-minded testimonials corroborate this quality. Continuing to set Aprigliano Law Firm apart in this space, after more than 20 years and 800 successful Italian citizenship cases, is an ability to adapt its response to the changing environment it is a part of. For instance, the conversion of Decree-Law No.36/2025 into Law No. 74 in May, a controversial bill designed to restrict citizenship rights in Italy, has seen Salvatore and the team take immediate legal and strategic action to protect the rights of Italian descendants throughout the world. This has been achieved by the firm doubling down on judicial petitions and acting swiftly to safeguard eligibility for clients. Alongside the initiatives mentioned above, further contributing to the distinction of this leading law firm is the legal observatory it operates, with this delivering real-time insights into some of the complex sector challenges discussed above. When combined with the top constitutional experts the team work with to build their courtready strategies, what shines through is the provision of a 360-degree experience that is positive, clear, and which promises a stress-free journey across what is a complex landscape. Ultimately, the blend of legal innovation and a client-centred service nurtured by Salvatore at every turn has positioned Aprigliano Law Firm as the premier firm in the realm of Italian citizenship by descent. For this, he is more than worthy of this title. Contact: Salvatore Aprigliano Company: Aprigliano Law Firm Web Address: https://www.apriglianos.com/en/ or https://eligibility.apriglianos.com/ Aprigliano Law Firm is an Italian law firm with a three-fold area of focus: Italian citizenship by descent (also known as jure sanguinis), immigration, and real estate. More than two decades of first-hand experience in the courts underpins this focus, with the firm boasting a 99% court-win rate with cases relating to citizenship law. With its namesake founder Salvatore Aprigliano being recognised as the Leading Immigration & Citizenship Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Italy on the back of the services provided in these areas, we profile both the firm and its sole partner below. D
10 | Acquisition International, Leading Adviser Awards 2025 Acquisition International December 2025 | 27 A Trusted Partner to Manilla’s Legal Sphere ased in Manila, Pascua & Pascua Law Offices is a full-service law firm on a mission to provide quality legal services in a timely and cost-effective manner. The current iteration of the firm began in October 2012, though the practice traces its roots long before that to 1975, when it was established upon the core values of professionalism, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence. Today, Pascua & Pascua Law Offices stands as a third-generation law firm now seeking to help second- and third-generation businesses cultivate their legacies. Pascua & Pascua Law Offices stands at the forefront of the region’s field, providing expert legal services to both local and international clients. The firm boasts an extensive knowledge of local laws that enables it to ensure the best possible outcome across each case it undertakes. Whilst it specialises in all areas of Philippine law as a full-service firm, Pascua & Pascua Law Offices does place a focus on business and taxation law, especially for foreign clients seeking to enter Southeast Asian markets through the Philippines. When undertaking a new project – from working with individuals to small businesses and large corporations – the team at Pascua & Pascua Law Offices opts for an alternate approach to its services. “We don’t follow the standard playbook; we start with the client’s endgame,” Raymond told us. “It is all about streamlining the practice but never losing sight of our clients’ needs. We look at our clients’ problems and propose different solutions and options, always looking for a means to reach their endgame.” Alongside this, Pascua & Pascua Law Offices takes a personal approach to each case, maintaining total trust and transparency across its legal services. The team works one-on-one with every client they serve, taking the time to understand their unique needs, goals, and objectives before providing any legal advice or representation. From there, it tailors its services to align with each individual budget and vision to ensure that all needs are met and all expectations are exceeded. The client experience lies at the heart of all Pascua & Pascua Law Offices does, driving the team to place a premium on trust – with partners, associates, and staff members alike. This is demonstrated throughout every case it undertakes, including the recent handling of a foreign client’s branch office registration. This took longer than estimated, due to the reorganisation and implementation of new requirements by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, aimed at making it easier to conduct business in the region. “This setback delayed our client’s operations by several weeks, frustrating both us and the client – our client most especially,” Raymond recalled. “But the delay proved to be an opportunity for us to find and place our client’s operations in one of the leading technoparks in the Philippines. This allowed us to get a better tax structure and several tax breaks that will greatly benefit our client’s operations over the next five years.” Law practice is client-centric in the Philippines, and this ethos is echoed across the entire team at Pascua & Pascua Law Offices, maintaining complete professionalism when handling projects for clients. Raymond attributes the firm’s success as a testament to the team’s work ethic, citing each member as a crucial component of ensuring that the wheels run smoothly and continue to turn in the right direction. This is facilitated by continual investment into staff training, providing the team with ongoing opportunities for further studies and licensed specialisation. Looking ahead, the firm aims to strengthen its standing as a leading player in the Philippines’s legal sphere. In the upcoming months, Pascua & Pascua Law Offices plans to invest in IT infrastructure that supports international business demands with greater efficiency, enabling foreign clients to reach the team from wherever they are in the world. This unwavering dedication to ongoing improvement – always aimed at better serving its clientele – has earned Pascua & Pascua Law Offices recognition as the Philippines’s Leading Corporate Taxation Lawyer of the Year 2025. Contact: Raymond Joseph Pascua Company: Pascua & Pascua Law Offices Web Address: www.pascuapascualaw.com Business and tax law solutions are in high demand across the Philippines, due to the newly implemented VAT rules for digital services, as well as updates to the EDR. These changes offer reduced corporate income tax rates for eligible enterprises, making integration into the Philippine business framework very advantageous to foreign businesses. Pascua & Pascua Law Offices is a firm positioned at the forefront of this shift, offering specialist business and taxation law solutions to foreign clients that support their integration into Southeast Asian markets. We learned more from Senior Partner Raymond Joseph Pascua below, as Pascua & Pascua Law Offices is named in the Leading Advisor Awards 2025. B
14 | Acquisition International, November 2025 Unrivalled Experience in Peru’s Legal Landscape Established in 2019, Damma Legal Advisors was built on the foundational pillars of positive community impact, industry-high levels of integrity, and professional excellence. These cornerstones are reflected across its services, which span everything from transaction and project/infrastructure advisory through to tax advice, corporate counsel, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, fintech and blockchain, and intellectual property. Across this service suite, there is an emphasis on tailored and transparent advice. This is something embodied to the full by Walther Belaúnde, one of the leading professionals behind the firm, who joined forces with his fellow experts to set a new standard for tax and corporate advisory services in Peru through the formation of Damma six years ago. Alongside an executive team comprising seven partners, a director, and almost 20 associates and senior associates, Walther’s role is to go above and beyond in the pursuit of positive outcomes for clients, something this leading adviser has made a career out of. Taking a deep dive into this journey, Walther explained: “I believe that the professional training I received in my first three roles was decisive in my future success. Beginning with an internship at Bafur, Walther joined Deloitte as tax manager at just 28 years old (unheard of at the time), before moving to the Southern Peru Copper Corporation as its tax director by the time he was 35. Across these roles, Walther told us: “I gained a combination of complementary knowledge and discovered new, different ways of working.” Deloitte in particular was crucial to Walther’s professional development, and one of the most important things he learnt across this tenure was the importance of getting to know the client – which is essential in advising them effectively. “I reinforced this belief during my time at Southern Peru”, Walther added, “allowing me to be successful and well regarded within the company.” This belief has continued to guide Walther through to the present day, and his clients at Damma continue to benefit from being understood and put first. Innovation has been a similar theme over the years for Walther, who has taken novel approaches to his work and never been afraid to challenge the status quo. Again, this dates back to Deloitte, especially when Walther was expected to carry out tax planning for his clients, despite lacking in both knowledge and experience as a result of his youth. Embracing the challenge, Walther not only put together a multidisciplinary team, he also completed the first tax planning for Backus and Johnston, one of Peru’s largest groups. Discussing yet another career highlight, Walther reflected: “At Southern Peru, I arranged information exchanges and visits to the head office, allowing for more efficient information sharing. We also took advantage of a significant tax benefit for the first time, whereby the company could reinvest 80% of its profits from the previous two years and save 33% in income tax on the reinvested amounts. This enabled the head office to offset taxes paid in Peru in previous years against its US tax liability, thereby saving money.” On the back of an illustrious career in the field, Walther told us that things have changed a lot since his first role several decades ago, with a different set of skills and greater specialisation today being required. As an example, Walther told us how lawyers today need a broader understanding across business and economics to attract clients and compete with major companies. Significant changes are also being brought about as a result of the legaltech trend, which spans clear idea conveyance as well as the application of the tech. Walther has been studying and applying this approach over the last few years, and – despite now being 65 years old – has taken to it like a duck to water, largely as a result of his fabled experiences across Deloitte and Southern Peru and an ability to quickly adapt to the world around him. With this expertise to boot, Walther Belaúnde remains the perfect man to nurture success for Damma Legal Advisors, and it is our pleasure to recognise him in this feature as the Leading Tax & Corporate Structuring Adviser of the Year 2025 – Peru. Contact: Walther Belaúnde Company: Damma Legal Advisors Web Address: https://www.damma.com.pe/ For more than six years now, Damma Legal Advisors has been establishing itself as an innovative and versatile law firm, famed for its provision of simple, practical solutions delivered with a personal service. Damma’s own Walther Belaúnde – its founding partner – has been recognised here as the Leading Tax & Corporate Structuring Adviser of the Year 2025 – Peru, and we had the pleasure of catching up with him on the back of this for more about his esteemed career. P
12 | Acquisition International, Leading Adviser Awards 2025 22 | Acquisition International, November 2025 Evi Papacleovoulou: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus ituated in the heart of Cyprus, Papacleovoulou is a distinguished law firm offering an extensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of both local and international clients. Driven by a team of seasoned lawyers, the firm provides expert advise and representation across multiple domains, including real estate and property law, corporate and commercial law, banking and finance law, intellectual property law, and immigration law. Over the years, the firm has built strong relationships with clientele by upholding its core values of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail. With nearly five decades of experience, Papacleovoulou has earned its reputation as one of Cyprus’ most trusted legal institutions. The firm’s longevity is rooted in its unwavering commitment to professionalism, discretion, and client-focused service. From its headquarters in Paphos, it offers island-wide coverage and maintains strong international connections, enabling it to handle cross-border legal matters with confidence and clarity. Its multidisciplinary approach and clientfirst ethos make it a go-to destination for individuals and businesses navigating Cyprus’s legal landscape. At the forefront of the firm is Evi Papacleovoulou, a seasoned advocate and academic with deep expertise in Cypriot property and commercial law. Her practice is distinguished by a rare blend of litigation experience and scholarly insight, positioning her as a trusted advisor to both private clients and corporate entities. With a reputation for precision and strategic thinking, Evi plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s approach to complex legal matters, particularly in the areas of trusts, estate planning, and cross-border transactions. Evi began her legal journey at King’s College London, where she earned her LLB with Honours before completing a Master of Laws (LLM) in European Union Law and Taxation with merit. Her academic pursuits extended to Zurich, where she completed the International Postgraduate Tax Law Program, further sharpening her expertise in cross-border legal frameworks. She is an accredited Arbitrator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London, a certified Mediator, and a qualified Documentary Credit Specialist endorsed by the International Chamber of Commerce. These early credentials laid the foundation defined by a commitment to legal excellence. Following her academic achievements, Evi was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association and began her career as a litigation advocate, appearing before all benches of the Cypriot Courts, including the Supreme Court. Her early practice was marked by a commitment to precision and advocacy, quickly earning her recognition across a range of legal disciplines. She has served on multiple committees within the Cyprus Bar Association, contributing to the development of legal standards and professional ethics. These were formative years that have established Evi as a respected contributor to the legal profession in Cyprus. Evi’s professional affiliations span a wide spectrum of legal and regulatory disciplines. She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), where she currently serves as secretary of STEP Cyprus, and holds membership in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Association of International Arbitrators in the UK. Her credentials extend into risk and compliance, corporate governance, and financial law, with affiliations including the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals, the Institute of Directors, the Chartered Institute of Tax Advisors, and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. In addition to her legal practice, Evi has cultivated a strong presence in academia. Since 2018, she has lectured as an Academic Scientific Member of teaching staff at universities in Cyprus, specialising in Company and Commercial Law. Her courses cover a range of subjects including Anti-Money Laundering, Trusts, Estate and Administration, Contract Law, and Business Transactions. Through her teaching, Evi bridges theory and practice, equipping students with the analytical tools and ethical grounding essential for navigating today’s legal landscape. Within the dynamic environment of Papacleovoulou, Evi plays a central role in steering the firm’s strategic direction and legal output. As a senior partner, she oversees complex litigation and advisory matters, particularly those involving high-value property disputes, trust administration, and commercial negotiations. Her leadership is defined by a meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative ethos that fosters excellence across the firm’s practice areas. Evi’s ability to balance rigorous legal analysis with pragmatic client solutions has made her a cornerstone of the firm’s continued success. Ultimately, Evi’s career reflects a rare blend of academic depth, courtroom acumen, and strategic foresight. Her ability to navigate complex legal terrain – whether advising on cross-border property transactions, structuring trusts, or mentoring the next generation of legal professionals – has earned her the respect of clients and peers alike. She continues to shape both the firm’s legacy and the broader legal landscape in Cyprus through her thought leadership, professional integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It is for this dedication that Evi has been recognised as Cyprus’s Leading Real Estate Lawyer of the Year 2025, a distinction that reflects her continued impact. Contact: Evi Papacleovoulou Company: Papacleovoulou LLC Web Address: www.papacleovoulou.com Cyprus’s legal landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by jurisdictional nuance and international demands. Papacleovoulou is a legal firm operating within this space, with a focus on clear, legal guidance and longstanding client relationships. At the centre of its practice is Evi Papacleovoulou, whose legal and academic work continues to inform the firm’s direction and define its reputation. We took a closer look at Evi’s remarkable achievements below, following her recent recognition in the 2025 Leading Advisor Awards. S
Evi Papacleovoulou: Shaping Legal Practice in Cyprus
14 | Acquisition International, Leading Adviser Awards 2025 20 | Acquisition International, November 2025 O’Brien Solicitors: Because Your Rights Deserve Its Expertise Few law firms in Sydney, Australia, can match the legal expertise of O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, with its proven track record across criminal defence, civil law, and defamation resulting in it being both trusted and recommended by its clients and awarding bodies like us. Recognised in this feature as the Leading Defamation Litigator of the Year 2025 – New South Wales, we take a deep dive into the firm’s defamation expertise and explore the services offered across the wider firm. Contact: Joss Separovic Company: O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors Web Address: https://obriensolicitors.com.au/ O’Brien Solicitors is a full-service law firm with offices in the centre of Sydney’s legal precinct. Since its inception in 2008, the firm has focused on providing every client with a firstclass legal defence in a personalised, stressfree manner. On the flip side, the team here will fight for compensation for clients in the event of an unlawful arrest, unfair treatment, or – as is the subject of this feature – defamation. Across these services, O’Brien Solicitors offers a free, no-obligation appointment to ensure they are right for a client. Blending proven expertise and personalised service with an unwavering commitment to justice, O’Brien’s status as a specialist defamation lawyer in Sydney and Australiawide is underpinned by successful claims against some of the biggest media/news companies in the country. The firm is well aware there are few things more damaging to a person’s reputation than defamation, and that is why it helps its clients secure justice in cases of media and social media defamation, as well as following slander, libel, and false accusation. Led by the team of Senior Associate Stewart O’Connell, Anavi Arya, Dermott Chatwin, and Alexis Winardi, O’Brien Solicitors’ defamation department can take actions such as mitigation, seeking apologies and corrections, negotiating settlements, and court litigation. With dedication and enthusiasm in spades, this department has a successful history with defamation claims across the country – some of its cases have even led to triumph in the High Court of Australia – underpinning its status as a leading defamation law firm. With so many avenues to potentially pursue when it comes to a defamation case, O’Brien Solicitors recognises this can be an overwhelming process. This is why its lawyers will carefully evaluate each individual case, advising the client on the best course of action for them as they attempt to restore their good name. Claims are sometimes even pursued on a speculative (otherwise known as no win, no fee) basis, meaning that the client does not always have to pay their fees upfront, boosting the accessibility of this service. Exploring the defamation claims process at O’Brien Solicitors in more detail, it begins – as touched on above – with a free initial consultation, during which the firm’s specialist defamation lawyers will assess the situation and explain a client’s options. The second stage of proceedings then sees a strong case built using relevant evidence and a strategic approach, during which a concerns notice may be sent or legal action pursued if applicable. Once this is completed, the client’s assigned lawyer will keep them well informed about the progress of the matter, explaining any legal processes clearly and ensuring the course of action chosen is clearly understood. Collaboration is crucial across this third stage, whereby the client meets with their lawyer to review any documents and make key decisions. This gives way to the fourth and final stage: pursuing a resolution. Whatever this may be, the firm is passionate about achieving the best outcomes across every defamation case. “Defamation law is complex and seeking expert legal advice is crucial. Our experienced defamation solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way and fight to protect your reputation. ” Shifting gears slightly to discuss some of the other practice areas of O’Brien Solicitors, its criminal defence cases see expert representation provided for charges relating to drugs, traffic offences, whitecollar crimes, juvenile offences, and serious crimes alike. Similarly, the wide range of civil law cases it pursues cover everything from seeking compensation for the victims of a crime to pursuing historic sexual abuse claims against institutions and organisations and assisting clients with claims relating to medical negligence. The ‘O’Brien Advantage’ – the set of unique factors allowing the firm to excel across all of the above – defines O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors across these practice areas, with its blend of a distinctively personalised approach, history of successful outcomes, and dedication to seeing justice served making it a law firm unmatched in this region. Named here as the Leading Defamation Litigator of the Year 2025 – New South Wales, more information on these comprehensive legal solutions can be found at the web address below.
Month 2025, Acquisition International | 15 Discussing the philosophy behind the way the firm approaches these kinds of cases, Tania told us: “We embed proximity and integration with client teams to anticipate risks and accelerate decisions. Our collaborative, quota-free model prioritises teamwork, knowledge, and technology over hourly pressure. This approach yields practical strategies, decisive execution, and solutions calibrated to business objectives.” Tania is a firm believer in this ethos, and it has defined her practice ever since she joined the firm in 2014. Asked why she decided to specialise in corporate law – specifically technology – both within Sámano Abogados and more generally, Tania explained: “I have always been driven by the challenge of aligning innovation with legal certainty. From the beginning of my career, I saw how digital transformation, fintech, and data-driven businesses were reshaping markets, but also creating complex legal and regulatory risks.” She thus decided to bridge the gap between them, contributing towards a safer and more transparent digital economy. The work Tania does has netted her acclaim from clients, with reviews mentioning her experience, knowledge, attention to detail, and personable nature. As one standout testimonial reads: “Tania is a very thorough and competent professional who always has our company’s best interests in mind.” Similar acclaim has followed from across the industry, as not only has Tania previously been recognised by us, she has also been honoured with Lexology’s Client Choice Award for Mexico on three separate occasions. Tania’s commitment to driving legal innovation in Mexico is infectious and perfectly aligns her with the aims of the rest of the expert team behind Sámano Abogados. A united front, the firm is set to spend the next five years doubling down on its leading status when it comes to advising technology companies and consolidating both mergers and acquisitions and restructuring for the likes of international funds and strategic investors. Lastly, the expansion of its legaltech stack will see the firm raise the bar in efficiency and foresight. Ultimately, with Tania Estefanía Zúñiga Torres being just one of many esteemed lawyers behind this leading corporate law firm, it is clear that Sámano Abogados is something special. Collaboration, social responsibility, and entrepreneurship are all guiding the firm as it takes its next steps, with its focus on transactions – both in a legal sense and in what it gives back – remaining stronger than ever. On the back of this, we are delighted to celebrate one of the firm’s best lawyers in this feature and invite our readers to visit the link below. Contact Details Contact: Tania Estefanía Zúñiga Torres Company: Sámano Abogados Web Address: https://www.samanosc.com.mx/ Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Law Sámano Abogados strives to deliver legal services that are different from the norm, specialising in innovative solutions designed to elevate the delivery models of those operating in Mexico’s corporate AAA market. The firm has built a reputation for serving its clients’ needs in a timely and effective manner, guided every step of the way by a value system based around ethics, knowledge, and respect. Outside of IT, the firm’s specialisms include finance and banking, mergers and acquisitions, and transactional and corporate law. “We also advise on tax, labour, and commercial law, integrating legal expertise with clear business alignment. ” Excellence across all of the services the firm provides stems from its almost 25 years of experience in the legal environment, during which time it has advised multinational groups, financial institutions, and high-growth companies alike. During this same period, Sámano Abogados has evolved from its origins as a corporate financial law firm almost exclusively to a trusted partner for its clients across the likes of restructuring and technology, delivering reliable counsel on important, high-value matters across a host of industries. This was the seen across two important cases handled by the firm earlier this year, the first involving providing counsel for the spin-off of Mexico’s largest information technology services company after it entered into a joint venture agreement with an international financial institution, and the second focusing on advising on the acquisition of a SaaS company by a renowned technology corporation. Both of these cases allowed Sámano Abogados to do what it does best: turn complex cases into long-term value. Constant advances in the digital world are necessitating that the space becomes increasingly regulated, and this is something teams of lawyers from across the world are working tirelessly towards, aiming to stay atop of an environment that is forever changing and becoming more and more complex. One such lawyer is Tania Estefanía Zúñiga Torres, a partner at the Sámano Abogados law firm in Mexico City, Mexico. Recognised as the Leading IT Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Mexico, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Tania for more on both the firm and her work. Sámano Abogados
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