Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer in Istanbul, Turkey

Mergers & Acquisitions Law in Türkiye

Mergers and acquisitions, commonly referred to as M&A, describe transactions through which companies combine, ownership or control changes hands, or a business or its assets are transferred to another party.

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Turkish law provides several possible structures.

 

A transaction may involve:

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• Acquisition of shares in a Turkish company;

• Acquisition of a controlling interest;

• Acquisition of all or part of a business;

• Asset acquisition;

• Statutory merger;

• Demerger;

• Joint venture;

• Strategic investment;

• Share subscription;

• Business transfer;

• Corporate restructuring; or

• A combination of several transaction structures.

 

The Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 is central to Turkish corporate transactions. The Turkish Ministry of Trade provides access to company and trade-registry legislation through its official resources, including legislation concerning companies, commercial enterprises and the trade registry. Turkish Ministry of Trade – Companies and Trade Registry Legislation

 

The correct structure depends on what the parties are trying to accomplish.

 

For example, an investor interested in acquiring an entire Turkish company may consider a share purchase. Another buyer may want particular assets without taking on all of the target company's historical liabilities. A strategic partnership may instead be better suited to a joint venture or minority investment.

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These distinctions matter because the legal consequences, liabilities, approvals, tax treatment and contractual requirements can be very different from one structure to another.

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What Does an M&A Lawyer in Istanbul Do?

An M&A lawyer's role begins well before the final agreement reaches the signing table.

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We can help clients answer practical questions such as:

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• What is the most suitable legal structure for the transaction?

• What liabilities will the buyer inherit?

• Does the transaction require Competition Authority approval?

• Are there change-of-control restrictions in important contracts?

• Does the target actually own its trademarks, software and other intellectual property?

• Are there outstanding disputes or enforcement proceedings?

• What happens to employees after the transaction?

• Are there regulatory licenses that could be affected by a change of ownership?

• Does the target own or lease important real estate?

• How should identified risks be reflected in the purchase agreement?

• What conditions must be satisfied before closing?

• Are additional approvals required because the target operates in a regulated sector?

• Are personal data and confidential business information being handled lawfully during due diligence?

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The answers can materially affect the value, timing and structure of an M&A transaction.

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M&A Legal Services We Provide in Türkiye

Our M&A practice can cover the full legal life cycle of a transaction.

Depending on the circumstances, our services may include:

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• M&A transaction structuring;

• Legal due diligence;

• Share acquisitions;

• Asset acquisitions;

• Company mergers;

• Demergers and corporate reorganizations;

• Joint ventures;

• Minority investments;

• Strategic investments;

• Shareholder arrangements;

• Letters of intent;

• Term sheets;

• Confidentiality agreements;

• Share purchase agreements;

• Asset purchase agreements;

• Shareholders' agreements;

• Representations and warranties;

• Indemnities;

• Conditions precedent;

• Competition-law analysis;

• Merger-control filings;

• Regulatory approvals;

• Foreign-investment considerations;

• Employment-law review;

• Intellectual-property due diligence;

• Commercial-contract review;

• Real-estate due diligence;

• Data-protection considerations;

• Corporate approvals;

• Closing documentation; and

• Post-closing corporate support.

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We can also coordinate with financial advisers, accountants, tax professionals, foreign counsel and other specialists where a transaction requires multidisciplinary advice.

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How an M&A Transaction Usually Works

There is no universal timetable for an acquisition. Nevertheless, most transactions move through a number of recognizable stages.

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1. Initial Transaction Planning

The first stage is understanding the commercial objective.

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A buyer may want to enter the Turkish market. A Turkish company may be looking for an international strategic partner. A shareholder may want to sell its investment. Two businesses may want to combine their operations.

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The legal structure should be considered in light of that objective.

 

At this stage, we may assess the proposed parties, ownership structure, target business, transaction type, regulatory environment and major legal issues that could affect the deal.

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2. Confidentiality and Preliminary Negotiations

Before detailed information is exchanged, the parties will often enter into a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or confidentiality agreement.

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This is particularly important where the buyer will receive commercially sensitive information about customers, suppliers, pricing, employees, technology, intellectual property and financial performance.

 

A letter of intent or term sheet may then record the principal commercial terms.

 

Not every provision of a preliminary document is necessarily intended to have the same legal effect. Its wording should therefore be reviewed carefully.

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3. Legal Due Diligence

Due diligence is one of the most important stages of an acquisition.

The buyer needs to know what it is actually acquiring.

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A target may look attractive from a financial perspective but have problems involving litigation, employment, contracts, intellectual property, licences, real estate, tax or corporate ownership.

 

Our lawyers can review the areas relevant to the transaction and prepare findings that help the client make informed decisions before becoming committed to the deal.

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4. Negotiation of the Transaction

Once the principal risks are understood, the parties negotiate the definitive transaction documents.

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This is where due-diligence findings become particularly important.

 

A material risk may lead to:

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• A purchase-price adjustment;

• A specific indemnity;

• A condition precedent;

• A warranty;

• A covenant;

• An escrow arrangement;

• A retention mechanism;

• A closing obligation; or

• In some cases, a decision not to proceed.

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5. Regulatory Approvals and Closing Conditions

Some transactions cannot simply proceed after the parties sign.

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Competition clearance, sector-specific approvals, corporate resolutions, third-party consents, financing arrangements or other conditions may need to be satisfied first.

 

The closing process should therefore be planned at the same time as the transaction agreement.

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6. Closing and Post-Closing

At closing, the agreed consideration and shares or assets are transferred in accordance with the transaction documents.

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But legal work may continue afterwards.

 

Depending on the deal, this can include corporate registrations, board changes, shareholder matters, regulatory notifications, contractual integration, employment issues and implementation of post-closing obligations.

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Legal Due Diligence in Turkish M&A Transactions

A buyer should not rely solely on information presented during negotiations.

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Legal due diligence provides an opportunity to examine the target from a legal perspective and identify issues that could affect the transaction.

 

The scope depends on the nature and size of the business.

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Corporate Due Diligence

Corporate review may cover:

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• Articles of association;

• Shareholders;

• Share ownership;

• Share transfers;

• Capital structure;

• Board resolutions;

• General assembly resolutions;

• Signing authorities;

• Trade registry records;

• Share pledges;

• Encumbrances;

• Corporate approvals; and

• Existing shareholder arrangements.

 

The objective is straightforward: the buyer should be able to establish who owns the company, who controls it and whether the seller has the authority to transfer the relevant interest.

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Commercial Contracts

Important contracts can sometimes create risks that are easy to overlook.

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We may review agreements with:

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• Major customers;

• Key suppliers;

• Distributors;

• Franchisees;

• Technology providers;

• Banks;

• Landlords;

• Strategic partners; and

• Other material counterparties.

 

Particular attention may be given to change-of-control clauses, assignment restrictions, termination rights, exclusivity arrangements and consent requirements.

 

A company can be valuable because of its customer contracts. If those contracts can be terminated merely because ownership changes, the commercial value of the acquisition may need to be reassessed.

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Litigation and Disputes

Pending litigation, arbitration and enforcement proceedings can create financial and operational exposure.

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Due diligence may therefore consider:

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• Court proceedings;

• Arbitration;

• Enforcement files;

• Administrative disputes;

• Regulatory investigations;

• Settlement agreements;

• Threatened claims; and

• Material historical disputes.

 

For businesses operating in heavily regulated sectors, regulatory correspondence and administrative proceedings may deserve particular attention.

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Employment and Workforce Issues

Employees are often central to the value of a business, especially in professional-services, technology and knowledge-intensive industries.

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Employment due diligence may examine:

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• Employment agreements;

• Senior-management arrangements;

• Compensation;

• Benefits;

• Termination risks;

• Employee disputes;

• Workplace policies;

• Social-security matters;

• Confidentiality obligations; and

• Intellectual-property arrangements with employees and contractors.

 

Where the transaction involves a business transfer or restructuring, the employment consequences should be considered before the transaction structure is finalized.

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Intellectual Property

A company's most important assets may not appear on its balance sheet.

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These may include:

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• Trademarks;

• Patents;

• Copyright;

• Software;

• Domain names;

• Trade secrets;

• Technology;

• Databases;

• Licenses; and

• Proprietary processes.

 

The buyer should establish whether the target owns the rights it claims to own and whether those rights can continue to be used after closing.

 

For technology businesses in particular, intellectual-property due diligence can be one of the most commercially important parts of the transaction.

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Competition Law and Merger Control in Türkiye

Competition law is an essential part of many Turkish M&A transactions.

Under Turkish competition legislation, certain mergers, acquisitions and other transactions that result in a change of control may require notification to the Turkish Competition Authority before they can be completed.

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The Competition Authority publishes its merger-control decisions, guidelines and regulatory materials through its official website. Turkish Competition Authority – Merger & Acquisition Resources

 

The Authority's current guidance makes clear that merger-control analysis includes questions concerning control, transaction structure, turnover and whether the transaction falls within the relevant notification framework. In 2026, the Authority also updated its merger and acquisition guidelines following amendments to the applicable notification regime.

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Why Merger-Control Analysis Should Happen Early

Competition-law analysis should not be left until the day before closing.

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The parties should determine as early as possible whether:

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1. The transaction constitutes a merger or acquisition for competition-law purposes;

2. There is a change of control;

3. The applicable turnover thresholds are satisfied;

4. The transaction involves a technology undertaking or another category subject to special considerations;

5. A filing is required; and

6. Closing must wait for regulatory clearance.

 

The Turkish Competition Authority continues to review a substantial number of M&A transactions. Its 2025 M&A report stated that the Authority examined 416 merger, acquisition and privatization transactions during 2025, with 162 involving a target company originating in Türkiye, excluding privatizations.

 

The Authority's published 2026 decisions also demonstrate that transactions involving Turkish businesses and international groups continue to be actively reviewed.

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Competition Authority Notification

Whether a notification is required depends on the facts of the particular transaction.

 

A transaction may require careful analysis of:

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• The parties' turnover;

• Turkish turnover;

• Worldwide turnover;

• The relevant product and geographic markets;

• Control arrangements;

• Previous transactions between the parties;

• The nature of the target;

• Potential competitive effects; and

• Applicable exemptions or special rules.

 

Because Turkish merger-control thresholds and regulations can change, businesses should use the rules in force when the transaction is being assessed, rather than relying on an old checklist or a previous transaction.

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Cross-Border M&A and Foreign Investment in Türkiye

Türkiye is an important market for international investors, and M&A transactions frequently involve parties from more than one jurisdiction.

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A foreign company may, for example:

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• Acquire a Turkish subsidiary;

• Purchase shares in a Turkish company;

• Establish a joint venture with a Turkish partner;

• Acquire a Turkish business;

• Invest in a technology company;

• Purchase assets located in Türkiye; or

• Restructure an existing Turkish investment.

 

Cross-border deals can be more complicated because Turkish law must often operate alongside the laws of the buyer's home jurisdiction and other countries involved in the transaction.

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The Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye provides official information for international investors concerning investment conditions, sectors and the Turkish business environment. Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.

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For an international buyer, the legal review may therefore extend beyond the simple question of who owns the shares.

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It may also involve:

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• Foreign investment considerations;

• Competition law;

• Tax;

• Financing;

• Foreign-exchange issues;

• Sector-specific regulation;

• Real estate;

• Employment;

• Data protection;

• Intellectual property; and

• International contractual arrangements.

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Acquiring Turkish Real Estate Through an M&A Transaction

Real estate can materially affect the value of a Turkish company.

A target may own a factory, hotel, warehouse, development property, office building or other immovable property. Alternatively, its business may depend heavily on leased premises.

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The acquisition may therefore require examination of:

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• Title records;

• Mortgages;

• Easements;

• Zoning;

• Development rights;

• Leases;

• Land-use restrictions;

• Permits; and

• Property-related liabilities.

 

Foreign investors should also consider the rules applicable to foreign-owned companies acquiring real estate in Türkiye. The official Investment Office provides guidance on property acquisition by foreign investors and Turkish companies with foreign participation. Investment Office – Acquiring Property in Türkiye

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M&A Transactions Involving Public Companies

An acquisition involving a publicly traded company can involve a substantially different regulatory framework from a private-company transaction.

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The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB) regulates and supervises Turkish capital markets and publishes the applicable capital-market legislation. Capital Markets Board of Türkiye

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Depending on the circumstances, an M&A transaction involving a public company may raise issues concerning:

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• Takeover bids;

• Public disclosures;

• Shareholder rights;

• Corporate governance;

• Mergers and demergers;

• Squeeze-out rights;

• Sell-out rights;

• Material-event disclosures; and

• Other capital-market obligations.

 

The CMB's legal framework includes regulations concerning takeover bids, mergers and demergers, and squeeze-out and sell-out rights.

 

Public-company transactions may also require disclosures through KAP, the Public Disclosure Platform. Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) – Borsa İstanbul

 

For this reason, an M&A transaction involving a listed company should be assessed from both a corporate-law and capital-markets perspective.

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Share Purchase vs. Asset Purchase in Türkiye

One of the first questions in many acquisitions is whether the buyer should acquire shares or assets.

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Share Purchase

In a share acquisition, the buyer purchases shares in the target company.

 

The company itself generally continues to exist as the same legal entity, meaning its contractual relationships, assets, liabilities and historical matters remain associated with that entity, subject to the transaction structure and applicable law.

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This can make share acquisitions attractive where the buyer wants the entire operating business.

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However, it also means that due diligence is particularly important because historical liabilities may remain within the target.

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Asset Purchase

In an asset acquisition, the buyer acquires specified assets or business components.

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The structure may provide greater flexibility in selecting what is acquired, but it can also involve additional issues concerning:

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• Transferability;

• Third-party consents;

• Employee arrangements;

• Licences;

• Contracts;

• Intellectual property;

• Real estate;

• Tax;

• Registration; and

• Assumption of liabilities.

 

There is no universally superior structure. The right approach depends on the business, the parties' objectives and the legal and tax consequences.

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M&A Agreements in Türkiye

Good transaction documents should reflect the actual commercial bargain.

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A generic agreement may contain hundreds of provisions but still fail to protect a client if the important risks have not been properly identified and allocated.

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Letter of Intent and Term Sheet

These documents can establish the basic commercial framework of the proposed deal.

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They may address:

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• Proposed purchase price;

• Transaction structure;

• Exclusivity;

• Confidentiality;

• Due diligence;

• Proposed timetable;

• Conditions; and

• Other principal commercial terms.

 

The parties should be clear about which provisions are intended to be binding.

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Share Purchase Agreement

A Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) commonly addresses:

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• Shares being sold;

• Purchase price;

• Payment arrangements;

• Conditions precedent;

• Closing;

• Representations and warranties;

• Indemnities;

• Covenants;

• Liability limitations;

• Termination rights;

• Post-closing obligations; and

• Dispute-resolution provisions.

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Shareholders' Agreement

A shareholders' agreement can become important where the buyer acquires less than 100% of a company or where the seller remains involved after closing.

It may regulate:

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• Board appointments;

• Voting;

• Reserved matters;

• Funding;

• Dividends;

• Share transfers;

• Pre-emption rights;

• Deadlock;

• Exit arrangements; and

• Future investment.

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Asset Purchase Agreement

Where the transaction involves assets or a business transfer, the agreement should clearly identify what is being acquired and what is excluded.

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This sounds obvious, but unclear asset descriptions can create significant problems after closing.

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Representations, Warranties and Indemnities

These provisions are often among the most heavily negotiated parts of an M&A agreement.

 

A seller may provide representations and warranties concerning:

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• Ownership;

• Corporate authority;

• Financial statements;

• Material contracts;

• Litigation;

• Employees;

• Tax;

• Intellectual property;

• Regulatory compliance;

• Assets;

• Data protection; and

• Other material matters.

 

The buyer's protection should not depend solely on broad boilerplate language.

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If due diligence identifies a specific risk, the parties may need to address that risk through a specific indemnity, closing condition, price adjustment or another tailored contractual mechanism.

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This is one of the areas where legal drafting and negotiation can have a direct commercial impact.

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Personal Data Protection in M&A Due Diligence

Modern due diligence often involves large amounts of electronic information.

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A virtual data room may contain:

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• Employee information;

• Customer information;

• Identification details;

• Contracts;

• Contact information;

• Financial records;

• Correspondence; and

• Other personal data.

 

The fact that information is relevant to a transaction does not automatically mean it can be disclosed without considering Turkish data-protection requirements.

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The Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) explains that lawful processing of personal data does not, by itself, mean that the data may automatically be transferred to another party. Applicable conditions must be considered when data is transferred.

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Cross-border transactions require particular attention. Turkish rules concerning international transfers have also evolved, and the KVKK provides specific guidance concerning transfers of personal data abroad.

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Accordingly, an M&A data room should be designed with privacy compliance in mind from the beginning.

 

This may involve considering:

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• What information is genuinely necessary;

• Whether sensitive information can be anonymised;

• Who should have access;

• How information should be shared;

• Whether data may be transferred outside Türkiye; and

• What legal basis and safeguards are required.

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Tax and M&A Transactions

Tax can influence the transaction structure just as much as corporate law.

 

The tax consequences may differ depending on whether a transaction is structured as:

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• A share acquisition;

• An asset acquisition;

• A merger;

• A demerger;

• A share exchange; or

• Another form of corporate restructuring.

 

Potential tax considerations may include:

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• Corporate tax;

• VAT;

• Withholding;

• Stamp tax;

• Capital gains;

• Transaction costs; and

• Tax consequences of post-closing restructuring.

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The Turkish Revenue Administration provides official tax legislation, rulings and guidance through its website. Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB)

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Because tax consequences can depend heavily on the exact transaction structure, legal and tax advisers should ideally work together before the structure is finalised.

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Intellectual Property in M&A Transactions

For many businesses, intellectual property is not a secondary issue—it is the business.

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A technology company may derive most of its value from software and proprietary technology. A consumer business may depend heavily on its trademarks and brand. A manufacturing company may rely on patents, designs or specialised know-how.

 

M&A due diligence can therefore examine:

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• Trademark registrations;

• Patent rights;

• Copyright;

• Software ownership;

• Domain names;

• Licence agreements;

• Technology-development agreements;

• Trade secrets;

• Confidential information; and

• Employee and contractor IP arrangements.

 

Where the buyer is acquiring a business because of a particular technology or brand, it is especially important to establish that the target actually owns or lawfully controls the relevant rights.

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Employment Issues in Turkish M&A

Employees can be affected by an acquisition, merger, business transfer or corporate restructuring.

 

The legal consequences depend on the transaction structure and circumstances.

Issues may include:

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• Continuity of employment;

• Employment contracts;

• Senior-management arrangements;

• Employee benefits;

• Termination risks;

• Employee claims;

• Workplace policies;

• Social-security obligations;

• Confidentiality;

• Non-compete arrangements; and

• Intellectual-property rights.

 

Employment matters should therefore be considered during due diligence rather than after closing.

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Our broader Labour & Employment Law practice can complement M&A advice where workforce issues are material to the transaction.

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Regulatory and Sector-Specific M&A Issues

Some acquisitions require considerably more regulatory work than others.

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The legal analysis may be different where a target operates in sectors such as:

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• Banking and finance;

• Insurance;

• Energy;

• Telecommunications;

• Pharmaceuticals;

• Healthcare;

• Aviation;

• Maritime;

• Technology;

• Fintech;

• Media; or

• Other regulated industries.

 

A change of ownership may trigger notification, licensing or approval requirements depending on the sector and transaction structure.

 

This is why an M&A lawyer should examine the business model of the target, not simply its corporate registration documents.

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Where appropriate, our lawyers can coordinate M&A work with specialist areas including Banking & Finance Law, Capital Markets Law, Turkish IT Law, Fintech Law, Energy & Mining Law, Pharmacy Law, Telecommunication Law and Insurance Law.

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Common M&A Problems Buyers and Sellers Should Watch For

Not every transaction problem is dramatic. Sometimes the most expensive issues are the ones that seemed too small to address during negotiations.

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A Change-of-Control Clause Was Missed

A major customer or supplier may have a contractual right to terminate following a change of ownership.

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The Seller Does Not Own Important IP

A business may rely on software or trademarks that were developed by third parties or former employees.

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Historical Liabilities Were Underestimated

Tax disputes, employment claims, regulatory issues or contractual liabilities may remain with the target after acquisition.

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Competition Clearance Was Not Considered Early Enough

If regulatory approval is required, failing to plan for it can affect the transaction timetable.

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The Purchase Agreement Does Not Match the Due Diligence

There is little value in identifying a serious risk during due diligence if the final agreement does not provide an appropriate mechanism to address it.

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Personal Data Is Shared Too Broadly

A transaction does not create a blanket exemption from Turkish data-protection requirements.

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Integration Was Treated as an Afterthought

A transaction may close successfully on paper but still fail to deliver its commercial objectives if governance, employees, contracts, technology and operations are not integrated effectively.

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Post-Merger Integration in Türkiye

Closing is an important milestone, but it is not necessarily the finish line.

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After an acquisition or merger, the business may need to implement:

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• New board arrangements;

• Shareholder changes;

• Corporate registrations;

• New signing authorities;

• Employment restructuring;

• Contract integration;

• Technology integration;

• Intellectual-property transfers;

• Regulatory notifications;

• New governance procedures; and

• Post-closing obligations under the transaction documents.

 

The legal team can help ensure that the rights and obligations agreed during negotiations are actually implemented after closing.

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Why Choose Kurucuk & Associates for M&A Legal Advice?

M&A transactions require more than knowledge of corporate law.

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They require an understanding of how different areas of law interact with the commercial realities of buying or selling a business.

 

At Kurucuk & Associates Law Firm, our approach focuses on:

 

Understanding the business first.

We seek to understand why the client is pursuing the transaction and what a successful outcome looks like.

 

Identifying risks early.

 

The earlier a legal problem is identified, the more options the parties generally have for addressing it.

 

Keeping advice practical.

Clients need to know not only what the law says, but also how a legal issue may affect the transaction.

 

Coordinating different legal disciplines.
M&A matters frequently overlap with Competition Law, Contract Law, Tax Compliance & Tax Planning, Real Estate Law, Turkish IP Law, Personal Data Protection Law and International Commercial Law.

 

Protecting the client's position during negotiations.
The transaction agreement should allocate risk deliberately rather than leave important matters to interpretation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About M&A Law in Türkiye

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What is a merger and acquisition in Türkiye?

An M&A transaction generally involves combining businesses, acquiring shares or control of a company, acquiring business assets, or restructuring companies. Turkish M&A transactions can take several legal forms depending on the commercial objectives of the parties.

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What does a Turkish M&A lawyer do?

A Turkish M&A lawyer may advise on transaction structure, due diligence, corporate approvals, competition law, regulatory requirements, negotiations, transaction agreements, closing and post-closing matters.

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Do I need an M&A lawyer to buy a company in Türkiye?

Professional legal advice is strongly recommended for a significant acquisition because the buyer may inherit or remain exposed to corporate, contractual, employment, regulatory, litigation, intellectual-property and other risks associated with the target.

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Does every M&A transaction require Competition Authority approval?

No. The requirement depends on the transaction structure, change of control, applicable turnover thresholds and other criteria under Turkish competition law.

 

The Competition Authority regularly updates its merger-control guidance, so the applicable rules should be checked when the transaction is being planned.

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Can a foreign company buy a Turkish company?

Yes, foreign investors can participate in acquisitions involving Turkish businesses, subject to the applicable Turkish legal and regulatory requirements.

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The transaction may also require analysis of competition law, sector-specific regulation, tax, real estate, employment, data protection and other matters.

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What is legal due diligence?

Legal due diligence is the process of examining the target company's legal position before an acquisition or investment. It can cover corporate records, contracts, litigation, employment, intellectual property, regulatory matters, real estate, data protection and other relevant areas.

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How long does an M&A transaction in Türkiye take?

There is no fixed period. A relatively straightforward private transaction may progress more quickly than a transaction involving regulatory approval, a public company, multiple jurisdictions, financing, complex due diligence or significant negotiations.

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What is the difference between a share purchase and an asset purchase?

In a share purchase, the buyer acquires shares in the company. In an asset purchase, the buyer acquires identified assets or business components. Each structure has different legal, commercial and tax consequences.

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Can M&A due diligence involve personal data?

Yes. Employee and customer information may be reviewed during due diligence, but Turkish data-protection requirements continue to apply. The KVKK specifically explains that lawful processing does not automatically permit unrestricted transfer of personal data to third parties.

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Can an Istanbul M&A lawyer work with foreign lawyers?

Yes. Cross-border transactions commonly involve lawyers and advisers in several jurisdictions. Turkish counsel can handle the Turkish-law aspects of the transaction while coordinating with foreign counsel where appropriate.

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What documents are normally used in a Turkish acquisition?

Depending on the transaction, documentation may include confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, term sheets, due-diligence reports, share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, shareholders' agreements, disclosure documents, corporate resolutions and closing documents.

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Does a merger always mean one company disappears?

Not necessarily. Turkish corporate law provides different merger structures, including merger by acquisition and merger by formation of a new company. The appropriate structure depends on the circumstances of the transaction.

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Official Resources for Turkish M&A Research

Businesses considering a transaction in Türkiye may find the following official resources useful:

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• The Turkish Ministry of Trade provides information and legislation concerning companies, commercial enterprises and the trade registry.

• The Turkish Competition Authority publishes merger-control legislation, guidelines and Competition Board decisions. Its updated 2026 merger-control guidance is particularly relevant to transactions being planned today.

• The Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye provides information for international investors considering Türkiye.

• The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye publishes Turkish capital-markets legislation and regulatory information.

• Borsa İstanbul provides information about listed companies and the Public Disclosure Platform.

• The Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) provides official information concerning Turkish data-protection law and international data transfers.

• The Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB) provides official tax legislation, rulings and guidance relevant to transaction planning.

 

These official resources are useful starting points, but they cannot replace legal advice tailored to the actual transaction. The applicable rules may also depend on the transaction date, sector, parties, ownership structure and other facts.

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Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer in Istanbul, Turkey

An acquisition can look straightforward from the outside: one company buys another, the documents are signed and the money changes hands.

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In practice, the difficult questions often arise before and after that moment.

What exactly is being acquired? What liabilities are being assumed? Does the target own what makes it valuable? Are regulatory approvals required? What happens to important contracts and employees? How should identified risks be allocated between buyer and seller?

 

These are the questions that careful M&A planning is designed to answer.

 

At Kurucuk & Associates Law Firm, our Mergers & Acquisitions lawyers in Istanbul, Türkiye advise clients on the legal aspects of domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, including due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiations, M&A agreements, competition-law matters, regulatory requirements, closing and post-closing issues.

 

If you are considering buying or selling a Turkish company, investing in a Turkish business, forming a joint venture, merging companies or restructuring an existing investment, obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help you understand the risks and options before the transaction becomes difficult to change.