Corporate and commercial transactions are the foundation of any thriving economy, and at Smith & Partners LP, we provide clients with the legal clarity and strategic insight needed to navigate this complex terrain. Our corporate and commercial law practice is built on deep industry knowledge, transactional precision, and practical business acumen, making us trusted advisors to startups, conglomerates, investors, and regulators alike.
Our team advises on business formation and structuring, corporate governance, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder rights, corporate compliance, foreign direct investment, commercial contracts, franchising, and regulatory licensing. We also support clients through all phases of corporate growth — from structuring seed funding arrangements to managing complex cross-border acquisitions and post-merger integrations.
We are currently advising a technology startup undergoing a multi-million dollar Series A investment. Our role includes negotiating shareholder agreements, implementing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and reviewing investment subscription documents to ensure compliance with Nigerian and international investment laws.
Our firm recently advised a Lagos-based FMCG company on revising all its commercial contracts — including distribution agreements, procurement arrangements, warehousing contracts, and IP licensing deals. This strategic legal overhaul positioned the company for greater operational efficiency and reduced exposure to supply chain liabilities.
We also support foreign investors seeking to establish or expand operations in Nigeria. A recent engagement involved advising a European manufacturing group on corporate structuring, expatriate quotas, and compliance with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) framework, as well as drafting local content and transfer pricing policies.
At Smith & Partners LP, our corporate and commercial practice is defined by precision, agility, and strategic foresight. Whether you're launching a new enterprise, negotiating complex commercial deals, or restructuring an existing business, our firm delivers seamless legal solutions that drive growth, protect assets, and unlock opportunities.
Key Matters & Experience
Oil Sector Merger Advisory
Part of the corporate advisory team that structured a high-profile merger between two major oil servicing companies in Nigeria — covering share restructuring, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder negotiations.
Series A Investment Structuring
Advising a tech startup on a multi-million dollar Series A — negotiating shareholder agreements, implementing ESOPs, and reviewing subscription documents for Nigerian and international compliance.
Commercial Contracts Overhaul
Advised a Lagos FMCG company on revising all commercial contracts including distribution, procurement, warehousing, and IP licensing agreements, reducing supply chain liability exposure.
Pan-African Corporate Restructuring
Managed the corporate restructuring of a pan-African logistics company across four countries — jurisdictional mapping, asset segregation, tax planning, and reconstitution of board and shareholder arrangements.
Foreign Investor Entry Advisory
Advised a European manufacturing group on corporate structuring, expatriate quotas, NIPC framework compliance, and drafting of local content and transfer pricing policies for Nigerian market entry.
JVs, M&A & Governance
Routine advisory on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder rights, corporate governance frameworks, and regulatory licensing across diverse sectors including energy, logistics, and retail.
