We provide legally mandated due diligence services, as independent Legal advisor, for issuers, banks, underwriters, and investors in connection with public offerings, listings, and other regulated capital market activities.
Legal Due Diligence for Capital Market Transactions
- Conducting legal due diligence on companies preparing to list on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)
- Reviewing corporate structure, ownership, governance, and compliance history
- Assessing legal risks and material contracts, including existing liabilities and disputes
- Verifying regulatory compliance with the Commercial Code, Investment Proclamation, and other applicable laws
Due Diligence Reports and Disclosure Requirements
- Preparing Independent Legal Due Diligence Reports required by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA)
- Certifying legal compliance for prospectuses and public disclosure documents
- Identifying legal qualifications, disclaimers, and risk factors for inclusion in offering documents
- Advising on the adequacy and accuracy of disclosures required for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and bond issues
Issuer and Underwriter Support
- Advising issuers and underwriters on legal structuring of capital market instruments
- Assisting with legal compliance during securities issuance, listing, and post-listing obligations
- Supporting in the registration and approval process before ECMA and ESX
Post-Issuance Compliance
- Advising on continuing disclosure obligations and corporate governance requirements
- Monitoring regulatory developments and advising listed entities on compliance with capital market laws
- Assisting with periodic compliance reporting and regulatory filings
Investor Protection and Risk Assessment
- Providing legal risk analysis to institutional and individual investors considering public offerings
- Assessing the enforceability of securities, shareholder rights, and corporate actions
- Advising on shareholder agreements and legal remedies under Ethiopian capital market law