Akin Gump, Tom Trimble, Recognized for Africa Private Equity Work
(Washington, D.C.) – Akin Gump and partner Tom Trimble have been recognized by UK-based outlet The Lawyer in that publication’s “Africa Elite 2015” report, which contains “the most detailed research available on the local firms that are leading the way in Africa.”
Trimble, a partner in the firm’s cross border transactions practice, was among 10 lawyers—and the only one based in the United States—profiled for their work advising on private equity matters in Africa. Trimble is noted specifically for his work with Emerging Capital Partners (ECP), which The Lawyer states has become one of the key Africa-focused investment houses. In particular, Trimble is recognized for advising on ECP’s stake in Kenyan-based Java House Nairobi, the first private equity transaction in the restaurant sector in East Africa, as well as in ECP’s investment in IHS Holding, one of the largest capital raisings by an African company this decade.
Asked about his thoughts on the African markets that private equity investors should be watching going forward, Trimble says that Nigeria and Kenya will remain active, Ghana is “one to watch,” due to its Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with the United States, and that the global mining space makes Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique worth considering.
The profile notes that Trimble is part of a larger firmwide Africa private equity team, and indeed Akin Gump is also ranked in the report among the top legal advisors to buy-side financial sponsors on sub-Saharan Africa private equity deals from 2012-2014.
Trimble and fellow partner Jeremy Schwer’s work on the Java House Nairobi deal was previously selected by Africa investor for its Venture Capital/Private Equity Deal of the Year award. More information on that recognition can be found by clicking here.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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