CMS is pleased to announce the opening of an office in Istanbul. With this move, CMS expands into Turkey, the 17th largest economy in the world with growth of over 5% expected in 2014.

Cornelius Brandi, CMS Executive Chairman, comments, “Turkey is a very important country for us and we have been involved there on behalf of our clients for over 15years. Establishing an office in Istanbul allows us more effectively to serve our clients’ needs in Turkey and to develop business with Turkish clients. I am delighted that CMS now has a presence in this vibrant and dynamic country and that Döne Yalçın and John Fitzpatrick, with their combined experience in Turkey, will be leading our expansion into this exciting market.“

Döne Yalçın, former head of the Turkish desk at CMS Vienna, is president of ATIS, the association of Austrian and Turkish business people, and vice-president of the Austrian Turkish Economic Forum (ÖTW). Döne remarks, “Being on the ground in Istanbul gives CMS an excellent opportunity to expand on the work we do for clients in Turkey.With strong links across CMS and with dedicated Turkish desks in four locations, Turkish clients have access to full-service expertise across the 31 jurisdictions in which CMS has a presence.”

John Fitzpatrick, an international corporate partner working throughout Europe in emerging markets, in particular SEE and Turkey, comments, “Turkey is of increasing interest to international companies and investors. Opening this office in Istanbul is proof of CMS’ commitment to providing first-rate advice to our clients in key jurisdictions. CMS lawyers have been working extensively on Turkey-related matters for many years. Over time, we have developed a deep understanding of how to structure and complete transactions relating to Turkey, with a particular focus on cross border and international transactions.”