Mikhail Kazantsev has 20+ years of experience in advising on major deals and investment projects on the Russian M&A market in various economic sectors. He has advised Russian and international clients on complex deal structuring, due diligence, regulatory approvals, privatisation and corporate governance, and has often advised on financial recovery and restructuring proceedings.

Mikhail has acted as both an external legal advisor and the Head of Legal at a major holding company.

From 2016 to 2021, as a board member and a deputy CEO at Rosgeo JSC, he supervised the implementation of the company’s key strategic projects, advised on asset sales in Russia and elsewhere, creation of joint ventures, and drafting of PSAs. He also has extensive experience in structuring and handling complex construction projects for both developers and contractors.

Mikhail’s highlights are:

• Privatisation of 10% of shares of stock in Bank VTB worth RUB 95.7bn.
• RUSAL’s purchasing 25% of shares in Norilsk Nickel in 2007.
• Lagardere’s sale of its Russian media group worth USD 162m.
• Structuring of a number of transactions in South Africa under English law.
• Counselling on the purchase of a share in a Chinese alumina refinery by a major metals company.
• Preparations for and counselling on the sale of a recreational infrastructure facility to a private investor exceeding RUB 30bn.
• Structuring of Danone’s joint venture with Unimilk Group in Russia and the CIS (M&A deal of the year in Europe 2011 according to IFLR1000).

Mikhail was engaged in the development of Russian laws on controlled foreign companies (CFCs) and capital amnesty.

Mikhail graduated from the St. Petersburg State University Law School (2000). In 2013, he received his Master’s degree from Columbia University (USA), and in 2018, he received his MBA degree from Gubkin Oil and Gas University.

Mikhail has been admitted to the Moscow Bar and to the New York State Bar (USA).