Corporate & Commercial Law

Overview

At DABLO Law Firm, we help businesses navigate Ethiopia’s evolving legal and economic landscape with strategic, forward-thinking legal support. Our Corporate & Commercial Practice advises on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, restructuring, governance, and regulatory compliance—ensuring deals are structured smartly and risks are minimized.

We guide local and international clients through business setup, incorporation, and corporate structuring across sectors like fintech, e-commerce, green tech, and pharmaceuticals. From choosing the right legal entity to developing governance frameworks, we ensure a solid foundation for long-term growth.

Our team excels at aligning Ethiopian regulations with international standards, advising on licensing, operational compliance, data protection, and commercial contracts. We also provide legal due diligence and investor advisory services—vital tools for market entry and expansion.

At DABLO, we combine deep local insight with a global outlook, offering not just legal services, but lasting partnerships that support sustainable business success.

Work Highlights

Advised on the full acquisition of a real estate joint venture, converting a co-development partnership into a 100% share acquisition. Structured the deal to ensure seamless transfer of land rights and permits
Represented a buyer in the acquisition of a licensed gaming company, including due diligence, negotiation of indemnities, and securing regulatory approval from the Lottery Authority
Guided a pharmaceutical company through a governance overhaul and capital restructuring, transitioning from family ownership to a board-led model in line with the new Commercial Code
Advised on a cross-border acquisition in the pharmaceutical sector, including escrow structuring, regulatory approvals, and investment permit process
Conducted legal due diligence and drafted definitive agreements (SPA, APA, NDAs, MoUs, Heads of Terms) for multiple acquisitions in regulated sectors
Provided legal opinions on merger plans, share exchange ratios, and creditor protection mechanisms under Ethiopia’s Commercial Code
Counseled on merger notification thresholds and compliance with Ethiopia’s Trade Competition and Consumer Protection Proclamation
Structured non-compete and non-solicit clauses in M&A agreements, ensuring enforceability under Ethiopian law
Delivered legal guidance on capital gains tax, stamp duty, and VAT implications in share and asset transfers
Supported foreign investors in acquiring Ethiopian companies, including compliance with Investment Regulation No. 474/2020 and exchange control rules

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Dawit Kidane
Principal Managing Partner