Dealmakers
Hot 100: Solomon Wifa, O'Melveny & Myers
Almost three years ago Solomon Wifa made his mark in the legal community as he became the youngest-ever managing partner of O’Melveny & Myers in London at the age of 37.
This year, Wifa secured a spot in the Hot 100 list for his deal-making prowess in the investment funds field.
Two transactions stand out on his 2012 deal list. The first is his role of advising newly formed fund manager Greenshpere Capital on winning a landmark mandate from the UK government. Wifa helped the client win the tender, which attracted bids from 23 managers, to be one of the two fund managers responsible for generating and managing government-backed investments in green infrastructure.
As the initiative was led by the UK government, it was not a typical fundraising deal. Wifa had to advise his client on many unique issues, relating to securing government procurement guarantees.
The second deal highlight was more publicised and had a billon-pound price tag. Wifa led the firm’s team advising UK private equity group Coller on the acquisition of an investment portfolio from Lloyds Banking Group for £1.03bn. It is believed to be the largest unsyndicated secondaries deal to date.
In addition to headline transactions, Wifa is also widely recognised for funds formation and investment in cutting-edge and niche areas, such as emerging markets in Africa and Turkey.
In 2012, the Nigerian-born British lawyer visited Africa six times on client matters. In recognising his knowledge and experience in Africa, he was appointed by the African Venture Capital Association as the co-chair of its legal and regulatory committee in the summer of 2012.
Readers' comments (18)
Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 11:21 am
He is someone we all love and admire,a brilliant lawyer.he still has a lot to offer.
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Samuel Okonji | 28-Jan-2013 3:09 pm
I am very pleased with wifa's gradual climb up the ladder and success. Keep it up bro.
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kate gobo | 28-Jan-2013 4:59 pm
Wowww Solomon, I am very proud to have a big brother that is paving the way for us.Congrats and wishing you more success.
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 8:30 pm
Great stuff my friend. Congratulations. Keep moving forward.
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 8:55 pm
We are so proud of you Solomon, keep your good record flying high! Congrats Couz wishing you more successful years ahead. Cheers
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Anonymous | 28-Jan-2013 11:58 pm
Solomon, we love your efforts and are encouraged by your hard work and dedication. Indeed, we are very proud of how far you've come... keep it up!
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Anonymous | 29-Jan-2013 0:22 am
Solomon, we are very proud of how far you've come and are encouraged by your efforts and hard work. Keep it up!
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Stella Garfield | 29-Jan-2013 2:24 pm
Welldone Solomon… the only way is up!
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okey Egbuchu | 29-Jan-2013 3:29 pm
Excellent! You are a source of motivation to your generation
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Bankole Ogunrinde | 29-Jan-2013 3:56 pm
This is surely commendable Solomon. Please keep it up!
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Billy akaninwa | 30-Jan-2013 8:24 am
Congrats Solomon..
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Erepa Andrew Weigha | 30-Jan-2013 9:18 am
May God continue to give you good health and fresh knowledge to fire higher and higher....Great man.
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Anonymous | 30-Jan-2013 1:33 pm
Big Uncle Solo! Keep Climbing! Keep moving!! U will Make Africa Proud!! Bravo!!
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Anonymous | 30-Jan-2013 5:33 pm
Kudos! It can only get better.
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Edward | 31-Jan-2013 2:51 pm
That's great of you brother, keep it up, the Lord is your strenght.
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Anonymous | 1-Feb-2013 4:53 pm
You have been a brilliant lawyer and friend since I first met you back in 2002. All this .... and a great husband and father. Well done! Keep up the great work.
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Wale Adenigbagbe | 1-Feb-2013 5:43 pm
congratulations Solomon.......... a well deserved honour. Cheers!
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Anonymous | 12-Mar-2013 4:24 am
Wow!! This is excellent. Wishing you greater success in the years ahead. keep the flag flying bro.
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