Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes, [M(Ln)A] (n = 1–3, A = NH3, Py), were prepared from the productsof condensation of benzoylacetaldehyde with aromatic acid hydrazides (H2L1–H2L3). The obtained complexes were examined by elemental analysis and IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The structure of [Ni(L2)Py] was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (CIF file CCDC no. 1508698).