Asialaw Profiles (2019)
R&T Sok & Heng Law Office (Cambodia)
Banking and Financial Services - Highly Recommended
Consumer Goods and Services - Outstanding
General Business Law - Highly Recommended
Industrials and Manufacturing - Highly Recommended
Leading Lawyers:
Chhay Heng - Corporate/M&A, Intellectual Property, Restructuring & Insolvency (Market-leading lawyer)
Khavan Sok - Energy & Natural Resources, Projects & Infrastructure (Leading lawyer)
Sotheary Hout - Labour & Employment, Restructuring & Insolvency (Leading lawyer)
Analysis:
General Business Law
After obtaining a joint waiver of conflict, the firm assisted Mega International Commercial Bank on its loan to leisure and entertainment company Donaco International. Acted for Ming Fai International on its 100% stake acquisition of Teng Xun, which has approval to operate a bag production facility under qualified investment project status. The firm needed to secure the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s blessing before the parties can complete the transaction. Advised on casual wear manufacturer Crystal International’s global offering in Hong Kong. The firm conducted due diligence on the client’s manufacturing subsidiaries in Cambodia.
Client Feedback:
“Responsive, responsible, willing to advise, friendly and kind, detail oriented” – Banking & Finance, Real Estate
“The firm provides good service.” – Banking & Finance, Real Estate
“They have provided practical advice and solutions enabling us to accommodate to the local practice and laws.” – Corporate/M&A
“Comprehensive understanding about the works in Cambodia.” – Corporate/M&A, Insurance
“This firm is extremely competent and is a high level legal service provider. They have an incredible market insight, can digest various legal complexity and provide logical solutions due to their highly capable staff and partners. They can modernise their communications online so that the advice can be executed remotely and quickly.” – Aviation
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (Indonesia)
Aviation and Shipping - Outstanding
Banking and Finance - Outstanding
Banking and Financial Services - Outstanding
Capital Markets - Outstanding
Competition & Antitrust - Outstanding
Corporate/M&A - Outstanding
Construction - Highly Recommended
Consumer Goods and Services - Recommended
Dispute Resolution - Outstanding
Energy - Outstanding
Industrials and Manufacturing - Recommended
Infrastructure - Highly Recommended
Insurance - Recommended
Labour & Employment - Outstanding
Private Equity - Outstanding
Real Estate - Highly Recommended
Restructuring and Insolvency - Outstanding
Tax - Recommended
Technology and Telecommunications - Outstanding
Leading Lawyers:
Ahmad Fikri Assegaf - Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A (Leading lawyer)
Bono Daru Adji - Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A (Leading lawyer)
Chandra Hamzah - Dispute Resolution, Restructuring & Insolvency (Leading lawyer)
Eko Basyuni - Corporate/M&A (Leading lawyer)
Eri Hertiawan - Dispute Resolution (Market-leading lawyer)
Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf - Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, Restructuring & Insolvency (Leading lawyer)
Kanya Satwika - Energy & Natural Resources (Leading lawyer)
Muhammad Iqsan Sirie - Corporate/M&A (Rising star lawyer)
Putu Suryastuti - Capital Markets (Leading lawyer)
Analysis:
Banking & Finance
Advised the Asian Development Bank on the financing related to the development of the 60MW Tolo Jeneponto wind power plant by Energi Bayu Jeneponto, a subsidiary of independent infrastructure private equity manager Equis.
Capital Markets
Represented the government of Indonesia on the issue of the world’s first green sukuk bond, consisting of $1.25 billion five year and $ 1.75 billion 10 year Reg S/144A tranches of trust certificates due in 2023 and 2028.
Advised SEA with respect to its Indonesian Assets, Garena and Shopee, in connection with its US IPO.
Competition & Antitrust
Represented tire manufacturer Goodyear on its appeal and submission of a final review petition to the Supreme Court after the company was found guilty in 2015 of cartel price setting and production holding.
Corporate/M&A
Advised Kohlberg Kravis Roberts on its acquisition of a minority stake in the country’s leading mass market bread company, IndoSari Roti.
Dispute Resolution
Represented Japfa Comfeed International in a dispute with the government of Indonesia that saw the district court revoke the competition authority, KPPU’s decision that found the client guilty of cartel practices. It turns out the client was complying with a direct order from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Labour & Employment
Represented ice cream manufacturer Alpen Food Industry in its negotiations with the union delegates of 644 workers who went on strike.
Client Feedback:
“The firm was able to put resources and provide quick drafts and was very responsive. Also they were able to provide very good solutions and mediation during the terms of the agreement.” – Corporate/M&A
“The law firm's strengths are its deep knowledge of Indonesian law and quality and professionalism of its people, which can provide better value to us as clients compared to reputable international law firms. This law firm does have longstanding experience in major industries in Indonesia and can take a practical approach as well.” – Banking & Finance
“AHP offers high quality legal services on a very broad range of legal areas and is part of the highly regarded R&T network comprised of top tier law firms in major Asian jurisdictions. The firm’s quality of advice and personnel is of a high standard that one would expect from the top tier local law firms.” – Corporate/M&A
“The firm has rapidly grown within recent years and we are happy to use this company. The strengths are they give broad advice and perspective that goes beyond the legal perspective. They have various areas of expertise, good relationships with government institutions and they have been a reliable source. I feel the best teams are the anti-competition and disputes team. They are fast, efficient and accurate.” – Corporate/M&A
“For my corporate M&A and real estate deals, the firm has appointed a highly intelligent associate to manage the file. The firm also has been working on other deals with my company and therefore understands the expectations. The banking and finance team is also strong, responsive and manages the file well. The partner is hands on.” – Corporate/M&A, Real Estate
Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd. (Lao PDR)
Banking and Financial Services - Recommended
General Business Law - Highly Recommended
Infrastructure - Recommended
Analysis:
Capital Markets
Acted for Guangzhou Automobile Group in relation to its non-public issuance of new A-shares to certain investors.
Corporate/M&A
Advised Henderson Land Development Company in connection with its HK$8.6 billion disposal of various PRC projects.
Christopher & Lee Ong (Malaysia)
Aviation and Shipping - Highly Recommended
Banking & Finance - Recommended
Capital Markets - Notable
Competition/Antitrust - Recommended
Construction - Outstanding
Consumer Goods and Services - Highly Recommended
Corporate/M&A - Highly Recommended
Dispute Resolution - Notable
Energy - Outstanding
Infrastructure - Outstanding
Intellectual Property - Recommended
Real Estate - Highly Recommended
Technology and Telecommunications - Highly Recommended
Leading Lawyers:
Christopher Lee - Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A (Leading lawyer)
Fiona Sequerah - Banking & Finance (Leading lawyer)
Jainil Bhandari - Shipping, Maritime & Aviation (Leading lawyer)
John Mathew - Dispute Resolution (Leading lawyer)
Kuok Yew Chen - Competition & Antitrust, Corporate/M&A, IT, Telco & Media (Leading lawyer)
Shermane Chan - Construction & Real Estate, Energy & Natural Resources (Leading lawyer)
Analysis:
Banking and Finance
Acted for Donaco International, an Australian leisure and entertainment business, in relation to the refinancing of its current term loan facility with Mega International Commercial Bank.
Construction
Advised Scatec Solar, a Norwegian solar energy provider, on its entry into Malaysia and investment in the largest solar power project in Malaysia.
Advised Coca Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) in relation to the expansion to the special designed and built for purpose warehouse in Malaysia, which serves as the halal production hub for the markets of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
Corporate/M&A
Advised HP on the local conveyance of Samsung Electronics’ assets in Malaysia and on all preliminary questions regarding the transfer of assets, the transfer of employees and negotiated and reviewed transactional documents relating to the transfer of assets in Malaysia.
Dispute Resolution
Acted for YFG and its subsidiaries in restructuring their debt under Section 176 of the Companies Act 1965, including having successfully obtained restraining orders and resisted applications to set aside the restraining order and applications to oppose an extension of the restraining order.
Intellectual Property
Represented Jyothy Laboratories in a trade mark cancellation action relating to a trade mark for toothpaste products that was wrongfully registered by Perusahaan Bumi Tulin.
Client Feedback:
“We are pleased with the quality of services provided so far. The services have been directed and supervised closely by partner before delivery. They are very responsive and always make time for calls and respond to any prompt or urgent matters required.” – Corporate/M&A
“On time delivery and flexibility combined with excellent answers with knowledge transfer on all needed questions. Excellent guide for local legal contractual designs with execution strengths.” – Corporate/M&A
“Excellent, a group of professional people, tight cooperation, instant feedback.” – Construction, Corporate/M&A, Labour & Employment
“Overall impression is very good. Quick responses, clear-cut explanations, wide and deep knowledge, considering clients interest very much and cost efficiency.” – Intellectual Property
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited (Myanmar)
Banking and Financial Services - Highly Recommended
Energy - Highly Recommended
General Business Law - Highly Recommended
Infrastructure - Recommended
Real Estate - Recommended
Analysis:
General Business Law
Advised a large Myanmar conglomerate in the corporate structuring of its branches of businesses and investments, including its recent joint venture with the French broadcaster, Canal+, various disputes with its suppliers and licensors, and regulatory advice.
Represented Dagon International on its buyout of its joint venture partner, Marubeni Corporation, in respect of a joint venture to engage in the leasing of heavy machinery and equipment in Myanmar.
Acted for Myanmar Winery & Distillery on the sale of 5% of the 30% interest that it had held in Myanmar Distillery Company, the largest distillery in Myanmar.
Advised Yangon regional government on its potential joint venture with Amata Corporation, a leading industrial city developer based in Thailand, to develop the Yangon Amata Smart & Eco City project in Myanmar.
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) (Philippines)
Banking & Finance - Recommended
Banking and Financial Services - Recommended
Competition & Antitrust - Recommended
Construction - Highly Recommended
Corporate/M&A - Recommended
Dispute Resolution - Highly Recommended
Energy - Highly Recommended
Infrastructure - Highly Recommended
Labour and Employment - Recommended
Real Estate - Recommended
Tax - Recommended
Leading Lawyers:
Ben Dominic Yap - Dispute Resolution (Leading Lawyer)
Analysis:
Banking & Finance
Advised a group of banks, including DBS Bank and Mizuho Bank, on a $338 million acquisition financing to AEV International. The purpose was for Pilmico International, a subsidiary, to acquire Golden Springs, expanding Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ market share in Vietnam’s animal feed industry.
Competition & Antitrust
Represented AP Renewables, managing an anti-competitive case before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and court of appeals. The case focuses on whether the Philippine Competition Act removed ERC’s authority over competition matters in the energy sector.
Construction
Advised a group of clients, including JG Summit and Changi Airports International, on a bid to operate and maintain Clark International Airport’s new terminal under construction.
Corporate/M&A
Assisted on the merger of two Ayala Land subsidiaries, Cebu Holdings and Cebu Property Ventures and Development.
Dispute Resolution
Represented Italian confectionery company Ferrero in a dispute with its former exclusive distributor.
Labour and Employment
Advised HP on its employee transfers, terminations and recruitment as a result of the acquisition of Samsung’s printer division.
Tax
Represented Sanofi’s vaccines unit Sanofi Pasteur before tax officials, concerning a host of tax assessments including income and value-added taxes. The team succeeded in reducing the assessments by more than 97%.
Client Feedback:
“Hands-on and practical, very responsive and pleasant to work with. Solid all around but can improve on cost transparency.”– Construction, Dispute Resolution
“Provides prompt and comprehensive advice that takes into account both legal and practical considerations.”– Corporate/M&A, Labour and Employment, Regulatory, Tax
“The partners we work with are very responsive and reliable. Apart from having the substantive and technical skills for the legal work required, they are strategic and do keep a step ahead of the possible issues, challenges and difficulties.”– Dispute Resolution, Regulatory
“We appreciate their open-mindedness when clients challenge or test their approach, and their willingness to adapt and be flexible where extraneous or collateral considerations drive adjustments to their preferred approach. This demonstrates their consideration of the client's circumstances, and are willing to be collaborative towards solutions, which are optimal for the client.”– Dispute Resolution, Regulatory
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP (Singapore)
Aviation and Shipping - Outstanding
Banking and Finance - Highly Recommended
Banking and Financial Services - Outstanding
Capital Markets - Highly Recommended
Competition & Antitrust - Highly Recommended
Construction - Outstanding
Consumer Goods and Services - Outstanding
Corporate/M&A - Highly Recommended
Dispute Resolution - Outstanding
Energy - Highly Recommended
Infrastructure - Outstanding
Insurance - Recommended
Intellectual Property - Highly Recommended
Investment Funds - Highly Recommended
Labour and Employment - Outstanding
Private Equity - Highly Recommended
Real Estate - Outstanding
Regulatory - Highly Recommended
Restructuring and Insolvency - Outstanding
Tax - Highly Recommended
Technology and Telecommunications - Outstanding
Leading Lawyers:
Andre Yeap, SC - Dispute Resolution (Market-leading lawyer)
Angela Lim - Banking & Finance (Market-leading lawyer)
Avinash Pradhan - Dispute Resolution (Leading lawyer)*
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A (Market-leading lawyer)
Chua Choon King - Shipping, Maritime & Aviation (Market-leading lawyer)
Francis Xavier, SC, PBM - Dispute Resolution (Market-leading lawyer)
Jonathan Oon - Shipping, Maritime & Aviation (Leading lawyer)
Kala Anandarajah, PBM - Competition & Antitrust, Corporate/M&A (Market-leading lawyer)
Kendall Tan - Shipping, Maritime & Aviation (Leading lawyer)
Larry Lim - Energy & Natural Resources, Financial Services Regulatory (Market-leading lawyer)
Lau Kok Keng - Intellectual Property (Market-leading lawyer)
Lee Eng Beng, SC, PBM - Restructuring & Insolvency (Market-leading lawyer)
Lim Chen Chen - Shipping, Maritime & Aviation (Rising star lawyer)
Luo Qinghui - Dispute Resolution (Leading Lawyer)*
Murali Pillai, SC - Dispute Resolution, Labour & Employment (Leading lawyer)
Patrick Ang - Restructuring & Insolvency (Market-leading lawyer)
Rajesh Sreenivasan - IT, Telco & Media (Market-leading lawyer)
Sandy Foo - Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, Energy & Natural Resources, Projects & Infrastructure (Market-leading lawyer)
Terence Choo - Banking & Finance (Leading lawyer)
Toh Kian Sing, SC - Dispute Resolution (Market-leading lawyer)
Analysis:
Banking & Finance
Acted for both LN Development (Stirling), as the borrower, and United Overseas Bank as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners, in relation to the loan facilities of up to S$900 million obtained by the borrower to finance the acquisition of a land parcel near Queenstown MRT station in Singapore.
Capital Markets
Acted as Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam counsels to Sea (a leading internet platform in Greater Southeast Asia) in connection with its $884 million IPO on the NYSE. This was the largest technology IPO out of Southeast Asia to list on the NYSE.
Construction
Advising Consortium of Tuas Power and Singapore Technologies Marine (the preferred bidder) on the development of a desalination plant on a Design-Build-Own-Operate basis. Role includes drafting and finalising the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract, the operation and maintenance (O&M) contract, the electricity supply agreement and the sub-lease agreement.
Corporate/M&A
Acting for Japfa, an industrial agri-food company, in its acquisition of all the issued and paid-up shares in AustAsia Investment Holdings and AIH2 held by Black River Capital Partners Fund (Food), Black River CPF (Food AustAsia Co-Investment), and Black River Food Fund 2 with an aggregate consideration of approximately $263 million.
Dispute Resolution
Acted for Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Commerz Asset Management Asia Pacific and Commerz Asia Best SPC in a cross-border dispute relating to the investment behind two blocks of oil and gas concessions.
Intellectual Property
Acting for Singapore Pools (100% owned by the Tote Board, a statutory board reporting to the Ministry of Finance) regarding the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act and the grant of a licence to Singapore Pools to operate a remote betting website. The firm commenced a series of enforcement actions against the cybersquatters and operators to reclaim URLs which are identical or very similar to that of the client through the Uniformed Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
Regulatory
Assisted in the establishment of the international investment platform operated by the Singapore subsidiary of the Lufax Group, the world’s largest retail digital wealth manager. This is Singapore’s first investment platform over a mobile application using a 100% mobile facial recognition account opening and investment process and AI-powered advisory process.
Restructuring & Insolvency
Advised the joint and several judicial managers of Swiber Holdings and Swiber Offshore Construction in relation to issues arising from the judicial management of the two companies in a bid to resuscitate and restructure the business of the Swiber group.
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited
Aviation and Shipping - Recommended
Banking & Finance - Highly Recommended
Banking and Financial Services - Highly Recommended
Corporate/M&A - Recommended
Dispute Resolution - Highly Recommended
Technology and Telecommunications - Recommended
Leading Lawyers:
Krida Phoonwathu - Dispute Resolution (Market-leading lawyer)
Melisa Uremovic - Competition & Antitrust (Leading Lawyer)
Surasak Vajasit - Banking & Finance, Restructuring & Insolvency (Market-leading lawyer)
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers (Vietnam)
Banking and Finance - Recommended
Construction - Highly Recommended
Corporate/M&A - Highly Recommended
Dispute Resolution - Outstanding
Energy - Notable
Industrials and Manufacturing - Recommended
Infrastructure - Recommended
Labour and Employment - Recommended
Real Estate - Recommended
Leading Lawyers:
Pham Manh Dzung - Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution (Leading lawyer)
Quang Chau Huy - Construction & Real Estate, Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources (Market-leading lawyer)
Vu Thi Que - Banking and Finance, Construction & Real Estate, Corporate/M&A (Market-leading lawyer)
Analysis:
Corporate/M&A
Advised Sumitomo Forestry Company, a comprehensive housing and wood products corporation, in its investment in one of Vietnam’s biggest furniture manufacturers An Cuong Wood Working.
Dispute Resolution
Acted for PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) in the termination of a bareboat charter with Yinson Holdings. The firm assisted in negotiations and preparation of the settlement agreement.