Rato Ling Lei & Cortes (Lektou) is a Macau-based law firm with roots dating to the 1980s under the legacy of Gonçalves Pereira & Rato. The firm has offices in mainland China (Hengqin, Shenzhen) in partnership with Chinese firm Zhong Yin Law Firm and Fongs Law Firm of Hong Kong, and Portugal. The firm has also joined the global network the Miranda Alliance, which has offices in all Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong reputation in the equity capital markets, particularly with regard to Hong Kong listings, and is also active in regulatory and gaming matters. Active practice areas include financial and corporate, gaming, M&A, capital markets, dispute resolution, real estate, IT, insurance and regulatory.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Luso International Banking, Messerschmitt Systems, Bank of China, Macau Branch, ITG Holding Investment (HK), Agricultural Bank of China, MUFG Bank and Micro Connect.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm has been very active advising clients in relation to transactions in the capital markets, and banking and finance, and provided legal services to financial regulatory mandates.
In the capital markets, the firm often advised issuers and underwriters in relation to IPOs, share capital increase, private placement of bonds, investment grade bond issuance and greed bonds. The corporate team kept busy advising the buy side in public acquisitions.
The firm’s finance team advised local and international clients in various financial transactions as well as regular legal advice to local and international banking, finance and insurance entities. The firm also kept busy providing legal services in relation to financial services regulatory work.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
ITG Holding Investment (HK)’s issuance of $200 million guaranteed bonds due 2023.
Agricultural Bank of China Macao Branch's issuance of MOP1 billion ($124 million) notes due 2023.
Zhangzhou Transportation Development Group Co.’s issuance of $175 million bonds due 2023.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“I had the pleasure of working with Rato Ling Lei & Cortés recently, and I was truly impressed by their professionalism throughout the entire process. They displayed a remarkable level of expertise and attention to detail, which was evident in their thorough research, insightful advice and strategic approach to the case. Their dedication to their clients and their work was truly outstanding, and I have no doubt that they are one of the best in their field. It was a privilege to work with such talented and committed professionals, and I would recommend them to anyone seeking legal representation.”
Financial services regulatory
“They are responsive and professional.”
Calvin Tinlop Chui
“Mr. Chui showed a deep understanding of the law and was able to provide me with clear and concise advice that helped me navigate a complex legal situation. Mr. Chui was always responsive and dedicated to my case, going above and beyond to ensure that my legal needs were met. What stood out to me about lawyer Chui was his commitment to delivering results for his clients, and his willingness to work tirelessly on my case. Mr. Chui truly is an exceptional lawyer and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal assistance.”
Pedro Cortés
“Knowledgeable and well-connected.”
