IFLR 1000
The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

Kadir Andri & Partners continues to be one of the most sought-out firms in the market. Peers note that "its experience and expertise is what you would expect from a top tier outfit." The firm continues to be ranked at the top of the rankings on the basis of praise from both competitors and clients.

"It's a boon that they have such experienced lawyers. There have been numerous occasions where we as clients would say: 'It's a good thing the partner pointed this out," says one client.

The firm acted as Malaysian legal adviser to the underwriter, joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners in the IPO of Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings. This transaction required technical knowledge and further considerations because of the specific nature of the business involved. Concerns included: engineering and construction, marine conversion and marine repair and also the involvement of a cornerstone investor, whose interest had to be balanced with the interests of the underwriters and promoters. This deal was completed in October 2010 and valued at RM2 billion ($671 million).

Clients appreciate the firm and recommend it to others: "The partner we worked with was very thorough, time and again I've recommended him to other clients of mine," says one.

Kadir Andri & Partners is well regarded in the banking and finance sector, with its reputation further reinforced by its exemplary ability in capital markets and M&A work. Peers concur that the firm "is a definite top quality firm." The firm remains firmly placed in the rankings this year, with one competitor commenting: "I can't see this firm in any other tier in this particular market."

Clients say the firm is efficient and expereinced. "The lawyers there display keen business acumen, and they always deliver speedy service. They provide sound advice, and are knowledgeable on the local regulatory environment," says one.

Key partner Adrian Chair led the team advising Axis Bank (Singapore), acting as the sole underwriter and mandated lead arranger, in a transaction involving a credit facility to finance the modernising, upgrading, expanding and operating of the Malé International Airport. The deal involved a $358 million credit facility and a $25 million guarantee facility for the consortium GMR Malé International Airport. This matter was completed in November 2010.

"Kadir Andri & Partners has without doubt, one of the top M&A practices in the country," says one rival. The firm sits firmly at the top of the rankings this year, after praise from peers and clients in the last year.

A high profile transaction in the past year was the firm's representation of Integrated Healthcare Holdings, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional, in acquisition of control over the Parkway group, one of Asia's largest listed healthcare groups. This transaction was closely followed by the market, as it involved a public take-over struggle between the firm's client Khazanah Nasional and India's Fortis Global Healthcare. The acquisition consolidated the client's position in the healthcare market. The deal was closed in November 2010, with the value reported at $2.69 billion.

Clients value the nuanced and singular service provided by the firm: "The lawyers are cautious, protective, careful and proactive, which only a corporate firm of this calibre can offer."

The firm was involved in the privatisation of Tanjong through a voluntary general offer by Tanjong Capital. A team led by partners E Sreesanthan and Samuel Hong advised a special purpose vehicle (SPV) controlled by Malaysian tycoon Ananda Krishnan, who held a substantial stake in Tanjong prior to the privatisation. This transaction was completed in November 2010 and valued at $1.5 billion.

One client recommends the firm for its innovation: "The lawyers there have demonstrated the ability to think outside of the box and be commercially minded."