SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan remains the firm to beat in this market, with its presence in the top tiers of the rankings assured by effusive praise from clients and peers for yet another year of hard work. A client says: "The firm's banking and litigation practice areas boast high quality lawyers....
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SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan remains the firm to beat in this market, with its presence in the top tiers of the rankings assured by effusive praise from clients and peers for yet another year of hard work. A client says: "The firm's banking and litigation practice areas boast high quality lawyers. They are true experts."
A highlight banking transaction for the firm last year was its representation of joint deal managers HSBC, BPI Capital Corporation, First Metro Investment Corporation and Land Bank of the Philippines in a domestic bond swap by the Republic of the Philippines. This transaction was completed in December 2010 and has been reported as the largest bond-swap program in the country, valued at P200 billion ($4.7 billion).
Partner Jose Maria Hofileña is lauded for his ability in project finance, and according to one client "he possesses the most sophisticated understanding of project finance in Philippines. When I work with him on international deals people recognise him - he has a global reputation."
The firm advised Gold Fields in its acquisition of an option to acquire a 60% interest in the undeveloped gold-copper Far Southeast deposit in northern Philippines. This is expected to be a world-class deposit. The transaction was completed in September 2010 and was valued at $340 million.
Clients appreciate the firm for its adherence to a quality standard of work: "What I like about the firm is that they don't use personal relationships or favours to get ahead, because those change. The firm relies on good work and the lawyers' own personal knowledge, though I'm sure they have a network equivalent to that of the other large firms here."
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