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

Makarim & Taira S has a "deep understanding of our business and provides quality service and advice", says a client, who also praises the firm for its "commitment to keeping a great working relationship". Another client notes: "I use this Makarim & Taira S because I see them as being very strong negotiators."

The highlight for the past year saw the firm represent Sara Lee in the huge acquisition of its business in Indonesia by Unilever. The acquisition is part of the global acquisition of Sara Lee's Body Care division by the Unilever group in approximately 40 countries. The firm committed a large team with a very involved role, advising Sara Lee on a wide range of Indonesian laws, including capital markets regulations and transaction structure.

Another highlight for the firm was acting for Sumitomo and GDF Suez in the acquisition of an investment by Supreme Energy's geothermal energy business in Indonesia. The team performed due diligence on Supreme Energy and also provided legal advice for the completion of the transaction.

The team, led by Ratna Iskandar and Gregory Ranslam, "consistently give the best and most accurate legal advice of any law firm I have worked with and generally the individuals involved in deals are fantastic", comments a client.

Another individual noted by her peers is Pudji Wahjuni Purbo, described as "a very active and very knowledgeable lawyer".

A highlight from last year saw the firm represent Syabas Energy in the initial stage of the assignment of a 10% participating interest in Block Cepu from Mobil Cepu (MCL) and Ampolex (Cepu). This transaction involved the subsidiaries of ExxonMobil Corporation and PT Pertamina EP Cepu to four local government companies.

The firm also advised Godrej Consumer Products on acquisition financing of €185 million. Godrej Consumer Products, which already owned a 49% stake in the joint-venture firm Godrej Sara Lee, recently agreed to acquire Sara Lee's 51% stake, turning the joint-venture into a fully owned subsidiary of Godrej Consumer Products.

Another notable highlight was representing PT Recapital Advisors on the financing to PT Jakarta Monorail to construct and operate the monorail as a follow up of the Cooperation Agreement made by and between DKI Jakarta and PT Jakarta Monorail.