The market still views Stamford as a highly skilled boutique. It does not have the same capacity in terms of manpower as other firms in the market, but the advantages of being more focused in terms of mandates are clear and commentators say the firm's partners are able to give their full attention to specific deals rather than being stretched across a number of projects....
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The market still views Stamford as a highly skilled boutique. It does not have the same capacity in terms of manpower as other firms in the market, but the advantages of being more focused in terms of mandates are clear and commentators say the firm's partners are able to give their full attention to specific deals rather than being stretched across a number of projects.
Capital markets and M&A are considered the firm's core areas of practice, and certainly in the latter clients appreciate the skills of managing partner Suet Fern Lee: "I have dealt with her for many years. She herself is very good, knowledgeable, and finds innovative solutions to overcome challenges and obstacles in the way of getting things done," says one client.
Last year Lee, Joo Khin Ng and Elizabeth Kong advised NYSE-listed Advantest, which specialises in producing automatic test equipment for the semiconductor industry, in its yet-to-be completed $1.1 billion hostile takeover of Nasdaq-listed company Verigy, which also provides test systems for semiconductors. The merger requires shareholder approval and must be sanctioned by a Singapore court. It would unite two technology companies with similar products.
In one of the largest IPOs in Singapore this year, partners Joo Khin Ng and Susan Kong advised Mapletree Commercial Trust in its listing, which had a market capitalisation of over S$2.5 billion ($2 billion) and raised S$893 million in its IPO. The IPO required Reit (real estate investment trust) structuring, which is still incomplete, and extensive due diligence.
Although restructuring and insolvency would not be considered a key focus of the firm, consensus is that what they do, they do well. "I am looking for someone that I can bring up that can take hold of the situation and make sure I pursue accordance for sound decisions and on a sound legal basis and get everything done appropriately," says one client of partner Tan Chuan Thye, "I look for innovation. I want someone who is aware of what we should look at during commercial issues. All of these people, particularly Tan Chuan Thye, meet that requirement."
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