In an effort to emphasise its cross-border capabilities and brand across the region, the firm formerly known as Zaid Ibrahim & Co is now rechristened ZICOlaw."The lawyers from the firm give us essential advice at a reasonable timing, and support negotiations appropriately....
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In an effort to emphasise its cross-border capabilities and brand across the region, the firm formerly known as Zaid Ibrahim & Co is now rechristened ZICOlaw.
"The lawyers from the firm give us essential advice at a reasonable timing, and support negotiations appropriately. Furthermore, the associates review the documentation very precisely and in detail," says one client.
A peer says: "The firm cannot be dismissed in this area of practice, and its banking and finance roots are too well-entrenched to disregard."
The firm advised Technip on the IPO strategic investment in Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings. The work involved closely coordinating the investment with the IPO approval, bookbuilding and listing process undertaken by MHB. The matter was completed in October 2010 and valued at RM500 million ($150 million).
Another notable transaction for the firm was advising CIMB Bank on its issuance of callable bull/bear certificates. The issuance is a new type of structured warrant product for Malaysia and the first issuance of this type in the region. Partner Gilbert Gan took the lead in this matter, which was completed in July 2010.
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The newly styled ZICOlaw makes a return to the top tier of the banking rankings this year, with peers and clients unanimous in support of the firm's expertise in this area. One competitor admits: "Some may take the view that the firm's banking practice is waning, but I can only see great things coming from this firm....
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The newly styled ZICOlaw makes a return to the top tier of the banking rankings this year, with peers and clients unanimous in support of the firm's expertise in this area. One competitor admits: "Some may take the view that the firm's banking practice is waning, but I can only see great things coming from this firm. It has too much talent in this space and should be regarded as a top tier mainstay."
One client highlights the firm's international capabilities: "We prefer working with the firm because it offers coverage of the entire ASEAN region, and with cross-border transactions, we prefer to keep things all at the same firm as a one-stop shop."
A high-profile matter for the firm in the past year was advising Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation regarding an Islamic financing facility, based on the shariah principle of bai' inah (sale with immediate re-purchase), from the client to Toyota Capital Malaysia. Megat Hizaini Hassan (who has since left the firm) led the team on this deal, which was valued at ¥9 billion ($117 million). This transaction was completed in September 2010, and marks one of the first instances of such Islamic financing facilities being offered by a Japanese conglomerate.
Clients appreciate the firm for its patient approach: "The lawyers provide clear and patient explanations of legal issues. Their service is user friendly and practical, rather than fixating on being cutting edge."
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"I would recommend ZICOlaw for their expertise, professionalism and customer service level," says one client. As part of a rebranding exercise, the firm formerly called Zaid Ibrahim & Co, has now adopted the name of ZICOlaw across all the offices it has in the ASEAN region....
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"I would recommend ZICOlaw for their expertise, professionalism and customer service level," says one client. As part of a rebranding exercise, the firm formerly called Zaid Ibrahim & Co, has now adopted the name of ZICOlaw across all the offices it has in the ASEAN region. Peers recommend the firm for its "superlative list of clients and legal talent."
The firm advised Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation on the strategic collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and Academic Medical Centre in the development of a private teaching hospital and medical school in Malaysia. The agreement was signed in November 2010 and the project is expected to be completed in 2011, with the estimated cost reported at RM2 billion ($671.9 million).
One client commends the firm for its initiative: "The lawyers there have greatly helped our company in pre-empting the 'what-if' scenarios and working out best possible solutions to the advantage of our company."
In a highlight of the last year, a team led by partner Gilbert Gan and Sharon Wong acted for CIMB Group Holdings in its subsidiary CIMB Bank's acquisition of a 19.67% stake in PT Bank CIMB Bank Niaga Tbk, a bank listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. This transaction was valued at RM1.94 billion.
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