Malaysia

Abdullah Chan & Co is a corporate law firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The firm is authorised to practise as lawyers in Malaysia including in Labuan International Business and Financial Centre. It regularly advises financial institutions and corporations on acquisition, property and asset financing.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a strength in the financing and corporate sectors. It stands out for its expertise in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Other key experience is in the oil and gas, financial services and real estate sectors, advising both private and government clients on M&A, compliance, privatisation and inbound and outbound direct investment.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Qatar Islamic Bank, Sapura Energy, Tropicana Corporation, AirAsia X, Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association, and The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was active in the area related to banking and finance, derivatives, M&A and financial regulatory mandates.

The banking team continued to advise foreign and domestic banks and other financial institutions, companies and GLCs on domestic and international aspects of banking and finance transactions across all commercial, financial and governmental sectors.

In the M&A area, the firm was active in a range of local and regional transactions, including joint ventures, share and business acquisitions and disposals, corporate reorganisations, privatisations and mergers, leveraged buyouts, schemes of reconstruction and amalgamation, capital restructuring and private equity investments. It is also worth mentioning the firm was particularly active in the real estate sector.

Cheang & Ariff is a member of Advoc and Nextlaw Global Referral Network and has two offices in Kuala Lumpur.

Foong & Partners is a boutique corporate and commercial firm founded in 2003 by managing partner Chee Meng Foong. The firm maintains an office in Kuala Lumpur and is a member of the WPG law network.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is noted for its banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and project development work. Sectors of focus include manufacturing, financial services, real estate, healthcare, hospitality and technology.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include IHH Healthcare, AirAsia X, Advantage Partners, Cengild Medical and RHL Ventures.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was very active in the financial and corporate area. The firm continued to assist multinational and international corporations, public and private companies, private equity firms and other business entities in various corporate transactions, including cross-border and domestic mergers and acquisitions, take-overs, joint ventures and management buy-outs.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Amsteel Mills’ RM47 million ($10 million) acquisition of a piece of leasehold land located in Klang.

Hibiscus Fund’s RM22 million proposed subscription of preference shares in NTG Holdings.

Bellworth Saujana’s sale of a piece of land in Selangor, Malaysia for RM16 million.

Agrifert Holdings' sale of shares in Agrifert Malaysia for RM398 million.

Bakat Muhibbah’s sale of industrial land in Malacca for RM117.9 million.

Halim Hong & Quek Founded in 2000, Halim Hong & Quek has more than 40 lawyers offering clients a full suite of legal services. The firm has offices in three major cities in Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang. The firm is also a member firm of Andersen Global, an association of legally separate, independent member firms.

In November 2020, the firm established an alliance with Messrs Harold & Lam Partnership with a common focus to provide clients with greater access to high-quality and cost-effective legal services.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has an expertise in the corporate and M&A sector with capabilities in sectors including banking and finance, investment funds, industrial and manufacturing, education and corporate governance.

Key clients

Notable clients of the firm include TIZA Global, Subang Sentral, Mestron Holdings, Dawson Property and Revenue Harvest.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was particularly active in the corporate sector assisting clients in transactions related to public and private acquisitions including real estate acquisitions, and asset acquisitions. The team was also involved in joint ventures and divestments, providing due diligence and other regulatory advice.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

TIZA Global’s RM140 million ($31 million) sale of Citaglobal Engineering Services.

Mestron Holdings' acquisition of 10% equity interest in Winstar Aluminium Manufacturing for RM18 million.

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Highly responsive.”

“Halim, Hong & Quek is very professional in giving advice and solutions. They were extremely helpful and patiently guided us through options and needs. I will definitely recommend to our customers and suppliers for any legal issues.”

Project development

“Fast response and knowledgeable of subject matter.”

Sia Kar Soon

“Highly responsive.”

“Fast response and professional in his approach.”

Ngee Meng Dato’ Quek

“He has strong written and verbal communication skills and he has the ability to communicate complicated legal concepts in simplified terms. In addition, he is organised and ensures all the rules and regulations of the legal process are complied with.”

Founded in in 1999, Jeff Leong Poon & Wong is an internationally affiliated law firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The firm has 45 lawyers and now has affiliate offices under JLPW Cross Border Asia in the region.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has expertise in strategic investments, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers and takeover defence, corporate governance, banking finance and capital markets.

The firm regularly advises on complex business transactions, special corporate internal and regulatory investigations and dispute resolution for foreign investors, multinational companies, foreign law firms, SMEs and industrial conglomerates, public listed companies, government-linked companies, commercial, investment and Islamic banks, stockbroking companies, and insurance and reinsurance companies.

Active since 1976, Kuala Lumpur-headquartered local law firm Kadir Andri & Partners is known for its strong capital markets team. Key figures at the firm include senior partner Abdul Kadir Kassim and partner and head of corporate Tan Kong Yam.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is well known for its capabilities in both equity and debt capital markets. It also specialises in corporate, banking and finance, and dispute resolution.

Key clients

Notable clients of the firm include MISC, MISC Capital Two (Labuan), Maybank Investment Bank, CIMB Investment Bank, Credit Suisse (Singapore), Credit Suisse Securities, United Overseas Bank and IAG International.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm has been very active in the capital market and M&A sectors.

In capital markets, the firm continued to be active in debt issuances, IPOs and private placement of shares, representing issuers, underwriters, financiers, as well as domestic and international institutional investors. Partner Shamshul Iskandar Zulkifli joined the firm’s capital markets team in 2023.

The corporate team was preoccupied with high-profile public acquisitions. The team also continued to be active in a range of sectors including food and beverage, financial services, and media and hospitality.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Malaysian Re’s $200 million medium term notes programme.

Farm Fresh’s RM1 billion ($219 million) IPO on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.

Gamuda and Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings’ RM4.5 billion sale of the Shah Alam Expressway, the Sprint Expressway, the Smart Tunnel and the Damansara-Puchong Expressway to Amanat Lebuhraya.

Liberty Mutual’s RM2.29 billion acquisition of AmGeneral Insurance.

Founded in 2010, Rahmat Lim & Partners has grown to become one of the leading corporate law firms in Malaysia and is ranked among the top-tier firms across the financial and corporate area. The firm’s membership of the Allen & Gledhill network allows it to cater to clients across the region. The firm maintains an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is ranked among the market leaders for its banking and finance, project development and M&A practices and boasts a strong capital markets team.

It is active across a variety of sectors including energy, fintech, real estate, aviation, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

Key clients

Notable clients of the firm include OCBC Al-Amin Bank, OCBC Bank (Malaysia), Maybank Islamic, United Overseas Bank (Malaysia), Exacta Asia Investment II LP and Go Energy Sdn.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was active in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, restructuring and project development.

The banking team continued to be busy with matters such as term financing and syndicated term loan facilities as well as Islamic finance.

In the debt capital market, the firm has acted on numerous bond and note issuances and renewable energy space, having advised on the issuance of sukuk by the project owner of a solar photovoltaic plant. In the equity capital market, the firm was active in advising on a number of IPOs and listing of new REITs for clients in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The corporate team has been involved in numerous major and high-profile mergers and acquisitions as well as restructuring mandates both in Malaysia and across the region. Partner Eilene Teh was promoted internally in 2023.

In the project space, the firm was busy advising clients in various industry sectors, including the power, water, oil and gas, petrochemical, transportation (including roads, rail systems and tunnels), and telecommunication sectors.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

The RM30 million ($6.6 million) green Islamic financing facility granted by CIMB Islamic Bank to Go Energy Sdn.

The RM3 billion Islamic medium term notes programme by Edotco Malaysia Sdn.

The $690 million acquisition of minority stake in Coda Payments.

The $2.76 billion acquisition of Tricor Group by Baring Private Equity Asia.

Hydroelectric power project, Laos.

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“In the process of our cooperation, they have provided professional services full of details, including professional attitude, high-quality legal texts, professional feedback to our questions from time to time, understanding client's needs.”

“Strong negotiation skills and thoroughness.”

“With their professional and timely services, they help us sort out the closing documents, and communicate with other service agencies about closing matters.”

Project development

“Speedy turnaround time; conscious of client's commercial requirements and with such knowledge, provide legal advice and drafting that protect client's rights and interest.”

“Very swift responses; solutions that are spot on action; good follow-through; and subject-matter expert.”

Ho Wei Lih

“In the process of our cooperation, Ms. Ho has provided professional services full of details, including professional attitude, high-quality legal texts, professional feedback to our questions from time to time, understanding client's needs.”

“With Ms. Ho’s professional and timely services, they helped us sort out closing documents and communicate with other service agencies about closing matters.”

Chen Lee Won

“Very analytical, concise yet thorough analysis.”

Dzuhairi Jaafar Thani

“Very responsive.”

Kamilah Kasim

“Very positive. Extremely talented and knowledgeable. International reach. Swift response.”

Founded in 1905, Shearn Delamore & Co is one of the oldest law firms in Malaysia and is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. The firm has more than 100 lawyers and 300 support staff. It is part of the Drew Network Asia regional alliance, with Drew & Napier from Singapore and Makarim & Taira S from Indonesia.

Focusses / specialisms

While the firm is a strong performer in banking and finance, capital markets and project development, its core strength lies in its market-leading corporate and M&A practice.

The banking and capital markets team advises on matters related to Islamic finance, acquisition finance, project finance, refinancing and derivatives.

The corporate team takes on work from local clients and has a special focus on inbound work.

Sectors of focus include pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, real estate, technology, energy, and banking and financial services.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Axiata Group, China Railway Engineering Corporation, OCBC Bank (Malaysia), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Monash University, Fairview Valley, HSBC Bank Malaysia, Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, Ragawang Power and Gas Malaysia Distribution.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm continued to be active across all financial and corporate sectors.

The banking and finance team was active in assisting clients on Islamic finance, structured finance, project finance and debt capital markets transactions, as well as regulatory mandates related to governing securities, financial services and foreign exchange administration. Partner Toh Chern Yen joined the firm’s banking and finance practice in 2022.

In the capital markets, the firm kept busy with sukuk, bond/note issuance, listings and share offerings.

The corporate team was active handling transactions including joint ventures, public and private acquisitions, advising clients on international inbound work from the US, Europe, Japan and China. The team was also involved in restructuring works.

In the project space, the firm continued to be active in PPP/PFI projects and related regulatory mandates. Other active sectors include oil and gas, mining, power production, energy, renewables, natural resources, hydro, solar and wind, and biomass and biofuels.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

RM100 million ($22 million) term loan facility granted to S P Setia.

$150 million funding package provided by IFC to Dialog Axiata.

MMC Port Holdings’ RM1 billion Islamic medium term notes programme.

IJM’s RM360 million sukuk issuance.

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“Very responsive and commercial, plus excellent industry knowledge of the education sector.”

“The firm provides practical yet safe and legally correct advice under the law. The counsel involved has a strategy in undertaking the transaction.”

Project development

“They are always very responsive and approachable and provide excellent and relevant advice.”

Nicholas Tan Choi Chuan

“Nicholas is exceptionally responsive and provides excellent legal services (legal advice, reviewing and drafting complex legal documents).”

“Very responsive, very knowledgeable about the regulatory issues and how to structure the deal around them in the higher education sector.”

Marhaini Nordin

“She is helpful and provides practical solutions in undertaking the transaction.”

Teo Eu John

“Excellent responsiveness, legal drafting, legal advice.”

Wong Beh & Toh is a corporate and commercial law firm founded in 2002 with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Sungai Petani.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm opened with a focus on corporate finance and M&A but now has a broader remit and excels in capital markets work.

Sectors of focus for the firm include logistics, professional services, industrials and manufacturing, technology and engineering.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Cosmos, UMediC Group, NationGate Holdings, TT Vision Holdings, Supercomnet Technologies, Oppstar, CAB Cakaran Corporation and Senheng New Retail.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was very active in the capital markets and M&A areas.

In capital markets, the firm was particularly active handling a number of IPOs, assisting investment banks and other advisers, underwriters and shareholders.

In the corporate space, the firm continued to be active advising private entities in their acquisitions and disposals and related regulatory mandates.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

UmediC’s RM119.65 million ($26 million) listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.

NationGate Holdings’ RM788 million listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.

Oppstar’s listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.

Techbond Group’s RM57.25 million ongoing acquisition of an adhesives and chemicals unit.

Zaid Ibrahim & Co in association with KPMG is a full-service law firm in Malaysia. Established in 1987, the firm is well-known in the Malaysian legal market with seven offices across the country led by managing partner Gilbert Gan. The firm is a member of KPMG Law.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is particularly strong in capital markets and has robust banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and project development offerings.

The banking team acts for corporates, banks, hedge funds and financial institutions across a wide spectrum of financing transactions. The firm is notably a member of the Aviation Working Group.

The capital markets team is experienced in acting for an array of clients including issuers, underwriters, managers, arrangers, investors and trustees on both domestic and international debt and equity transactions. The firm has expertise in securitization and structured finance, having acted on the first securitization transaction approved by the Securities Commission.

The projects team is experienced advising on high-profile mandates throughout Asia. The firm often acts for promoters and advises clients throughout the project life-cycle. Sectors of expertise include energy, utilities, transport, real estate and environment.

Key clients

Notable clients of the firm include Tenaga Nasional, Genting Utilities & Services, Sydney Metro, Hap Seng Consolidated, Roset-BLG and Lam Research Corporation.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was particularly active in capital markets and project development.

The firm was preoccupied with advising on project development and project financing transactions in relation to oil and gas, water & wastewater, highways, airports, ports & railways, township development, environmental, construction and engineering. The capital markets team was also active in Islamic finance including sukuk issuance related to project.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Roset-BLG's RM192 million ($42 million) sale and purchase agreement with Kerjaya Property.

Lam Research Corporation's construction of a warehouse building for RM1 billion.

Project financing of the development of a 90.88MW large-scale solar photovoltaic plant at Kuala Muda, Kedah.

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Zaid Ibrahim has been a longstanding firm and has been supporting FIs in the area of banking and capital markets. Their knowledge and experience, and depth in the team, have been an advantage which we could tap on.”

“Resourceful, quality of documents, work done in timely manner.”

Capital markets

“Active participation by senior partners in transactions, quick to provide solutions to resolve any issues and proactive in rallying working parties to close the transactions.”

Gilbert Gan

“Gilbert is always responsive and provides solutions.”

Lilian Liew

“A seasoned practitioner with a deep wealth of knowledge and experience. Always hands-on and available to provide solutions and move the transactions forward.”

Sook Kwan Chin

“Active participation in transactions and well versed in execution process to lead and rally parties to meet the deadlines. Always pre-empts limitation, if any.”

Tatt King Loo

“Fast, open, resourceful.”

Adnan Sundra & Low is one of the leading law firms based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Established in August 1975 under the name of Mutalib Sundra & Low, the firm has operated under its present name since June 1982. Apart from the domestic practice, the firm has five foreign desks capable of handling cross-border transactions including China, India, Japan, Korea and SEA desks. The firm became the TAGLaw member for Malaysia in 2022.

Focusses / specialisms

Adnan Sundra & Low is well known for its strength in Islamic finance. It boasts market-leading banking and finance and capital markets practices and has well-established M&A and projects practices. Its banking and finance team is one of the largest in Malaysia.

The firm is active across a diverse range of sectors including oil and gas, real estate, construction, transport, renewable energy, technology and telecommunication, and logistics.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Axiata Group, AmInvestment Bank, Hong Leong Investment Bank, Maybank Investment Bank, BNP Paribas, CIMB Investment Bank, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, DBS Bank, MUFG Securities Asia Limited and OCBC Bank (Malaysia)

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was active in the area of banking and finance, capital markets, civil aviation, corporate and commercial, Islamic finance and real estate.

The firm was particularly active in Islamic debt capital markets and equity capital markets. During the research period, the firm has been involved in a number of high-profile sukuk programmes, often advising arrangers. The firm was also active in acquisition and project financing, advising both lenders and borrowers.

The corporate team kept busy handling domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. The team also regularly advises clients in transactions related to disposals, trade-sale deals, private equity investments as well as acquisitions involving special purpose acquisition companies. Active industry sectors include financial services, telecommunication, oil & gas, energy, healthcare, education, technology, retail and manufacturing.

In the project space, the firm continued to provide legal advice in relation to sectors including renewable energy, power, oil & gas, rail, water, toll roads, large integrated developments and townships, airports, utilities, hotels, facilities management and theme parks.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat’s issuance of a RM5.5 billion ($1.2 billion) sustainability sukuk Murabahah programme.

TNB Power Generation’s issuance of RM1.5 billion sustainability Islamic medium-term notes.

Farm Fresh’s RM1 billion IPO on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.

The over $12 billion merger of the telco operations of Celcom Axiata and Digi.com.

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Very responsive and technically very competent.”

“Swift turnaround time and attentive.”

M&A

“Knowledgeable and provides practical solutions.”

Adrian Chee Meng Yang

“Calm demeanour and thinks strategically.”

Chioh Jia Chiam

“Attentive and swift turnaround time. Able to explain something complex as simple in a fast and easy-to-understand manner.”

Active since 1981, Albar & Partners excels in banking and finance and capital markets work and has strong corporate and project offerings. The firm is based in Kuala Lumpur and is led by Lily Tan Chea Li and Chung Swee Loong who serve as the joint managing partners.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is well recognised for its capabilities in the banking and finance practice, especially Islamic finance. The firm is also very active in the debt and equity capital markets, corporate and M&A sectors.

Key clients

The firm regularly advises clients including state-owned entities, local and foreign companies, multinational and government-linked corporations, financial institutions, private equity investors and other professional firms.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was very active in Islamic finance, capital markets and the M&A area.

In banking and finance, the firm kept busy advising financiers, borrowers and lenders in transactions related to Islamic term loan financing and multilateral financing.

The capital markets team continued to be busy handling an array of matters including sukuk, wakalah, asset-backed securities, perpetual instruments, IPOs, rights offerings and secondary offerings. The team also regularly advised cross-border listings, vanilla bond offerings, equity swaps, and post-issue matters such as restructurings and refinancing.

The corporate team was preoccupied with transactions in relation to private acquisitions. Active industry sectors include aviation and shipping, banking and financial services, consumer goods and services, project & energy, infrastructure, real estate, and technology and telecommunications.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Weststar Aviation Services’’ RM942 million ($206 million) Murabahah financing.

KAB Energy Power’s RM500 million sukuk Murabahah.

Malaysia Debt Ventures’ RM2 billion bond and sukuk issuance.

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Timely delivery, ability to provide commercial point of view, agile in their comments, attentive to client's needs, friendly, accessible.”

Capital markets

“Solution provider and commercially minded. Tenacity, excellent partner to help solve 'kinks'.”

Abraham The Tat Hon

“He is friendly, attentive, listens to client's views, provides commercial input, provides examples on how to resolve issues, willing to go the extra mile to get the work done.”

Cassandra Hogg

“Commercially minded, communication skills and industry knowledge.”

Full service law firm Azmi & Associates was founded in 2000 and is led by managing partner Ahmad Lutfi Abdull Mutalip. The firm has a team of 22 partners spread across offices in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm boasts well-established banking and finance, capital markets, and corporate and M&A practices and is also active in the projects space.

Key clients  

Key clients include Commerce Dot Com, Perisind Samudra, FGV Holdings, KPJ Healthcare, Affin Hwang Investment Bank, CIMB Investment Bank, Malaysia Debt Ventures, Maybank Investment Bank, MIDF Investment Bank and Export-Import Bank. 

Chooi & Company is a member of Advoc and Nextlaw Global Referral Network and has two offices in Kuala Lumpur.

Founded in 2013, Christopher & Lee Ong is a member of the Rajah & Tann Asia network and is located in Kuala Lumpur. Key figures include partners Christopher Lee, Chor Jack, Eileen Yeoh and Shemane Chan.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is known for its market-leading projects practice and has strong offerings in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A.

The banking team is experienced in advising on a range of financing transactions such as acquisition financing, project financing, and real estate financing and also takes on financial services regulatory work.

The corporate team advises a diverse array of clients including domestic and multinational companies, government-linked corporations, private equity clients, and SMEs from various sectors such as energy, retail, logistics, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology and telecommunications.

The firm has a track record of advising on landmark transactions in the projects space and is experienced in advising on matters including EPC contracts, power purchase agreements, OAM agreements, concession agreements and construction contracts.

Key clients  

Local law firm Donovan & Ho was founded in 2014 and is noted for its corporate and M&A work. The firm is located in Kuala Lumpur and its corporate and commercial practice is led by partner Shawn Ho.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is capable of advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, fundraisings and joint ventures. It is experienced in sectors including retail, e-commerce, mining and insurance.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021) 

Capital markets

"Business and client-oriented. Understands commercial realities. Fast and responsive. Pre-emptive and gets to the gist quickly, with a clear view of commercial realities, which is what corporate/commercial clients want."

M&A

"Although Donovan & Ho is a boutique law firm, they have a big-law capability to deal with the issues. Especially, our counterpart was the Malaysian big law and Donovan & Ho had the capability to negotiate and draft the documents. "

Private equity

"Competent in subject matter, professional, always thinking of the client's best interests, innovative, approachable and helpful."

Established in 2018, Gan Lee & Tan is a Malaysian law firm headquartered in Petaling Jaya. Key figures include partner Ming Chiek Gan.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is recognised for its capital markets team, which has experience in advising on digital debt and equity offerings.

Key clients  

Clients include Fusang Exchange.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021) 

Capital markets

"Their turnaround time and in-depth legal knowledge in addition to their professionalism."

HL Lee & Co has an office in Kuala Lumpur. Key figures at the firm include partners King Hoe Ng and Lay San Ng.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is recognised for its banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A and project development practices.

Sectors of focus include hospitality, retail, real estate, manufacturing, insurance and agriculture.

Established in 2019, boutique law firm Hung & Partners is led byK.H. Hung and is located in Kuala Lumpur.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is noted for its projects practice.

The firm has experience in the renewable energy sector.

Key clients

Recent clients include Energy China TEPC.

Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)

During the past 12 months, the firm advised an EPC contractor on the development of a solar photovoltaic plant.

Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Kuala Ketil 50MWac solar PV plant

Founded in 2017, boutique law firm Lim Jo Yan & Co is focussed on corporate and M&A work. The firm is fronted by name partner Lim Jo Yan and is located in Kuala Lumpur

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is often engaged as local counsel for cross-border work with international law firms, primarily related to inbound acquisitions and advising on regulatory compliance. It has a Japan desk and acts for Japanese clients on a varied range of advisory and inbound transactional deals.

Sectors of focus include healthcare, manufacturing, fintech, financial services, technology and shipping.

Key clients  

Key clients include ACA Investments, Way Assets and Cashlez Worldwide Indonesia.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021) 

Investment funds

"They were very thorough and thoughtful. We had full confidence that everything will be covered when it is managed by them."

M&A

"They provided very diligent, timely and useful advice on our requests."

"They take a very commercial and professional view and are proactive in their support."

"Very responsive, Jo Yan provides high level and practical advice."

Project development

"They have been very quick in turnaround time and provided the necessary expertise."

Restructuring and insolvency

"Very responsive and professional. Meticulous in reading through everything and ensuring events happen in the correct order to prevent potential issues further down the line."

Established in 1975, local law firm Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm extends its presence beyond Malaysia through its relationship with Eversheds Sutherland.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is consistent performer in capital markets and corporate and M&A work.

Sectors of experience include real estate, technology, construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

Founded in 1985, local law firm MahWengKwai & Associates is located in Petaling Jaya. The firm is led by managing partner Raymond Mah and is a founding member of the League of Lawyers international network.

Focusses / specialisms 

Boutique practice Murad Yee Partnership has been active since 2007 and is best recognised for its M&A work. The firm maintains an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is experienced in advising listed companies, government-linked entities, and multinational corporations. Sectors of activity include energy, healthcare, real estate and technology.

Key clients  

Notable clients include Hibiscus Petroleum and Tricor Group (Malaysia).

Founded in 1964, full-service law firm Raja Darryl & Loh is located in Kuala Lumpur.

Focusses / specialisms 

Founded in 1989, Tay & Partners is a full-service law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is active in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A and project development.

Sectors of focus include aviation, real estate, transport, technology, energy and telecommunications.

Key clients  

Key clients include Biocon and Malayan Banking. 

Boutique law firm Teh & Lee was founded in 2000 and has an office in Kuala Lumpur. Billy Lee Chong Hoe leads the firm as managing partner.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is noted for its work in the financial and corporate space.

In addition to advising domestic clients, the firm is often engaged by international clients, particularly from China.

The firm has experience in sectors such as mining, energy, telecommunications and manufacturing.

Key clients

Recent clients include Kenanga Investment Bank, Solarvest Holdings and Sino Hua-An International.

Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)

During the research period, the firm was active in the capital markets practice area. Highlights include advising a solar company on its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities and advising a manufacturing company on the issue of notes.

Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Sino Hua-An International RM150 million bond issue

Solarvest Holdings MYX IPO

Founded in 1998, Malaysian law firm Wong & Partners is a member of Baker McKenzie International. The firm has an office in Kuala Lumpur and boasts a team of 25 partners.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is known for its high-quality M&A work and also has strong banking, capital markets and projects practices.

The firm notably sits on the panels of several local and international banks and financial institutions.

The capital markets team advises clients such as investment banks and issuers on a range of debt and equity capital markets transactions, including IPOs, sukuk issuances, listings, and regulatory compliance.

On the corporate and M&A side, the firm has a particular focus on the financial services, infrastructure, consumer goods and services, and technology sectors.

Key clients  

Key clients include Maybank Investment Bank, DRB-HICOM, Sime Darby Plantation, Pulau Indah Power Plant, Tesco Stores, KV Asia Capital, and Permodalan Nasional.

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021) 

Financial services regulatory

"The partner, Sue Wan Wong, was able to advise on complex local regulatory requirements in a digestible manner that even our project managers (non-lawyers) were able to understand. "

M&A

"Fast and accurate advice, able to understand the business needs, knowledgeable in both domestic and foreign laws."

"fast and accurate response, able to understand the business and industry well, good knowledge on the law."

"Responsiveness, timely delivery and practical advice."

"Strong commitment in delivering the best results in a very tight timeline, with high level of professionalism ahead of various other firms."

"The firm is very professional and expert in M&A related work, particularly the local regulatory and legal requirements."

"Very responsive and meets deadlines. Proactive and able to drive project timelines. Able to provide practical advice, and has a good network."

Project development

"Quick response with concise information."

"They are quite proactive in assisting the company and quite flexible on the demands from the client. "

"Very quick turnaround time depending on the urgency of the matter. A subject-matter expert in EPCC-related matters and issues that require further analysis on both legal and technical aspects."

"They respond quickly to us - they work professionally - their response is reliable - fee is reasonable."

Founded in 1970, full-service law firm Zain & Co is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. In September 2018, Zain & Co combined with Dentons, the world’s largest law firm.

Focusses / specialisms 

Located in Kuala Lumpur, Zul Rafique & Partners founded in 1999 by Zulkifly Rafique, who also serves as the managing partner and head of corporate.

Focusses / specialisms