General
Corporate

Our DNA General Corporate regional practice group comprises leading commercial and M&A practices with many market-leading and industry-recognised practitioners with longstanding experience and stellar track records. Our lawyers relish in undertaking challenging, cutting-edge and complex transactions, and are commended and lauded for delivering timely legal advice that is both practical and commercial.

We advise on a full spectrum of commercial, corporate and transactional matters across a wide range of industries and sectors both domestically and cross-border. We support our clients in all stages of their development, from starting up and early stage investments such as Series A and Series B funding, to day-to-day operational matters, to late stage expansion and growth through mergers and acquisitions.

For commercial matters, our clients look to us to advise on, draft and negotiate a broad spectrum of commercial contracts, such as distributorship, agency, licensing, supply and service arrangements.

We also regularly advise our clients on local and cross-border corporate and transactional matters such as venture capital and private equity investments, joint venture agreements, share purchase agreements, asset transfer agreements, land acquisition, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate reorganisations and amalgamations.

Our lawyers have extensive and deep experience across a broad range of key and important sectors and industries such as e-commerce, education, energy, financial services, fintech, forestry, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, mining, pharmaceutical and medical devices and technology.

We are also trusted legal advisors to our clients’ investment strategies and opportunities, and can provide both commercial and practical advice on investment policies and strategies as well as the legal and regulatory aspects of investment procedures and post-establishment requirements in the local jurisdictions. Our deep understanding of local regulations in the respective DNA jurisdictions places us in good stead to undertake each assignment as part of an integrated team.

Our clients include a broad base of blue-chip and distinguished clients, both domestic and multinational. They also include many highly respected financial institutions, insurance companies and private equity firms.

We recognise that commercial and corporate transactions are increasingly cross-border and complex in nature, requiring a multidisciplinary approach with innovative solutions. Our DNA General Corporate practice group offers a one-stop solution with seamless integration with our specialist practices such as competition, employment, data protection, fintech, intellectual property, tax, TMT across borders and jurisdictions.

Key Partners

Lim Chong Kin

Managing Director, Corporate & Finance / Head, Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) / Co-Head, Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity / Co-Head, Competition Law & Regulatory /
Read more

Benjamin Gaw

Director, Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions / Head, Healthcare & Life Sciences (Corporate & Regulatory)
Read more

Maria Sagrado

Managing Partner / Banking & Finance / Capital Markets / Foreign Investment and General Corporate Practice / Hotel, Resort and Tourism / Media, IT and Telecommunications / Mergers and Acquisitions / Mining and Energy /
Read more

Heru Mardijarto

Partner / Construction / Foreign Investment & General Corporate Practice / Infrastructure and Major Project / Media, IT and Telecommunications / Mergers and Acquisitions /
Read more

Michelle Wong

Partner / Corporate / M&A / Capital Markets (Equity) / Restructuring & Insolvency / Private Client & Family Business
Read more

Rosalia S. Bartolome-Alejo

Partner / Head, Business Formation & Foreign Investment Practice Group / Head, Real Estate and Construction / Co-Head, Banking & Finance / Co-Head, Tax
Read more

Erika B. Paulino

Partner, Corporate and Commercial Group / Head, Data Compliance & Cyber Security / Co-Head, Projects & Energy / Co-Head, Restructuring & Insolvency
Read more

Kobkit Thienpreecha

Partner and Director, Corporate & Commercial
Read more

Derrick Khoo

Partner, Corporate & Commercial
Read more

Accolades

Singapore | Drew & Napier

Corporate and Transactional

Asialaw Profiles
Corporate and M&A 2022 – Recommended practice

  • “The team was able to address the issues I wanted to be addressed as well as spot issues pertinent to my case that I had not considered. Their advice was succinct and clear. The team was extremely responsive and proactive and provided timely advice.
  • “Very prompt reply, client-oriented, responsible and reliable.”
  • “Excellent technically, responsive, focused. Understand the client’s needs.”

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

Corporate/M&A 2022 - Tier 2 firm for 17 consecutive years

  • "D&N has been a very knowledgeable, professional and progressive law firm - so much so that we retain D&N not only for our corporate, legal and investment work but also highly recommend D&N to our network of businesses.”
  • The team provides “very high level legal service,” and is “quick, efficient and very much comprehensive.”
  • The team “always provides professional advice promptly on information for the related issues. The firm pays attention to details and are supported by committed team members."

Chambers Asia-Pacific and Global
Corporate/M&A 2021 - Leading firm for 14 consecutive years

  • Clients appreciate that "the partners are directly involved in developing strategies and negotiations with counterparties," adding that the "associates are amongst the best that we have worked with."
  • “The team's client service is commonly picked out as a key strength: ‘They are very professional, easy to get along with and efficient in meeting deadlines.’"
  • "They are timely and relentless in their pursuit of providing holistic advice and guidance to their clients."
  • "Whenever something came out of left field we hadn't prepared for and we needed advice, there was always someone in the team with the right experience - really a full service shop."
  • "Exceptional ability to both anticipate issues and recommend solutions before they present."
  • "Very practical and strong advisers."

Indonesia | Makarim & Taira S.

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2024 – Band 3 for 16 consecutive years

Hilton King - Band 2
Vincent Ariesta Lie - Band 4

  • "The Makarim & Taira team have a good sense of the complexities of the Indonesian regulatory and business landscape and are able to provide practical guidance during a deal."
  • "The lawyers in the firm have in-depth legal knowledge on corporate and M&A in Indonesia.
  • Hilton King: "It is always a pleasure to work with Hilton. He offers practical advice balanced with the nuances of the Indonesian landscape."
  • Vincent Ariesta Lie: "Vincent is creative and energetic and has great market knowledge and intelligence."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Tier 1; Previously Tier 2 for 7 consecutive years

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed - Leading Individual 
Lia Alizia - Leading Individual 
Hilton King - Leading Individual
Norma Mutalib - Recommended Individual
Stephanie Kandou - Recommended Individual

  • "Ability to comprehend the issues that require resolution. Efficient response and able to appreciate the needs of the client."
  • "Hilton King is a seasoned international lawyer and therefore has a strong appreciation of the needs of multinational clients trying to navigate the complexities of the Indonesian legal landscape. He is well supported by Stephanie Kandou and a number of associates who together provide a wholesome service."

IFLR1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
lM&A 2023 – Tier 2 for 9 consecutive years

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed - Highly Regarded (2017-2023)
Vincent Ariesta Lie - Highly Regarded (2019-2023)
Lia Alizia - Highly Regarded (2020-2023)

  • “They are quite practical and really understand our wishes.”
  • Vincent Ariesta Lie: “He is very responsive and practical when handling the deal. He deep dives on each case.”

Malaysia | Shearn Delamore Co.

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2022 – Band 1 for 13 consecutive years

Leading Individuals
Grace C.G. Yeoh – Band 2 for 13 consecutive years
Ng Swee Kee – Band 1 for 10 consecutive years (2008 - 2017); Band 2 for 3 consecutive years (2018 - 2020), Eminent Practitioner for 2 consecutive years (2021 and 2022)
Nicholas Tan Choi Chuan – Up and Coming (2020); Band 4 for 2 consecutive years (2021 and 2022)

Chambers Global
Corporate/ M&A 2022 – Band 1 for 13 consecutive years

Leading Individuals
Grace C.G. Yeoh – Band 2 for 13 consecutive years
Ng Swee Kee – Band 1 for 11 consecutive years (2007 – 2009, 2011 - 2018); Band 2 for 2 consecutive years (2019 - 2020); Eminent Practitioner (2021 and 2022)
Nicholas Tan Choi Chuan – Up and Coming (2020); Band 4 (2021 and 2022)

  • A client describes the team at Shearn Delamore & Co as "dedicated, quick in its turnaround time and understanding of the issues at hand, offering practical solutions."
  • Clients say: "Shearn Delamore & Co is our go-to firm when we need sound and practical legal advice that provides value-added, commercially sound and new perspectives to our deals."
  • The team's client dedication is also commended by clients, who report that there is "a sense of dealing with real people who care, have a genuine interest in the subject, and put our interests first."
  • An interviewee notes: "It is the number-one most prestigious firm in Malaysia," and adds that the lawyers are "very responsive."
  • The team's all-round capability is applauded by many, with clients noting: "They are responsive, substantively good lawyers and don't cut corners."
  • "They're my first choice of counsel in Malaysia."
  • "Responsive and proactive in advising their clients."
  • "They have a good understanding of business, are pragmatic, offer a volume of services and are tuned in to what we need."
  • Sources say: "I must say they are very good; the corporate team is strong."
  • One client praises the team for being "technically sound with a good understanding of statutory guidelines relevant to corporate exercises. They are responsive and are willing to do the extra work to complete assignments smoothly."
  • Another interviewee notes that "they always respond quickly and have shown their expertise to solve our queries."

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
M&A 2022 – Tier 1 practice for 13 consecutive years

Grace C.G. Yeoh – Market Leader for 5 consecutive years (2018 – 2022)
Ng Swee Kee – Highly Regarded Lawyer for 5 consecutive years (2018 – 2022)
Marhaini Nordin – Leading Lawyer for 3 consecutive years (2011 – 2013)
Putri Noor Shariza Noordin – Notable Practitioner for 5 consecutive years (2018 – 2022)
Nicholas Tan Choi Chuan – Rising Star for 4 consecutive years (2018 – 2021); Notable Practitioner (2022)

  • Shearn Delamore & Co is a highly reputable firm, very competent and known for its ability to perform excellently
  • Highly responsive and ready for client's instructions.”
  • The firm has deep bench strength and executes transactions well.”
  • A client praised the firm’s work as well as its “quick turnaround time and good legal and commercial input to resolving the issue”.
  • The M&A practice has been described by clients as “excellent”, “commercially astute” and “technically sound”; an overall “first class” offering.
  • "The firm is reputable and very well networked, internationally," says a client.
  • One client praises the lawyers at the firm: “They have been comprehensive and conservative in their advice, thus ensuring that we are protected from unnecessary future legal issues.”

Philippines | MVGS 

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Corporate and M&A  – Tier 2 firm for 3 consecutive years since 2019; Tier 3 firm for 2 consecutive years since 2017

Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo – Recommended Lawyer (2021)

  • “The Team not only highlights legal points but also commercial concerns that may impact current and future transactions of the subject companies”
  • “Manuel Z Gonzalez Gwyneth S Ong Janice L Co: All three of them, working as a team, are dedicated to their client’s goals, work tirelessly to ensure that the client’s objectives are achieved, and they are dutiful and have a keen eye for detail in the documentation of the agreements that are reached between the seller and buyer sides.”
  • “Operating a strong and varied corporate practice, MVGS regularly advises foreign companies on their entry into the Philippine market, in addition to acquisitions involving both equity purchase and asset sale in various businesses. Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo manages the business formation and foreign investment practice group and also specialises in corporate reorganisation, joint ventures and dissolution.

Thailand | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Band 3 for 4 consecutive years

Cynthia M. Pornavalai – Band 3 for 10 consecutive years
Charunun Sathitsuksomboon – Band 4

  • "A full-service law firm which is strong on corporate/M&A, not only supporting clients in Thailand but also with the ability to guide them in the region."
  • "Their service has been top notch, both in terms of promptness and a solution-oriented approach."
  • "Tilleke & Gibbins is particularly good at helping to structure commercial requirements in the context of Thai law."

Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive years

Charunun Sathitsuksomboon – Ranked lawyer for 4 consecutive years

  • “Sufficient expertise, reasonable fee estimates and billing, solid and credible communication.”
  • “I have been working with this firm for more than 10 years and have worked with various individuals. Those with whom I have worked with were very dedicated.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
M&A 2024 – Tier 2 for 5 consecutive years

Charunun Sathitsuksomboon – Highly Regarded for 4 consecutive years

Vietnam | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Band 4 for 5 consecutive years

Kien Trung Trinh – Band 5 for 3 consecutive years
Chuyen Hong Huu Le – Associate to Watch for 2 consecutive years

  • "They are extremely well informed on legal developments and are able to succinctly provide commercial advice."
  • "Tilleke & Gibbins are always prompt and comprehensive in their advice.”
  • "They don’t only provide just legal advice, but excellent practical solutions for the client’s consideration in order to protect their best benefits."

Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Tier 2 for 16 consecutive years

  • “The corporate/M&A team in Vietnam is one of the leading teams in the country. Their strong sector focus on life sciences and healthcare makes them the go-to firm.”
  • “All people are very helpful and knowledgeable. Prompt and thorough replies on any subject they undertake.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
M&A 2024 – Tier 3 for 6 consecutive years

Cambodia | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years
David Mol – Associate to Watch

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Leading Individual for 3 consecutive years
David Mol – Next Generation Partner for 6 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial and Corporate 2024 – Tier 2 for 4 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Highly Regarded for 2 consecutive years
David Mol – Rising Star

Laos | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years

  • "Their quality of service is high. Their main strengths are legal knowledge and professional service in providing legal opinions."
  • "Tilleke & Gibbins provide excellent standards of service and responsiveness. They never fail to deliver a consistently good standard of input."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Tier 1 for 6 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Leading Individual for 5 consecutive years

  • “I have worked with Tilleke & Gibbins on various client matters over the course of 10 years. I have always found the group to be responsive and willing to take on unique challenges. They take steps to learn about the client’s needs and provide a flexible response to suit such needs.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial & Corporate 2024 – Tier 2 for 3 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello - Highly Regarded

Myanmar | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 4 for 4 consecutive years

Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial & Corporate – Tier 3 for 5 consecutive years

Yuwadee Thean-ngarm – Highly Regarded for 5 consecutive years
Derrick Khoo – Rising Star Partner for 3 consecutive years
Nwe Oo – Rising Star