The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

‘Very comprehensive and complete’, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has recently advised foreign banks on inter-bank loans to local players and on establishing subsidiaries, as well as transactions and day-to-day business. It mainly advises lenders on project finance, but also represents some borrowers. Clients include Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank. The practice centres on counsel Jérôme Buzenet, who is ‘smart, organised and provides quick turnaround’, and ‘knowledgeable and responsive’ associate Bui Thanh Tien, with contributions from renowned managing partner Tony Foster.

Within Capital markets, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a second tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised Barclays Capital on agency trading of listed shares; part of Petronas on aspects of Petronas Chemicals’ $4.1bn Malaysian Stock Exchange listing; and is acting for potential buyers of equitised interests in Vietnamese corporations including EVN Telecom. Counsel Jérôme Buzenet provides ‘good knowledge and practical advice on securities and stock exchange matters’, and Tony Foster and senior associate Milton Lawson are also recommended.

Within Corporate and M&A, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s ‘very competitive’ practice advised Hewlett-Packard Vietnam Ltd on expansion; PepsiCo on a proposed acquisition of a listed local producer; and Tate & Lyle on divesting its stake in its local sugar-production business to TH Milk. Managing partner Tony Foster and senior associates Milton Lawson and Bui Thanh Tien are recommended, as is counsel Jérôme Buzenet, who is ‘smart, organised and provides quick turnaround’.

Within Dispute resolution, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advises on various matters, particularly construction and employment disputes. Managing partner Tony Foster is a qualified arbitrator, and Milton Lawson is an experienced litigator.

Within Insurance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised HSBC Insurance on purchasing an additional 10% stake in BaoViet from the Ministry of Finance at the end of 2009. The team is primary legal counsel to Prudential Vietnam, and recently advised HSBC Insurance and Zurich on regulations. Managing partner Tony Foster and counsel Jérôme Buzenet, who displays ‘good knowledge and gives practical advice’, are recommended.

Within Legal market overview,

Vilaf – Hong Duc and YKVN remain the standout full-service Vietnamese firms. Allens Arthur Robinson, Baker & McKenzie, Frasers and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer are among the best full-service international firms, as are Mayer Brown JSM and Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I., both of which are performing superbly across numerous practice areas. The rankings include Singapore or Hong Kong practices with significant track records relating to Vietnam.

Within Projects and energy, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

A regular on top-end mandates, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is advising AES Corporation on the $2.1m development and financing of Mong Duong 2, and advising the investor consortium on Nghi Son 2. Its mining sector experience is substantial and includes advising Asian Mineral Resources on financing for Ban Phuc nickel mine. It is also handling financing for Cai Lan Port project, and is very active in oil and gas transactions. Managing partner Tony Foster, Milton Lawson and Bui Thanh Tien are key figures in the group, which is ‘very comprehensive and complete, with excellent knowledge’.

Within Real estate and construction, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advises major foreign clients on large development projects or investments therein; represents key client Prudential on its land and property investments; and recently advised Smart Shirts on acquiring land to build a factory in My Trung Industrial Zone. Managing partner Tony Foster and senior associate Milton Lawson are ‘knowledgeable, ethical and responsive’, and are ably supported by projects and real estate expert Nguyen Thi Lang.

Within TMT (technology, media and telecoms), Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advises various technology manufacturers and service providers – including Hewlett-Packard and WPP – on commercial matters, and advised Singapore Technologies Telemedia on its proposed investment into state-owned EVN Telecom. Managing partner Tony Foster and Vietnamese associates Nguyen Thi Lang and An Hoang Ha are the key lawyers.

Within Tax, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a first tier firm,

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advises international corporations and Big Four accountancy firms on tax law including the recent Vietnam Ordinance on Natural Resources Tax. Tony Foster and Milton Lawson form the core of the team.