The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 4

DFDL Mekong is able to advise banks and construction industry clients on financing facilities. Thierry Gougy is the primary contact.

Within Corporate and M&A, DFDL Mekong is a third tier firm,

DFDL Mekong’s services are particularly geared to the media, telecoms, real estate, distribution and retail sectors. Hoang Phong Anh and Thierry Gougy are recommended, and the latter has a notable practice in employer-side labour and employment advice.

Within Insurance, DFDL Mekong is a third tier firm,

DFDL Mekong’s clients include a life insurer. Thierry Gougy and Hoang Phong Anh are the key contacts.

Within Projects and energy, DFDL Mekong is a second tier firm,

DFDL Mekong is advising the Ministry of Trade and Industry on contracts for a $2bn BOT coal-fired power plant, and on the tender for a new BOT gas-fired power plant. Its developer clients include EDF. Martin Desautels and Hoang Phong Anh are recommended.

Within Real estate and construction, DFDL Mekong is a second tier firm,

DFDL Mekong represents investors in asset transactions or leasing, and is providing comprehensive advice to a European retailer on its $2bn rollout of 25 stores across Vietnam. It also acts for investors, contractors, architects and banks on large developments such as a leisure resort on the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Chau Ta heads the department, with Thierry Gougy and Hoang Phong Anh also involved.

Within Tax, DFDL Mekong is a first tier firm,

DFDL Mekong’s ‘very knowledgeable’ and dedicated regional tax practice provides advice across the Mekong Delta countries, and mixes lawyers and accountants. Based in Phnom Penh, practice head Edwin Vanderbruggen is highly regarded and the group was strengthened by the January 2011 recruitment of tax adviser Jean Loi from PwC Vietnam (also based in Phnom Penh).