The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, YKVN is a first tier firm,

‘A very good firm for banking and finance’, YKVN is particularly experienced advising on financing, ISDA derivative transactions, regulations, and bonds. It continues to advise all four Vietnamese state-owned banks on their equitisation programmes, while international clients include Chinfon Bank, Citibank, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Rabobank, Standard Chartered and UBS. It is advising Ex-Im Bank of Korea and the mandated lead arrangers on the ongoing $1.5bn financing of the Mong Duong 2 power plant, and recently advised Credit Suisse and a bank syndicate on a $200m loan to Vinacomin. It advised Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank on its ISDA derivative transactions with ANZ and HSBC. Truong Nhat Quang is ‘an expert in banking and finance’; Vu Dzung, Duong Thu Ha and of counsel John Davis are also recommended.

Within Capital markets, YKVN is a first tier firm,

‘One of the standouts for capital markets in Vietnam’, YKVN advised three of Vietnam’s four big banks on their IPOs in 2008 and 2009, and was local counsel for the joint lead arrangers (Barclays, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank) on Vietnam’s Rule 144A sovereign bond issue in 2010. In 2011, it advised Credit Suisse as underwriter on Vincom JSC’s proposed SGX listing; the lead managers on PetroVietnam’s proposed $1bn international bond issuance; and acted as local counsel in closing Caymans-registered Texhong Textile’s $200m high-yield bond issuance. Truong Nhat Quang and Vu Dzung are excellent.

Within Corporate and M&A, YKVN is a first tier firm,

‘One of the leaders in Vietnam’, YKVN advised Masan Group on selling a 10% stake to KKR, Vietnam’s largest private equity deal to date. It represents numerous major Vietnamese corporations including VNPT, Vietnam Airlines and Vinashin, and acted for PetroVietnam Exploration and Production Corporation on its acquisition of a participation interest in a Peruvian oil field. The firm’s relationship with PetroVietnam will have been strengthened by the recruitment of the excellent K Minh Dang, who opened its new Singapore office after joining from DLA Piper Singapore Pte. Ltd.. It is local counsel to clients such as Boeing, Hanes, IBM, Mitsui, Motorola, Procter & Gamble, and Samsung. Practice head Diep Hoai Nam, Truong Nhat Quang and Vu Dzung are highly recommended.

Within Dispute resolution, YKVN is a first tier firm,

YKVN focuses on construction, shipping and commercial disputes including contract and debt recovery claims. The firm will leverage its new Singapore office in supporting arbitrations at SIAC by having litigation partner Luu Tien Dzung divide time between Singapore and Vietnam. He and Truong Trong Nghia lead the practice.

Within Insurance, YKVN is a second tier firm,

YKVN advised PetroVietnam Insurance on the equitisation bid tender and sale of a strategic stake to Oman Investment Fund. Managing partner Truong Nhat Quang and Vu Dzung are recommended. Luu Tien Dzung acts in insurance disputes.

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, YKVN is a second tier firm,

YKVN expertly advises lenders and arrangers on project financing. It is local counsel to Export-Import Bank of Korea and the mandated lead arrangers in the $1.5bn financing of Mong Duong 2 BOT power project. It is assisting the IFC in advising the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Nghi Son 2, and advising Czech Export Bank on the dual-currency financing of Quang Binh Kaolin Bohemia Company’s kaolin washing plant. Managing partner Truong Nhat Quang, Vu Dzung, Diep Hoai Nam and Duong Thu Haare recommended.

Within Real estate and construction, YKVN is a third tier firm,

YKVN’s niche lies in advising institutional lenders on real estate financing and capital markets matters, including proposed convertible bond issuances on the SGX. It also provides real estate support for clients including Metro Cash & Carry. Vu Dzung and Duong Thu Ha are recommended.

Within TMT (technology, media and telecoms), YKVN is a first tier firm,

YKVN continues to advise VinaCapital on the acquisition of Mobile Information Service JSC (MIS), a specialist building and leasing network towers for mobile telecoms, following the acquisition of a majority stake in March 2011. Other clients include IBM, Motorola and VNPT. Managing partner Truong Nhat Quang, Duong Thu Ha and Vu Dzung are recommended.

Within Tax, YKVN is a second tier firm,

YKVN advises banks and companies on tax optimisation. Notably, it is defending a foreign investor in a potentially precedent-setting case over alleged tax evasion regarding a prestigious hotel development. Truong Trong Nghia is lead counsel on the matter, with assistance from Luu Tien Dzung and K Minh Dang.