The Legal 500 > Asia Pacific > Malaysia > Foreign firms

Operating in Malaysia with its HQ in Singapore, the team at Clifford Chance is directed by the 'very responsive' capital markets expert Raymond Tong and cross-border specialist Valerie Kong. Distinguished by its 'very strong presence', the firm provides detailed knowledge of key regulatory regimes across South East Asia. Partnering with select local firms, it has a strong track record in industries such as energy, private equity, real estate, healthcare and agriculture. In a recent case highlight it is advising Berjaya Corporation Berhad (and a subsidiary) on the sale of a hotel contingent and assisting JP Morgan, UBS and Siam Commercial Bank with the financing of CP Group's  acquisition of Tesco's Thai and Malaysian interests.  

Sectors of strength for DLA Piper's Malaysian team include insurance, education, energy, financial services and technology. In particular, a recent case highlight concerns its role in advising Laureate Education Inc on the US$140m sale of INTI University and Colleges in Malaysia to Hope Education Group. The firm has welcomed David Kuo (formerly of Milbank), Samata Masagee (Weerawong C&P) and Waranon Vanichprapa (Baker McKenzie) as new partners. It is led by M&A expert Heng Loong Cheong.

Specialising in energy and infrastructure, project finance expert Stephen Begley heads the team at Norton Rose Fulbright. More broadly, the group deals with disputes, investigations, compliance and covers additional sectors such as power, financial services, shipping and offshore. Key clients include Gas Malaysia Berhad, AXA, Société Générale and the Bank of Baroda. A recent highlight concerns its role in advising an international syndicate on the US$800m refinancing for an FPSO vessel owned by a subsidiary of Yinson Holdings Berhad.

The 'excellent' Malaysian practice at Shearman & Sterling LLP is recognised for its ability to handle the most complex of emerging markets deals. Specifically, it has a strong track record on a range of projects in the oil, gas and renewables sectors. Within this realm, one recent highlight is its work for Petronas on a US$15bn project financing for a joint venture with Saudi Aramco (a major downstream petrochemical project). Coordinated from Singapore by Ben Shorten and Daryl Chew, the team covers similar matters for clients such as The Government of Malaysia, Genting, Malakoff, Khazanah and Bumi Armada. Anthony Patten is recommended for his experience in LNG matters. Bill McCormack is another name to note.    

The foreign firms team at King & Spalding LLP offers expertise in LNG, oil, gas and power matters. In particular, it assists with structured project financing, the resolution of construction disputes and investment treaties. Based in Singapore, the key names to note are infrastructure expert Kelly Malone and international arbitration specialist Donny Low.  

Alongside its work in capital markets and M&A, the team at Latham & Watkins LLP handles private equity, bank finance, project development and, in particular, Islamic finance structures. Specifically, it applies its expertise to both structure documents as well as negotiating the key terms of sukuk, murabaha, modaraba, ijara, wakala, musharaka, salam and istisna utilities. Clients are drawn from industries such as healthcare, technology, renewable energy, oil and gas, telecoms and real estate. A recent highlight concerns its representation of Pengerang Energy Complex Sdn Bhd, a matter in which it advised on the financing of an aromatics complex to be located in Pengerang, Johor. The team, which is led by Sharon Lau, now includes Mark Cooper, formerly of Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee.