Zaid Ibrahim & Co maintains a strong reputation for corporate and commercial work, advising domestic and international corporations as well as emerging businesses. The team is frequently involved in large-scale transactions across diverse sectors such as communications, banking, insurance, energy, transport, manufacturing, mining, plantations and property. Forming the head of the practice is Gilbert Gan, who is a trusted advisor to government-linked companies; Muhammad Zukhairi Muhammed Salehudin, who is active in M&A and corporate restructuring transactions; Joan Ting Pang Chung, who frequently advises on joint ventures and takeovers; Wei Min Chua, who is the resident private equity expert; Muhamad Iliyas; Tan Wooi Hong; Nadarashnaraj Sargunaraj; and Ang Siak Keng. Another standout feature of the team is Jonathan Lim.
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+603 2087 9903
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Profile

Work Department
Corporate Commercial
Position

Partner

Career

Jonathan is a corporate partner at Zaid Ibrahim & Co. with considerable experience in areas such as Fintech, venture capital, blockchain technology, payment systems, digital remittance, and initial coin offerings. His involvement in the Fintech sector also extends to advising clients on compliance matters relating to regulatory developments in the industry as set out by the Malaysian central bank (Bank Negara Malaysia) and the Malaysian Securities Commission.

Jonathan is also well versed in advising both local and foreign clients on corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, initial public offerings, takeovers as well as private funds, and has been involved in several landmark corporate transactions. Jonathan also has experience in advising start-ups and venture capital corporations on matters ranging from compliance to funding agreements.

As an active supporter of the financial technology fraternity, Jonathan also currently serves as Secretary of the Fintech Association of Malaysia wherein he assists in developing the burgeoning sector’s growth here in Malaysia and the region. In addition, Jonathan also acts as legal counsel and mentor of Founders Institute (a pre-seed start-up accelerator with a presence in over 180 cities worldwide).

Languages
English, Bahasa Malaysia
Education
  • Advocate and Solicitor, High Court of Malaya, 2006
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Sheffield

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The response time is within the deadline required. They are able to provide sound commercial advice.' 

  • ‘Commitment and dedication in ensuring that the deliverables are on time.’

  • ‘Zaid Ibrahim & Co’s Corporate and M&A practice is exceptional in its depth, responsiveness, and ability to deliver commercially sound advice under complex and time-sensitive circumstances.' 

  • ‘We have been consistently impressed by the calibre and dedication of the individuals we have worked with. Wooi Hong Tan stands out for his strategic leadership, clarity of thought, and ability to drive transactions to completion with a steady and solutions-oriented approach.’

  • ‘I recently had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Geraldine Oh and her exceptional team at Zaid Ibrahim & Co. on a complex Corporate Deal involving Private Equity Funds. The experience was nothing short of impressive, showcasing their profound capabilities and commitment.'

  • ‘Working directly with Geraldine Oh, the partner in charge, was a particular highlight. Her insights into this specialised area of law were not just invaluable—they were transformative, consistently illuminating pathways through challenges and ensuring our strategic objectives were met.'

Key clients

  • Malaysia Airports Berhad
  • KWAP
  • Software AG
  • Employees Provident Fund
  • Sime Darby Berhad
  • China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
  • RHB Investment Bank Berhad
  • Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera
  • ConocoPhilips Sabah Gas Ltd
  • Vynn Capital

Work highlights

Acting for the Employees Provident Fund in a voluntary takeover offer of the entire stake in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Acted for Sime Darby Group as the purchaser and subsequently offeror in this exercise for the Acquisition of 61.2% shares in UMW Group by Sime Darby Group.
Advised Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera in its sale of a 24% stake in Affin Bank Berhad to Sarawak State Financial Secretary as part of pairing down of its non-core assets and government sanctioned restructuring.