Milbank is active in corporate transactions, capital markets and projects, with a particular focus on energy and infrastructure. The team handles high-profile matters across renewable energy, real estate, leisure and hospitality, and global banking. It has been described as a ‘strong, dedicated team experienced in both Philippines M&A and capital markets.’ Leading the team is James Grandolfo, considered ’the dean of the capital markets in the country,’ who is skilled in investments, refinancings and IPOs. Paul Pery brings expertise in corporate and capital markets, with a focus on financial services and debt capital markets. James Murray advises on energy-related projects, while Desiree Woo is noted for her strength in project finance and development. Other notable practitioners include Cesareo Singzon, who frequently provides support on capital markets transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Position
Partner
Career
Paul Pery is a partner in Milbank’s Hong Kong office in the Global Capital Markets Group. He regularly represents corporate, sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuers, as well as investment banks, in a variety of debt, equity and equity-linked capital markets transactions, including IPOs, private placements, high-yield debt, perpetual securities and a range of liability management transactions. Paul also has expertise in loan financing, mergers & acquisitions and other corporate transactions. Paul has developed extensive experience advising clients throughout Asia and in particular, the Philippines, India, Hong Kong and Mongolia.
Education
LL.M. Columbia Law School; J.D. Ateneo de Manila University
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has the most deal experience in the Philippines and with the broadest list of clients. The team has a very good understanding and knowledge of local regulations and laws.'
‘Jim Grandolfo and Paul Pery have been a fixture in so far as counsel for investment banking deals in the Philippines. Jim has the international knowledge and network, while Paul brings the local touch. The firm, through the leadership of these two, have top-notch talent who bring creativity, thoroughness and gives confidence that you're in good hands when they are the ones working on the transaction.’
‘James Grandolfo is generally considered dean of the capital markets in the country.'
‘Milbank has a strong, dedicated team which is experienced in both Philippine M&A and capital markets.'
‘The partnership of Jim Grandolfo and Paul Pery in the Philippines works extremely well in that they have strong coverage of the market players and a deep understanding of each of their client relationships.'
'Cesareo "Ari" Singzon is one of the best associates in the market and is incredibly useful for both capital markets and M&A.'
Key clients
- HSBC UBS BPI Capital JPMorgan Morgan Stanley Deutsche Bank Barclays Goldman Sachs Actis LLP Okada Manila International, Inc. Universal Entertainment Corporation Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Bloomberry Resorts Corporation Hotel101 Global Pte. Ltd. PLDT Inc. Globe Telecom, Inc. GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co ACEN Corporation GNPower Kauswagan Asian Development Bank Aboitiz Power Power Partners Ayala’s AC Energy I Squared Capital DBS Bank Ltd. Merrill Lynch Credit Suisse Citicore Energy REIT Corp. National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Group
Work highlights
Advised BPI Capital Corporation, as sole global coordinator, and BofA Securities, HSBC, J.P. Morgan and UBS, as joint bookrunners, in connection with the issuance of US$500 million 5.00% 5-year notes and US$300 million 5.625% 10-year notes by Bank of the Philippine Islands.