Corporate/M&A: International: The Elite
Global Guide 2024 : Singapore
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+65 6671 6000Chambers Review
A&O Shearman is a global law firm known for handling some of the most complex transactions in the market from its Singapore office, with expertise in private M&A, public takeovers, joint ventures, disposals and corporate restructurings. The firm's impressive clientele includes banks, asset managers, corporates, international funds and insurers. The team is particularly strong in a range of heavily regulated industries, from private equity and insurance to TMT and e-commerce. The department regularly acts on deals across South-East Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. Clients benefit from the firm's market-leading finance practice, allowing the group to provide a holistic service. Clients of the firm include Investcorp, EdgeconneX and General Atlantic. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.
The firm's Indonesian desk remains noted for its handling of corporate and M&A transactions across a variety of industries, including retail and technology. It advises both multinationals and Indonesian corporates on high-value deals. Client service is bolstered by the practice's associated domestic firm, Ginting & Reksodiputro. The firm advised EdgeconneX on the acquisition of Graha Teknologi Nusantara. James Mythen and Alun Evans are key contacts for this desk.
The firm's well-regarded Malaysian desk offers extensive experience on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, as well as private equity transactions and joint ventures. It frequently acts for leading Malaysian corporates and international investors. The team advised Telenor on the merger of its Malaysian mobile operator Digi.Com with Celcom Axiata to form a new entity named Celcom Digi. James Mythen is a key contact for clients.
The firm's Philippines desk assists local and international corporates with M&A and joint ventures, including deals in the infrastructure, food and beverage, and TMT sectors. The department advised EdgeConnex on its joint venture with Aboitiz to jointly acquire, develop, establish and operate data centre facilities and build a platform of carrier neutral data centre projects in the Philippines. The team is led by Alun Evans.
Work Highlights
- The firm advised Telenor on the merger of its Malaysian mobile operator Digi.Com with Celcom Axiata to form Celcom Digi.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The thoroughness and clarity of recommendations are all top-notch and the best I've ever received from any law firm. The quality of service, the way it's delivered and their availability are equally impressive."
"I just think they are so service-oriented. They're just different in the level of client service they can deliver."
"The thoroughness and clarity of recommendations are all top-notch and the best I've ever received from any law firm. The quality of service, the way it's delivered and their availability are equally impressive."
"I just think they are so service-oriented. They're just different in the level of client service they can deliver."
Notable Practitioners
Alun Evans is recognised for his capabilities in handling commercial transactions across the region from his base in Singapore, particularly in the Philippines. He is experienced in advising private equity and asset management firms and strategic investors on M&A, investments and joint ventures.
"Alun is really good. He's very detailed, and I never need to spend time walking him through as he is already very involved."
James Mythen earns market respect for his handling of private equity transactions, joint ventures and M&A. He is based in Singapore, and his clients include multinational corporates, GLCs and financial institutions. He has expertise in deals involving Malaysia.
"He has a very commercial way of thinking. Though it's very clear that he is well grounded in legal principles, he doesn't get bogged down in academics. He's very responsive, very commercial and produces good-quality outputs."