Corporate & Finance (International Firms) | Asia-Pacific

A&O Shearman is a leading international law firm active in the Malaysian market, assisting a range of large multinationals and prominent domestic clients. The firm is especially adept at handling Islamic finance transactions, also regularly advising on high-value capital markets issuances, restructuring, M&A, private equity investments and project finance. The team is entrusted by Malaysian corporates, GLCs, sovereign wealth funds and international investors, particularly in the energy, TMT and finance sectors. The firm primarily handles Malaysia work from its Singapore base, while also leveraging its other international offices. Notable clients of the firm include CIMB and Telenor. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Clifford Chance is a standout international law firm that provides an impressive breadth of service in the Malaysian market. The practice advises prominent domestic and international financial institutions and corporates on big-ticket M&A, capital market and financing deals. The firm is well placed to advise on Islamic finance matters, including in relation to projects, and often advises on deals in the energy, manufacturing, aviation and banking sectors. Clifford Chance primarily services Malaysia work out of its Singapore office, as well as drawing on other regional and global bases. Mintz Group, Navis Capital Partners and DXN Holdings are examples of the firm's clients.

Latham & Watkins has a well-regarded team of lawyers with an established presence in the Malaysian market. The firm is known for its expertise regarding equity capital markets, as well as M&A and project finance. The team advises on both inbound and outbound deals involving Malaysia, including in the healthcare, energy, TMT, real estate and education sectors. The firm handles much of its Malaysia work out of Singapore, as well as from its Tokyo and Hong Kong offices. Clients of the firm include Pengerang Energy Complex, Credit Suisse and Pathology Asia.

Linklaters has an experienced team of Singapore-based lawyers handling legal work in Malaysia, with a key strength in equity and debt issuances, as well as M&A and private equity deals. The firm is also well versed in Islamic finance, including sukuk deals. The team is especially active in the banking, energy, healthcare and retail sectors and is regularly instructed by leading domestic GLCs, as well as Malaysian and international financial institutions. Notable clients of the firm include AXA, DBS Bank and CIMB Bank.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a well-regarded international law firm which regularly handles matters within the Malaysian market. The team maintains an active practice advising international and domestic clients in Malaysia, especially on M&A and capital markets transactions. The firm is well placed to assist companies in the energy, finance and retail sectors. The practice draws on resources from its Singapore and Hong Kong offices, as well as further afield, and often collaborates with domestic Malaysian law firms to provide a full range of advice to clients.

K&L Gates is a well-regarded law firm that combines the expertise of its Singapore and Hong Kong offices to offer a broad range of legal services in Malaysia. The team frequently advises on M&A, capital markets, corporate restructuring, project and aviation financing, and employment mandates in Malaysia. The practice offers strength in aviation, TMT and manufacturing, among other sectors. Notable clients of the firm include Luye Pharma, Simmtech and Asia Pacific Aviation Leasing.

Milbank offers a strong presence within the South-East Asian markets and assists clients with Malaysia-related matters from its Singapore office. It frequently provides counsel to international financial institutions and notable domestic entities on cross-border capital markets, equity and inbound investment transactions. SK ecoplant, Pierfront Capital and CVC Capital Partners are among the firm's recent clients.