Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited > Yangon, Myanmar > Firm Profile

Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited Offices

Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited
Kantharyar Centre Office Tower, Unit no. #18-01
No.11, Corner of Kan Yeik Thar Road & U Aung Myat Street, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township
YANGON
Myanmar
Visit website +959 4 4154 6892 95 1 233 9522

Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited > The Legal 500 Rankings

Myanmar > Projects and energy Tier 1

Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited is prominent in a range of energy and infrastructure projects, including PPP projects, sanitation projects, renewable energy projects and traditional energy projects. The group has a strong track record in the energy sector, particularly in relation to helping foreign direct investors with joint ventures with domestic companies and regulatory matters. Director Priyank Srivastava is ‘able to simplify complex legal concepts’ and heads up the team alongside chairman and managing director Leon Yee, whose experience in cross-border energy financings stands out, especially in Korea, Indonesia and China.

Practice head(s):

Leon Yee; Priyank Srivastava

Testimonials

‘The team is always anchored by a partner who knows you and your business well but more importantly knows your thought processes and nuances. All these makes the work and interaction frictionless. On top of that, the firm and the partner is able to mobilise its resources across jurisdictions and practice areas quickly according to our requirements. More importantly, the firm puts clients first and does not unnecessarily include multiple partners billable hours into different matters.’

‘Priyank Srivastava has been our key external counsel for a long time. He is responsive and commercially sensitive. He is able to assemble resources to meet our requirements and to simplify complex legal concepts.’

Key clients

Goldman Investment Int Holdings

Iceberg Holding

State Bank of India

Beijing Deheng, Sichuan Petroleum and Natural Gas Construction Engineering Co.

Crown Agent Bank via DLA Piper

Shwe Min Gan Finance Company

Indraprashta Gas Limited

iGenesis Technologies

Young Investment Group

Work highlights

Myanmar > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited has a varied practice that is not confined to general corporate matters, but extends to work including joint venture agreements, direct foreign investment and complex transactions in a range of industries. Leon Yee, who splits his time between Singapore, Myanmar and China, runs the team with Priyank Srivastava, who splits his time between India, Myanmar, and Singapore, leaving the pair well placed to advice on multijurisdictional commercial and corporate issues. Yee is a go-to practitioner for corporate governance issues, restructurings and joint ventures, whereas Srivastava stands out for his M&A work in the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Leon Yee; Priyank Srivastava

Testimonials

‘The team is always anchored by a partner (Priyank Srivastava) who knows you and your business well but more importantly knows your thought processes and nuances. All these makes the work and interaction frictionless. On top of that, the firm and the partner is able to mobilise its resources across jurisdictions and practice areas quickly according to our requirements.’

‘Priyank Srivastava has been our key external counsel for a long time. He is responsive and commercially sensitive.’

‘Excellent insight into the South East Asia market on M&A and corporate advisory.’

‘Srivastava, Priyank is an excellent attorney in corporate advisory.’

Key clients

Goldman Investment Int Holdings

Iceberg Holding

State Bank of India

Beijing Deheng, Sichuan Petroleum and Natural Gas Construction Engineering Co.

Crown Agent Bank via DLA Piper

Shwe Min Gan Finance Company

Indraprashta Gas Limited

iGenesis Technologies

Young Investment Group

Work highlights

Singapore > Projects and energy: local firms

Duane Morris & Selvam LLP’s projects, energy and infrastructure team, which is headed by Leon Yee, Ramiro Rodriguez, and Priyank Srivastava, regularly works with downstream, upstream and midstream projects, power, renewable energy, regulatory and licensing matters, and contractual arrangements connected with energy projects and operations throughout Asia. The firm focuses its practice on Myanmar, with its Singapore office often serving as a supporting force.

Practice head(s):

Leon Yee; Ramiro Rodriguez; Priyank Srivastava

Testimonials

‘The team of lawyers at Duane Morris & Selvam LLP are extremely talented professionals and have deep expertise in projects and energy sector. They are practical and specific to the needs of the client and are very solution oriented.’

‘Priyank Srivastava is a firebrand and exceptional in his work. His deep-rooted knowledge in the field of projects and energy makes him our go-to person. He is a very reliable lawyer.’

Key clients

Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd

Young Investment Group

Mercantile & Maritime, Singapore

ONGC Videsh Limited

CESI

State Bank of India

Ashro Singapore Pte Ltd

Shwe Min Gan Finance Company Limited

Beijing Deheng, Sichuan Petroleum and Natural Gas Construction Engineering Co

Indraprashta Gas Limited

Icerberg Holdings Pte. Ltd.

GAIL

Total Renewable Energy

CNTIC

DLA Piper (on behalf of Aisin)

Singapore > Banking and finance: local firms

Duane Morris & Selvam LLP’s banking and finance team is central to the Singapore office’s practice with the department led by chairman Leon Yee . He and his team have wide geographic coverage across multiple jurisdictions in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar. The office has a breadth of experience across the banking and finance arena, especially in acquisition finance, trade finance, asset finance, project finance and real estate finance. The Singapore team is also noted for regulatory and compliance work, along with fintech and blockchain matters. In recent years, it has built its presence in venture debt and it continues to advise a large collection of Korean, Chinese and Indian banks. Priyank Srivastava is also highly rated by clients and is noted for his Myanmar expertise and his work for Indian clients.

Practice head(s):

Leon Yee

Other key lawyers:

Priyank Srivastava

Testimonials

‘The team, anchored by Priyank Srivastava, knows you and your business well but more importantly knows your thought processes and nuances. All these makes the work and interaction frictionless. The firm puts clients first.’

‘Priyank Srivastava has been our key external counsel for a long time. It is impossible to find a replacement for him. He is responsive and commercially sensitive.’

Key clients

Federal International (2000)

State Bank of India

Iceberg Holding

Goldman Investment Int Holdings

Shwe Minn Gan Finance Company

DMI Income Fund

Young Investment Group

Group Lease Public Company

DMI Finance Private

BG Microfinance Myanmar

GL-AMMK

Seedflex Technologies

Carbonzeroed

CNTIC

Work highlights

  • Advised a PRC company on its $100m housing/commercial development project and joint-venture matters with a Myanmar conglomerate.
  • Advised a Singapore oil and gas retail holding company on its expansion plans in Southeast Asia, including financing and joint-venture documents with an investor, project documents (acquisition of retail outlets) and regulatory advice.
  • Advised an Indian state-owned bank with review and finalisation of a corporate guarantee from a Singapore company.

Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited > Firm Profile

The firm: Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) Limited is the Yangon office of Duane Morris & Selvam LLP, a joint law venture between US-based Duane Morris LLP and Singapore-based Selvam LLC. The office opened in September 2013 upon the personal invitation of the Attorney General of Myanmar to encourage foreign direct investment and modernisation of the legal profession. Duane Morris & Selvam (Myanmar) is the only foreign law firm to have been awarded the Distinguished Service to Myanmar Award from the Attorney General. This was awarded in recognition of the firm’s lawyers’ assistance to the Myanmar Government in dispute resolution and transactional matters.

The firm provides on-the-ground practical commercial counsel to foreign and domestic businesses seeking to seize opportunities while minimising inherent risks in the dynamic emerging market of Myanmar. The Yangon office advises on all aspects of Myanmar and international law in relation to market entry, foreign direct investment, general corporate law, licensing, franchising, corporate finance, capital markets, energy and projects, dispute resolution, real estate, and employment matters. Lawyers have a high degree of industry knowledge across a range of industries including oil and gas, renewable energy, telecommunications, media and technology, financial services, real estate, infrastructure, private equity, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, charities, fast moving consumer goods, franchising, and distribution.

The firm’s lawyers are both locally and internationally qualified. Many of them are ex-judicial officers including the retired Attorney General of the Union, who serves as an adviser to the firm. No other international firm is as integrated and knowledgeable about how to get things done in Myanmar. The firm benefits from over a decade’s experience dealing with Myanmar matters, relying on additional support from the firm’s 900 lawyers based in 30 offices around the globe.

Main areas of practice
General corporate and M&A: The firm advises local and international clients on all forms of general commercial matters involved in market entry, the pursuit of business opportunities in Myanmar, and regional expansion. This includes company set up and licensing and registration. The firm also undertakes extensive due diligence in relation to M&A.

Capital markets: Lawyers provide a comprehensive range of services to assist clients with their listings and issues, from the initial restructuring of companies to seeking relevant approvals from the Yangon Stock Exchange. They have performed a wide range of complex transactions and have significant experience representing issuers, underwriters, placement agents, investment banks and investors in public and private offerings. The firm acted for First Myanmar Investment Co Ltd in the historic first listing on the Yangon Stock Exchange in March 2016.

Energy and projects: The team consists of foreign and international lawyers, who are specialists in oil and gas projects, including downstream, upstream, and midstream projects, regulatory and licensing matters, foreign investment, land, employment, import/export, joint ventures, and contractual arrangements connected with energy projects and operations throughout Asia. The team has advised multinational corporations, national energy regulators and government-owned utilities, working on many significant international energy matters, including the Myingyan Power Project, one of Myanmar’s largest gas-fired power plants. The team has considerable experience in providing legal support and advice to clients from the pre-feasibility and planning stages, through public tender, licensing, start-up and implementation, as well as the operational stages.

China practice: Lawyers focus on assisting Chinese corporations with a range of investment and transactional services relating to Myanmar Foreign Direct Investment.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Banking & Finance; Fintech & Blockchain; Energy; Private equity funds; Corporate finance; Venture capital; Capital markets; Takeovers; Cross-border M&A, Corporate governance; Corporate restructurings; Joint ventures Leon Yee [email protected] +65 6311 0057
Capital Markets Jamie Benson [email protected] +65 6311 3660
China Practice Lan Yu [email protected] +65 6311 0044
Energy & Infrastructure; Banking & Project Finance; Corporate & Commercial; Regulatory Priyank Srivastava [email protected] +65 6311 0074/+959 4 5070 4379
Investment Funds; Cross-border M&A; Joint ventures; Project and asset financing; International arbitration Ramiro Rodriguez [email protected] +65 6311 0051
Dispute Resolution; International Arbitration; Construction; Labour & Employment Sarbjit Singh Chopra [email protected] +65 6311 0041

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Priyank Srivastava photo Mr Priyank Srivastava Director Areas of Practice: Energy & Infrastructure Banking & Project Finance Corporate &… View Profile

Staff Figures

Number of lawyers in Myanmar : 9
Number of lawyers in global network : 900+

Languages

English
Hindi
Mandarin
Myanmar
Spanish

Memberships

Multilaw

Diversity/Community


Diversity & Inclusion

Duane Morris & Selvam is committed to being a law firm that includes people of diverse backgrounds and fully utilizes their talents to provide legal services of the highest quality. The firm will employ effective methods of recruitment of diverse persons, and we will support the success and advancement of members of diverse groups within the firm.

We are committed to fostering understanding, communication and respect among all people in the firm, including people of different races, religions, ages, genders, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, national origins, sexual preferences or orientations, medical conditions or disabilities, and marital, veteran or family statuses. The firm believes it should capitalize on the strength emanating from these differences. Drawing on the talents of all of the firm’s personnel helps to create an optimum workplace, one which can attract and retain diverse personnel and clients, allowing it to enter and serve varying markets and approach services to its clients more creatively. Duane Morris & Selvam has the ability to meet these challenges and recognizes the beneficial impact a successful diversity program will have on firm morale, productivity, strategies and success.

Pro Bono

Duane Morris & Selvam believes in equal justice for all. Through our pro bono program, our firm attorneys and non-attorney personnel make use of their knowledge and expertise to assist individuals, non-profit legal service providers, community economic development organizations and all other charitable organizations that work to address unmet legal, civil, economic, health, shelter and societal needs. We aim to bring about positive change for people who are disadvantaged.

Client Testimonials


CLIENT: –
COMPANY/FIRM: Exponential Hub Co., Ltd.
TESTIMONIAL: For Priyank Srivastava and Duane Morris & Selvam LLP, Corporate and Regulatory

On behalf of Exponential Hub Co., Ltd, I’ve had the pleasure of having Priyank Srivastava, represent and advise us on various commercial issues with active participation in the discussions about contractual documentation in connection with our venture with an international technology company. We can recommend Duane Morris & Selvam without reservation. Duane Morris & Selvam provided us with an amazing, valuable resource and experience. I have nothing but good things to say about our experience with the firm.

CLIENT: Bernard Tan
COMPANY/FIRM: AG Myanmar Water Company Limited (A JV involving stakeholders from Malaysia/Hong Kong and Myanmar)
TESTIMONIAL: For Priyank Srivastava and Duane Morris & Selvam LLP, Projects

We engaged Priyank since the beginning of this year. His level of professionalism, agility, all rounding commercial wisdom guided us to be able to simplify and focus on the core issues in each phase of development in our projects amidst the complexity of today’s business environment. With Priyank / Duane Morris & Selvam’s backing, we have strong confidence to outperform in our trade.

CLIENT: –
COMPANY/FIRM: ONGC Videsh Ltd Delhi
TESTIMONIAL: For Priyank Srivastava and Duane Morris & Selvam LLP

We have known Priyank for almost a decade now. We have seen him handle Energy, Oil & Gas matters and a large variety of corporate matters with the highest degree of professionalism.  Priyank is an excellent lawyer and carries a wide scope of commercial sense, wisdom and experience. Lawyers working in the oil & gas sector require both legal regulatory as well as industry experience, and Priyank is one of the rare professional lawyers, having the combination of both. Duane Morris & Selvam has great resources and we highly recommend them.

CLIENT: Sim Eng Tong, Chief Executive Officer
COMPANY/FIRM: Biomax Holdings Pte Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: For Mr Sarbjit Singh Chopra

I was recommended to Mr Sarbjit Singh of Selvam LLC after using two other law firms. I am very satisfied with his and his team’s services. He is understanding and caring and I am very thankful for the emotional support he showed me when I was under tremendous stress. He took care of my worries as if they were his own. I am very grateful for his assistance.