Serrano Law’s ‘dynamic and collaborative’ practice is headed up by Elmer B. Serrano, who has particular expertise advising on M&A for clients in the banking and financial services industry sectors, assisting with acquisitions which involve equity purchases and sales of assets is a frequent feature of the team’s workload. Both Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan are noted for their ’exemplary performance and outstanding qualities and skills’, while Tephanie Gandia is regarded as ‘very experienced, practical and resourceful’ by clients.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Serrano Law is a dynamic and collaborative law firm that we can always rely on for legal advices and documentation. They patiently guide us and provide us insights on the options for every decision point we need to take.’

  • ‘Tephanie Gandia collaborates closely with the company. Quick in addressing the issues we are faced with and assisting us in making the right decisions.’

  • ‘Serrano Law demonstrated their expertise and understanding in managing complex transactions.'

  • ‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan are known for their exemplary performance and outstanding qualities and skills they possess as lawyers. Both have developed creative and innovative solutions to our legal issues, were able to conduct thorough research on legal issues and relevant regulations and have strong writing abilities in drafting legal documents and contracts. They have also been very professional and trustworthy in their dealings with us.’

  • ‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan demonstrate in-depth industry and regulatory knowledge.’

  • ‘Tephanie Gandia is very experienced, professional, practical and resourceful. She gives her recommendations without delay.’

  • ‘Tephanie’s team are always ready and able to help us in our requirements, big or small. Serrano Law team makes sure we are taken care of.'

  • ‘They guided us in every step of the way until successful completion.’

Key clients

  • 2GO Group, Inc.
  • SM Investments Corporation
  • BDO Unibank, Inc.
  • SM Keppel Land, Inc.
  • Premium Leisure Corporation
  • Belle Corporation
  • RYM Business Management Corporation
  • Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
  • Udenna Corporation
  • Global Gateway Development Corporation
  • Gratia Capital
  • Philippine Veterans Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised BDO Unibank, Inc. in its acquisition of  SM Keppel Land, Inc. from Keppel Philippines Properties, Inc. and Opon-KE Properties, Inc.
  • Acted as counsel to BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) in its acquisition of additional shares in NLEX Corporation.
  • Advises on Uniholdings Inc.’s 7-way merger.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Elmer Serrano

Other key lawyers

Phil Ivan Chan, Tephanie Gandia, Melissa Jean G. Hipolito