Corporate and M&A: foreign firms

Clifford Chance

Noted for its capability to advise on Singapore, English and New York law, the ‘all-star team’ at Clifford Chance covers the full spectrum of mandates, from M&A, joint ventures and divestments to general corporate advisory work across the energy and infrastructure, financial services, consumer goods and retail, healthcare and life sciences, TMT and private equity sectors. Praised as ’one of the best M&A lawyers in Singapore’, managing partner Valerie Kong has built a strong portfolio of clients, including sovereign wealth funds, Singapore and Malaysia government-linked entities, multinational banks and corporates, with demonstrable experience in cross-border M&A, particularly in the Southeast Asia region. Kong jointly leads the team alongside Melissa Ng, who is commended for her ‘keen intellect, commerciality and extensive experience’ in M&A, divestments and joint ventures, and Tom Lin, who focuses on private equity transactions. Senior associate Ivan Chan is another key contact in the group.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Good, pragmatic advice striking the right balance between taking a view that will get the deal done while also protecting their clients.’
‘Extremely hard-working and great availability.’
‘Clifford Chance is consistently excellent. Led by Valerie Kong, they have an all-star team that provide solutions-focused, cross-border advice and a round the clock service.’
‘Valerie Kong is one of the best M&A lawyers in Singapore. She is razor sharp, responsive and leads by example.’
‘Melissa Ng is an excellent M&A lawyer, who is recognised by clients and peers for her keen intellect, commerciality and extensive experience in handling complex transactions. She is very calm, knowledgeable and a natural problem-solver. Melissa also has in-depth experience on Indonesian M&A.’
‘Speed of execution, strong ability to deliver exceptional work even under time pressure.’
‘Valerie Kong is an excellent M&A lawyer who has strong commercial understanding and is able to provide very helpful and practical legal advice.’

Key clients

Indonesia Investment Authority
Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
GIC
US International Development Finance Corporation
PTT International Holding Limited
Keppel Infrastructure Trust
Ayala Land
ACEN Corporation
JSW Group
Star Energy
PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk
PSA
Kellogg
Mitsubishi Corporation
Philip Morris
GEODIS
Actis
Partners Group
Intermediate Capital Group
CVC Capital Partners
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
Partior
Home Credit Group
Navis Capital Partners
Platinum Equity
SeaTown Private Capital
Mintz Group
Northstar
Alpha JWC Ventures
Saratoga
CLSA Real Estate

Work highlights

Advised Home Credit Group B.V. on its agreement to sell 100% of its Philippines and Indonesian consumer finance businesses to a consortium of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) affiliates, led by Krungsri Bank, in deals worth approximately €615 million.
Advised leading global private markets firm Partners Group, acting on behalf of its clients, on the international aspects of its acquisition of a majority stake in Sunsure Energy.
Advised the Ayala Group's listed energy platform ACEN Corporation, through ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd. and ACEN International, Inc., on the international aspects of its partnership with and investment into renewable energy producer BrightNight’s India platform.

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