Overview  

Skrine's Corporate Division is regarded as being one of the leading practices in the country and has an extensive track record of deftly handling high profile and complex transactions. The division is led by 12 partners, many of whom are ranked as leading individuals in their respective areas of practice by renowned legal publications and journals. The wide range of corporate and commercial services offered includes the following areas: mergers and acquisitions, competition, oil and gas, mining and mineral resources, asset-based financing and securitization including shipping finance, banking and finance (including Islamic finance), capital markets, energy, natural resources and utilities, environment, health and safety, international trade, project finance, venture capital and private equity, real estate, securities, tax and trusts.

Publications

  People  

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Chin Yoong Chong Partner  |  Corporate Division Tel: 603 - 2081 3999 ext 801  |  Fax: 603 - 2094 3211  |  E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it	Profile
Theresa Chong Partner  |  Head of Corporate Division Tel: 603 - 2081 3999 ext 720  |  Fax: 603 - 2094 3211  |  E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it	Profile
Kok Chee Kheong Partner  |  Corporate Division Tel: 603 - 2081 3999 ext 835  |  Fax: 603 - 2094 3211  |  E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it	Profile
Janet Looi Lai Heng Partner  |  Corporate Division Tel: 603 - 2081 3999 ext 835  |  Fax: 603 - 2094 3211  |  E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it	Profile

  Accolades  

AsiaLaw Profiles 2012
Skrine combines its renowned litigation ability with an excellent corporate practice. A firm client says: "Skrine houses some of the most professional lawyers available. If there is any delay, it is usually more our fault than theirs. It is very responsive." A notable transaction this year was its representation of AIA in the setting up of joint venture company AIA AFG Takaful with Alliance Bank Malaysia. The deal was completed in early 2011. Partner Janet Looi is highly recommended by clients, with one saying: "She is very quick to respond. With quality practitioners such as her, the added value of working with the firm far exceeds the legal costs."

Skrine is a preferred choice of counsel for international clients with particular influence in the banking industry. Peers and clients comment that the firm is "formidable, and tough to beat". It provides advice to clients such as ING Insurance and American International Assurance and is regularly involved in financing work in the property, and oil and gas sectors as well as on corporate transactions. A client recommends the firm for its accessibility: "We prefer working with the lawyers there as we get responses in the space of hours. They are truly available 24/7 and return calls the moment they are able to."

IFLR 1000 2012
"Skrine has some of the most professional lawyers. They are diligent and competent in all respects. If there is any delay it is usually more our fault than theirs: they are very responsive," says one client. The firm combines renowned litigation expertise with a reputable corporate practice. Peers note that the firm "remains the firm to beat in all corporate matters."

The firm advised AIA in the setting up of joint venture company AIA AFG Takaful with Alliance Bank Malaysia. Work included preparing the shareholders' agreement between the joint venture parties and preparing the exclusive distribution agreement and the services agreement as well. The transaction was completed in early 2011.

Partner Janet Looi is particularly well-regarded by clients: "She is very quick to respond, and with quality individuals such as these, the added value provided by the firm far exceeds the legal cost," says one.

Another highlight for the firm was its work in setting up of ING Public Takaful Ehsan, which is a strategic alliance between ING Management Holdings, who holds a 60% stake, and Public Bank Berhad and Public Islamic Bank Berhad, who each holds a 20% stake.

Skrine remains a top choice for international clients, and has carved out a substantial reputation for itself in the banking area. Though nested in the corporate division of the firm's organisation, the banking team has been hailed by peers and clients as "formidable, and tough to beat."

One client praises the firm for its responsiveness: "We like working with the lawyers there as we get responses in a matter of hours if not days. They are truly on call 24/7 and return calls the moment they are freed from urgent engagements."

The firm is involved in financings for property, oil and gas as well as corporate transactions. Partner Theresa Chong is highly regarded by peers, with one noting: "Her leadership is invaluable to the firm."

Notable clients of the firm include: ING Insurance, American International Assurance, Thales Raytheon and Recron Malaysia, who is a member of the Reliance Group in India.

"Skrine is a big firm, and with such vast resources, the lawyers there can handle it all, be it a financial and corporate matter, or a litigation matter," declares one client. The firm retains its place in the market on the back of glowing support from peers and clients."The firm has been at the forefront of financial and corporate law in the country for awhile," one peer says.

The firm was involved in Baneng Holding's debt restructuring scheme which also involved the issuance of securities. The transaction is yet to be completed, and has been valued at RM215 million ($72 million).

A client recommends the firm for its level of service: "I would recommend the firm for its thoroughness. The efficiency and professionalism that they delivered through the lawyers we worked with was impressive."

The international capabilities are also highlighted by client of the firm: "The firm is very globalised: they seem to deal with an awful lot of foreign entities and international companies," says one.

Chambers & Partners 2012
Consistently excellent, Skrine maintains its position in Band 1 this year following another busy year in the corporate/M&A market. Offering clients a fully rounded service across the commercial sector, the team has expertise in acquisitions, joint ventures and restructuring. A stable senior team with a steady influx of new blood at associate level gives the group an excellent blend of experience and fresh ideas.

Sources say: "Skrine impresses us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS A fixture in the table, Cheng Kee Check is a partner in the corporate division and is well known for his expertise in takeovers, M&A and restructurings. Colleague Janet Looi is a well-established figure in the corporate sector and also has a great deal of expertise in the environmental market. Quay Chew Soon is very active in commercial transactions and is best known for his skill in takeovers and restructurings.

One of the old guard in Malaysia, Skrine has a long-standing reputation in the banking and finance sector. Offering a full service to clients from the banking, capital markets and Islamic finance industries, the team utilises its expertise on both domestic and international transactions. Its clientele includes banks, major financial institutions and multinational companies. The firm was recently instructed on a MYR600 million loan facility for a green energy project, and on a GBP245 million repurchasing programme in the UK.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Philip Chan was typically busy last year, and has a fine reputation for his expertise in the corporate and banking fields.

Legal 500 2012
Skrine's knowledgeable team acts for a range of international and local clients in the financial and industrial sectors. Recently it has been busy on mandates in the insurance sector, establishing joint ventures in the Islamic takaful market, including that of American International Assurance with Alliance Bank Malaysia. It also advised Fairfax Asia on its acquisition of Pacific Insurance. Practice head Theresa Chong has experience in establishing companies and joint ventures with cross-border elements. Cheng Kee Check and Janet Looi are also recommended.

Skrine has a comprehensive track record in financing and is particularly well recognised for its corporate banking work. Clients include multinationals and leading local players. 
Philip Chan and Theresa Chong are the names to note.

Skrine remains busy advising on IPOs on Bursa Malaysia.