Banking & Finance - Singapore
What the team is known for
Latham & Watkins' lawyers in Singapore are active on cross-border deals in South and South-East Asia, with a particular focus on Indonesia and India. The firm is best known for its leading project financing practice, and noted for its work for an impressive range of clients including banks and private equity houses. The banking practice also offers expertise in a wide range of other types of financing from syndicated lending and acquisition financing to leveraged transactions. The team leverages the strength of its Singapore-based project finance and M&A teams to support clients on transactions. Its key clients include Adani Green Energy, Ola Netherlands and Searchlight Capital Partners.
Foreign desks
Latham & Watkins has a notable India-focused banking practice from its Singapore office, including deals in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Latham & Watkins advised the Adani Group on the financing of its acquisition of Ambuja Cements and ACC for USD4.5 billion through Endeavor Trade and Investment. Timothy Hia is a key contact.
Latham & Watkins has significant expertise in the Indonesian market, especially in relation to project finance. It has notable strength in the power sector, undertaking work in Indonesia for both domestic and international clients. Latham & Watkins advised on a USD300 million term loan facility for Loka Holdings. Timothy Hia is a key contact.
Strengths
"Latham & Watkins are very responsive to customer demands and are good value for money with sharp, incisive reviews."
"The firm has always been able to provide us with valuable advice and insights to properly execute transactions."
"They are extremely sharp and extremely helpful. They have put themselves in my shoes more than once, and have shown extreme empathy and emotional intelligence when it comes to understanding my commercial requirements."
Work highlights
Latham & Watkins assisted Adani with the USD4.5 billion financing for the client's acquisition of Ambuja Cements and ACC.
Notable practitioners
Timothy Hia is highly active on financing deals across the region, with particularly strong activity in India and Indonesia. He is particularly active on construction and infrastructure related financings. "Tim is an excellent lawyer and business partner. I always count on him to get the toughest deals done." "The best aspect is his depth of knowledge and his flexibility. He was willing to jump on a call whenever there was a need."
Kong Chuan Wei is a highly regarded associate who often advises borrowers on a range of financing transactions, especially matters requiring expertise in term loan B financings. "Chuan Wei has excellent commercial acumen, is extremely responsive and can always be relied on to provide strategic, timely and well thought out advice." "He is the front and back line of the banking and finance team. He handles it beautifully and is an extremely safe pair of hands."