Corporate/M&A: International: The Elite

Latham & Watkins' longstanding Singapore practice is known for its legal expertise in both M&A and capital markets. The team continues to be recognised for its high-calibre offering for cross-border transactions, especially in Indonesia, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. The firm advises on US, English and Singapore law, representing high-profile regional corporate clients, such as Singapore Technologies Engineering, Baring Private Equity Asia and PropertyGuru, as well as private equity firms and financial institutions. The department is active on matters across a range of sectors from healthcare and energy to engineering and technology.

Latham & Watkins' Singapore-based team regularly advises major Indian clients on cross-border M&A and private equity transactions in a wide array of sectors, including technology, infrastructure and healthcare. Latham & Watkins advised Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board on the acquisition of a majority stake in Sahyadri Hospitals Group from the Everstone Group. Sidharth Bhasin is a key contact.

The Indonesia desk, led from Singapore, focuses on high-calibre M&A work, often advising in the energy, finance and TMT sectors. The team acts for regional and local clients on investments in Indonesia. It advised Traveloka on an investment into it by PTTOR International Holdings. Sidharth Bhasin and James Clayton-Payne are key contacts.

The team at Latham & Watkins also has particular expertise on M&A deals in Vietnam, including in the real estate and energy sectors. Key contacts are Amy Beckingham and Sharon Lau.

"The team have a breadth of understanding in the M&A space. They have the depth of knowledge of a more focused team while having a larger spectrum of experience and knowledge across various sectors and industries."

"The team is constantly on hand, providing extensive input and promoting the interests of clients beyond their scope."

Latham & Watkins acted for ReNew Power Ventures on its USD8 billion business combination agreement with RMG Acquisition Corporation II.

Amy Beckingham has an impressive track record in handling cross-border investments on behalf of leading international private equity houses, particularly those involving Vietnam. "Amy is smart and creative. What distinguishes her from other lawyers is that she can quickly identify the main issues, what is important and what I should let go of. She makes the process efficient."

Sidharth Bhasin is particularly adept at advising multinational corporates and private equity funds on M&A and joint ventures in the technology, energy and natural resources sectors, acting from the firm's Singapore office. He is particularly knowledgeable on matters involving India and Indonesia. "He's an impressive lawyer with great commercial acumen and a can-do attitude."

Farhana Sharmeen is head of Latham & Watkins' Singapore corporate law practice. She possesses solid experience in assisting both domestic and international clients with sophisticated transactions. She advises on transactions in a range of sectors, including retail and technology. "Farhana is astute, has good judgement and is passionate about her work and clients."

James Clayton-Payne has a solid reputation for handling M&A and private equity investments across various jurisdictions from his base in Singapore, including in relation to Indonesia and the Philippines. He is particularly strong on energy and technology transactions. "He provides excellent service and is very attentive to the clients' needs."

Sharon Lau in Singapore is experienced in providing assistance to private equity funds and multinational corporates with cross-border M&A and investments. She handles deals across South-East Asia. "She's excellent at helping the client resolve issues and providing solutions."