Incorporated in 2016, BlackOak is a top-ranked restructuring and insolvency specialist firm active in all fields of the corporate and insolvency process. Peers consistently nod to its expertise and unique offering in the market. The firm is often instructed in various cross-border restructurings by, among others, the debtor, creditors and white knight investors. Its size and structure allow it greater independence compared to larger law firms, and keeps the firm nimble for non-domestic mandates. Under the leadership of Ashok Kumar and Darius Tay, the firm handles both contentious and non-contentious aspects of the practice. It is also particularly active in bond restructurings. Director Debby Lim left for Dentons Rodyk & Davidson last year.
Client feedback
“Our investors are top-tier VC funds and they use top-tier international law firms such as Latham and Dentons. BlackOak may be smaller in size but they are not lacking in terms of quality and responsiveness.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Competent lawyers both from a legal and commercial perspective. Short turnaround times and available for a quick chat, as required.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“The best specialist restructuring and insolvency firm in Singapore.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Innovative and knowledgeable about the latest developments.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“A leader in the restructuring and insolvency space. They combine strategic insight, deep knowledge of the law and very commercial advice.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Ashok Kumar
“Superb intellect and correct personality for the work.”
Darius Tay
“He is innovative.”
“He is easy to work with and technically sound from a legal and commercial perspective. Available for a chat anytime.”
“First-class lawyer for areas where he is strong, such as insolvency and restructuring and venture or start-up companies. As our legal adviser, he goes the extra mile to spend time with our management, to fully understand our business and concerns, such that his recommendations are sound and practical. He is extremely responsive and will jump into the trenches and fight alongside management to put out issues and fire-fight. This is common for hypergrowth, tier-one VC-backed start-ups like ours and we need strong lawyers with the optimal amount of commercial acumen and tenacity that can help us in this intensive but critical cycle of the business. Due to the growth of our business, over the course of the last 12 months, we have had various rounds of funding via different structures. This requires a high level of sophistication so as to marry and align the different stakeholders of the company. We are able to do so as Darius is able to leverage on his strong background in restructuring to provide creative and sound concepts to navigate through difficult negotiations.”
Work highlights
Advised the informal steering committee, which includes SC Lowy, PT Bank, China Construction Bank and Shinhan Bank, on the restructuring of Indonesian garment manufacturer PT Pan Brothers and its subsidiaries.
Representing an ad hoc committee of bondholders of notes issued by CFG Peru Investment SAC in the restructuring of China Fishery Group.
Key clients
E Sun Commercial Bank, Riverbed Group
