ACCRALAW

The firm improves its ranking to ‘Outstanding’ in Capital markets after a strong three-year performance. Tadeo Hilado retired as corporate partner, as did energy and projects specialist Brigida Aldeguer.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Worked for Philippine Hybrid Energy Systems on a wind power financing by Security Bank.

Advised Star Energy Geothermal on documents with AC Energy and lenders.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advised on Cebu Landmasters’ IPO.

Assisted the joint lead managers, including Deutsche Bank and UBS, on oil and gas company Petron’s issue of $500 million senior perpetual capital securities.

Key clients

ANZ Bank, Cirtek Holdings Philippines, DBS Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Instructed by AGC Flat Glass Philippines, the team notified the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) about the client’s share sale.

Key clients

AAI, Bain Capital, Bayer, San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Development, Sports Direct International, Toshiba

Construction

Work highlights

Assisted Allegro Microsystems Philippines Realty on its land purchase to expand its manufacturing plant.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Asahi Glass on the sale of its local subsidiary to TQMP Glass Manufacturing. Asahi intends to be the TQMP’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines.

Working with CVC Asia Pacific, the team assisted on the client’s majority-stake sale of SPi Global, a business process outsourcing provider, to Partners Group.

Key clients

British Standards Institution, Chemical Industries of the Philippines, Enel Green Power, Jones Lang LaSalle

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented Banco de Oro and other banks against the government relating to imposing a 20% final withholding tax on 10-year sovereign bonds before the Supreme Court.

Key clients

Chevron, Citibank, CoStar, DM Consunji, Manila Electric, PLDT

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Represented Innovation Ventures and International IP before the Intellectual Property Office, successfully opposing three trade marks by Lehman Holdings.

Defended a trade mark of Accolade Wines Australia from an opposition by Suyen.

Key clients

Honda, Petron, Pioneer Insurance & Surety, San Miguel Pure Foods

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Continues to lead on matters for Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, including employee termination disputes and labour litigations.

Key clients

Canon Business Machines, Convergys Philippines Services, Dunlop Slazenger, Procter & Gamble, Rizal Commercial Banking

Tax

Work highlights

Advised on tax and competition laws in respect of Shang Properties’ proposed joint venture with Robinsons Land to develop a property in Bonifacio Global City.

Advised Vestas on its tax treatment as a supplier to renewable energy developers. The team routinely argued against the tedious application of a revenue memorandum circular relating to value added tax (VAT) refunds and credits.

Key clients

Metrobank, New Farmers Plaza, Next Mobile

Client feedback

“Has in-depth technical knowledge of capital market regulations, very responsive, and provides timely output. Partners have an extensive network with key regulatory agencies we work with.”– Capital markets, Regulatory

“The firm has professional knowledge and experience, and can provide valuable advice and supports.”– Corporate and M&A, Tax

“My work experience with the firm has been good. The firm's corporate legal team is well versed in their field. They have good working relationships with the regulators, which helps in facilitating the regulatory approval process. They can be contacted any time for queries and issues involving the transactions that we are working on.”– Capital markets, Corporate and M&A

“Lee is meticulous and approachable.” - Everlene Lee

“Extremely qualified for capital markets work, has very wide network among key institutions, and extremely highly respected among capital markets players.” - Francis Lim

“He is an able lawyer, and always assists on negotiation with professional advises.” - Joselito Bautista

"Very competent and responsive, technically very well-equipped and very hard-working.” “I am satisfied with Hao's work. She is innovative and looks out for her clients on both legal and commercial aspects of a transaction.” - Judy Hao