Chandler MHM

Chandler MHM is one of Thailand’s largest and most prestigious full service firms. It excels particularly in the banking and finance, energy, and corporate and M&A areas. It is widely considered by industry insiders to be the go-to market leader for complex, big-ticket energy projects across the financing and development spectrum. Its growing capital markets team has an outstanding track record in the REITs space, while its dispute resolution department was bolstered by four recent senior hires, including counsels from DLA Piper and Tilleke & Gibbins. Notable senior partner movements include Albert Chandler retiring from the partnership, Satoshi Kawai returning to MHM Tokyo, and Ratana Poonsombudlert and Niwes Phancharoenworakul becoming senior advisers. The co-managing partners of the firm are now Jessada Sawatdipong and recent arrival from Tokyo, labour specialist Chisako Takaya.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Advising Krung Thai Bank and Export-Import Bank of Thailand on the financing of a solar power project in Myanmar.

Representing Mercuria Investment on its mezzanine financing for condominium projects in Thailand. This is the only mezzanine fund in the country where the target consists of real estate projects.

Key clients

Bangkok Bank, BCPG Indochina, Export-Import Bank of China, Siam Commercial Bank

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advised the Siam Chemicals on the lease of its assets to the AIM Industrial Growth Freehold and Leasehold REIT. This is the first REIT to invest in a tank farm asset.

Represented CIMBT as both the debt lender and the equity underwriter to raise funds for a cross-border Dusit Thani Freehold and Leasehold REIT to invest in a new hotel project in the Maldives.

Key clients

CPN REIT Management, Krung Thai Bank, Muangthai Capital, Thanachart Bank

Construction

Work highlights

Advising a domestic bank on the financing of a solar plant in Minbu, Myanmar.

Acted for renewable company BCPG Indochina on the acquisition financing of the Nam San 3A and Nam San 3B hydropower projects in Laos.

Representing a Chinese investor on its investment in a waste-to-energy facility in northern Thailand.

Key clients

Export-Import Bank of Thailand

Corporate and M&A  

Work highlights

Advised Food Factors, a subsidiary of the Boonrawd Group, in a bidding process involving the purchase of shares of a food chain company, Santa Fe Steak. The target operates more than 100 franchise outlets located predominantly in Thailand.

Represented Japanese system integration company NTT Data on its $23 million acquisition of 100% equity in Locus Telecommunication, a Thai technology solutions company.

Acted for a domestic OEM automotive parts manufacturer in a joint venture with Sojitz to set up a new company in Thailand.

Key clients

AAPICO Hitech, Kanden Realty & Development, Thanachart Bank

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Defending a manufacturer listed on the Thai Stock Exchange against multi-million dollar claims by former major shareholders and founders of the company.

Acting for a global mining firm in relation to an arbitration claim against Thailand’s government.

Representing a Japanese motor manufacturer in relation to a civil claim arising from the termination of dealership agreements.

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Advised Nissan Motor Thailand on an internal corporate restructuring involving a share swap of Nissan Motor’s shares in Nissan Motor Thailand, Nissan Powertrain Thailand, and SNN Tools and Dies Company in exchange for new shares in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nissan Motor Asia Pacific.

Acting for a listed domestic manufacturer as a debtor under insolvency proceedings on claims for the repayment of debts.

Client feedback

“The firm’s lawyers were kind and polite to me, always providing the advice I required.” – Banking and finance

“The firm has a very experienced banking and project finance team. I have known lawyers at the firm for many years. They have a stable and reliable team. I know them and they know me. We have a good working relationship. I feel they understand my business and are nice to work with. I have a lot of trust in them.” – Banking and finance

“Professionalism and efficiency combined with an impressive knowledge of Thai law.” – Dispute resolution

“It is quite professional and has attention to details. Its speed of response is good.” – Infrastructure

“Provides responsive, practical and commercial advice.” – Private equity

David Beckstead

“He is very professional and always responds quickly.”

Supattra Sathapornnanon

“She fully supported us with the legal information necessary for my business.”

“We have a good working relationship. I have found her to be very responsive and caring. I can rely on her advice as she has a lot of expertise.”

Jessada Sawatdipong

“He is very fast to provide legal advice as required.”

Nathee Silacharoen

“A true professional, he is hardworking and efficient in the delivery of the work product and in meeting targets in tight timeframes.  He also demonstrated very good management of resources, such as in the allocation of work to his team.  He has an impressive knowledge of Thai law and industry sector expertise, especially with regards to complicated legal issues.”

Nuanporn Wechsuwanarux

“Responsive, commercial and gives practical advice.”