Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Advised a group of banks, including DBS Bank and Mizuho Bank, on a $338 million acquisition financing to AEV International. The purpose was for Pilmico International, a subsidiary, to acquire Golden Springs, expanding Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ market share in Vietnam’s animal feed industry.

Key clients

Cleantech Solar Asia, MUFG Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, United Overseas Bank

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Represented AP Renewables, managing an anti-competitive case before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and court of appeals. The case focuses on whether the Philippine Competition Act removed ERC’s authority over competition matters in the energy sector.

Key clients

Ayala Land, Cebu Holdings

Construction

Work highlights

Advised a group of clients, including JG Summit and Changi Airports International, on a bid to operate and maintain Clark International Airport’s new terminal under construction.

Key clients

CRH, Filinvest Development, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Republic Cement

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Assisted on the merger of two Ayala Land subsidiaries, Cebu Holdings and Cebu Property Ventures and Development.

Key clients

Filinvest Development, JG Summit, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Dole

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented Italian confectionery company Ferrero in a dispute with its former exclusive distributor.

Key clients

American Express, Holcim, Metro Rail Transit, Pagbilao Energy, Standard Chartered Bank

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Advised HP on its employee transfers, terminations and recruitment as a result of the acquisition of Samsung’s printer division.

Key clients

American Express, Hyder Consulting Middle East, Visa

Tax

Work highlights

Represented Sanofi’s vaccines unit Sanofi Pasteur before tax officials, concerning a host of tax assessments including income and value-added taxes. The team succeeded in reducing the assessments by more than 97%.

Key clients

Metro Rail Transit, Pagbilao Energy

Client feedback

“Hands-on and practical, very responsive and pleasant to work with.”– Construction, Dispute resolution

“Provides prompt and comprehensive advice that takes into account both legal and practical considerations.”– Corporate and M&A, Labour and employment, Regulatory, Tax

“The partners we work with are very responsive and reliable. Apart from having the substantive and technical skills for the legal work required, they are strategic and do keep a step ahead of the possible issues, challenges and difficulties.”– Dispute resolution, Regulatory

“We appreciate their open-mindedness when clients challenge or test their approach, and their willingness to adapt and be flexible where extraneous or collateral considerations drive adjustments to their preferred approach. This demonstrates their consideration of the client's circumstances, and are willing to be collaborative towards solutions, which are optimal for the client.”– Dispute resolution, Regulatory