Banking & Finance
Shook Lin & Bok has a long-established reputation in advising on cross-border transactions and syndicated financings across the globe. Liew Kai Zee represented Bank of America in a secured syndicated credit agreement to finance the $37 billion leveraged acquisition of Nasdaq-listed Broadcom Corporation. The transaction spanned seven jurisdictions including Singapore, New York, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Ireland. The finance team represented a Singaporean solar integrated manufacturer in its $243 million acquisition by a Norwegian group.
Capital Markets
Shook Lin & Bok’s capital markets team is strong in advising on retail structured note programmes and handling IPOs for Chinese companies. Marilyn See and Lian Shueh Min advised Aspial Corporation and its subsidiary Aspial Treasury on a S$150 million maiden retail bond issue by Aspial Treasury. Pok Eu Jin advised Trinseo Materials Operating SCA on an issuance of $300 million fixed rate notes due in 2022 and €375 million fixed rate notes due in 2022 and a $500 million syndicated loan facility.
Corporate/M&A
Shook Lin & Bok is a preferred firm for many global banks during takeovers in Singapore. “It gives extremely prompt replies, solid technical knowledge and they possess excellent business acumen,” says a client. David Chong represented AccorHotels in its $2.9 billion acquisition of FRHI, a Canadian hospitality company. Michelle Phang represented Citigroup Global Markets Singapore in CMA CGM’s $2.4 billion cash offer for Neptune Orient Lines.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
The team at Shook Lin & Bok is responsive, meets deadlines and provides invaluable advice,” says a client. “We obtain a good level of service from the firm. They handle our case proactively and their response time is very satisfactory,” adds another client. Sarjit Singh Gill represented appellants in a S$200 million case involving whether the third respondent had the mental capacity to make decisions about her assets.
Financial Services Regulatory
Shook Lin & Bok is recognised for its experience in advising on the full spectrum of financial regulations and transactional work. David Chong and Eric Chan advised Allgrace Investment Management (AIM) on acquiring the whole of the share capital of Singapore Consortium Investment Management (SICIM) for S$1.4 million, and assisted AIM to secure regulatory approvals and to give up its non-retail fund management licence.
Investment Funds
Shook Lin & Bok is known for advising on a variety of fund types, such as REITs and trusts, and is in demand with foreign-licensed fund managers. Half of its funds work is cross-border. Tan Woon Hum advised a China fund management company on the establishment of SAIF Silver Star Investment Fund and a $300 million Cayman Islands fund. Tan also advised One Asia Investment Partners on the reorganisation and establishment of XGenesis 2, a $30 million Singaporean corporate fund.
IT, Telco & Media
Shook Lin & Bok has an impressive list of IP clients, having represented multinational corporations such as Amazon, Billboard and WPP, as well as international government agencies and research institutes. Ho Ying Ming is representing TDK Corporation in the establishment of a $3 billion Singaporean joint venture with NASDAQ-listed Qualcomm. Ho also advised Digicel on the $166 million sale of its 75% stake in Digicel Asian Holdings.
Labour & Employment
Shook Lin & Bok has been advising in labour disputes and employment matters during the past year. Stephanie Wee is representing Golden Gate Capital on Singaporean employment issues arising from Dow Chemical’s purchase of the ANGUS Chemical business. The matter involved a transfer of about 290 employees from ANGUS. Wee also advised a leading commercial real estate company on the implications of a plan to revise the bonus and remuneration packages of senior executives and strategies to mitigate the risks of litigation.
Restructuring & Insolvency
Shook Lin & Bok has one of the oldest insolvency practices in Singapore and is well-known for its capabilities in handling asset divestments, debt restructurings and liability management issues and liquidations. “It provides quality and timely advice that are sound and commercial. There is adequate air time from senior partners and strong support,” says a client. Debby Lim is advising a creditor and a major shareholder of a large global petrochemical company on a $2.4 billion debt restructuring and receivership of one of its petrochemical plants.
