ZICO Law

Operating since 2009, ZICO Law has been advising clients across banking, dispute resolution, foreign investments, IP, labour, tax and telecommunications. Managing partner Aristotle David specialises in banking and finance, corporate commercial, IP and real estate.

General business law

Work highlights

Advising Junzejun, a Chinese law firm, regarding the contract drafting of the finance documents related to project financing and equity financing of the Lao Sino high-speed railway project.

Assisting a Lao fuel importer on legal matters for Lao listing and related regulatory and compliance matters.

Providing legal advice to Scoot Tigerair pertaining to its registration and operation in Laos.

Key clients

Gaia Vita, Japan Tobacco International, Lao Insurance Association, University of California San Francisco

Client feedback

“Good knowledge of the law, yet able to understand the situation on the ground to give sound practical advice.” – Corporate and M&A

Aristotle David

“Responsive, decisive, very knowledgeable both about the law and the situation on the ground.”

ZICO Law serves various clients on corporate and M&A, infrastructure and real estate matters. In the energy sector, the firm was busy on one of the four most recent power plant projects awarded in the country, the Kyaukphyu combined cycle power plant. Executive chairman Maung Maung Thein specialises in banking and finance, and corporate commercial laws, while resident partner Geraldine Oh has been a long-time presence in the market as a project and corporate specialist.

General business law

Work highlights

Advising Myanmar-Singapore (Hlegu) Industrial Park on its MIC licensing applications related to the development of a $230 million GDV industrial park. The project company client is a significant joint-venture between Sembcorp and two Myanmar conglomerates.

Acted for Supreme Group Trading in relation to a $172 million joint venture with Chinese SOE Sinohydro on the development of a combined gas turbine cycle power plant in Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State.

Advising China Triumph International Engineering on the drafting, review and finalisation of its project agreements in relation to the development of a solar power plant in the Minbu district of Myanmar.

Represented MAPCO-Golden Lace on the disposal of its rice mill and power plant assets between Hong Kong-based conglomerate Wilmar and Riceland International.

Key clients

Digital Money Myanmar

ZICO Law climbs up in our IP, and technology and telecommunications rankings this year. The latter practice continues to represent an impressive range of e-commerce and fintech companies, and is noted for its counsel on FDI and legal compliance on regional initiatives to these clients. The firm is a member of the ZICO Law network that extends its influence and reach across Southeast Asia. Its regional IP capabilities bolster its reputation as one of the go-to IP firms for global and multinational clients. Partners Threenuch Bunruangthaworn and Archaree Suppakrucha are key contacts.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Advising a US-based investment bank on the implementation of an e-signature platform for client due diligence, anti-money laundering, and providing advice on its account and liquidity management services.

Representing a Malaysian-owned financial institution on the procedures for encumbering Aquawalk Thailand’s assets as security under the country’s laws to secure a cross-border financing facility between the client and Aquawalk.

Key clients

Allianz, Vista Foundation Fund

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advising a drug manufacturer on the relevant licence, restriction and other regulatory requirements for drug importation, distribution, and marketing including the foreign business restrictions.

Acting for regionally-based data company Dattel on its Panelship Programme terms and conditions, and its privacy policy in line with the new data protection legislation.

Representing an engineering service and construction company on its internal companies’ amalgamation and shareholder restructuring for its future IPO.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Managing global insurance giant Chubb’s trademark portfolio in Southeast Asia.

Representing Thai health and wellness company Mega Lifesciences on the trademark enforcement of its well-known acne treatment medication.

Key clients

Advanced Info Service, Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft, TAC Consumer, United Life Sciences

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Advising a global end-to-end IT services and solutions provider on its revised sales incentive compensation plan under Thai law.

Assisting a luxury Singapore-based hotel chain on legal advice and strategy on the termination of senior management who is also a director of the entity in Thailand.

Client feedback

“The firm is responsive, attentive and flexible.” – Intellectual property

Titirat Wattanachewanopakorn

“Titirat is proactive, responsive and extremely capable. He provides us with relevant advice quickly and efficiently.”

Prominent in the real estate and construction spaces, ZICO Law regularly advises on acquisition and development of residential and commercial projects. The firm is skilled in land acquisition, leasing and disposal of assets, as well as obtaining approvals from regulatory bodies. Besides, the firm is also active across banking and finance, construction and corporate and M&A. It is frequently engaged by high profile developers, banks and private equity investors. Managing partner Phuong Nguyen is a key contact.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Assisted China Development Bank in the market entry in Vietnam, including employment, foreign exchange control, trade, international trade, and money laundering.

Construction

Work highlights

Engaged by Sotetsu Holdings to advise on land acquisition, the structure of investment, investment documents, licensing and all regulatory approvals for its new project in Vietnam.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advising Strategic Year on its first investment in Vietnam in an education start-up.

Assisting JR-286 in its market entry in several ASEAN markets and advising on employment, real estate, and distribution matters.

Real estate

Work highlights

Retained by Hongkong Land to advise on a mixed-use project comprising luxury residences as well as a commercial component in Thu Thiem District of Ho Chi Minh City.

Client feedback

“ZICO Law provides us with a comprehensive overview of the legal procedure and a common practice for the real estate market in Vietnam.” – Real estate

Zi Li Tay

“He has very clear market knowledge and is certainly a strong communicator.”