Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Zul Rafique & Partners has an outstanding reputation as a provider of banking and capital markets related services. Clients single out the firm’s creativity on transactions as its main strength, but it is also known for being able to overcome challenges and meet tough deadlines. As a result, the firm is mandated on the largest and most complex deals.

In one standout deal, the firm advised CIMB and Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia as joint lead arrangers on the first property securitisation in Malaysia. The asset-backed programme involved the purchase of various commercial properties. The firm also advised on the first acquisition of properties by the issuer.

Zul Rafique also represented Standard Chartered Malaysia as the lead arranger of the first senior subordinated MTN programme by a foreign issuer. The initial offering of RM3.5 billion (US$996 million) of senior and subordinated notes was made by Korean-incorporated subsidiary, Standard Chartered First Bank. The firm was also principal Malaysian law adviser to the issuer.

Loh Mei Mei is highly regarded for her knowledge relating to both banking and capital markets.

Zul Rafique & Partners’ corporate practice is led by Jerry Ong, a highly respected M&A practitioner.

In October 2008, Ong advised Mubadala Development Corporation and Global Capital and Development as consortium leaders on the subscription of 60% shares in Global Capital and Development. This was the company that entered into a master concession and land development agreement in relation to certain parcels of land in the Iskandar development region.

Ong was also present on the deal advising OME Management in its €553.8 million (US$784 million) purchase of the interests in the Starkstrom-Geratebau Group from Kajo Neukirchen and HCP Capital Group.

The dispute resolution practice at Zul Rafique & Partners includes the deadly duo of Wilfred and Cecil Abraham, with the latter recently involved on Internet libel cases for News Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad.

A reflection of the practice’s standing in the market is its regular instruction by the Government of Malaysia on various matters. This includes on the arbitration side of the practice.

Other key personnel include Kuhendran Thanapalasingham and Shahul Hameed Amirudin, while other key clients include Sarawak Shell Berhad.