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

Zain & Co is highly rated by peers and clients in the banking sector. A firm team led by the incomparable Zainal Azlan bin Abdul Kadir and Zain Azrin bin Zain Azahari advised Bank Pembangunan Malaysia on a banking facility for the financing and development of a pier in Johor. This was based on the Shariah concept of Istisna, which was granted under the Maritime Fund. The transaction was valued at RM240 million (US$80 million) and completed in January 2011.

Zain & Co has a strong corporate foundation, with partner Salwah Abdul Shukor highly regarded by peers for her “fine knowledge”. A notable matter for the firm was its representation of Employees Provident Fund on a proposed joint venture regarding the construction and development of properties in the country. The transaction was valued at RM185 million (US$62 million) and closed in April 2011.

Zain & Co houses a “vibrant and reputable” construction and real estate practice, says a peer. The firm advised PNB Merdeka Ventures, which is a subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional, in the development of a 100-storey tower in Kuala Lumpur. This project is valued at RM2.5 billion (US$838 million) and, if it completes, the building will be the tallest in the country and in the Southeast Asia region.

Zain & Co advised Hai-O Enterprise in claims against the client for unlawful termination of employment based on allegations of unfair labour practice. The team on this matter comprised Collin Sequerah, Kok Su Ann and Lim Ming Wang. Another notable matter was the firm’s representation of Optimal Chemicals (Malaysia) in employee claims against the client for alleged unlawful deduction of salary.