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

LS Horizon is considered a rising star in the market, having worked on some of the most high profile project financings in the region over the last year. The practice and partners seem to have particular acumen when it comes to advising project finance companies on cross border transactions. “The firm has provided good services,” says one complimentary client, “and the relationship with our company is excellent.”

In one of the team’s largest financing deals over the past year, the firm represented Hongsa Power Company on a US$2.7 billion financing for the development of the 1,878 MW Hongsa Thermal Mine-Mouth Power Plant in Lao PDR. This was one of the largest ever financings in Thailand’s history.

LS Horizon has had an impressive year, gaining recognition in the market and earning major mandates as a result of the proficiency of its partners. One partner at a rival firm says of the firm’s practice: “LS Horizon is a rising star among Thai firms. It is known for high quality work and it is definitely the one to watch in the market.”

A highlight M&A mandate last year was advising SPSU on its disposition of 17% of shares in Thai Suzuki Motor and the delisting SPSU’s shares from the Thai Stock Exchange. This deal was valued at approximately Baht 669.92 million (US$22 million).

The real estate team at LS Horizon advises clients on a wide range of real estate transactions, from real estate development to mergers and acquisitions to the establishment of REITS and property funds. The highly-visible team, led by partners Sunpasi Sunpa-a-sa and Khemajit Choomwattana, prides itself on its ability to advise on hotel, office, residential and commercial shopping mall developments. A partner at a rival firm says: “The firm’s capability in real estate and construction seems really good.”

This past year, LS Horizon’s team represented fund manager Krung Thai Asset Management in its association with Dusit Thani on the establishment of Dusit Thani Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund. The publicly offered fund is valued at Baht 4.09 billion (US$134.19 million) and will invest in three major hotels in Thailand.

The fairly recent arrival of partner Lersak Kancvalskul has significantly bolstered LS Horizon’s disputes practice. Lersak Kancvalskul was formerly head of litigation and dispute resolution at Clifford Chance, and brings two decades of experience in this area to the LS Horizon team. One partner at a rival firm says that with the arrival of Kancvalskul, the firm’s disputes practice has “made great strides”.

LS Horizon is known for its capacity to advise international companies and domestic Thai clients on matters concerning all types of administration and business concerns. The team continues to advise clients on administrative cases in the securities, education, energy, telecommunications and chemical sectors. LS Horizon’s disputes lawyers are able to represent clients on arbitrations, all types of disputes and regulatory investigations.