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

“Raja Darryl & Loh has an understanding of the industry we are in, which helps when we ask it for advice on matters,” says a client. The firm has a considerable reputation in the area of funds listings. A notable deal in the last year was its work for Malton in its joint equity and debt security offering. This transaction was announced in December 2010 and was expected to raise RM235 million (US$79 million).

Raja Darryl & Loh remains a consistent performer in the country, with one client saying: “The lawyers at the firm are very patient. More often than not, our calls with them are late at night. If I say I want it immediately, I do get it.” Partner Tai Chu Wei headed up the team advising SGX-listed Hotel Royal in its acquisition of the Hotel Coronade Kuala Lumpur business from Achijaya Properties. This transaction completed in September 2010 and was valued at RM93 million (US$31 million).

“The service at Raja Darryl & Loh was up to par and professional,” says one client. Peers recommend the firm’s construction and real estate work, with a competitor saying: “The lawyers there are on the top deals and they have top class clients.” The firm advised Hotel Royal in its acquisition of the four-star Hotel Coronade Kuala Lumpur from Achijaya Properties for RM93 million (US$31 million). The deal completed in September 2010.

“Raja Darryl & Loh fulfilled our guidelines and met our expectations with ease,” says one satisfied client. The firm is renowned in the country for its dispute resolution expertise, with another client noting: “The partner we worked with is not just another high street lawyer. The firm is very responsive.” A notable transaction in the last year involved the firm advising a distressed debt investment specialist in its Malaysian venture to finance lawsuits, debt claims and arbitration cases regarding an insolvent domestic company.

Led by the versatile Chew Phye Keat, the IP practice at Raja Darryl & Loh retains its ranking this year. Keat is highly regarded by peers and clients alike, with one competitor saying: “I have lots of respect for him. He has been a champion of the industry for many years.” The firm maintains a strategic alliance with Australian law firm Allens Arthur Robinson, which helps it to maintain a cross border delivery of service for its global clients. The IP team represented a Malaysian food and beverage company in its product distribution in Indonesia. This matter is yet to complete, with a number of court actions having been filed and disputes continuing in Indonesian courts.

“The lawyers at Raja Darryl & Loh were very polite and had excellent knowledge of the law,” says one client. The firm’s IT, telecoms and media practice is highly regarded by its clients, with one praising lead partner Tong Lai Ling: “She’s very patient. More often than not, the conference calls are late at night. The team there is very prompt.” A notable series of transactions in the last year included the firm’s work for Silverlake Axis on the implementation of CIMB Group’s 1Platform core banking platform across the region, which was valued at RM1.1 billion (US$368 million). The firm also advised on the standardisation and upgrade of the client’s integrated banking system over a span of three years, which was valued at S$30 million (US$24.9 million).

“Raja Darryl & Loh is easily accessible and has a good understanding of our industry,” says a client. Partner Ravindra Kumar is praised by clients, with one saying: “Industrial disputes in the country are often protracted, and it often comes down to a commercial decision in the end regardless of who is right or wrong. Kumar has helped us tremendously in this respect.” The firm acts for clients such as MTJ Development, Carrier International, Kelly Services and Roper Industries.

“The lawyers at Raja Darryl & Loh’s tax practice have solid accounting and business knowledge,” says one client. Partner Vijey M Krishnan is head of this practice, and is well respected by peers and clients for his “hands on approach and practical legal views”. A notable case led by Krishnan last year was a tax appeal regarding the imposition of real property gains tax on the proceeds of a sale of land. The firm represented Petaling Rubber Estates, a subsidiary of Sime Darby, before the Inland Revenue Board on this matter, which did not complete.