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

The newly rechristened ZICOlaw is a permanent fixture in the banking rankings. A competitor says: “Some see the firm’s banking practice as waning and falling behind, but I can only see great things coming from this firm. It has too much talent in this space and should be regarded as a top tier mainstay.” A notable matter for the firm was its work for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation on an Islamic financing facility, based on the Shariah principle of Bai’ Inah, for Toyota Capital Malaysia. Star partner Megat Hizaini Hassan led the team on this deal, which was valued at ¥9 billion (US$117 million) and completed in September 2010. A client praises the firm’s international capabilities: “We prefer working with the firm because it offers coverage of the entire ASEAN region and, with cross border transactions, we prefer to keep things all at the same firm as a one-stop shop.”

The firm formerly known as Zaid Ibrahim & Co has now adopted the name of ZICOlaw across all its offices in what is a major rebranding exercise. One client says: “I would recommend the firm for its expertise, professionalism and customer service levels.” Led by partners Gilbert Gan and Sharon Wong, a firm team acted for CIMB Group Holdings on its acquisition of a 19.67% stake in Indonesian Stock Exchange listed-PT Bank CIMB Bank Niaga Tbk. This transaction was valued at RM1.94 billion (US$650 million). “The lawyers at the firm anticipate the ‘what-if’ scenarios and work out best possible solutions to the advantage of our company,” says one client.

“The advice we received from ZICOlaw provided clear and patient explanations of legal issues. The service was user friendly and practical,” says a client. The construction and real estate practice at the firm is led by partner Karin Lim who is respected by clients for “her clear and concise advice, and her practical and patient manner”. A notable transaction last year was the team’s representation of Global Capital & Development in a commercial development in the Medini Business District. This project was valued at RM688 million (US$231 million).

ZICOlaw’s dispute resolution expertise lies in the corporate and financial sectors. The practice is led by partner Ariff Rozhan, who is recommended by peers as a “top litigation expert”. A firm team, led by Rozhan, advised Maybank IB in its defence from three investors who alleged misrepresentation and negligence regarding reports prepared and statements made on the likely performance of shares in 2004. The value of this case was RM8 million (US$2.68 million) plus damages.

“ZICOlaw provides an end-to-end service with its array of quality practices,” says one satisfied client. The IT, telecoms and media practice at the firm is no different, with a peer saying: “It’s an important area of practice for the firm, and it has its share of big ticket deals.” A notable transaction was the firm’s representation of Bursa Malaysia in its partnership with CME Group. Partner Sharon Tan was involved in this transaction. Tan is well regarded in the industry, with one partner at a rival firm saying: “She’s a key resource in this area of practice and sets the industry standard.”

The newly rebranded ZICOlaw possesses a formidable labour and employment practice. One client says: “The firm has helped our company greatly in pre-empting the ‘what if’ scenarios and working out best possible solutions to our advantage.” Partner Yong Hon Cheong is singled out by another client for praise: “He understands our business and will lay out the risks for us. He knows his cases and is extremely responsive.” The firm provides advice to clients such as CIMB Group, RHB Bank, Chartis Malaysia Insurance and British American Tobacco.