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

FJ&G de Saram is a preeminent banking and finance firm, with one client saying: “The firm’s conservative approach is very important to us. We trust the lawyers’ advice, which is clear and concise in interpretation. They know our business and advise accordingly.” ... [more]

FJ&G de Saram is a preeminent banking and finance firm, with one client saying: “The firm’s conservative approach is very important to us. We trust the lawyers’ advice, which is clear and concise in interpretation. They know our business and advise accordingly.” A highlight deal for the firm was its work for the government on its international sovereign bond issue. Partners Ayomi Aluwihare-Gunawardene and Himali Mudadeniya led the team on this transaction, which was completed in September 2010 with a value of US$1 billion. One peer says: “The firm sits as a dominant force in the market, and is very secure at the top.”

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“Julius & Creasy is undoubtedly the best in the market, and always has been,” says a partner at a rival firm. Although some market observers note that the firm’s senior partners are getting older, competitors confirm that the firm has strength in depth. ... [more]

“Julius & Creasy is undoubtedly the best in the market, and always has been,” says a partner at a rival firm. Although some market observers note that the firm’s senior partners are getting older, competitors confirm that the firm has strength in depth. “Having worked with these supposedly less experienced partners,” says one, “I’ve found them to be very able and hardworking; they’re definitely cut from the same cloth as the seniors.” A prominent transaction for the firm was its work on a bond offering by the government of Sri Lanka, where it acted for lead managers HSBC, JP Morgan Securities and Royal Bank of Scotland. The deal completed in October 2010 and was valued at US$500 million.

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DL&F de Saram remains “a tough firm to beat” in the banking and finance market, says one peer. The firm has boasted a pedigree of excellence ever since it was created a number of decades ago, with clients and peers vouching for its continued expertise ... [more]

DL&F de Saram remains “a tough firm to beat” in the banking and finance market, says one peer. The firm has boasted a pedigree of excellence ever since it was created a number of decades ago, with clients and peers vouching for its continued expertise and ability. One client says: “We’ve worked mostly with partners Prabash de Saram and Suren de Silva, both of whom garner great respect in the market. They both have a good understanding of financial market requirements.” A notable matter last year involved advice to Chinese law firm China Venturetec Law Office. This was on exchange controls, taxation laws and the local legal framework relating to loans of over US$500 million from the China Development Bank to the government of Sri Lanka and government controlled banks.

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“Murugesu & Neelakandan provides excellent legal advice,” says one client. Name partner Kandiah Neelakandan is highly regarded by clients. “He is demonstrably a vastly knowledgeable and proactive lawyer,” says one. “His ability to split his time and ... [more]

“Murugesu & Neelakandan provides excellent legal advice,” says one client. Name partner Kandiah Neelakandan is highly regarded by clients. “He is demonstrably a vastly knowledgeable and proactive lawyer,” says one. “His ability to split his time and make himself available at the shortest possible notice is particularly impressive.” The firm regularly advises financial institutions such as Citibank, Indian Overseas Bank and Public Bank. A highlight for the firm in the past year was representing Korean entity Shinhan Bank on a project loan for a local company. One client says: “The lawyers know they’re good but are open-minded at the same time, which makes it a pleasant and insightful experience working with them.”

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Nithya Partners is a high profile banking and finance firm with particularly expertise on structured work. One client commented: “We work with all the firms in the country, depending on the product. For more structured work, and loans or syndicated loans, ... [more]

Nithya Partners is a high profile banking and finance firm with particularly expertise on structured work. One client commented: “We work with all the firms in the country, depending on the product. For more structured work, and loans or syndicated loans, we prefer this firm.” An example of the firm’s work in capital markets was its advice to joint lead managers Bank of America Securities, HSBC and the Royal Bank of Scotland on a Reg S/ 144A bond offering by the government of Sri Lanka. Partner Naomal Goonewardena worked on this transaction, which completed in October 2010 and was valued at US$1 billion.

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Sudath Perera Associates Sudath Perera Associates has made gains in the corporate finance area, as it looks beyond its mainstay intellectual property practice. The firm advised Chinese law firm Jincheng Tonga & Neal on financial and corporate matters ... [more]

Sudath Perera Associates

Sudath Perera Associates has made gains in the corporate finance area, as it looks beyond its mainstay intellectual property practice. The firm advised Chinese law firm Jincheng Tonga & Neal on financial and corporate matters relating to its representation of China Development Bank. This was connected to CDB’s grant of a loan to the Sri Lanka Ministry of Finance & Planning for the purpose of a road construction project in the country.

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