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

The corporate practice at FJ&G de Saram is “incomparable and inexorable” in its excellence and development, says a peer. The firm retains a top tier rating as clients and competitors extol its expertise and experience. For example, one client says: “The ... [more]

The corporate practice at FJ&G de Saram is “incomparable and inexorable” in its excellence and development, says a peer. The firm retains a top tier rating as clients and competitors extol its expertise and experience. For example, one client says: “The firm’s lawyers have great relationships and communication with regulators and legislators. They are highly engaged in legislative changes and reforms. A primary reason for retaining the firm is its access and knowledge of the regulatory environment and its know-how.” One highlight deal for the firm last year was its work for client Emirates in its sale of shares in Sri Lankan Airlines to the government of Sri Lanka. This US$53 million matter was headed up by partner Shehara Varia and completed in June 2010.

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“Julius & Creasy is a top tier firm from top to bottom,” says a competitor. The firm remains in the highest echelons of the corporate rankings, with one client saying: “In our experience, the firm’s accessibility, responsiveness and clarity have been ... [more]

“Julius & Creasy is a top tier firm from top to bottom,” says a competitor. The firm remains in the highest echelons of the corporate rankings, with one client saying: “In our experience, the firm’s accessibility, responsiveness and clarity have been impeccable.” A notable transaction for the firm last year was its representation of Cargills (Ceylon) and subsidiary Millers Brewery in its acquisition of McCallum Brewing, McCallum Breweries (Ceylon) and The Three Coins Company. This matter saw the client acquiring a 5% market share in the domestic beer industry, and could have a monumental impact on the industry. “The firm provides a quality service and gets the results we want,” adds another client.

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DL&F de Saram retains considerable clout in the M&A area of practice, with one client saying: “The firm has great expertise in the country. It always aims to provide simple solutions in an otherwise complex environment.” Partner Prabash De Saram is recommended ... [more]

DL&F de Saram retains considerable clout in the M&A area of practice, with one client saying: “The firm has great expertise in the country. It always aims to provide simple solutions in an otherwise complex environment.” Partner Prabash De Saram is recommended by peers and clients as a “top professional of the highest order”. The firm advised Hong Kong entity China Merchant Holdings International on a proposed joint venture relating to Colombo Port Expansion Project’s new South Container Terminal. “We have found the firm to be knowledgeable on a range of topics,” adds another client, “and we consult it on every aspect of our business and legal needs.”

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Nithya Partners is regarded as a “premier financial and corporate firm” by peers and clients alike. Its corporate practice includes top class lawyers such as Arittha Wikramanayake, who is regarded by clients as a “very well known source of information ... [more]

Nithya Partners is regarded as a “premier financial and corporate firm” by peers and clients alike. Its corporate practice includes top class lawyers such as Arittha Wikramanayake, who is regarded by clients as a “very well known source of information and guidance”. Wikramanayake and Thanuja Jayawardene led the firm’s team advising Renuka Holdings on its acquisition of shares in Shaw Wallace Marketing and Pioneer Warehousing from Pioneer Homes. This transaction was valued at LKR1 billion (US$9 million) and was completed in March 2011. One client notes: “After working with the top firms in the country, I prefer to go back to this firm overall.”

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John Wilson Partners has nearly a century of experience in the Sri Lankan legal market. The firm manages to provide “excellent and nuanced advice of quality”, says one client, despite its relatively modest size. John Wilson Partners works closely with ... [more]

John Wilson Partners has nearly a century of experience in the Sri Lankan legal market. The firm manages to provide “excellent and nuanced advice of quality”, says one client, despite its relatively modest size. John Wilson Partners works closely with international firms such as Baker & McKenzie, Clifford Chance and Linklaters, and has developed a considerable reputation as a domestic legal resource. The firm’s M&A work comes recommended by peers and clients.

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