Renowned for its ‘rich practical experience’, the corporate and M&A department at Christopher & Lee Ong stands out for its comprehensive industry coverage, advising on joint ventures, share acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and venture capital deals. Adrian Chee, who is regarded as ‘one of the best in the market’, advises on the acquisition and disposal of stakes in private and public companies, Yon See Ting focuses on cross-border corporate finance deals, and Yau Yee Ming operates within the telecoms and logistics sectors, advising on the acquisition of IT businesses. Kuok Yew Chen is well-equipped to assist private equity funds and multinationals on the full suite of M&A matters, while Por Chuei Ying covers capital reduction exercises. All individuals named above collectively lead the practice. Kelvin Kho focuses on companies’ investments and operations, whereas Tracy Wong handles financial regulatory and corporate governance work.

Fielding a destination corporate and M&A practice, Rahmat Lim & Partners continues to advise on high-profile M&A deals and is regularly instructed by leading financial institutions and public and private corporations. Core workflows for the group include cross-border joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, leveraged buyouts, and share and business acquisitions and disposals. The department is jointly led by M&A expert Moy Pui Yee, who focuses on takeovers and foreign investments in the energy and power sectors, and Chia Chee Hoong, who covers corporate and debt restructurings, securities regulation, and investments. Chen Lee Won advises private equity firms and sovereign funds on matters including cross-border investments, Lim Teong Sit handles Islamic finance and structured finance products, while Eilene Teh is recommended for her work on strategic investments and divestitures.

Distinguished by its popularity with multinational clients, the corporate and M&A group at Shearn Delamore & Co upholds its reputation by advising on complex and high-value transactions, both locally and internationally. Industry veteran Grace Yeoh anchors the practice and leverages her relationships with top Malaysian banks to handle venture capital, corporate restructuring, and joint venture work. Putri Noor Shariza Noordin focuses on securities dealings and private finance initiatives, the ‘attentive’ Marhaini Nordin assists foreign clients in acquisitions and takeovers, and Michelle Wong Min Er frequently represents corporate investors in foreign investments. Nicholas Tan Choi Chuan is reputed for his work in the M&A space, often advising Chinese investor clients, while Lai Zhen Pik covers the financing of infrastructure and tech projects, and Teo Eu John handles public and private M&A, primarily in the oil and gas and education industries.

Skrine’s prominent market reputation is evidenced by the firm’s frequent involvement in complex cross-border deals, often representing blue-chip Malaysian corporates and multinationals. The group’s capacity to lean on its complementary tax and insolvency practices equips its lawyers with the ability to advise on high-value M&A deals in the insurance and healthcare sectors, in addition to global restructuring exercises. Janet Looi leads the team with ample experience in takeovers, foreign direct investment and corporate governance matters. Fariz Abdul Aziz is a go-to for private equity transactions and public M&A deals, Sheba Gumis concentrates on the establishment of joint ventures in Malaysia, and Tan Wei Xian handles corporate advisory work, with a focus on the data centre, oil and gas, and energy indsutries.

Distinguished by its extensive global network as a member firm of Baker McKenzie, Wong & Partners is lauded for its strengths in big-ticket M&A mandates, often operating across the life sciences, financial services and insurance industries. Andre Gan spearheads the department and is well-equipped to advise on high-value transactions, public company takeovers and venture capital matters. Munir Abdul Aziz leverages his experience in the field to assist multinational corporations in corporate reorganisations and divestments of shares, Stephanie Phua concentrates on private equity investments, and Addy Herg demonstrates a focus on the Chinese investment market. Ee Von Teo advises on transactions concerning the privatisation of public companies in Malaysia, while the ‘knowledgeable and practical’ Sue Wan Wong is a key contact for IPO work and the acquisition of interests in financial institutions. Brian Chia retired in January 2024.

In the corporate and M&A arena, Kadir Andri & Partners is proficient in business and asset acquisitions, takeover offers, the privatisation of public listed companies, and investments by private equity funds. Tan Kong Yam leads the group, with experience spanning capital markets, corporate real estate, and financial services. Samuel Hong is reputed for his work in the corporate and M&A field, with ample experience in matters concerning corporate restructuring, joint ventures, and securities regulation. Chin Wee Sing concentrates on equity fundraising exercises, and Andy Teoh Tuck Wah handles general corporate advisory matters.

The nascent corporate and M&A practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill demonstrates a broad scope of expertise, which includes foreign investments, private equity deals, and corporate reorganisation exercises. Acting for government-linked companies and financial institutions, the group is led by Tay Weng Hwee, who draws from his two decades of experience to lead high-value transactions and joint ventures. The team’s deep bench strength includes Steven SY Tee, who handles shareholder agreements, Teo Wai Sum, a go-to for corporate restructuring, and Bella Chu Chai Yee, who concentrates on business acquisitions and equity capital markets. Thivya Manokaran is recommended, as is Joyce Ong Kar Yee, who covers the acquisition of existing project assets.

Lauded for its ‘exceptional quality’, Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh houses a destination corporate and M&A practice, distinguished by its ability to advise on high-value and complex public takeover transactions, in addition to corporate deals involving major national companies. Elsewhere, the group has a reputable aviation and shipping practice, which advises clients on the acquisition of aircraft and vessels by Malaysian companies. Philip Koh and the ‘highly sought after’ Adrian Koh jointly lead the offering, and both draw from decades of experience to advise a wide array of clients. The ‘dedicated’ Wenny Ling is recommended for her involvement in large-scale acquisitions.

Ranking among Malaysia’s most dominant corporate practices, Mohamed Ridza & Co regularly advises on joint ventures, dealerships, consortium agreements, and venture capitalist transactions. The leadership trio comprises Mohamed Ridza Bin Abdullah, who is reputed for his know-how on major state and federal privatisation projects and the financing of petrochemical contracts, Mohamed Nazran Basirun, who advises foreign companies on offshore business activities, and Naseem Binti Mohamed Abdulla, a key contact for corporate mergers and REITs. Nur Adila Omar is recommended for her strong capital markets background, in addition to her strengths in unit trust funds, while Siti Norafiqah Hassanor focuses on Islamic finance matters.

Leveraging its membership of the KPMG Global Legal Services network, Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law) advises local and international corporations on the full gamut of matters, such as corporate M&A, shareholder arrangements, private equity, and corporate restructuring. The group is collectively led by Gilbert Gan, a leader in the field with ample experience in advising government-linked corporations and global financial institutions; Ang Siak Keng, who leads the Penang office with a focus on foreign direct investment; Chua Wei Min, a go-to for cross-border M&A; and Jonathan Lim, an expert in the fintech and venture capital space. Tan Wooi Hong, Nadarashnaraj Sargunaraj, Joan Ting Pang Chung, Muhammad Zukhairi Muhammed Salehudin, Mohammad Iliyas Bin Razali and Chan Xian Ai also form the leadership bench.

Standing out for its combination of legal and commercial acumen, Zain & Co advises domestic and government-linked corporations on joint ventures, corporate governance, M&A and divestments, and takeovers. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach by collaborating with its tech, intellectual property, and Islamic finance departments, the group lies under the leadership of Salwah Abdul Shukor, a specialist in the field with experience in IPOs and Islamic finance. Rajiv Vijayananthan concentrates on petrochemical contracts and infrastructure projects, Pauline Ngiam handles corporate restructuring, and Rebecca Jeyanthi Selvaraj is well-versed in foreign direct investments and general corporate advice.

At Abdullah Chan & Co, the corporate and M&A team is instructed by government-linked funds, asset management companies, and insurance corporations. The group demonstrates niche expertise in aviation and aerospace-related M&A mandates, and is collectively led by industry veteran Vincent Chan Siew Onn, who advises financial institutions on foreign direct investments in the oil and gas space; Shelina Razaly Wahi, who focuses on acquisitions, financing and leasing; Yap Hui Lu, a key contact for real estate finance; and Gopala Krishnan Sundaram, who concentrates on corporate and regulatory matters. Wong Li Yee is a notable member of the team.

The emergent corporate and M&A practice at Azmi & Associates counts corporate reorganisations, foreign and domestic investment, and takeovers within its scope of expertise. Azmi Mohd Ali, who is reputed in the field with experience in cross-border project finance deals, leads the team alongside Norhisham Abd Bahrin, a key contact for private equity and venture capital fund investments, and Muhammad Inamul Hassan Shah bin Norman Dunsah, who concentrates on investments by government corporations. Sharizan Sarif, Suhara Mohd Sidik, Jonathan Ngee Song Law and Mohammad Ashraf Bin Mohamed Sopiee also form the leadership team.

Deol & Gill’s corporate and M&A practice operates across the tech, real estate, and energy sectors, and frequently advises leading national corporations and government-linked investment companies. The leadership trio comprises Suraj Singh Gill, who is skilled in the structuring of venture capital funds, Michael Raj, a notable contact for debt and equity restructurings, and the ‘very experienced’ Sathish Ramachandran, who handles private equity investments.

At LAW Partnership, the corporate and M&A team is well-versed in both advisory and transactional work, and regularly handles private equity, venture capital, and acquisitions of foreign companies with local subsidiaries. Raphael Tay oversees the practice and advises on acquisitions of companies which operate solar power plants, the restructuring of groups, and due diligence matters. Shivani Sivanesan is a key contact in the group and oversees various corporate and commercial advisory matters.

Clients praise boutique firm Murad Yee Partnership for its ‘strong technical skills and responsiveness’. The group advises listed companies and government-linked agencies on corporate restructuring, capital markets, and venture capital and private equity mandates. Highly regarded for his ‘dedication and attention’, Yee Fook Weng anchors the practice and frequently leads on work involving reorganisations, IPOs and takeovers.

Active in the banking, healthcare and renewable energy sectors, Raja, Darryl & Loh’s corporate and M&A department is led by Chew Phye Keat. Tai Chu Wei concentrates on cross-border M&A deals, while Joyce Teh focuses on restructurings, foreign direct investments, joint ventures, and pre-acquisition bidding processes, and Chong Kok Seng provides general commercial and corporate advice.

Particularly praised for its ‘exceptional speed and professionalism’, Zul Rafique & Partners counts foreign companies, investors, and local digital banks among its roster of clients. Working across the telecoms, education, and financial services industries, the group handles domestic and cross-border mergers, joint ventures, restructurings, and takeovers. The group lies under the leadership of Jerry Ong, who draws from decades of experience to advise on business acquisitions, private equity investments, and foreign direct investments. Ong is ably supported by Cathryn Chay and ‘standout professional’ Chin Lit Fwu, who concentrates on venture capital and equity capital markets.

The boutique corporate practice at Aaron Sankar & Co. counts government-linked corporations, insurance companies, and leading hoteliers as clients for an extensive range of corporate and M&A matters. Aaron Gerard Sankar leads the group and handles negotiations and the drafting of complex transactional agreements. Sankar is ably supported by Christie Wong, who established the firm’s China desk, which works closely with Chinese corporate clients.

In the corporate and M&A arena, Cheang & Ariff advises on joint ventures, restructurings, and venture capital work. The group regularly collaborates with the firm’s tax, antitrust and employment disciplines to offer a holistic service. Tan Ming-li focuses on securitisation, reverse takeovers and disposals; the ‘highly experienced’ Yoon Ming Sun handles international M&A mandates; and Yeat Soo Ching covers public takeover transactions. Adriel Lau Jin Son is experienced in the acquisition and financing of aircraft, whereas Cindy Cheang Foong Kim concentrates on IPOs and M&A involving private equity investments.

Chooi & Company’s corporate and M&A group has experience of advising both acquirers and sellers in domestic and regional M&A mandates. The team’s scope of work extends to the drafting and structuring of transactions, conducting due diligence exercises, and advising on investment policies and regulatory controls. Advising clients from the telecoms, real estate, and insurance industries, Lim Tsu Qi is a key member of the practice and leads on several matters.

The ‘dynamic’ corporate and M&A practice at boutique firm Daniel & Wong assists private equity firms and foreign companies with investments and cross-border financings. The group advises on sale and purchase agreements, transactional structures, regulatory frameworks, and due diligence exercises. Reputed for being a ‘standout partner’, Kenneth Wong Poh Lim leads the group and handles fintech structuring, M&A deals, and general corporate advice. Chermaine Chen Yinn Li covers regulatory compliance and various commercial transactions.

The corporate and M&A team at Halim Hong & Quek routinely advises on corporate debt restructurings, takeover exercises, the negotiation of share sale agreements, and regulatory compliance matters. The group is co-led by Leon Gan Han Chen, who handles M&A mandates in the trade and tech sectors, and Quek Ngee Meng, who regularly assists major developers with loan documentation for urban development projects. Tan Lee Weei focuses on public and private M&A, while Choo Sheau Kee focuses on corporate governance matters.

The corporate and M&A team at Lim Jo Yan & Co advises a range of international law firms and domestic companies on competitive bidding processes and negotiations in deals with government-linked and publicly listed companies. Active across the aviation, data centre, and cement manufacturing industries, the firm also draws support from its employment, real estate, and competition practice areas. Lim Jo Yan concentrates on domestic and cross-border transactions, and primarily advises offshore law firms. Sharmeen Dahlia handles the transactional and advisory elements of M&A deals.

Peter Ling heads the corporate and M&A practice at Peter Ling & van Geyzel. The group counts local corporations and insurance companies among its roster of clients, and frequently undertakes work relating to acquisitions and disposals.

The ‘swift’ corporate and M&A team at Ramesh Dipendra Jeremiah Law covers a broad spectrum of advisory and transactional work, including joint ventures, public private partnerships, and corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Praised for always ‘willing to go the extra mile’, Jeremiah Gurusamy leads the team, and is ably supported by Danny Khoo Yih Xiang, who advises clients from the banking, consultancy and advertising sectors.

The ‘excellent’ corporate and M&A team at Wong Beh & Toh advises on an array of matters, including capital reduction exercises, due diligence matters, and corporate restructurings. Cynthia Toh and the ‘very professional’ Yeap Lin Lin are key members of the group and are well-placed to assist a range of local corporations.