ACQ GLOBAL A W A R D S
“Our winning formula is to keep banking simple…In two years time, CSOB will be even stronger. Throughout the crisis we never closed our business; we kept going” Ivan Meloun, Director CSOB
T W E N T Y
T W E L V E
“Empowering People We believe a business cannot survive unless its people are enterprising, future-focused and well equipped to take on myriad project challenges” Mr. K. Ramchand
“Joseph’s New York firm has a definable ‘sweetspot,’ big - dollar complex financial transactions, involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and securities claims, credit default swaps and derivatives — averitable chocolatebox of the financial cases of the past decade.” Gregory P. Joseph Law Offices LLC “Innovation has been a key success factor over the years. Flexible solutions and a client-focussed approach has ensured that the Irish funds industry is at the forefront of change. BNY Mellon is no different in that our core priority is to understand our client’s needs and respond to them…” Rachel Turner, Head of Offshore Asset Servicing, BNY Mellon
LUXEMBOURG
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
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PRACTICE AREAS BONN & SCHMITT is a full service commercial law firm that practices all aspects of business law, with special expertise in: Corporate
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Our attorneys are experienced practitioners in the Luxembourg legal environment and present a unique combination of expertise allowing us to deliver unrivalled legal solutions in one of Europe’s leading financial centres. BONN & SCHMITT has established strong working relationships with leading law firms throughout Europe and in the international community with whom we interact closely and collaboratively to provide our clients with innovative and integrated solutions to multi-jurisdictional matters.
The firm regularly advises Luxembourg state, local and regulatory authorities on a wide range of legal matters. BONN & SCHMITT ‘s lawyers are registered with the Luxembourg Bar and many are members of several international legal organisations, including the International Bar Association, the Union Internationale des Avocats and the International Fiscal Association. BONN & SCHMITT is the editor of the Luxembourg Law Digest for the Martindale Hubbell Directory.
02 B&S annALFI-jan2012.indd 1
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 02/02/12 23:42
ACQ GLOBAL A W A R D S
T W E N T Y
In this volatile and unpredictable environment, the need for business to be forward thinking and innovative has never been greater: the need for managers to think and plan beyond the short term; the need for workforces to embrace change; the need for companies, large and small, to consider how to build sustainable enterprises in a world where competition is tougher than ever. ACQ Magazine IS the longest and most established magazine of its kind! Anybody can make that claim, but ACQ really is different. Serving the markets for a decade, which other publications can draw on such experience? ACQ has been celebrating achievement, innovation and brilliance in our annual awards for much of that time. Every year, we seek the assistance of our tens of thousands of readers to nominate and recognise industry leaders, eminent individuals, exemplary teams and distinguished organisations, which
T W E L V E
we believe represent the benchmark of achievement and best practice in a variety of fields. We strive to recognise an ever-widening spectrum of services, markets, industries and organisations. We believe that by consulting our readers we can better identify the groups that are confronting the issues which face us at this complex juncture, and our awards will rise above the status of participation certificate and actually be an endorsement of their work. The years’ awards feature candidates from Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East/Africa. It is important to note that some notable examples are recognised for their International presence where geography is no barrier to their skills and performance. As always, it is pleasing to see the pride that winners take in being nominated for an award. Many realise it is a great achievement to be recognised in the ACQ Global Awards.
HOW TO REACH ACQ ACQ welcomes news and views from its readers. Correspondence should be sent to customerservice@acqmagazine.com For more information about ACQ visit www.acqmagazine.com. ACQ Copyright Š 2012 ACQ is published under licence from Metropolis International Group Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission. SAFE HARBOR The interviews in this publication may contain certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations of the businesses profiled. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements and forecasts. The statements may have been made with reference to forecast price changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Nothing in these announcements should be construed as a profit forecast. ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
03
AMERICAS WINNER
AROCHI, MARROQUÍN & LINDNER, S.C.- MEXICO
KRYS GLOBAL - BAHAMAS
• IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE RECOVERY & INSOLVENCY ADVISORY OF THE YEAR • FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
22
AXINN VELTROP HARKRIDER LLP - US LITWAK & PARTNERS - CAYMAN ISLANDS
• ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BASILIO ADVOGADOS - BRAZIL
• INVESTMENT FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 15
M. & M. BOMCHIL - ARGENTINA
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BMO FINANCIAL GROUP - CANADA
MAALOUF ASHFORD & TALBOT, LLP - US
• INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ASSET FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SHARIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTERNATIONAL TRADE & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP – CANADA • ASSET FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BIOTECH LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ISLAMIC FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (CORPORATE) • RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CAMPBELLS - CAYMAN ISLANDS
15
• INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CANDIA COMMUNICATIONS - US
21
• STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR
MCCOLL PARTNERS - US CANTOR OF CANTOR & WEBB P.A. - US
• INDEPENDENT INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
• CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MCCULLOUGH O’CONNOR IRWIN LLP - CANADA CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION - US
• CORPORATE AND SECURITIES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LISTED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
COMAD, S.C. - MEXICO MICHAEL J. LICCAR & CO. - US
• CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CONDUIT CONSULTING LLC - US
22
• ALTERNATIVE FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR 16
• INDEPENDENT STRATEGIC ADVISER OF THE YEAR
NADER, HAYAUX & GOEBEL - MEXICO
STRUCTURED FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE WINNER YEAR PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• • • •
CONSORTIUM CENTRO AMÉRICA ABOGADOS - CENTRAL AMERICA
NEVES, SOARES & BATTENDIERI ADVOGADOS - BRAZIL
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CURTIS, MALLET-PREVOST, COLT & MOSLE LLP - US • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
OGIER - CAYMAN ISLANDS
CONSORTIUM CENTRO AMÉRICA ABOGADOS - HONDURAS
FITZPATRICK & COMPANY - CANADA • MEDIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
24
16
PAGEMILL PARTNERS - US • CROSS BORDER M&A ADVISIOR OF THE YEAR
PALIARE ROLAND ROSENBERG ROTHSTEIN LLP - CANADA
• CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CREDIT ASSET MANAGER OF THE YEAR
PARDINI & ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS AT LAW - PANAMA • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GONZALO RIQUELME GONZÁLEZ ABOGADO - CHILE
PATTON BOGGS LLP - US
• EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GREGORY P. JOSEPH LAW OFFICES LLC - US
20
18
• LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HERRICK, FEINSTEIN LLP - US
23
• FIDUCIARY ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
GODOY CÓRDOBA ABOGADOS S.A.S - COLOMBIA
GOLUB CAPITAL - US
23
24
PORTILLA, RUY-DIAZ Y AGUILAR, S.C - MEXICO • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
17
PROMARE ADVOCACIA E CONSULTORIA - BRAZIL
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HOLMES AND COMPANY - CANADA
SADIS & GOLDBERG LLP - US
• CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JAT ABOGADOS, L.L.C. - MEXICO SEYFARTH SHAW LLP - US
• BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JÁUREGUI Y NAVARRETE, S.C. - MEXICO • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
4
17
• CLIENT CARE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SFERA LEGAL - COSTA RICA • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
ASIA PACIFIC AMARCHAND & MANGALDAS & SURESH A. SHROFF & CO. - INDIA WINNER
SIGNAL HILL - US • GROWTH COMPANY ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
SORINRAND - US
25
• GROWTH LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• • • • •
CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR TMT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SOUZA, CESCON, BARRIEU & FLESCH ADVOGADOS - BRAZIL ASHURST LLP - HONG KONG
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON & RAUTH, P.C. - US • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
26
CBM INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS LLP - HONG KONG
29
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VAHG VÁZQUEZ ALDANA, HERNÁNDEZ GÓMEZ & ASSOCIATES - MEXICO 28 • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CHAPMAN TRIPP - NEW ZEALAND • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VAZQUEZ, SIERRA & GARCIA, S.C. - MEXICO
26
CLAYTON UTZ - AUSTRALIA
• MINING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VEDDER PRICE P.C. - US • PATENTS & IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD - AUSTRALIA • REAL ESTATE ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
VINSON & ELKINS LLP - US • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENVIRONMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRODUCT LIABILITY DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PATENTS & IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DEEP & FAR - TAIWAN
29
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FIRM OF THE YEAR DESAI & DIWANJI - INDIA • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INFRASTRUCTURE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
30
EAGLE IP LIMITED - HONG KONG • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
V-ROOMS - US • VIRTUAL DATA ROOM PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
FISHER CARTWRIGHT BERRIMAN PTY LIMITED - AUSTRALIA
WACHTELL, LIPTON, ROSEN & KATZ - US
HARMERS WORKPLACE LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA
• MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CSR LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WALKERS - CAYMAN ISLANDS
HOLMAN WEBB LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA
• • • • • •
• INSURANCE & REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
30
• EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
ICICI SECURITIES LTD - INDIA • FRANCHISOR OF THE YEAR
IL&FS TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS LTD - INDIA
32
• PPP COMPANY OF THE YEAR
WILLIAM C. MARTUCCI SHOOK HARDY & BACON LLP - US • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
2525 INDOCHINE COUNSEL - VIETNAM • BUSINESS FORMATION ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
WYRICK ROBBINS YATES & PONTON LLP - US • CLEAN TECH LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JOHNSON WINTER & SLATTERY - AUSTRALIA
YOUNG CONAWAY STARGATT & TAYLOR, LLP - US
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • FUNDS MANAGEMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REGULATORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TURNAROUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JONES LANG LASALLE INDIA - INDIA • REAL ESTATE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
KATIE MALYON & ASSOCIATES - AUSTRALIA
36
• CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KHAITAN & CO - INDIA • • • • • • •
CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FRANCHISE & LICENSING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR M&A FIRM OF THE
KOTAK MAHINDRA CAPITAL COMPANY LIMITED - INDIA • INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
LEADCO - VIETNAM • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LOO & PARTNERS LLP - SINGAPORE • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
5
ASIA PACIFIC LORENZ INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS - KYRGYZ REPULBIC • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SKRINE - MALAYSIA
LUBIS, GANIE & SUROWIDJOJO - INDONESIA 37
SLP ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS - THAILAND
• INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISER OF THE YEAR
LUBIS, GANIE & SUROWIDJOJO - INDONESIA
31
STAMFORD LAW CORPORATION - SINGAPORE
38
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR THOMPSON BLACKIE BIDDLES - NEW ZEALAND • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
M S MISHRA ASSOCIATES - INDIA • • • • •
INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SUDATH PERERA ASSOCIATES - SRI LANKA • MOST RESPECTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
M. V. KINI & CO. - INDIA
M+K LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 39
• CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TMT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MESSRS. JULIUS & CREASY - SRI LANKA • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MINTER ELLISON LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 38
• SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MULLA & MULLA & CRAIGIE BLUNT & CAROE - INDIA
39
• TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NISHITH DESAI ASSOCIATES - INDIA • BIO-TECHNOLOGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NYGT (HONG KONG) LIMITED - HONG KONG
40
• PRIVATE CLIENT ADVISORY OF THE YEAR PACIFIC EQUITY PARTNERS – ASIA PACIFIC • LARGE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR
43
PHOENIX LEGAL - INDIA • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PRADHAN & ASSOCIATES - NEPAL • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PRADHAN & ASSOCIATES - NEPAL • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RAJAH & TANN LLP - SINGAPORE • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RSM NELSON WHEELER CONSULTING LIMITED - HONG KONG
40
• FINANCIAL ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
S ESHWAR CONSULTANTS - INDIA • • • •
43
TWIGGY M H LIU LAW OFFICES - HONG KONG • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
42
VCI LEGAL- VIETNAM • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
31
WILMAR INTERNATIONAL LTD - SINGAPORE • LISTED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
MEDIA ARTS LAWYERS PTY LTD - AUSTRALIA
MULLA & MULLA & CRAIGIE BLUNT & CAROE - INDIA
42
TRILEGAL - INDIA • TMT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MCCULLOUGH ROBERTSON LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA
41
• LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
41
IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SIAM ADVISORY SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED - THAILAND • INDEPENDENT CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
EUROPE A.G. PAPHITIS & CO. LLC - CYPRUS 44
ASTAPOVLAWYERS INTERNATIONAL LAW GROUP - RUSSIA
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ABELS AVOCATS - SWITZERLAND • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ABN AMRO COMMERCIAL FINANCE PLC - UK
ATRIUM PARTNERS A/S - DENMARK
• FACTORING LENDER OF THE YEAR
• M&A ADVISORY OF THE YEAR • FINANCIAL ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACADAMETRICS LTD - UK
49
ASTERS - UKRAINE • CAPITIAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 49
46
AUDON PARTNERS A/S - DENMARK
• NICHE CONSULTANCY PRACTICE OF THE YEAR
• M&A ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
ACCLIMATISE (AWARE FOR INVESTMENTS) - UK AVELLUM PARTNERS - UKRAINE
• NICHE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
• LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACCURA ADVOKATPARTNERSELSKAB - DENMARK BAKER TILLY TAX AND ACCOUNTING LIMITED - UK
• BANKING LAW FIRMOF THE YEAR • LAWYER OF THE YEAR • M&A FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE TAX ADVISER OF THE YEAR
BALLARD EVANS CORPORATE FINANCE LIMITED - UK ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP - UK
46
50
• SMALL CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ASSET BASED LENDING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BANCA IMI - ITALY ADVENTION BUSINESS PARTNERS - FRANCE
47
52
• FINANCIAL ADVISER OF THE YEAR
• STRATEGIC ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
BANNING NV - NETHERLANDS ADVOKATFIRMAET HAAVIND AS - NORWAY • OUTSOURCING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
53
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BARGATE MURRAY SOLICITORS – UK • BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (CITY
ADVOKATFIRMAET SELMER DA - NORWAY • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
51
BDO - GEORGIA ADVOKATFIRMAN VINGE KB - SWEDEN
• OVERALL ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ARBITRATION & LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BDO LLP - UK AFR AIGNER FISCHER RADLMAYR - GERMANY
47
• AIM ACCOUNTANT OF THE YEAR • LARGE TAX ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
48
BERGAMIN & GIELINK PENSIOENRECHTADVIES B.V. - NETHERLANDS • PENSIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
54
BIEDECKI BIEDECKI & PARTNERS - POLAND • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
54
• SMALL TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AFSCHRIFT G.E.I.E. - BELGIUM • HR ADVISORY OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AK KAZDA & PARTNERS - CZECH REPUBLIC • FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ALAE ABOGADOS, S.L.P - SPAIN • FULL SERVICE SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • NEW LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ALEXANDER VASSARDANIS & PARTNERS - GREECE • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
48
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL LLP - UK • QUOTED COMPANY ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
ALTANA - FRANCE
BLAS DE LEZO ABOGADOS - SPAIN
• TURNAROUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ANDERSON LAW LLP - UK
BLUEMIND CORPORATE FINANCE STRATEGY - NETHERLANDS
• TECHNOLOGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INDEPENDENT CORPORATE FINANCE FIRM OF THE YEAR
ANTAS DA CUNHA, FERREIRA & ASSOCIADOS - PORTUGAL
BNY MELLON – IRELAND • FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEA
ANASTASIOS ANTONIOU LLC - CYPRUS
• COMMERCIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISER OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
55
55
58 - 59
BOEKEL DE NERÉE N.V. - NETHERLANDS ARCADIS NV - NETHERLANDS
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
BOGDAN SLATINEANU LAW OFFICE - ROMANIA ARGOS SODITIC - SWITZERLAND
• SHIPPING & MARITIME OF THE YEAR
• LARGE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR ARTHUR D. LITTLE AB - SWEDEN • PRIVATE EQUITY ADVISER OF THE YEAR
BÖHRET LINDSTEDT SEHMSDORF & PARTNER - GERMANY
BONN & SCHMITT - LUXEMBOURG ASHFORDS LLP - UK • QUOTED COMPANY ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
56
• FINANCIAL ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
02
EUROPE BONN & SHMIDT - LUXEMBOURG • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
119
BONN STEICHEN & PARTNERS - LUXEMBOURG • TAX ADVISORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BORENIUS - LATVIA • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
66
BORRO - UK • ALTERNATIVE LENDER OF THE YEA BRACHERS LLP - UK • REGIONAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
95
BROOKS MACDONALD - UK • PRIVATE CLIENT INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
DRAKOPOULOS LAW FIRM - GREECE • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DUFF & PHELPS LTD. - UK • CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
50
56
D YOUNG & CO LLP - UK • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ELENA MARTINI - CALLEGARI & MARTINI AVVOCATI - ITALY • LEADING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR EMERALD KNIGHT LTD - UK • ETHICAL INVESTOR OF THE YEAR0
69
EOC PARTNERS LLP - SWEDEN • CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR
70
EQUITA CORPORATE FINANCE LLP - UK • LEAD TRANSACTION ADVISOR OF THE YEAR ERNST & YOUNG - NORWAY • TAX ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
BURGIS & BULLOCK CORPORATE FINANCE LIMITED - UK • REGIONAL FINANCIAL ADVISORY OF THE YEAR BUSE HEBERER FROMM RECHTSANWÄLTE STEUERBERATER - GERMANY • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ERNST & YOUNG TRANSACTION ADVISORY SERVICES - NETHERLANDS • TRANSACTION ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
BYFIELD CONSULTANCY - UK • LEGAL PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM OF THE YEAR
EURO-PHOENIX FINANCIAL ADVISORS LTD. - HUNGARY • FINANCIAL ADVISORY OF THE YEAR EVERSHEDS LLP - FRANCE • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CARLTON STRATEGY ADVISORS LIMITED - UK • COMMERCIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
68
EHLERMANN RINDFLEISCH GADOW - GERMANY • SHIPPING & MARITME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BRUCHER THIELTGEN & PARTNERS - LUXEMBOURG • FULL SERVICE SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BRYAN CAVE - UK • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DR MATHIAS WITTINGHOFER, MCIARB - BAKER & MCKENZIE - GERMANY WINNER • LEADING LITIGATION LAWYER OF THE YEAR
57
FENWICK ELLIOTT LLP - UK • CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CARNEGIE INVESTMENT BANK AB - SWEDEN • CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
FIEBINGER POLAK LEON RECHTSANWÄLTE WINNER - AUSTRIA • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CBM INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS LLP - GERMANY • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
57
CENTRIC COMMERCIAL FINANCE - UK • INVOICE DISCOUNTER OF THE YEAR
64
FINANCIAL MARKETING LIMITED - UK • CORPORATE MARKETING AGENCY OF THE YEAR
CESKOSLOVENSKA OBCHODNI BANKA, A. S. - CZECH
60
FOUR PARTNERS S.R.L. & FOUR PARTNERS ADVISORY SIM S.P.A. - ITALY • INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM OF THE YEAR
70
64
FULCRUM CHAMBERS LLP - UK • ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR
72
• BANK OF THE YEAR COLLER IP MANAGEMENT - UK • IP ADVISORY OF THE YEAR COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL - UK • NICHE PROPERTY ADVISOR OF THE YEAR (HEALTHACRE)
GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU & ASSOCIATES LLC - CYPRUS • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
COMPASS, RONDELLI ADVISERS - ITALY • M&A ADVISER OF THE YEAR
65
GO INDUSTRY DOVE BID - UK • ASSET APPRAISER OF THE YEAR
72
CORPORATE DEFENSE SL - SPAIN • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
65
GOBERT & PARTNERS - HUNGARY • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
73
DE BROECK VAN LAERE - BELGIUM • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
66
GOLTSBLAT BLP LLP. - RUSSIA • ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CPV PARTNERS - SWITZERLAND • NEW LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CROSS EQUITY PARTNERS AG - SWITZERLAND • PRIVATE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR (MID MARKET) DE GAULLE FLEURANCE & ASSOCIÉS - FRANCE • INDEPENDENT FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
67
DEEPSTORE - UK • RECORDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
67
DILLON EUSTACE - IRELAND 68 • ASSET MANAGEMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INVESTMENT FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DR HELEN PAPACONSTANTINOU, JOHN FILIAS & ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS AT LAW PATENT & TRADEMARK ATTORNEYS - GREECE 69 • PATENTS & IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
8
GRAHAM ASSOCIATES (INTERNATIONAL) LTD - UK • TAX ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
73
GRANT THORNTON UK LLP - UK • CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
74
GRANT THORNTON - IRELAND • TAX ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
74
GREEN SQUARE - UK • NICHE CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR GRUENDEL RECHTSANWÄLTE - GERMANY • NEW LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
75
GUNNERCOOKE LLP - UK • BOUTIQUE CORPORATE LAW FIRM
75
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
WINNER
We know the formula for success As the largest bank on the Czech market, we continue to strengthen our leading role in corporate and institutional banking. Our clients can expect a high standard of service, as well as a professional and dependable team, offering a unique combination of insight into the local environment and a support from international KBC network. Our comprehensive, individually tailored financial and consulting services have been designed to establish long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our corporate and institutional clients.
ÄŒSOB for your success.
www.csob.cz
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Corporate and Institutional Banking 9
EUROPE HERMANN RECHTSANWÄLTE WIRTSCHAFTSPRÜFER STEUERBERATER - GERMANY • INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
76
KALLISTA ENERGY INVESTMENT - FRANCE WINNER • EQUITY BACKED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR KELLERHALS ANWÄLTE ATTORNEYS AT LAW - SWITZERLAND
HAMPTON COURT CAPITAL - UK • TMT ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
78
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KERMAN & CO LLP - UK HARDIE CALDWELL LLP - UK • REGIONAL FINANCIAL ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
79
HAVER & MAILÄNDER - GERMANY • COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• AIM LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR KILBURN & STRODE LLP - UK • TRADEMARKS & PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HEYMANN & PARTNER – GERMANY 71
KIRAN BHOGAL - WEIGHTMANS LLP - UK
• PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LEADING HEALTHCARE & LIFE SCIENCES LAWYER OF THE YEAR
HILTON-BAIRD GROUP - UK • ASSET BASED FINANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR
KKG - POLAND
HOGAN LOVELLS STUDIO LEGALE - ITALY
KONEČNÁ & ZACHA, S.R.O., ADVOKÁTNÍ KANCELÁŘ - CZECH REPUBLIC
• IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HOLLAND REALTY PARTNERS - NETHERLANDS
KPMG AB - SWEDEN
• ASSET APPRAISER OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE TAX TEAM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR • DEBT ADVISOR OF THE YEAR • ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR • FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
• LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HORTEN - DENMARK
78
• IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KPMG ABOGADOS, S.L. - SPAIN HOUTHOFF BURUMA - NETHERLANDS
• M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CLIENT FOCUS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HOUTHOFF BURUMA - NETHERLANDS
METIS PARTNERS LTD - UK • SPECIALIST IP ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
80
KUHNEN & WACKER - GERMANY
80
• INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
ID EST AVOCATS LLC - SWITZERLAND
76
• BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
INFIELD SYSTEMS LIMITED - UK
LAVRYNOVYCH & PARTNERS - UKRAINE
• NICHE ADVISORY OF THE YEAR (OIL & GAS)
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
INFLEXION PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS LLP - UK
LAVRYNOVYCH & PARTNERS - UKRAINE
• FUNDRAISING OF THE YEAR
• BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ING BELGIUM - BELGIUM
LAVRYNOVYCH & PARTNERS - UKRAINE • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LEAUA & ASOCIATII - ROMANIA • COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
• CORPORATE BANK OF THE YEAR • LEVERAGED FINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR
INMAR LEGAL LTD - RUSSIA
77
81
• BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR0
LEONHARDT RECHTSANWÄLTE - GERMANY IPES (GUERNSEY) LIMITED - UK
81
• INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR0
LEUMI ABL - UK 82 JANSSEN BROEKHUYSEN ADVOCATEN - NETHERLANDS
• ASSET BASED LENDER OF THE YEAR
• PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LEWIS & CO - FRANCE JAMES LOVE LEGAL - UK
• SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INDEPENDENT IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LEXENCE N.V. ADVOCATEN & NOTARISSEN - NETHERLANDS JASMIN CAPITAL - FRANCE
• CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PRIVATE EQUITY ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR • MARKETING FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE PLACEMENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
LIDINGS - RUSSIA
82
• DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JAVELIN GROUP - UK • NICHE ADVISORY OF THE YEAR (RETAIL)
LINKLATERS LLP - BELGIUM JEANTET ASSOCIÉS - FRANCE • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JONES DAY - UK
83
• MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 77
LINKLATERS LLP - UK
• PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JUPITER CAPITAL PARTNERS GMBH - GERMANY
LITMUS ADVISORY LIMITED - UK
• CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR • FINANCIAL ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
• DEBT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
83
LK SHIELDS SOLICITORS - IRELAND K&L GATES LLP - FRANCE • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PENSIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LORENTZ, DESCHAMPS & ASSOCIÉS - FRANCE KALLIOLAW ASIANAJOTOIMISTO OY - ATTORNEYS AT LAW - FINLAND
84
• INDEPENDENT CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
• PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
10
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
LUCENTUM LIMITED - UK
NORDEA BANK AB - SWEDEN
• REGIONAL ACCOUNTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BANK OF THE YEAR
LYCEUM CAPITAL PARTNERS LLP - UK
OBER & BEERENS - LUXEMBOURG
• PRIVATE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR MANCHES LLP - UK • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR OLORYN PARTNERS - FRANCE • SPECIALIST CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR
MANNHEIMER SWARTLING - SWEDEN
O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP - UK
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MAPLES & CALDER - IRELAND 85
ORBIS PARTNERS LLP - UK
• BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TURNAROUND & RESTRUCTURING ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
MAPLES & CALDER - IRELAND 85
ORSINGHER – AVVOCATI ASSOCIATI - ITALY
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• NICHE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (TMT)
MAVEN CAPITAL PARTNERS UK LLP - UK • SMALL BUYOUT HOUSE OF THE YEAR
OST ENERGY LTD - UK
MCCANN FITZGERALD SOLICITORS - IRELAND
PALAMON CAPITAL PARTNERS - GERMANY
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• EXIT OF THE YEAR (DRESS-FOR-LESS)
MCEVOY PARTNERS - IRELAND
86
MERGER VISION - CZECH
PCF SOLUTIONS - UK
• SMALL CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
• MANAGEMENT ADVISORY OF THE YEAR 86
• INDEPENDENT M&A FIRM OF THE YEAR
PENNINGTONS SOLICITORS LLP - UK • PRIVATE CLIENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
88
• FRANCHISE LAW FIRM
MILLBANK EDGE LLP - UK
PENTECH VENTURES LLP - UK • TMT VC OF THE YEAR
88
PHARMACY PARTNERS - UK
• REGIONAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• NICHE DEBT PROVIDER OF THE YEAR (HEALTHCARE)
MNKS - LUXEMBOURG
PKF (UK) LLP - UK
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PUBLIC / PRIVATE BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
MONLAW LEUTHNER RECHTSANWALTS GMBH - AUSTRIA
91
POLLYANNA CAPITAL PARTNERS - RUSSIA
• CROSS BORDER M&A ADVISOR OF THE YEAR WINNER
PRAGER DREIFUSS - SWITZERLAND • INSURANCE & REINSURANCE FIRM OF THE YEAR 89
• SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MONTE DEI PASCHI DI SIENA - ITALY
91
PARKER BULLEN LLP SOLICITORS - UK • REGIONAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MEYER-KÖRING LAWFIRM - GERMANY
90
• TECHNICAL ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MERGERTUM OY - FINLAND
87
PRAGMA CONSULTING LIMITED - UK
92
• SPECIALIST DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR 89
• BANK OF THE YEAR
PREU BOHLIG & PARTNER • GERMANY • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MORAIS LEITÃO, GALVÃO TELES, SOARES DA SILVA - PORTUGAL • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PRICE BAILEY LLP - UK • TAX ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
MOTIEKA IR AUDZEVIČIUS - LITHUANIA • COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MOUTEIRA GUERREIRO, ROSA AMARAL & ASSOCIADOS | SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS R.L. - PORTUGAL • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MUMMERT & COMPANY CORPORATE FINANCE GMBH - GERMANY • CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY OF THE YEAR (MIDDLE MARKET)
MÜTZE KORSCH RECHTSANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT MBH - GERMANY 90 • SMALL FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NABARRO LLP - UK
PUNTER SOUTHALL TRANSACTION SERVICES - UK • PENSIONS & ACTURIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISER OF THE YEAR PWC- BELGIUM • M&A ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
RAIFFEISEN INVESTMENT AG - AUSTRIA • INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
RAPOSO BERNARDO & ASSOCIADOS, SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS, RL - PORTUGAL • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RAWLISON BUTLER LLP - UK NIEDERER KRAFT & FREY AG - SWITZERLAND
• REGIONAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR NOERR LLP - GERMANY • MOST RESPECTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RENTSCH PARTNER LTD - SWITZERLAND • PATENTS & IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
92
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
11
EUROPE RÖDL CONSULTING AG - GERMANY
TEAM TELECOM GROUP - UK
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• EQUITY BACKED GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
REYNOLDS PORTER CHAMBERLAIN LLP - UK • INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND GROUP - UK
RÖDL EQUITY PARTNER BETEILIGUNG GMBH & CO. KG - GERMANY • LEAD ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
94
RÖLFS RP RECHTSANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT GMBH - GERMANY
96
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND N.V. - NETHERLANDS • FOREIGN BANK OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ROTHSCHILD - GERMANY • CROSS BORDER M&A ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
RUCELLAI & RAFFAELLI - ITALY • OUTSOURCING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SAGELL & CO. ADVOKATBYRÅ AB – SWEDEN
98
• INVOICE FINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR
93
THE QUINN PARTNERSHIP - UK • MANAGEMENT DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR TOUCH FINANCIAL - UK • INVOICE FINANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR TRAVERS SMITH LLP - UK • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
93
• BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
UHY HACKER YOUNG LLP - UK SALUTARIS LEGAL - UK - UK
• FULL SERVICE FINANCIAL ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
• PRODUCT LIABILITY DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
URS INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT UK LIMITED - UK SAVIN MARTINET ASSOCIÉS - FRANCE 96 • ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SAXINGER, CHALUPSKY & PARTNER RECHTSANWÄLTE GMBH - AUSTRIA • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VALTEQ - GERMANY
99
• REAL ESTATE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
VAN OERS CORPORATE FINANCE - NETHERLANDS SAXINGER, CHALUPSKY & PARTNER RECHTSANWÄLTE GMBH - AUSTRIA • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SAYENKO KHARENKO - UKRAINE • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
99
• ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
100
• MID MARKET CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
VASS LAWYERS - ROMANIA • PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VILAU & MITEL - ROMANIA • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SEB ENSKILDA CORPORATE FINANCE - LITHUANIA VINSON & ELKINS LLP - UK • CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
SELECT BUSINESS FINANCE LLP - UK VOIGT WUNSCH HOLLER - GERMANY
• (SMALL) BUSINESS ADVISER OF THE YEAR
100
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SIMON BESWICK, OSBORNE CLARKE - UK WASELIUS & WIST - FINLAND
• MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SIMON COOPER - INCE & CO SERVICES LIMITED - UK • LEADING INSURANCE & REINSURANCE LAWYER OF THE YEAR
WEREMCZUK BOBEŁ & PARTNERS - POLAND
SINCERIUS TRANSACTION SERVICES - NETHERLANDS
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
101
• FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
WESLEYAN ASSURANCE SOCIETY - UK SLA STUDIO LEGALE ASSOCIATO - ITALY • FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
101
• INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR
WHITE & CASE ADVOKAT AB - SWEDEN SOLOMON TAYLOR & SHAW - UK • SMALL REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WILDGEN | PARTNERS IN LAW - LUXEMBOURG SQUIRE SANDERS (UK) LLP - SPAIN • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• SHARIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WILLIAM FRY - IRELAND • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WISTRAND ADVOKATBYRÅ - SWEDEN • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ST HELENS CAPITAL PARTNERS LLP - UK • PLUS MARKETS ADVISER OF THE YEAR STAMPE, HAUME & HASSELRIIS - DENMARK • CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
102
102
103
WMLAW - AUSTRIA 103 STRATULA MOCANU & ASOCIATII - ROMANIA OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WK CORPORATE FINANCE LLP - UK STC PARTNERS - FRANCE • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
97
• ASSET BASED LENDING ADVISER OF THE YEAR
YUKOV, KHRENOV AND PARTNERS - RUSSIA STUDIO LEGALE PIERALLINI E ASSOCIATI - ITALY • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SUCCESSION CORPORATE FINANCE LLP - UK
• INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
97
• CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR
SUMMA CAPITAL OY - FINLAND • INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
TAVERNIER TSCHANZ - SWITZERLAND • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
98
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA ADAMS & ADAMS - SOUTH AFRICA
RAND MERCHANT BANK - SOUTH AFRICA
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ASSET BASED LENDER OF THE YEAR
ABOU JAOUDE & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM - LEBANON • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SNR DENTON & CO - UAE
106
• TRADE FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ISLAMIC FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
STANDARD ÜNLÜ MENKUL DEĞERLER A.Ş. - TURKEY 112 AFIK TURGEMAN - ISRAEL 104
• INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
THERIGHTSLAWYERS - UAE BAYO OJO & CO - NIGERIA 104 • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• NEW MEDIA ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR UYSAL & TOLAN - TURKEY • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CLIFFORD CHANCE LLP - UAE VINSON & ELKINS LLP – UAE • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ÇUKUR&YILMAZ LAW FIRM - TURKEY 105 VIVA AFRICA CONSULTING LLP - KENYA
• PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• FINANCIAL TAX ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
DAVUTOĞLU ATTORNEYS AT LA - TURKEY 105 • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DONSA-NKOMO & MUTANGI - ZIMBABWE 106 • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
EDWARD NATHAN SONNENBERGS INC. - SOUTH AFRICA
YAV & ASSOCIATES - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ZEENAT AL MANSOORI & ASSOCIATES - BAHRAIN • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
108
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CLIENT CARE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A ADVISORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ERNST & YOUNG LLP - ETHIOPIA 108 • LEAD ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR ERRIAH CHAMBERS - MAURITIUS 110 • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
G. ELIAS & CO - NIGERIA 109 • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GALADARI & ASSOCIATES - UAE • CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SHARIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GÜNDÜZ & ÖZKAN - TURKEY • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR G.O.SODIPO & CO. - NIGERIA 109 • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GLYN MARAIS INC. - SOUTH AFRICA 112 • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR HAMBURGER EVRON & C - ISRAEL • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KBH KAANUUN - UAE • BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR KNOWLES HUSAIN LINDSAY INC – SOUTH AFRICA • LITIGATION / DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
107
KULA LAW FIRM - TURKEY • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PWC - BOTSWANA • M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
13
INTERNATIONAL ALTER DOMUS • ADMINISTRATION SERVICES ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
118
ODIGEO FRANCE
116
• EQUITY BACKED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(CORPORATE & FIN MARKETS)
OLIVER WYMAN AON BENFIELD
• MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REINSURANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR
ONTARIO TEACHERS’ PENSION PLAN BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH
• BUYOUT FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ASSET BASED LENDER OF THE YEAR
ROYAL IMTECH N.V. BABBE - CHANNEL ISLANDS
114
• “GREEN TECH” BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• INDEPENDENT M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
SINDICATUM SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES BEDELL CRISTIN GUERNSEY PARTNERSHIP
• RENEWABLE ENERGY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• OFFSHORE – OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (CHANNEL ISLANDS)
STATPRO BGC PARTNERS, INC.
• ASSET VALUATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
• FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
TAYLOR-DEJONGH CANACCORD GENUITY HAWKPOINT LIMITED
• PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
THE CHAMBERS OF ANDREW MITCHELL QC CAREY OLSEN - CHANNEL ISLANDS • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
117
• LITIGATION CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR
TOWERGATE PARTNERSHIP LIMITED CARROLL, BURDICK & MCDONOUGH LLP
• BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE / INDEPENDENT)
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WOODBRIDGE EUROPE CELERANT CONSULTING, INC.
113
117
• BUY-SIDE ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
XEROX EUROPE - INTERNATIONAL CHADBOURNE & PARKE LLP
• KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CIBC - INTERNATIONAL OVERALL PFI / PPP BANK OF THE YEAR
CLAIRFIELD INTERNATIONAL
114
AND FINALLY... EDITORS AWARDS ABL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR (INSPIRED CASHFLOW) – HITACHI CAPITAL
120
• CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR (MID MARKET)
INDUSTRY BODY OF THE YEAR (GUERNSEY FINANCE)
121
CURTIS, MALLET-PREVOST, COLT & MOSLE LLP - INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
INDUSTRY BODY OF THE YEAR (IRISH FUNDS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION)
122
• INDEPENDENT M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
CLEARWATER CORPORATE FINANCE LLP
DIAZ, REUS & TARG LLP • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DTCC • CLEARING HOUSE OF THE YEAR DVB BANK SE • NICHE BANK OF THE YEAR (TRANSPORTATION
118
EDISON INVESTMENT RESEARCH LIMITED - UK
115
• INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT RESEARCH ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
EUROPA TRUST COMPANY LIMITED • OFFSHORE – FIDUCIARY SERVICES ADVISER OF THE YEAR (GIBRALTAR)
INTRALINKS 115 • OVERALL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IPES (GUERNSEY) LIMITED - INTERNATIONAL • PRIVATE EQUITY FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
KESSLER INTERNATIONAL • FORENSIC ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
LEGIS GROUP LIMITED • OFFSHORE – FUND AMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR (CHANNEL ISLANDS)
M&C ENERGY GROUP • NICHE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR (ENERGY) MOELIS & COMPANY • INDEPENDENT INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR
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WINNER
BRAZIL J COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Bachelor of Law from Universidade Cândido Mendes,
Committee, during the same period, besides being elected
worked in large offices of Brazil, among them, Sergio
as Chief Counselor of the Brazilian Bar Association during
Bermudes’ firm, where she worked during eleven years.
the three-year periods from 2000 to 2003 and 2003 to
She was also a partner of Trench, Rossi e Watanabe
2006. Additionally, she was appointed as member of the
Firm (Baker & McKenzie), being responsible, in Brazil,
Committee to Fight Piracy and Unfair Competition of the
for the civil and commercial litigation area, from July,
Federal Committee of the Brazilian Bar Association during
2002 to December, 2005. She is a post graduate in
period of July 2005 to December 2006, and of the Special
North American Law from Wisconsin University, and is a
Committee to Fight Piracy and Unfair Competition of the
specialist in civil and commercial litigation as well as in
Federal Committee of the Brazilian Lawyers Association,
arbitration. She taught Civil Law in the Post Graduation
which she is still a member of. She is also a member of
Course of the Escola Superior de Advocacia (Lawyer’s
the Editorial Committee of the Arbitration and Mediation
Superior School), from 1993 to 2001, and she’s the author
Magazine, and member of the Corporate law Committee
of several books about corporate law.
from the Escola da Magistratura (Judge’s School) of the
From 2004 to 2006, she was the President of the
High Court of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Ana Tereza Basilio
Mediation and Arbitration Chamber of the Brazilian Bar
She is a professor in Fundação Getúlio Vargas, in the
Association, in which she also acted as President of the
Arbitration post graduation course. In December 2010,
Telephone: 55 (21) 2277 4200 Fax: 55 (21) 2210 6316
Lawyer’s Association Committee, from October 2003
she was elected a member of the TRE – Tribunal Regional
Email: abasilio@basilioadvogados.com.br
to December 2006, Vice-President of the Arbitration
Eleitoral (Electoral Court).
Site: www.basilioadvogados.com.br
CAYMAN ISLANDS
WINNER
J INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Campbells is one of the leading law firms in the Cayman Islands, with more than 40 years’ experience advising local and international clients. Our lawyers are recognised for their expertise by the leading directories and trade press (including Euromoney and World Finance Magazine) and we regularly advise some of the biggest names in finance, investment and insurance on local and offshore work. Our litigation practice is one of the strongest in the Cayman Islands and we are regularly instructed on the most high profile and complex cases in the jurisdiction. Campbells is widely recognised for its litigation strength and has particular expertise in investment funds disputes and all aspects of the liquidations of investment funds. Members of the department appear before the Grand Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council and have been involved in numerous reported cases. Clients range from large international, financial and trading organisations to liquidators and trustees in bankruptcy of international
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
and local entities, participants in investment and trust structures and Cayman Islands Government Agencies. In particular, we have substantial experience acting for liquidators, creditors and shareholders of distressed companies in cross border liquidations and corporate reorganisations, as well as acting for the local restructuring departments of the major accounting firms. Our litigators also regularly appear as expert witnesses and speak at local and international conferences, and a number of our lawyers are admitted to practise in the BVI. Department head Ross McDonough has practised at the Cayman bar for 18 years and is ranked band 1 in the Chambers and Partners Guide 2012. Alistair Walters earns praise for his vast contentious experience relating to banking, finance and trusts and is an accredited mediator and certified fraud examiner. Guy Manning is a specialist insolvency litigator.
J Ross McDonough Partner, Head of Litigation +345 914-5859 RMcDonough@Campbells.com.ky Alistair Walters Managing Partner +345 914-5861 AWalters@Campbells.com.ky Guy Manning Partner +345 914-5868 GManning@Campbells.com.ky
www.campbells.com.ky
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US
WINNER
J INDEPENDENT STRATEGIC ADVISER OF THE YEAR
Conduit Consulting LLC advises on and supports a wide variety of cross-border and domestic transactions -- not only Mergers & Acquisitions, but also Joint Ventures, Licensing, Product Placement, Outsourcing and other strategic alliance deals. Additionally, the firm provides Strategy, General Management, and other Corporate Development advisory and support services. Unlike most deal advisers, Conduit Consulting LLC’s founder and Managing Director Jillian Alexander has extensive buy-side and sell-side experience advising on and managing transactions from conception through integration or separation. Throughout her more than 20 year career, Ms. Alexander has consistently been recognized for her ability to quickly and effectively get deals done that others could not close. Her expertise affords efficient collaboration with clients and their legal counsel, tax advisers, and investment bankers to ensure private placement, public offering, and commercial contract deals are not only technically complete, but also successfully structured to be financially accretive and meet clients’ strategic goals. As each client and its competitive situation is unique, each engagement is designed specifically to meet that client’s needs and achieve valuable results. To do so, Conduit Consulting LLC professionals independently and expertly review and assess each client’s situation from various stakeholders’ perspectives, then provide insightful
guidance and pragmatic solutions. This customized and value-oriented holistic approach expedites producing breakthrough innovations and breakaway strategies which result in catapulting clients toward success. Conduit Consulting LLC professional’s client-specific confidential advice and efforts efficiently leading strategic initiatives have resulted in award-winning business plans and marketing campaigns; in-demand products and services; start-ups achieving successful exits or continually operating as going-concerns; developing ventures and increasing sales in advanced and emerging markets; improving productivity, increasing profitability, plus enhancing enterprise and shareholder value via workflow improvements and reorganizations; in addition to clients realizing more than $3.4 billion in value via completing acquisitions, private placements, IPOs, and divestitures transactions. Conduit Consulting LLC’s clients are known as innovators, trend setters, market leaders, formidable competitors, and outstanding in their fields. Clients have included single entity, multi-domestic and multinational Public Corporations, Government Agencies, Private Enterprises, and Non-Profit Organizations in the BioPharmaceutical, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Financial Services, Healthcare, High Technology, Internet, Media, Paperboard, Professional Services, Retail, Telecommunications, Travel and other diverse industries.
CANADA
Jillian Alexander, MBA, CM&AA Founder and Managing Director, Strategy & Corporate Development practice Conduit Consulting LLC 2530 Wilshire Boulevard Second Floor Santa Monica, CA 90403 USA T: + 1 310 260 9765 E: info@conduitconsulting.com W: http://www.conduitconsulting.com
WINNER
J MEDIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Fitzpatrick & Co. is an independent company of mediators and dispute resolution neutrals based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For over twenty years the company has been a leader in the provision of ADR services. The company’s four mediators have varied backgrounds as commercial barristers. Their experience translates now into effective resolution of disputes from two party matters to complex commercial actions with multiple parties. Fitzpatrick & Co.’s skills include ADR process design, dispute management and training. The company offers consultation and courses in mediation, negotiation and dispute resolution for clients in business, law, industry, insurance and labour relations. Fitzpatrick & Co.’s Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator complement the work of the mediators in this full-service firm, working with the parties to facilitate the mediation process. Mediation services are provided across Canada, often to parties engaged in civil litigation although services are also provided as arbitrators, facilitators and construction referees. Gary Fitzpatrick Q.C. was a pioneer in dispute resolution in British Columbia following a successful legal career in government and private practice. In addition to his full-time commercial mediation and arbitration practice, Gary has worked tirelessly to promote and develop ADR as a lecturer, consultant, mentor and trainer for professional organizations, business and government. Gary was recognized in 2004 by the ADR Institute of Canada with its Award of Excellence for his contribution to the development of ADR in British Columbia. He was recently named to the inaugural edition (2011) of The International Who’s Who of Commercial Mediation. David Whitelaw co-founded a litigation firm in British
16
Columbia after a brief career in the Canadian Foreign Service. During his twenty-five years in law practice he was named by LEXPERT as one of Canada’s leading 500 lawyers and by Lovell’s (England) as one of the world’s leading insurance lawyers. For over ten years David has been mediating a broad spectrum of disputes with an emphasis on complex multi-party commercial matters. He was recently named to the inaugural edition of The International Who’s Who of Commercial Mediation (2011). Coleen Cattell Q.C., C. Med. began her mediation career in 1998 after twelve years as litigation counsel. She now works full-time as a mediator and arbitrator on a broad range of commercial issues. A Chartered Mediator with the ADR Institute of Canada, Colleen has served as President of the B.C. Dispute Resolution Practicum Society (now Mediate B.C.) and has taught Mediation Advocacy as an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law. A prolific writer and speaker on ADR issues, Colleen has provided negotiating consulting and training to clients around the world with ENS International based in Sydney Australia. Brian Ross recently retired as a litigation partner from the Vancouver office of Miller Thomson LLP. His practice as general counsel encompassed corporate, commercial, construction and insurance disputes. Brian has extensive mediation experience as counsel and has conducted many mediations as mediator over the past five years. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Multinational Associations of Law Firms (Multilaw), involving some 65 law firms in 150 commercial centres around the world. In his latter years in practice, Brian was named a leading practitioner in Litigation and Commercial Insurance by LEXPERT and was recognized by National Post Best Lawyers in Canada: Insurance Law.
MEDIATION AND TRAINING 299 24th Street, West Vancouver, BC, Canada V7V 4G9 T: 604.687.8033
F: 604.925.1385
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
US J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Herrick’s corporate department provides innovative and efficient legal solutions to major businesses around the world. Our acumen and experience have made us the go-to team for middle market transactions, an agile and savvy alternative to the mega-firms. Below we highlight some accomplishments from this year. Herrick continued to open doors for those clients seeking growth and financing. In We assisted a longstanding investment management client in its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, helped orthopedics manufacturer Small Bone Innovations in a major stock issuance and opened 2012 advising expanding energy company Laidlaw Energy Group in filing its Form 10 with the Securities & Exchange Commission. We are helping a large private equity fund to organize a new, $1 billion fund with a focus on investing in troubled real estate. And in a novel structure attractive to funds of funds looking for managed account platform options, we are helping Wolf Asset Management International create a fund of funds that allows each institutional investor to customize its own portfolio.
Middle market M&A is department strength and the firm’s lawyers have handled hundreds of such transactions, along with private equity deals, over the past few years. Among many highlights is the firm’s representation of Unilever in its acquisition of Colgate-Palmolive’s Colombian laundry detergent business. The $215 million deal was part of a transaction that also saw Unilever sell its Sanex division to Colgate-Palmolive. The team also handled more than 30 deals for Plainfield Asset Management, including the company’s sale of its Wake Music Catalog, which comprises about 4,000 songs. Herrick’s sports practice lawyers represent the New York Yankees in matters ranging from financing, to sponsorships and broadcast rights. Herrick helped the Yankees host major boxing events, as well as a major college football game that pit the Army Black Knights against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Our sports practice also represents premier boxing organization Top Rank Boxing in connection with contracts for pay-per-view television and licensing for a number of major international bouts.
MEXICO
Irwin A. Kishner Tel: (973) 274-1435 Email: ikishner@herrick.com Edward B. Stevenson Tel: (973) 274-2025 Email: estevenson@herrick.com www.herrick.com/corporate
WINNER
J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Jáuregui y Navarrete, S.C. (“JN”) was founded in 1975 and is one of Mexico’s foremost law firms, distinguished by domestic and foreign clients for its leadership, creativity, quality and coverage of a diversified number of legal services, which include mergers & acquisitions, banking & finance, corporate governance, insurance, securities, structured finance, restructurings and workouts, real estate, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, tax, arbitration, infrastructure, PPPs, international trade, and labour advice. JN consists of ten partners, three of counsel, thirty associates and ten pre-graduate associates making it one of the largest law firms in México. JN has ample experience working with both the public and private sectors and has also advised foreign governmental entities, including the US Department of Commerce in connection with the negotiation of various Chapters of NAFTA, the US Department of the Treasury in the US$20 billion emergency financial package for Mexico in 1995 and the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America. JN has also represented the Ministry of Education and the Ministry
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
of Health of Mexico in the design and launch of two of the initial three public private partnerships programs in Mexico. JN has participated in landmark mergers & acquisitions transactions in Mexico, which include representing Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana, S.A. (“Grupo Sura”) on their acquisition of ING Groups’ Latin American pensions, life insurance and investment management operations in Mexico. This specific transaction was nominated in 2012 for “M&A Deal of the Year: México” by the IFLR and Latin Lawyer JN’s mission is to achieve excellence in providing of legal services according to the highest ethical standards. The Firm’s strategy is to continue to set itself apart as a leading practitioner in the Mexican legal services market. More recently, JN has been distinguished with the following awards and recognitions, among others: “Law Firm of the Year - Mexico” by the International Financial Law Review - 2012; “Mergers &Acquisitions Deal of the Year - Mexico” by Latin Lawyer - 2012; and, “Full Service Law Firm Of The Year / M&A Law Firm Of The Year - México” by ACQ Global Awards - 2012.
Torre Arcos Bosques I Paseo de los Tamarindos 400-B, Pisos 8 y 9 Bosques de las Lomas 05120 México, D.F. Tel: +52-55-5267-4500 Fax: +52-55-5267-4599 Email: info@jnabogados.com.mx Website: www.jnabogados.com.mx
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US J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Gregory P. Joseph Law Offices LLC practices exclusively in the field of commercial litigation. The National Law Journal, in an article profiling the Firm on May 23, 2011, wrote: “Joseph’s New York firm has a definable ‘sweet spot,’ big-dollar complex financial transactions, involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and securities claims, credit default swaps and derivatives — a veritable chocolate box of the financial cases of the past decade.” The head of the Firm, Greg Joseph, recently completed a term as President of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only, honorary society composed of the top trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. Its membership is limited to no more than 1% of the practicing bar and in fact is far less than that. Mr. Joseph is currently President of the United States Supreme Court Historical Society. He was formerly Chair of the 60,000-member Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association. He served on the United States Judicial Conference’s Advisory Committee on the Federal Rule of Evidence for six years and is frequently called upon by federal rulemakers for his views on issues of evidence and civil procedure. The Firm focuses on high stakes commercial cases. In 2011, it won a $268 million judgment against Morgan Stanley for Citigroup arising out of a complicated credit default swap/lending/derivatives transaction. It represented Citigroup in its claims against Wells Fargo arising out of the battle for control of Wachovia. Those claims settled for $100 million in late 2010. The Firm was on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee directing the litigation for the Property Damage Plaintiffs (subrogated insurers) in their claims arising out of the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. In 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the $1.2 billion settlement won for these Plaintiffs. The Firm is extremely active in domestic and international commercial arbitration as well. It won three multimillion awards from arbitral tribunals in 2010-11, and has been consistently recognized for excellence in the field.
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The Firm’s clients range from major financial institutions to Fortune 500 corporations to renowned cultural institutions. It has been selected by several international law firms to represent them directly in litigated and nonlitigated matters. Greg Joseph is widely recognized as one of the leading commercial litigators in the United States. He is the author of several books, including Civil RICO: A Definitive Guide (3d ed. 2010). The Harvard Law Review says this book “meticulously analyzes the decisions” and Fortune calls it “the leading treatise on RICO.” He also wrote Modern Visual Evidence, which has been described by Communication Arts magazine as “the authoritative text” on that subject. His treatise entitled Sanctions: The Federal Law of Litigation Abuse (4th ed. 2008) has been described in one U.S. Court of Appeals as “a leading treatise on litigation sanctions,” and it is cited in the official commentary to the U.S. Federal Rules. Mr. Joseph has also written more than 100 articles in professional journals. His books and articles are widely relied on by judges, lawyers and academics — they have been cited in more than 200 published judicial opinions and 300 law review articles. Other lawyers at the Firm include Pamela Jarvis, who was formerly a litigation partner at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in New York; later General Counsel of the healthcare subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company; and then an official in the office of the New York State Attorney General. Paul J. Bschorr is former Chair of the Litigation Department at White & Case, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a former Chair of the 60,000-member Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association. The Firm prides itself on its ability to master promptly highly complex financial and commercial documents, and it works closely with clients to achieve optimal results in trying situations. The disputes range the gamut of complex commercial litigation, including complicated contractual disputes; securities and RICO claims; claims against corporate officers and directors; disputes involving, and arising out of, corporate takeovers, mergers and acquisitions; and intellectual property rights.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER Recent Victories •
Private (Federal Arbitration Act) Arbitration — multimillion dollar award (2011)
•
Marshall v. Milberg, LLP — nationwide RICO class action dismissed and appeal dismissed (2010)
•
•
In re Primedia Inc. Derivative Litigation — Derivative action dismissed, Special Litigation Committee judicially affirmed (2010) Citibank, N.A. v. Morgan Stanley International PLC — Judgment on the pleadings awarded in $245 million credit default swap dispute (2010)
•
Lakes Entertainment, Inc. v. Milberg, LLP — multimillion dollar RICO claim dismissed (2010)
•
Krys v. Sugrue — succeeding in extricating international law firm from mass tort litigation arising out of huge financial fraud (2010)
Recent Judicial Opinions Citing Greg Joseph •
In re Ins. Brokerage Antitrust Litig., 618 F.3d 300 (3d Cir. 2010)
•
In re Girardi (Franco v. Dow Chemical Co.), 611 F.3d 1027 (9th Cir. 2010)
•
Ameriquest Mortgage Co. v. Nosek, 609 F.3d 6 (1st Cir. 2010).
•
Reid Road Municipal Utility Dist. No. 2 v. Speedy Stop Food Stores, Ltd., 2011 Tex. LEXIS 190 (Tex. Sup. Ct. Mar. 11, 2011)
•
Mega Concrete, Inc. v. Smith, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30789 (E.D. Pa. Mar. 23, 2011)
•
Adams v. N.Y. State Educ. Dep’t, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 129510 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 8, 2010)
•
Midtronics, Inc. v. Aurora Performance Prods. LLC, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 109661 (N.D. Ill. Oct. 14, 2010)
•
United States v. Crawford, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 97538 (E.D. Mich. Sept. 17, 2010)
•
Crest Construction II, Inc. v. On Time Auto, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 88798 (W.D. Mo. Aug. 27, 2010)
WINNER
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
19
WINNER
US J CREDIT ASSET MANAGER OF THE YEAR Golub Capital is a nationally recognized credit asset manager with over $6 billion of capital under management. We are dedicated to building long-term, win-win partnerships. Golub Capital delivers the highest standard of performance for our investors, our private equity sponsor clients, our lenders and our obligors. Golub Capital specializes in debt oriented investments through three complimentary business lines: Middle Market Lending, Broadly Syndicated Loans and Opportunistic Credit. • Our leading Middle Market Lending business line focuses on senior, one-stop and mezzanine debt in U.S. middle market companies controlled by private equity firms. Golub Capital has been a top 3 Traditional Middle Market Bookrunner each year from 2008 through 1H 2012 for senior secured loans of up to $100 million for leveraged buyouts (according to Thomson Reuters LPC and internal data; based on number of deals). • Golub Capital’s Broadly Syndicated Loans unit focuses on investing in larger loans that are generally liquid in the secondary market. The Broadly Syndicated Loan team also manages a series of collateralized loan obligations or CLOs.
an ongoing stream of attractive opportunities to make secondary purchases of credit related assets where the firm has proprietary access and/or informational advantages.
Each of our business line strategies is supported by an exceptional team of credit professionals with deep industry knowledge and experience. Our professionals leverage the resources of Golub Capital’s institutional platform, which include:
• Over 300 portfolio companies that provide intelligence about the real economy directly from “Main Street” • An Executive Council of industry leaders and broad access to C-Suite expertise that brings unique insights and assists the team in generating and refining ideas • A network of leading private equity sponsors who provides insights into special situations • Synergies among Golub Capital’s business units
Golub Capital is an investment management company formed in 1994. We have principal offices in • Our third line of business is Opportunistic Credit. Golub New York and Chicago. Capital’s industry position and credit expertise provide
GOLUB CAPITAL
Please visit www.golubcapital.com for more information.
Lionel Barber, Financial Times Editor “When it comes to news, comment and analysis, the FT offers something different. I invite you try the Financial Times. You will not be disappointed.”
US
WINNER
J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ASSET FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J SHARIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Maalouf Ashford & Talbot is among the world’s leading international financial services law firms with offices in New York City, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Riyadh and Boston.
co-author of the book “Inside the Minds: Best Practices for Mergers & Acquisitions in China”, published by Thomson West, the world’s most respected name in legal publishing. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot was among the first U.S. law firms
John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of the Firm, has been
in China, and the firm’s legal agreements and documents
ranked as one of the Top 10 International Trade &
have become the industry standard used by other law
Finance Lawyers in the United States for the past seven
firms today.
consecutive years by the U.S. Lawyer Rankings (2006 – 2012 Editions) due to his commitment to excellence and outstanding client service.
John J. Maalouf is also a recognized expert in the field of international initial public offerings (IPO’s) and is a leader in taking companies public on numerous international stock
Maalouf Ashford & Talbot’s lawyers are internationally
exchanges, including the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Hong
recognized as leading experts in the areas of
Kong Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.
International Finance Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Energy Law, Private Equity Law, Project Finance Law, Asset Finance Law, Banking Law, Capital Markets Law, Corporate Law, Cross Border Law, Shipping & Maritime Law, Antitrust Law, Sharia Law, and Tax Law. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot is also recognized as the most Trusted Law Firm in the United States, as well as the best Full Service Law Firm in the country.
Maalouf Ashford & Talbot’s numerous accomplishments have led to the firm being named “Law Firm of the Year for 2011” in an unprecedented 8 distinct categories including: International Finance Law, Banking Law, Oil & Gas Law,
John J. Maalouf Senior Partner Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP 500 Fifth Avenue,
Mining Law, M&A Law, Project Finance Law, Capital Markets
14th Fl. New York,
Law, and Cross Border Law.
New York 10110
Maalouf Ashford’s reputation for excellence and breadth
John.maalouf@
of expertise has made it the law firm of choice for many
maaloufashford.com
In addition, Mr. Maalouf is an internationally recognized
of the world’s leading corporations as they address the
Telephone: 212.789.8717
expert on matters involving China business law and
diverse legal and business challenges they face.
Facsimile: 212.789.8718
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 21
21
BAHAMAS
WINNER
J CORPORATE RECOVERY & INSOLVENCY ADVISORY OF THE YEAR J FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
KRyS Global is a professional services firm committed to resolving complex cross-border issues in the areas of Corporate Recovery, Insolvency, Forensic Accounting and Business Advisory Services. We have over 60 professionals who work from offices in four jurisdictions – the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas and Bermuda. Each office has a team of independent, dedicated and experienced professionals with practical expertise, global experience and the ability to provide objective, sound advice. Our practical hands-on approach ensures our Clients receive remedies and results specifically suited to their needs and demands. KRyS Global resolves complex and complicated client
insolvency, forensic accounting and litigation support services firm in the Bahamian market. It continues to be the go-to firm for complex litigation support and fraud investigation matters. Areas of Expertise: • Corporate Recovery and Insolvency
Edmund Rahming Managing Director Caves Professional Centre Caves Village Blake Road and West Bay Street PO Box SP-64064 Nassau Bahamas Ph: +1 242 327 1447 Email: Edmund.Rahming@KRyS-Global.com
• Fraud Investigation and Forensic Accounting • Litigation Support • Business Valuations • Regulatory Compliance
Kenneth Krys Founder and Chief Executive Officer
techniques and solutions.
• Money Laundering Investigations
The Bahamas office is currently the largest independent
• Business Advisory Services
Email: Kenneth.Krys@KRyS-Global.com Tel: +1 345 815 8401 (Cayman) Tel: +1 284 852 1763 (BVI)
issues in large cross-border assignments with innovative
WINNER
US J ALTERNATIVE FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Liccar & Co. is both an alternative fund administrator and a full-service public accounting firm which specializes exclusively in the securities and futures industry. Located in the heart of Chicago Financial District, the firm is primarily comprised of CPAs and MBAs with experience in the industry as well as numerous academic and professional achievements. We currently serve a wide variety of Hedge Funds, Commodity Pools, Private Investment Funds, Commodity Trading Advisors, Registered Investment Advisors, Broker-Dealers, Introducing Brokers and Futures Commission Merchants. Our staff of over 40 employees has expertise in all areas of securities and futures accounting, tax, systems and regulatory matters. The firm combines a unique blend of experienced professionals with significant public accounting backgrounds as well as actual operational experience as former Chief Financial Officers or Controllers, regulatory auditors or senior accounting staff for futures, securities, and asset management firms. Our depth of experience allows us to provide a broad array of services from monthly net asset value accounting for funds, financial statement compilations
22
and performance records to tax return preparation, due diligence procedures and certified audits.
With over 20 Years of experience in the hedge fund, securities and futures industry, we have earned a reputation for delivering exceptional service to our broad range of global clients. We are able to accommodate the unique needs of clients from all areas of the industry, including; • Hedge Funds • Registered Investment Advisors • Fund-of-Funds • Broker/Dealers • Commodity Pools • Introducing Brokers • Private Investment Funds • Futures Commission Merchants • Commodity Trading Advisors We also offer complete custodial services for fund-of-funds and hedge funds through our affiliate, Liccar Securities & Custodial Services, LLC, a licensed broker/dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC.
Michael J. Atwater, President 231 S. LaSalle Street – Suite 650 Chicago, Illinois 60604 312.922.6600 E: matwater@liccar.com W: www.liccar.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
MEXICO J STRUCTURED FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Nader, Hayaux & Goebel (NHG) is a market leader in mergers & acquisitions, banking & finance, securities and capital markets, structured finance, insurance and reinsurance, project finance, real estate, energy and infrastructure, restructurings and workouts, government procurement and antitrust. Our group has participated in many of the largest and most challenging M&A and finance transactions in Mexico, including capital markets and private equity transactions, leverage buyouts, syndicated loans, PPPs, project financings, leasings and transactions in the insurance sector. We also advise clients on regulatory and government procurements matters.
regularly advises some of the leading financial institutions in the world, including commercial banks, investment banks, finance companies, export credit agencies, hedge funds, insurance companies, leasing companies, asset-based lenders, pension fund vehicles and other institutional investors. We have played a prominent role in all sectors of the banking and finance industry, including capital markets, securitization, structured finance, equity offerings, equity funds, leverage buy outs, insurance, leasing, corporate lending, real estate finance, project finance, workouts, insolvencies and restructurings, among others.
With ten partners and approximately twenty five associates, we are one of the largest groups of corporate finance experts in the Mexican market. The group of NHG has been working together for more than 20 years and has a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality, sophisticated legal advice.
Our M&A Practice Group represents Mexican and foreign clients in all aspects of M&A transactions, including joint ventures, strategic alliances, spin-offs, stock and asset purchases, takeovers, shareholders’ disputes, reorganizations and restructurings, regulatory matters, antitrust and foreign investment regulations.
Our Banking and Finance Practice Group is one of the largest groups of attorneys dedicated to banking and finance matters. Our Banking and Finance Practice Group
NHG is also the only Mexican law firm with an office in London and enjoys excellent working relationships with law firms in all major cities around the world.
BRAZIL
Paseo de los tamarindos 400 B 7th Floor Colonia Bosques de las Lomas Mexico City 05120 52 (55) 4170 3000 info@nhg.com.mx
WINNER
J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR About the Firm Neves, Soares & Battendieri Advogados is a law firm which aims at combining highly sophisticated professional, with legal and tax expertise, and customized legal advisory practices, with closer attention on the clients’ needs, budgets and business expectations, providing legal advice in a very efficient, diligent, responsible and professional manner. Their services are based on detailed examination of the cases and their peculiarities, deep study regarding the legal and normative aspects involved, including the full analysis of doctrine and jurisprudence related, with responsibility, commitment, integrity, ethics, professionalism and celerity, in order to provide the clients the convenient and timely solutions to their issues. The portfolio of clients includes domestic and foreign companies of several sizes, from multinational corporate groups, large corporations, publicly traded companies and investment funds to private medium-sized companies. Areas of Expertise The firm is established by attorneys with accounting and finance expertise, with solid experience in the following areas: • Tax: tax consulting, advisory, compliance and litigation; • M&A, Corporate and Contracts: advisory on mergers and acquisitions, particularly in respect of structuring and negotiating transactions, assistance on legal due diligences and drafting of relevant agreements and other legal documents; advisory on corporate restructurings; counseling on corporate law; drafting of corporate documents; advising, drafting and analysis of domestic
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
and international contracts and legal documents; • Foreign Investments: advisory for foreign clients on all aspects of investing in Brazil, including inbound and outbound investments/financial operations, registration, evaluation and analysis of the foreign investments; • Economic and Competition Practices: advisory on economic and competition law, analysis of transactions that require notification to the competition policy’s legal authorities; assistance on administrative proceedings regarding economic concentration; litigation. The Team The team, composed by approximately thirty (30) professionals, including experienced associates, paralegals and interns, located in offices in São Paulo, the Brazilian main business center, and Brasília, the Federal Capital, is headed by the following senior partners: Guilherme Pereira das Neves: is the senior partner in charge of legal and tax consulting services, local and global tax structures and planning. Contact details: gneves@nseb.com.br Maria Helena Tavares de Pinho Tinoco Soares: is the senior partner in charge of tax litigation and controversies of judicial and administrative proceedings. Contact details: mariahelena@nseb.com.br Luiz Frederico Battendieri: is the senior partner in charge of local and international tax consulting services, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investments, and local and global corporate reorganization projects. Contact details: lfbattendieri@nseb.com.br.
São Paulo Office: Rua dos Pinheiros, 870, 12º Andar, São Paulo – SP, Brazil, Zip Code 05422-001 Tel.: +55 11 3089-5088 Fax: +55 11 3089-5077 Brasília Office: SAS, Quadra I, Lote II, Bloco N, Ed. Terra Brasilis, cj. 406, Brasília – DF, Brazil, Zip Code 70070-010 Tel.: +55 61 3322-0362
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CAYMAN ISLANDS
WINNER
J FIDUCIARY ADVISORY OF THE YEAR Ogier Fiduciary Services (Cayman) Limited (OFSCL) is a Cayman fiduciary and administration services company that forms part of Ogier’s global network of professional advisors. The team comprises professional bankers, trust and corporate lawyers, chartered and certified accountants and chartered secretaries. Our client base includes leading fund managers, financial institutions, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, high net worth individuals and institutional investors. Recognising that establishing and operating Cayman companies, partnerships and trusts is a complex process, we work with leading international legal, advisory and accounting firms to provide products and services designed to meet specific needs. OGIER FUND SERVICES OFSCL provides a full range of services to Cayman funds, whether structured as companies, limited partnerships or unit trusts. We help fund managers meet legislative and regulatory requirements and provide bespoke solutions to meet clients’ administrative needs. Services include: • • • • • • • • •
Independent directorships Trustee services to unit trusts Registered office services Principal office services Registrar and transfer agency services Charitable trusts to hold management shares in investment funds Proxy services Liquidation services Corporate governance
OGIER CORPORATE SERVICES OFSCL provides registered office services to over 4,000 Cayman entities. These include domestic and cross-border corporate vehicles, investment funds and partnerships. We have particular experience of working with leading organisations in the financial, asset management, natural resources, insurance, technology, real estate, infrastructure, telecoms and health care sectors. In addition to our registered office services, we offer company secretarial and enhanced corporate support services to ensure entities meet the highest standards of corporate governance. OGIER PRIVATE WEALTH OFSCL offers multi-jurisdictional services to high net worth individuals, family offices and owner managed businesses. A robust structure is needed when considering succession planning and asset protection and we have the knowledge and experience to offer effective solutions. We also provide independent and bespoke administration services to trusts and underlying companies and partnerships. Services include: • • • • • • • •
Cayman discretionary trusts Family office and large family structures Private trust companies STAR Trusts Succession planning Real estate holding vehicles Investment services Treasury services
PANAMA
Ogier Fiduciary Services (Cayman) Ltd PO Box 1234 89 Nexus Way Camana Bay Grand Cayman KY1-9007 Tel: +1 345 949 9876 Fax: +1 345 815 1494 Email: cayman@ogier.com
WINNER
J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Pardini & Associates is a prestigious law firm in Panama with 30 years of tradition and experience advising foreign clients and corporations of all sizes. The firm was founded in 1982 in Panama with an original practice in Corporate, Commercial, Trust and Maritime law, which still continues today. Since then, Pardini & Associates has been at the forefront of many innovative legal developments and during the past ten years, the law firm has developed a highly specialized practice in Foreign Investments in Panama mainly in areas such as: Tourism, Real Estate, Energy, Telecommunications, Insurance and Reinsurance, Mining, Petroleum, Antitrust, Competition, Intellectual Property, Banking, Securities, Manufacturing, Aviation, Construction, Government Contracts, Litigation in Panama and abroad. During the last four years, Pardini & Associates acted and assisted clients in different and important projects such as container port acquisition, electricity generation, mining joint venture, airport privatization, merger of oil companies, island resort hotel & marina, real estate
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development, airline acquisition, information technology, water and infrastructure projects. We also have assisted individual investors and medium size companies in matters of ranging from individual investors purchasing properties and helping those clients with their corporate, immigration and other issues, to medium size groups setting up a call center in Panama and small companies looking at contract bids with Panama Canal. Currently, Pardini & Associates is the exclusive Panama member of the International Business Law Consortium (IBLC), a private association of law firms with more than 100 associate offices around the world. With this alliance, our firm provides an excellent tool to serve their customers effectively and efficiently anywhere in the world. This year, Pardini & Associates marks 30 years providing strong and confident service in local and international markets, and continues with commitment to provide comprehensive advices to ensure the success of its customers.
Pardini & Associates Attorneys at Law Plaza 2000 Tower 10th Floor 50th Avenue Panama City Panama www.pardinilaw.com Email: clientservices@padela.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
US J EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The SHB National Employment Litigation Practice represents corporate employers in complex class action (employment discrimination and wage & hour) and EEOC litigation. Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business describes SHB as: “A Powerhouse. Truly one of the best litigation firms in the nation.” Innovation and collaboration are SHB hallmarks.
(employment discrimination and wage and hour) litigation, EEOC litigation, unfair competition litigation, and ERISA litigation. His jury work has been featured in The National Law Journal, while Human Resource Executive has recognized Bill as one of America’s Most Powerful Employment Lawyers. Mr. Martucci holds an LL.M. in employment law from Georgetown
Bill Martucci serves as the practice group leader of
University in Washington, D.C. Chambers America’s
SHB’s National Employment Litigation & Policy Practice,
Leading Lawyers for Business notes “Bill Martucci is
representing corporate employers exclusively. Working
worth having on any dream team for employment
as part of a trial team, presenting and winning cases
litigation and policy issues.” His jury work has been
on behalf of companies before juries, and advising
featured in The National Law Journal. He is listed in
corporate clients concerning effective business and
The Best Lawyers in America for Employment and
human resources practices are the primary activities in
Business Litigation, and the Euromoney Guide to the
which Bill engages. He has successfully tried a number
World’s Leading Labour and Employment Lawyers. He
of jury cases and resolved a variety of class action cases.
teaches Multinational Business Policy and The Global
His primary practice areas target complex class action
Workplace at Georgetown.
US
WILLIAM C MARTUCCI Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP 1155 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20004 USA Tel: +1 202 783 8400 Fax: +1 202 783 4211 e-mail: wmartucci@shb.com Website: www.shb.com
WINNER
J GROWTH LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SorinRand Builds on Firm Foundation The name is new, but the reputation of the firm SorinRand is well established in the legal marketplace. The firm, which initially debuted in 2009, builds on the achievements of its predecessor, SorinRoyerCooper. Over the last two and a half years, the firm’s attorneys proved the viability of a new model of legal service, one that delivers first-class advice at a reasonable cost to startup, emerging growth and middle-market technology, e-commerce and life science clients. The firm represents more than a dozen of the fastest- growing companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, three of New Jersey’s leading alternative energy companies, and four of the 80 “hottest” companies in New York. “These are extraordinary numbers for a firm of our size,” says David Sorin, managing partner of SorinRand, which has offices in East Brunswick, NJ, New York City and Radnor, PA. Equally extraordinary are the accolades the firm has piled up. Prior to its reformation, the firm was named Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year by Finance Monthly Magazine and 2011 Emerging Growth Law Firm of the Year in the United States by Lawyer Monthly. Corporate LiveWire named SorinRand the 2012 Emerging Growth Law Firm of the Year, as well as the 2012 Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year. Reflecting the firm’s entrepreneurial inclinations, Sorin himself was a finalist in the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in New Jersey. He was also named one of the Top 100 Lawyers worldwide in
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
2012, by Lawyer Monthly, for his leadership in the emerging growth company marketplace. Jay Rand, chair of the firm’s corporate practice, was named one of New York’s top startup company and venture capital lawyers. A former partner of Morrison & Foerster LLP, he also was national co-chair of the technology and venture law group at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP. Susan Goldsmith, chair of the technology transactions practice, was named to the World Trademark Review’s 2012 list of World’s Leading Trademark professionals. She previously was a partner at Duane Morris. Joshua Epstein, managing partner of the New York office and chair of the litigation practice, recently was named a New York Super Lawyer. George Nagle, previously co-chair of Saul Ewing’s tax practice, is chair of the firm’s tax practice and managing partner of SorinRand’s Radnor, PA office, while Jeff Marcus – a leading attorney in the areas of life sciences, securities law, and mergers and acquisitions – heads the firm’s life sciences practice. Marcus previously was a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP and chair of its corporate department in New York. The recognition of the firm and its attorneys is a testament to their strength in representing entrepreneurial and technology companies. “Building on that strength, “ Sorin says, “we have renewed and deepened our commitment to creating client value through a lowerleverage delivery model and a competitive fee structure that is about half that of our national competitors.”
David J. Sorin, Esq. Managing Partner NJ address: Two Tower Center Blvd., 24th Floor East Brunswick, NJ 08816 NY address: 515 Madison Avenue, 13th Floor New York, NY 10022 PA address: 595 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 203 Radnor, PA 19087 email: dsorin@sorinrand.com
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WINNER
US J MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth is one of California’s
and acquisitions, venture capital and private equity
leading business law firms with 100 attorneys practicing
transactions of all sizes. Recognized for its expertise,
in 6 offices throughout California including: Newport
responsiveness, flexibility and outstanding client
Beach, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San
service, Stradling consistently achieves high marks
Francisco and Santa Monica. Originally founded in
from peers and trade groups such as U.S. News and
1975 to represent Southern California’s most innovative
World Reports Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings,
emerging growth companies, Stradling is known today
DealMakers Country Awards, Association for Corporate
as a leading full-service law firm representing companies
Growth, SuperLawyers, and Chambers and Partners.
and entities, which seek a sophisticated law firm with experienced counsel to guide critical transactions and disputes. From high growth and established public and private organizations to private equity, hedge funds and venture capital groups, Stradling represents clients
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, P.C. Newport Beach - H.Q. 660 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1600 Newport Beach, CA 92660
across a wide range of industries including: technology, biotechnology, clean technology, life sciences, retail and consumer goods, aerospace and defense, food and beverage and public institutions. Stradling is engaged
949.725.4000 Phone
in the full spectrum of public and private mergers
949.725.4100 Fax
MEXICO
WINNER
J MINING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Our Philosophy In VSG our commitment is with all our clients, and we make special emphasize on “all the clients are very important to us”, re-paying the trust deposited on us, with service and personalized attention from each one of the partners, as promptly and conscientiously as possible in each particular case. VSG has a vast experience in the following areas: • Corporate • Foreign Investments • International Agreements • Immigration • Legal Auditing • Drafting and opinions for the Registry of Corporations in Foreign Stock Markets. • Auditing drafting and legal opinions to obtain financings. Likewise, with the aid of associate firms, VSG offers its clients support in other legal areas such as Mercantile, Environmental, Tax and Civil Lawsuits, with VSG as main contact and being responsible of the case presented by the client.
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MISSION VSG is an attorney firm established in Mexico City by a team of professional lawyers who are completely devoted to their clients. The most important values for VSG are based on the professionalism, loyalty and trust towards our clients. One of our major commitments is to develop a close relationship with our clients that comprise service, trust, friendship, and professionalism, always with the intention to maintain a long-term relationship with all our clients. The short life of VSG is closely linked to the experience gained during approximately 20 years of professional activity, always offering a personal, efficient and timely attention to our clients. Our human team is a group of people who are committed, loyal and in constant development. VISION Our intent is to become a leader firm in attention areas. VALUES •Loyalty •Professionalism •Trust
•Commitment •Service •Integrity
ALBERTO M. VÁZQUEZ Email: avazquez@avazquezabogados.com Paseo de las Palmas 755 - 902 Lomas de Chapultepec Distrito Federal 11000 México TEL: +52 (55) 5540-3020 FAC: +52 (55) 5520-1541
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
ONE
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
27
MEXICO
WINNER
J REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Mexico’s regulatory framework supports 100% foreign ownership in most economic activities, including real estate. Mexico’s foreign investment law provides legal guarantees and affords certainty to Mexican and foreign investors. Formal execution of a real estate transaction in Mexico requires several documents which a Notary Public must review and state in the final deed whereby the property title is being transferred. The public deed must be recorded in the public registry of real estate corresponding to the location of the property. Mexican civil law provides the obligation to indemnify buyers of a real estate when seller appears not to have good title to the property, however title insurance can be obtained as additional guarantee. When it comes to Real Estate in Mexico, it is important to have detailed knowledge and understanding the local laws, regulations and authorities. It is essential to understand the legal formalities concerning notarial issues and Public Registry law. Environmental and agrarian (ejido) laws are another key factor as well as federal and local tax issues, and there are very special state regulations as to the use of land and development planning etc. All of the above is what we broadly know as “real estate law”. VAHG has the ability to provide the best integrated service covering all of the specific factors of real estate law, and to provide a team full of experience and expertise in the main real estate areas, covering both federal and state law. Vázquez Aldana, Hernández Gómez & Asociados (VAHG) operates in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico, being the largest Mexican member firm in Consulegis, EEIG; servicing clients across the Mexican Territory. VAHG has consolidated more than 50 years of legal practice. VAHG is formed as a result of the prestige, experience, reputation, business approach, high ethical values and professional standards, responsiveness, accountability
Estate, M&A, Corporate Law and Banking and Securities
Notaría y Correduría Juan Ruiz de Alarcón 320 Col. Arcos Sur Guadalajara, Jalisco México 44100
Law, within its geographic area in Mexico.
T 52 (33) 38171731 ext. 229
and trust of its Partners. VAGH is now recognized as a leading legal firm in Real
VAGH represents an invaluable sum of prestige and
F 52 (33) 38171732
standards of services and quality, together with a singular
Oficina Cd. de México Av. Presidente Mazaryk 111 piso1 Col. Chapultepec Morales México, Distrito Federal México 11560
personal approach, developing a unique strategic
T 52 (55) 3300-5801
competitive factor and high appreciation of its clients.
F 52 (55) 3300-5919
reputation with strengths and capabilities to conduct international transactions, operating under the highest
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
HONG KONG J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CBM International Lawyers LLP (“CBMI) is a global legal services organisation which represents local, national and international clients in a diverse litigation and business practice. The firm focuses in the areas of appellate litigation; complex insurance matters; products liability litigation; corporate, commercial and real estate transactions; real estate and construction litigation; complex commercial, business and tort litigation; mass tort litigation; labor and employment litigation; and intellectual property licensing and development. The firm has US offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento and international offices in Stuttgart, Munich and Böblingen, Germany, Singapore, Beijing and Hong Kong.
relationships with prominent experts in the US and Europe in such areas as vehicle crashworthiness, vehicle dynamics, accident reconstruction, metallurgy, fire science and biomechanics.
CBMI Hong Kong specialises in the niche area of international product liability law, including litigation management and wide-ranging regulatory and related advisory work to all its clients in Asia. The firm’s Products Liability Practice is a globally-known leader in products liability defense with an impressive record of defense verdicts and other favourable results in difficult jurisdictions of Hong Kong, PRC, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka.
Defending warranty and other consumer claims.
The firm’s approach to handling litigation is simple, straightforward and focused on reaching an outcome that is efficient, cost-effective, and most importantly, successful. When a claim must be litigated, the firm’s lawyers act decisively to establish a vigorous and complete defense. They also maintain solid working
From prevention to defense, the firm assists its clients in every aspect of the products liability field, including: Helping clients author warning labels and owner’s manuals, Consulting on advertising campaigns to minimise liability exposure, Coordinating national and global defense strategies, Conceiving and executing national recall programs,
The firm has an exceptional team with tremendous depth of experience. The following is a sampling of the wide range of diverse products CBMI’s Products Liability team has defended: automobiles and automobile components, boats and yachts, buildings and building materials, drugs, electronic components, food and beverages, home appliances, industrial machinery, material handling equipment, medical devices, motorcycles, sports and fitness training equipment, toxic chemical, weapons and military equipment. Members of the Products Liability team are versed in a variety of different languages including: Mandarin, French, Malay and German.
TAIWAN
Smith & Partners Suite 5406, 54th Floor Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road Wanchai, Hong Kong SAR Tel: +852.2511.1970 Fax: +852.2511.1995
WINNER
J INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Deep & Far attorneys-at-law was founded in 1992 and is dealing with all phases of laws with a focus on the practice in separate or in combination of all aspects of intellectual property rights (IPRs) including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, unfair competition, and/or licensing, counseling, litigation and/or transaction thereof. The patent attorneys and patent engineers in Deep & Far normally hold outstanding and advanced degrees and are generally graduated from the top five universities in this country. Our prominent staffs are dedicated to provide the best quality service in IPRs in this country. As a proof, about one half of top 100 incorporations in this country have experiences of seeking patented their techniques, but more than one fifth of the top 100 incorporations has ever used services of this firm. Furthermore, Hi-Tech companies in the science-based industrial park located at Hsin Chu had ever played the most important role in booming the economy of this country. About one half of them has experiences in seeking patented their techniques, and out of more than 60% of the patent-experienced companies in that
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
park have ever entrusted their IPR works to this firm. Certainly, we must also represent international giants, e.g. InterDigital, Samsung SDI, Infineon, LCD Advanced, Carl Zeiss, Samsung, MPS, NovaLED, Schott Glas, Genelabs, Toyo Ink, Siemens, Motorola… It is our philosophy to provide competent legal services that other firm cannot comparably provide. The necessitated ensuing problem is how we can so provide? Deep & Far so achieve by selecting, edifying and nurturing peoples who have the following personalities: learned in expertise, morally earnest and sincerely behaved in mind and strictly disciplined between give and take. It is well-believed that such properties are key factors for peoples to properly and competently behave themselves.
Deep & Far C. F. Tsai
By the perseverance that we only do what and only perform works which enable this firm to be deep and far, Deep and Far can then equate the reality with its name.
Tel: 886-2-25856688
More information regarding this firm could be found from the website.
email@deepnfar.com.tw
Fax: 886-2-25989900 Add: 13th Fl., 27 Sec. 3, Chung San N. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan web: www.deepnfar.com.tw
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INDIA
WINNER
J PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INFRASTRUCTURE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR The Firm Founded on 1 April 1935, Desai & Diwanji is one of India’sleading law firms, helping clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise. With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurgaon, Desai & Diwanji is also amongst India’s largest law firms. The firm focuses on the core areas of commercial activity: corporate and M&A; capital markets; banking, finance & insurance; project finance; energy, natural resources and infrastructure; aviation; admiralty & maritime; technology, media & telecommunications; life sciences & pharmaceuticals; outsourcing; real estate & construction; litigation & dispute resolution. We also have cross-practice groups formed to respond to the needs of our clients and the market and which comprise lawyers drawn together from a range of our main practice areas, to offer legal advice covering sector-wide issues. Practice Areas Desai & Diwanji provides flexible support for day-to-day business needs as well as for specific transactions. With specialised knowledge of both the legal framework as well as the specific business requirements of various industry sectors, our team of lawyers work on some
of the most challenging, complex and stimulating transactions in India. The firm is structured around the following practice areas: • Mergers and Acquisitions • Equity Capital Markets • Banking, Finance and Insurance • Project Finance • Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure • Aviation • Admiralty and Maritime • Technology, Media and Telecommunications • Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals • Employment, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation • Outsourcing • Real Estate and Construction • Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency
Vishwang Y Desai
Our Clients
Desai & Diwanji
We are privileged to work with an impressive array of highcalibre corporations, financial institutions, funds, and governments. Our continuing success relies on our building and sustaining the trust of our clients. We aim to build longterm relationships with them – relationships that over time take the form of a real partnership.
Lentin Chambers Dalal Street Mumbai-400001
AUSTRALIA
email: vydesai@desaidiwanji.com tel: +91-22-39841000 fax: +91-22-22658245
WINNER
EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
FCB Group is Australia’s leading workplace legal and HR solutions business. FCB is a multi-disciplinary law practice specialising in employment workplace relations; whilst also offering a range of innovative HR consulting
Sydney Office
and technology solutions. FCB provide a complete
Level 11, 83 Mount Street,
workplace solution to large Australian and multinational
businesses, government and industry associations.
relations litigation
Australia 2060
• Equal employment opportunity and discrimination
P: +61 2 9922 5188
• Restructuring and change management
F: +61 2 9955 9575
• Workplace relations and enterprise bargaining
W: www.fcbgroup.com.au
• Workplace safety
• Workplace strategy
• Corporate performance
The firm has a highly skilled team of 35 professional staff, including 2 accredited employment law specialists. FCB advises clients from all major Australian industries and we are consistently recognised as one of Australia’s leading workplace law specialists. FCB legal services include:
• Major industrial disputes & strategic industrial
North Sydney, NSW
Melbourne Office Level 18, 607 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC
FCB is one of only two Australian members of the
Australia 3000
• Board and executive solutions
Worklaw Network, and as such, regularly advises
P: +61 3 9098 9400
• Employment law
international organisations with Australian employees
F: +61 3 9098 9499
• Employment lifecycle
and Australian companies with global operations.
W: www.fcbgroup.com.au
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
INDONESIA J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LGS has obtained Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance
In the course of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo’s (LGS) more
certifications of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management
than 27 years of service, we have secured our position
systems and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental
as the premier Indonesian corporate transaction and
Management systems to ensure the quality of the
commercial litigation law firm. This combination of
firm’s operations.
commercial law experience and litigation uniquely
Representative Clients:
positions LGS to deal with the full range of commercial issues faced by our clients. We have over a hundred
Adaro Indonesia; American Bureau of Shipping; Astra
lawyers and experience representing a diverse range
International; Astratel Nusantara; Bank Mandiri; Charoen
of clients, including domestic and multinational
Pokphand Indonesia; DBS Bank Ltd; Goldman Sachs;
corporations, public and private companies, Government
Government of the Republic of Indonesia; Hitachi;
instrumentalities and State Owned Enterprises. We work
Hutchison (Hong Kong); Indonesia Infrastructure
closely with our clients to understand their problems,
Guarantee Fund; Japan Tobacco International Indonesia;
determine their needs, and arrive at practical solutions
Krakatau Steel; Liga Primer Indonesia (LPI); Medco Energi
that are both cost-effective and viable over the long term.
International; Ministry of Finance of the Republic of
Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia
LGS strives on addressing the challenges faced by our
Indonesia; Mitsui & Co., Ltd; Mitsui Banking Corporation;
clients and approaches them with a pragmatic view that
Pamapersada Nusantara; Sampoerna Strategic; Sime
is driven by a deep understanding of their business needs
Darby (Malaysia); Simpson, Spence & Young (SSY);
Fax: +62 21 831-5015, 831-5018
and of the surrounding practicalities of the legal and
Standard Chartered Bank; Sumitomo; Temasek Holdings
Email: lgs@lgslaw.co.id
business landscape that they operate in.
(Private) Limited; and Unilever Indonesia.
Website: www.lgsonline.com
VIETNAM
Tel: +62 21 831-5005, 831-5025
WINNER
J LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VCI LEGAL’S STRATEGIC STRENGTHS A full-service business law firm with a seasoned team of professionals and many years of international practice experience coupled with in-depth understandings of the legal system, business environment, and cultural background in Vietnam, the regional and global markets. VCI Legal is a full-service business law firm that has been consistently ranked as one of the leading law firms in Vietnam by professional publications as Legal 500, KPMG Tax Director Handbook, Law Asia, Asia In-house Counsel, etc. The firm is particularly strong and has been recommended by such publications as leading firm recommended for its M&A - Corporate, Banking & Capital Markets, Tax and Finance, Real Estate, Investments and Intellectual Property Management practices. VCI Legal also well-known for handling successfully commercial dispute settlement and litigations which involved hundred millions of US dollars. VCI Legal advises Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises on a wide range of legal issues. Our lawyers all have strong international educational backgrounds and extensive experience working with multi-national as well as domestic clients.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
• • • • • • • •
M&A and Corporate Banking and Capital Markets Investments Structuring Tax, Transfer Pricing and Tax Controversies Real Estate and Infrastructure Petroleum, Energy & Mining Intellectual Property Management Commercial Dispute Settlement & Litigation
On the basis of our track record of professionalism, efficiency and responsiveness, our clients can always be assured that we not only provide sound legal advice, but we will also work with you to provide the most practical and workable business solutions for business We are the leader when it comes to providing innovative and specialized services for businesses, such as In-house Counsel Service®, In addition to offices in Vietnam, we also work with and support our clients’ needs through our affiliations with high quality firms in Beijing, Shanghai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, New Delhi, DubaiDoha, Zurich, Paris, Rome, Brescia, Washington D.C. & Los Angeles Based on all the foregoing, it is clear why clients recognize VCI Legal as the professional firm where “LOCAL INSIGHT MEET INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE©”
Ho Chi Minh City: Suite 501, 5/F, Sailing Tower 111A Pasteur Str., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel.: (84) 8 8272 029 Fax: (84) 8 8 234 436 Hanoi: Suit 501 - North Asia Tower 9 Dao Duy Anh Street Hanoi, Vietnam Tel.: (84) 4 9 446 526 or (84) 4 9 446 527 Fax: (84) 4 9 446 528 Contact: Tuan A. Phung Esq. Managing Partner Email: tuanphung@vci-legal.com
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INDIA J PPP COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Infrastructure contributes significantly to economic development both by increasing productivity and by providing amenities that improve the quality of life. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure in India, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd. (IL&FS) was incorporated in 1987, mandated to undertake operations in development of infrastructure projects on commercial basis. India’s transport sector is large and diverse. Efficient and co-ordinated system of transport plays an important role in the sustained economic growth of the country. Analyzing the need and importance of surface transport sector in India, IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited (ITNL) was incorporated in the year 2000 as a wholly owned subsidiary of IL&FS. Under ITNL all their existing road infrastructure projects and new projects were consolidated.
having presence in European and Latin American markets. Acquisition of Elsamex has further geographically diversified ITNL’s operations in 10 countries including Spain, Portugal, Albania, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ecuador, India and Mexico. ITNL has a diverse portfolio of surface transportation projects, spread across India and overseas at various stages of the project cycle. ITNL has an extensive presence with certification of a fair mix of annuity and toll based concessions.
ITNL is now an established ISO 14001:2004 & OHSAS 18001:2007 certified surface transportation Infrastructure Company, and one of the largest private sector BOT Road operators in India. Today, ILFS group is widely recognized as the Pioneer of Public Private Partnership (PPP) company in India. Mr. K. Ramchand, has been leading ITNL since its inception. With over 30 years of experience in urban and transport infrastructure development sector, Mr. Ramchand has been involved in large number of private infrastructure initiatives including the successful commissioning of various toll road projects across various states in India. Mr. Ramchand said, “ ITNL aims to transform the face of surface transportation infrastructure in the country, thereby stimulating the drive of India’s economic growth trajectory and widening opportunities for sustainable development of the people”.
Enhancing Prosperity Over the years, ITNL has established itself as a developer, operator and facilitator of infrastructure projects, taking projects from conceptualization through commissioning to operations and maintenance In order to enhance its operation and maintenance experience and also for establishing international footprint, ITNL acquired Elsamex Group of Companies in March 2008. Elsamex is a large highway O&M company based in Spain,
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
Road Portfolio Highlights
Total Under Management India
8863
Lane Kms
23,500
Lane Kms
Sub-total
32,363
Lane Kms
Under Construction
3901
Lane Kms
28,462
Lane Kms
International
Under O&M Project Cost Toll Lanes Apart from the usual contracts of highway development, ITNL also has a footprint in Urban Transportation beyond roads. The company entered the Metro Rail Segment through their subsidiary Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon Limited by signing a concession agreement with Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) for a 5.1 Kms. elevated metro rail loop line, which would connect Sikanderpur station of Delhi Metro to the Central Business District of Gurgaon through DLF Cyber City at an estimated cost of US$ 200 million. This metro system will be India’s first fully privately financed metro. ITNL is also undertaking unique projects like development of Border Check posts, City Bus Operations and Multilevel Automated Car Parks. The bus transportation business at Nagpur, through the Company’s subsidiary, Vansh Nimay Infraprojects Limited is for operating and maintaining 300 buses for 10 years. ITNL also initiated their entry into another sub-sector of the transportation business i.e. Airports, the portfolio comprising of two airports at Gulbarga and Shimoga in Karnataka are in the stage of commencing their operations shortly. International Operations ITNL International Pte Ltd (“IIPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited (ITNL) was incorporated on September 19, 2008 in the Republic of Singapore. ITNL has acquired 49% Equity Stake through ITNL International Pte. Ltd. (IIPL) in Chongqing Yu He Expressway Co. Ltd, China. The Company is engaged in the operations, management and maintenance of 58 km of Yu He Expressway connecting downtown Chongqing with Hechuan county in Chongqing, having toll concession rights till June 2032. The road network in China, which has around
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
US$ 6.3 Billion ~ 250 Lanes 70% of the world’s total toll roads, is likely to grow at the rate of 10% year on year for the next 3 years. The acquisition marks the entry of ITNL in the fastest growing economy in the world. Chongqing, with a population of 30 million and is one of the four centrally administered provinces in China. It is the fastest growing province in China, with more than 10% GDP growth per annum over the last decade (17% GDP growth in 2010). The Yu He Expressway comprises of a dual carriageway section with 55 bridges, 5 tunnels and 5 toll plazas. The Yu He Expressway has completed 9 years of commercial operations since 2002 and has enjoyed double digit growth in the recent years. The strategic location of the Yu He Expressway coupled with the rapid motor vehicle ownership growth in the region and the regional development initiatives of the Federal Government has led to a stable and passenger vehicle centric revenue model. The revenue mix comprises toll collections from road users, annuities and revenue from operations of service areas along the expressway IIPL currently has its offices in Singapore, Dubai and Chongqing. Recently they have successfully completed a foreign currency bond offering of 5.75% RMB 630 million ( equivalent to US$ 100 million) due 2015. These bonds have been placed as part of public offering marketed in the Hong Kong and Singapore markets. Mr. Ramchand said, “this is the first ever corporate bond offering in the Chinese currency by an Indian corporate, this is also the first foreign currency public bond offering within the IL&FS group and marks a milestone in our epic journey to success”. Fitch assigned an international BBB-/Stable for this bonds, the offering attracted huge demand and subscriptions of more than RMB 1 billion were received. The bonds are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and this would also be the first Indian bond listing on this exchange.
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INDIA J PPP COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Thought Leader ITNL has evolved into a prominent institution that harnesses the ability of Public Private Partnership to develop and finance surface transport infrastructure projects. To supplement its role as a Sponsor, Project Developer cum Manager, Design and Value Engineer and Policy Advisor, ITNL has created an in house expertise in Development and integration of latest tolling technology like Electronic Toll Collection Systems (ETC), Design & Drawing unit, ISO 9001:2008 Material Testing Laboratory, Web based Project Information Management System (PIMS) using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technology for Operations & Maintenance Projects. ELSAMEX has designed a software program based on GIS especially designed for Road Maintenance. It enables the existing information to be gathered and updated, it facilitates the development of applications that help to manage the road maintenance activities to be carried out under Performance Based Maintenance (PBM) contracts. The key advantages of this software are: flexible, userfriendly and efficient system for maintenance & inventory management which provides for efficient planning of road operations.
Corporate Governance ITNL has an internally well- regulated management policy governing its strategy on bidding for Projects. ITNL management sets its overall strategy with respect to the procurement, development and operation of its projects. The Business Development team identifies potential projects and prepares the bids generally by monitoring the published tenders of local, State and Central governments. The design and development team compliments the bidding initiative by undertaking relevant studies and preparing preliminary designs in accordance with the requirements of the bid documents to conclude on the viability of the project and to arrive at a cost estimate of the project. Mr. Ramchand said, “ At ITNL, we believe a business cannot survive unless its people are enterprising, future-focused and well equipped to take on myriad project challenges�.
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
CERTIFICATIONS & AWARDS 1. ITNL has been awarded the “Infrastructure Company of the Year - 2011” at the “Essar Steel Infrastructure Excellence Awards Ceremony” held on April 19, 2011 in association with CNBC TV18. 2. The Rajasthan Mega Highways Project under
which more than 1000 km of state highways have been developed in the state of Rajasthan has been recently awarded the S<OCH Challenger Award by the S<OCH Foundation for Public Private Partnership projects recognising this project as the ‘best in class example for PPP in India’ 3. The Vadodara Halol Toll Road was designated by the World Bank as a ‘best practices’ example for its environment risk mitigation and social rehabilitation plan in India 4. NOIDA Toll Bridge Company Limited, which is an associate and also the implementing company for the NOIDA Toll Bridge project, was the first Indian toll road company to have been listed both on the Bombay Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange and AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s global market for innovative and growing companies.
Empowering People ITNL views all development from a human angle. If the human angle is ignored, all development (economic or social) becomes self-defeating and unsustainable. According to Ramchand, “In all our projects we endeavour to seek local participation and support. This was the underlying conviction behind the formulation and execution of Project Parivartan”. Parivartan in Hindi mean “ Change” i.e., a positive change in everything that is linked to projects. Project Parivartan primarily focuses on education, livelihood creation and holistic empowerment of project affiliated communities. The Project aims to spread the reach of quality education to children of the community, with focus on English, Mathematics, Science, Life Skills and Computer Education; enhance employability skills among youth by training them in vocational skills for employment in local industries; reinforce community linkages with existing government schemes and programmes to improve social infrastructure and general quality of life. Ramchand further added, “you will be proud to know that one component of the Parivartan Project – the Computer on Wheels -a refurbished bus that serves as a Mobile Computer class, received the Skoch Virtual Corporation Award”.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
The IL&FS Financial Centre Plot C22, G Block Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East Mumbai 400 051 Maharashtra, INDIA Tel.: 91-22-2659-3814 Fax: 91-22-2653-3295
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WINNER
AUSTRALIA J CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Katie Malyon has been a registered migration agent for
Prior to opening her own boutique immigration law firm,
over 16 years and is recognised as one of the leading
Katie was a Partner with employment law firm Australian
immigration law practitioners in Australia. The only
Business Lawyers heading up the Business and Skilled
Australian immigration lawyer personally referred to in
Migration Practice Group. Formerly, she was with national
the Asia Pacific 500 and also referred to in the 2008, 2009,
law firm Clayton Utz for 15 years.
2010 and 2011 International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Law, Katie is “highly recommended” by her clients.
Katie regularly writes articles and presents seminars and workshops on immigration - for clients and the profession - both in Australia and overseas.
She has been named by the Australian Financial Review as one of the Best Lawyers - Immigration 2010 - 2012 in Australia. Her firm, Katie Malyon & Associates, was joint winner of the ACQ Law Awards 2009 for Corporate Immigration Law Firm of the Year - Australia and the winner in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Katie Malyon & Associates was recognised in the Business Review Weekly’s BRW Fast Starters 2010 as one of the fastest businesses to have started up in Australia in the 5 years to 2010. Most recently, Katie was shortlisted as NSW Woman Lawyer of the Year 2011. A member of the Global Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, Katie provides advice on: • short term business travel including APEC business travel cards • employment related visas • management of employer sponsorship obligations • government audits and immigration compliance related audits using our immiTRAC™ services • all aspects of business, investor and skilled migration • family, student and retirement visas • reviews to the Migration Review Tribunal • discretionary Australian citizenship applications • appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on character issues, visa cancellations and Australian citizenship decisions Katie is admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and is Migration Agent Registered Number 9580358. She is also: • current representative on the Department to Immigration and Citizenship’s NSW Client Reference Group • Associate Fellow and Director of the Migration Institute of Australia • an Executive Member of the Law Council of Australia’s Nationality and Residence Committee
Katie Malyon Solicitor, Notary Public
• a member of the NSW Law Society’s Human Rights
T +61 2 8247 8288
Law Committee
F +61 2 8247 8200
• a Notary Public.
E kmalyon@malyonlaw.com
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
INDONESIA
WINNER
J INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
In the course of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo’s (LGS) more than 27 years of service, we have secured our position as the premier Indonesian corporate transaction and commercial litigation law firm. This combination of commercial law experience and litigation uniquely positions LGS to deal with the full range of commercial issues faced by our clients. We have over a hundred lawyers and experience representing a diverse range of clients, including domestic and multinational corporations, public and private companies, Government instrumentalities and State Owned Enterprises. We work closely with our clients to understand their problems, determine their needs, and arrive at practical solutions that are both cost-effective and viable over the long term. LGS strives on addressing the challenges faced by our clients and approaches them with a pragmatic view that is driven by a deep understanding of their business needs and of the surrounding practicalities of the legal and business landscape that they operate in.
LGS has obtained Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance certifications of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management systems and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management systems to ensure the quality of the firm’s operations. Representative Clients: Adaro Indonesia; American Bureau of Shipping; Astra International; Astratel Nusantara; Bank Mandiri; Charoen Pokphand Indonesia; DBS Bank Ltd; Goldman Sachs; Government of the Republic of Indonesia; Hitachi; Hutchison (Hong Kong); Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund; Japan Tobacco International Indonesia;
Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo
Krakatau Steel; Liga Primer Indonesia (LPI); Medco Energi Indonesia; Mitsui & Co., Ltd; Mitsui Banking Corporation;
Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia
Pamapersada Nusantara; Sampoerna Strategic; Sime
Tel: +62 21 831-5005, 831-5025
Darby (Malaysia); Simpson, Spence & Young (SSY);
Fax: +62 21 831-5015, 831-5018
Standard Chartered Bank; Sumitomo; Temasek Holdings
Email: lgs@lgslaw.co.id
(Private) Limited; and Unilever Indonesia.
Website: www.lgsonline.com
International; Ministry of Finance of the Republic of
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 37
37
INTERNATIONAL J INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Speaking to ACQ, Manu Shanker Mishra, Managing Partner, M S Mishra Associates, New Delhi based full service law firm,says “ As the price actualization is from a cluster of percieved and concieved prices,a market conjecture about prices is made , the solution to which is by double coincidence.” “A market pulse by its definition breaks down the axioms of choice. The market forces are not only the rectangular matrices but also the diagonal matrices which resolve the complexities of the interaction of fundamental forces . The angular matrices are the first axiom of choice which is about the order of rotation.” “Market Beta is the most widely used measure of risk and plays a major role in the capital asset pricing model of regression analysis with statistical leverage h as a measure of firm-specific risk and loop beta is a sensitivity test. The loop alpha risks show the stress bearing capacity and the stability. From the criteria parameter rp we arrive at the co-relation coefficient of regression” “Establishing correspondence between decision making variables and stress variables, successive approximations at local optimal solution from a global sensitivity analysis requires removal of sub-optimal global solutions in the semi-global system as admissible strategy. “
WINNER
“We can make the expected yield curve, tax plan curve, Risk free rate, and the rings from market lambda and delta hedge lie on the same plane as the momental ellipsoid lies on the plane with a point below. Introducing options price and volatility derivatives we have a punctured plane with open rings, whose second turn by investors attitude forms a cuboid. This is firm specific with heterogeneous expectation. Rather aggregation of firm specific capital asset prices can give the average market rate of capital asset prices.” “Unknotting loop theta, we have the theta of regression as a parameter vector theta hat and a theta star operation can be performed. The first moment condition of statistics is the unconditional expectation of p must equal the steady state mean. The first order auto-co-relation is the unconditional mean and variance.” “Reconstruction of a firm in merger, demerger, amalgamation on takeover or acquisition gives a line joining the curves on the punctured plane of the cuboid with a convex surface and convex risk preferences exist. The cube of mean risks differ from the cuboid and difficulty arises with asymmetries of information and absence of market conservation rules.”
M S MISHRA ASSOCIATES Patna, Hyderabad , New Delhi W : www.msmishraassoc.org email:info@msmishraassoc.org E-208,LGF, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi 110048 Tel : +91(0)-612-2571250
WINNER
INDIA J SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The firm’s admiralty law practice has a worldwide reputation as specialists in all aspects of shipping laws. The firm acts for ship owners, charterers, hull & cargo insurers, P&I and Defence Clubs, salvage & tug companies, container handlers, shipbuilders and bunker suppliers and has acted for international lenders in over 300 ship finance deals in the past 10 years. Bolstered with a robust litigation and dispute resolution practice, in the last decade the firm has handled over 700 ship arrests in India and 50 arbitrations relating to shipbuilding, oil & gas exploration and charterparties. The firm advises insurance companies in marine insurance, collisions, hijacking, maritime frauds, pollution liability and war risks and interacts with marine surveyors and P&I Clubs. Recent awards won by the firm include Shipping and Martime Law Firm of the Year, India by ACQ Global Awards, Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Shipping and Martime, India 2012 by Lawyers World. Maritime Law
38
Firm of the Year, India, 2012 by Corporate INTL, Indian Law Firm Awards 2011 for Shipping & Maritime by India Business Law Journal, Shipping & Martime Law Firm of the Year, 2011, India by ACQ Law Awards, Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year, India 2011, by Lawyer Monthly, Shipping Law Firm of the Year in India 2011 by Corporate INTL, Shipping, Maritime & Aviation Award 2008 and 2010 by India Business Law Journal and ‘Transport Law Firm of the Year in India 2010’ by Corporate INTL. Key partners are Dr. B.S. Bhesania and Mr. Shardul Thacker, both seasoned admiralty practitioners of world repute. Dr. Bhesania, handles port related matters and is author of Commentaries on Major Ports Trusts Act, 1963. Mr. Thacker has been awarded Banking & Finance and Shipping 2012 and 2011 by Chambers Asia Pacific and Leading Lawyer Award for Shipping and Maritime from 2003 to 2011 by Asia Law Publication. He is the India correspondent for Lloyd’s Maritime and Commercial Quarterly and contributes to the India section of the Maritime Law Handbook by Kluwer Law.
Advocates, Solicitors & Notaries Mulla House, 51, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, India. Tel. : (+91 22) 2262 3191 / (+91-22) 2 204 4960 (Board) Fax : (+91 22) 6634 5497 / (+91-22) 2 204 0246 Email: info@mullaandmulla.com
Shardul Thacker, partner
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
AUSTRALIA
WINNER
J CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Established in 1926, McCullough Robertson is a leading
policy – efficiency, pricing and sustainability. More
independent Australian law firm. For over 85 years major
importantly, we understand the drivers that form industry
Australian and foreign owned corporations, financial
decisions – viability, productivity and commercial
institutions, government, private enterprises and high
outcomes. We provide commercially focused,
net worth individuals have trusted our advice on their
technical legal advice on the full range of issues
most critical legal challenges. Quite simply, we
confronting participants in the industry.
deliver – projects, results and commercial objectives.
Our team is made up of specialists in mining, electricity,
With our head office located in Brisbane, Queensland we recognised the strong growth in Australia’s energy and resources sector, and consequently opened Newcastle and Sydney offices to support our clients’ expansion..
oil and gas industry regulation, competition policy, environmental approvals and regulation, construction law, workplace relations and safety, project finance and all aspects of corporate management.
Our lawyers have a deep and thorough understanding of
We form deep and long-lasting relationships with
many industry sectors, one in particular being the energy
our clients. Our approach is ‘hands-on’, and our
and resources industry. This comes from long-standing
commitment is long-term.
partnerships we have formed with some of the biggest operators in coal mining and gas exploration, energy generation, transmission and distribution. We understand the drivers that form government
From project inception to operation and beyond, our lawyers draw on the combined experience of a team with a proven track record to manage all legal issues and requirements in every jurisdiction.
INDIA
Guy Humble Managing Partner Ph: +61 7 3233 8544 e: ghumble@mccullough.com.au
WINNER
J TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The firm acts on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. With an experienced and specialized IP team supported by a robust litigation practice, the firm is in a unique position to advise clients in the current Indian environment. With several amendments to the various IP legislations in India, the IP law regime in the country including in relation to domain names and cyber laws, is rapidly changing. The growth of social media and user generated content has brought an interesting dynamic to IP laws and additionally opened debates on freedom of speech and other issues like security of the nation and public policy. The firm acts as India legal counsel to numerous multinational companies in relation to licensing, franchising, protection and registration of IPRs, particularly with regard to brands and various forms of copyright. Clients have the benefit of holistic advice, as the firm has the expertise in areas like corporate, competition, tax,
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 39
foreign investments and regulatory, which potentially impact the protection and utilization of client’s IP, including specific and unique regulations, such as for advertising, broadcasting, alcohol, tobacco, software, technology etc. Members of the firm are familiar with specific IP rich sectors such as luxury goods, media, pharma, fashion, software, FMCG and are thus equipped to render effective advice of real commercial value.
Advocates, Solicitors & Notaries Mulla House, 51, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, India. Tel. : (+91 22) 2262 3191 / (+91-22) 2 204 4960 (Board) Fax : (+91 22) 6634 5497 / (+91-22) 2 204 0246 Email: info@mullaandmulla.com
Recent matters of the firm include obtaining a successful award in a heavy copyright license dispute which greatly impacts the FM radio broadcasting industry in India. In recognition of it’s exellence, the firm has been awarded the India – Trademarks Law Firm of the Year 2012 by ACQ Global Awards, Trademark Law Firm of the Year, India 2011 by Finance Monthly Law, Trademark Law Firm of the Year, India 2011 by Lawyer Monthly, IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year, India 2011 by Global Law Experts and IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year, India 2010 by Corporate INTL.
“Purnima Singh, Senior Associate
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HONG KONG
WINNER
J PRIVATE CLIENT ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
Who is NYGT? Since our foundation over a century ago, NYGT has been managing the financial affairs of private clients and their business interests. Our prime aim is to help our clients achieve their financial ambitions, both corporate and personal. Our clients are varied - private individuals, mid-large businesses and professional practices. Our business spans 8 principal regions around the world, with locations in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Vancouver, London and New York. In a business as diverse as ours, professionalism and teamwork are keys. We recognize that clients and intermediaries take comfort from knowing that they can easily reach senior people and decision-makers in our organization who are able to understand their needs and objectives. Our business thrives on its people - a pool of highly talented and enthusiastic individuals who deliver a broad and innovative range of services, but without compromising on delivering a genuinely director-led
HONG KONG
service. Technical excellence underpins how we deliver our services and our teams are dedicated to offering practical financial solutions. People may ask what sets us apart from our competitors; put simply, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our people - ambitious, talented and enthusiastic professionals who enjoy what they do and relish the opportunity to work together and with our clients. Our History NYGT was founded in New York in the 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and has, for many years, combined independent trusts with an investment management and private banking house profile. The firm we know today has evolved by exponential growth and has gained an enviable reputation as a leading financial services firm which offers a full and innovative range of services. Today, there are over 100 consultants who operate from 8 principal offices around the world, providing corporate finance management and advisory services to private clients, professional practices and midlarge corporation.
NYGT (HONG KONG) LIMITED P.O.Box 792 General Post Office Hong Kong E-mail : nygt-pr@nygtgroup.org
WINNER
J FINANCIAL ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
INDIA
WINNER
J IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR S Eshwar Consultants, House of Corporate and IPR Laws believes in “God is in detail” and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to advising their clients, as they understand the corporate personality well. They are steadfast in ensuring that their clients receive the finest and customized legal solutions, based on the needs of each business, as the strength of the firm is derived from a strong research oriented approach. The firm has over the years, consistently expanded its expertise in diversified areas of law that caters to the needs of clients in different businesses with an ability to deliver legal services all around the globe. The firm renders a range of expert services in the following areas: Corporate and Business Laws The firm possesses expertise in varied areas of corporate and business laws and they advise many businesses in their investments, inbound and outward, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, compliance management, business reorganization, reconstruction and winding- up of companies. Intellectual Property Rights The firm has a specialized vertical on Intellectual Property Right protection and provides a full range of services in all aspects of IP protection, apart from conducting investigation and IPR Audits and litigation support.
The firm also provides specialized services in the area of domain name disputes and has successfully assisted many companies in protecting their domain name and has experience in having represented its clients in domain name dispute proceedings before WIPO, Nominet, NIXI and other dispute resolution forums. Private Equity & Transaction Advisory The firm specializes in drafting, vetting and negotiating Contracts and Agreements, with special emphasis on Private Equity Investment Agreements, Shareholder Agreements, JV Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, Franchisee Agreements, IPR Licensing and Assignment Agreements, Real Estate Transaction Structuring and the like. The firm has advised many strategic investments, acquisition of businesses and conducting due diligence. Energy Laws The firm has a team that specializes in advising its clients on various compliances, certifications and registrations required under the ambit of energy laws in India and specializes in drafting and vetting of specialized forms of contracts pertaining to energy laws such as Power Purchase Agreements and EPC contracts and the like. The Firm consists of a team of aspiring professionals and its strength lies in the perfect blend of experience and young minds, driven by a desire to excel in its areas of operations and maximize client satisfaction.
MALAYSIA
N V Saisunder S Eshwar Consultants House of Corporate & IPR Laws 4, Aishwarya, 12B/177, Kumaran Colony, 6th Street, Vadapalani, Chennai, India-600026. T: +91-44-42048335 F: +91-44-42048235 e-mail:saisunder@eshwars.com www.eshwars.com
WINNER
J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Skrine is one of the largest full service law firms in Malaysia with a depth of experience in a range of legal matters acquired through its 49 years of practice. The firm is currently led by 41 partners with nearly a 100 lawyers across the Corporate, Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property Divisions. The synergy of all three divisions is the basis for the firm’s approach to offering effective solutions for the fast resolution of cases. The firm was named as The International Who’s Who Malaysian Firm for the Years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 by the Who’s Who Legal Awards; Asian-Mena Counsel ‘In-House Community Firm Of The Year 2011’ for Antitrust/Competition, Intellectual Property, International Arbitration, Islamic Finance & Restructuring & Insolvency; Managing Intellectual Property Malaysian IP Firm of the Year 2009 and 2010; IFLR 1000 2010 Tier 1 firm for Banking and Project Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions, Pacific Business Press Asian Counsel Firm of the Year 2010 for International Arbitration and Litigation & Dispute Resolution and GAR 100 - Approved International Arbitration Firms.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 41
SKRINE is the sole and exclusive Malaysian member of 2 leading international legal networks and alliances, Lex Mundi and the Pacific Rim Advisory Council. These legal networks provide the firm and its clients with a global reach. Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms, has gathered 160 premier firms in more than 100 countries with more than 21,000 lawyers. The Pacific Rim Advisory Council is an international law firm association with a unique strategic alliance within the global legal community providing for the exchange of professional information among its 30 top tier independent member law firms.
Leong Wai Hong Partner Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution Division, Unit No.50-8-1, 8th Floor Wisma UOA Damansara, 50 Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 603 20813999 ext 730 Fax: 603 20943211 Email: lwh@skrine.com www.skrine.com
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WINNER
HONG KONG J IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Prior to setting up Twiggy MH Liu Law Office in 2006, Twiggy headed the IP practice of several Hong Kong and international law firms. Since 2004, Twiggy has been identified every year as an Asialaw Leading Lawyer by Asia Law and Practice. Twiggy MH Liu Law Office specialises in IP related cases including contentious, non-contentious, commercial, licensing, franchising, merchandising, technologytransfer, foreign direct investment, litigation, enforcement in Hong Kong and China. It is also actively engaged in on-line cases and disputes, patents, designs and copyright. Twiggy MH Liu Law Office has also been recognised as a leading and outstanding IP firm by different international publications and organizations, including winning the ICFM Law Awards, DealMakers Country Awards and Lawyers Worlds Law Awards. Twiggy represents clients from different industries ranging from textile, cosmetics, jewellery, luxury goods, healthcare, food and beverages, automobiles, hotels, entertainment, sports, pharmaceutical, IT and education. Twiggy has particular experience in handling brand building, IP portfolio planning, protection and administration.
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Through her experience and contacts in the Greater China Region, Twiggy represents clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests in a manner appropriate to local practice and market considerations. Twiggy has been very successful in enforcing intellectual property rights in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan; as well as on the internet. Twiggy operates a full-service IP consultancy company which is also a state approved trademark agency in Shenzhen, China. Twiggy is a member of various professional organisations including International Trademark Association (INTA), International Anti-Counterfeit Coalition (IACC), International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI), Licensing Executives Society (LES), UK Institute of Trademark Attorneys (ITMA), Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) and Hong Kong Institute of Trademark Practitioners (HKITMP). She also sits on various committees and sub-committees of these organizations. Twiggy obtained her LLB from University of London and PCLL from University of Hong Kong. She was admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 1984. She is also admitted in Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Twiggy M H Liu Law Office Room 4104 Hopewell Centre 183 Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road East HONG KONG Tel: (852) 2155 0288 Fax: (852) 2155 0688 Email: twiggy@tliu-lawoffice.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
ASIA PACIFIC
WINNER
J LARGE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR
WINNER
SRI LANKA J MOST RESPECTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Sudath Perera Associates (SPA) is one of Sri Lanka’s leading full-service law firms, offering tailored services, highly skilled professionals with unrivalled experience. Clients benefit not just from excellence in technical quality, but also close understanding of the business realities theyface.
Association of Outsourcing Professionals and the International Bar Association. The firm is also TerraLex’s representative for Sri Lanka. Building substantial and lasting client relationships remains the guiding principle of our business strategy and future development.
Our professional practice encompasses virtually every sector of business, industry and government. Our team is filled with expertise in the field of intellectual property with an emphasis on Brand Protection and Anti-Counterfeiting, banking and finance, tax bankruptcy, corporate and commercial law, Arbitration etc. Our team can provide insights into the various local bodies, both international and local trade and economics while maintaining our exceptional levels of service. The firm is well known for delivering comprehensive and results-oriented work and for its prompt action when circumstances demand. Leading local and international financial institutions entrust SPA with their most high profile and challenging legal assignments.
Clients of the Firm range from Global 1000 and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies, developing industry-leading technologies. This gives the firm an understanding of clients’ of all sectors and industries, providing an insight into the issues faced by both established companies and those seeking to gain a foothold. The firm’s clients include many of the national and international companies, banks and other financial institutions, as well as local government departments and agencies. The firm has been the key legal adviser on many of the most significant transactions in Sri Lanka, as well on various other international transactions. SPA consistently ranks highest in the client and industry surveys and voted by the International Law office as the Client’s Choice for the years 2011 and 2012, which is testimony to the fact that the firm understands and lives up to its clients’ expectations.
The international law firms we work with are top end reputed firms in the United States of America, United Kingdom, France, India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand. Sudath Perera Associates is a member of various professional organisations, including the American Chamber of Commerce, the Council for Business with Britain, the Inter-Pacific Bar Association, the International Trademark Attorneys Association, the International
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Globally, SPA has established strong relationships with leading law firms and corporations. The Firm is consistently recommended by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and has contributed to many international legal and corporate publications.
SUDATH PERERA ASSOCIATES No 5, 9th Lane Nawala, Nawala, Sri Lanka T +94 11 755 9944 F +94 11 755 9948 E spalegal@sltnet.lk www.sudathpereraassociates.com
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WINNER
CYPRUS J CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AG. Paphitis & Co. LLC today is one of the fastest growing, full-service, Law Firms in Cyprus. It is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus’ major commercial city for international companies. Since its’ establishment in 2006, the Firm prides itself for its rapid expansion and the trust and confidence that a great number of private individuals and corporations have shown to it. We strongly believe that hard work, personal attention and immediate response to clients’ needs is what sets A.G.Paphitis & Co. LLC apart and beyond of other traditional firms.
•
Law Firm of the Year 2011 in Cyprus on “Corporate Governance” by the GLOBAL LAW EXPERTS (UK);
•
Listed in the TOP 25 LAWYERS IN CYPRUS by the CorporateINTL Journal (UK), October issue 2011.
•
Law Firm of the Year 2010 in Cyprus on “Trusts and Asset Protection” awarded by the CorporateINTL Journal (UK);
The Firm is consisted of:
The Firm’s types of work undertaken:
- 7 lawyers
Since its establishment, the firm has been devoted to company law and corporate governance, including corporate and civil litigation, trustee services and tax
- 4 consultants - 5 corporate administrators - 2 auditors, 1 accountant - Ancillary staff The firm has the following departments: • Company/Commercial department which specializes in all areas of Company law and Corporate Governance, Commercial, Financial and Investment Law, Real Estate and Banking as well as in International Tax, Trusts and Asset Protection, Foreign Exchange, Legal Aspects of International Finance and Aviation Law • Litigation department which is proud of its extensive experience and great success on Civil and corporate litigation, Shipping, Family and Immigration Law • Corporate Services department which is greatly proud of budgeted company formations, ready-made companies internationally (Cyprus & Offshore), including bookkeeping & accounting services.
Office languages: Greek, English, Russian, French, German, Latvian.
Other Awards & Recognitions: •
Recommended by the LEGAL500 as Cyprus Leading Firm 2012 on Dispute Resolution;
•
Listed in the TOP 50 LAW FIRMS IN CYPRUS by the Gold International Investment, Business & Finance Magazine (InBusiness Cyprus); September 2011 issue;
•
Law Firm of the Years 2010, 2011 and 2012 in Cyprus on “Corporate Governance” awarded by the CorporateINTL Journal (UK);
44
Mr. Angelos G Paphitis
law. It has been the founder’s aim to increase awareness regarding Cyprus as an international business and financial centre. Having taken advantage of Cyprus’ geographical location and tax incentives, the firm has been active in promoting Cyprus companies as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV), including setting up complicated tax structures for avoidance of double tax payments or for minimizing tax liabilities through well structured tax planning. The Firm is proud to manage and administrate a large number of corporate entities both in Cyprus and offshore on behalf of large international corporations and wealthy individuals; including persons listed within the Forbes 500 and famous personalities. The Firm has taken part at a number of deals of great international magnitude such as: the acquisition of a Cyprus holding company over Ukrainian assets for the total amount of US$700 million; legal and financial due diligence for the acquisition of a great number of Cyprus holding companies worth of few hundreds of millions; consulted on Cyprus corporate governance issues on the acquisition of a real estate property in London by Cyprus holding companies for a deal over GB£240 million; the acquisition of a Russian site for US$160 million. . A great number of other similar deals include the acquisition of a Russian real estate holding company for the amount of US$17 million, the acquisition of land in Varna – Bulgaria for €2.5 million, the sale of real estate projects in Cyprus worth of over €11 million, M&As and legal due diligences, the setting up of a number of escrow agreements and acting as escrow agent; and many more.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
The firm is also proud to have handled the setting up of a private-jet airline company in Cyprus, advised on the setting up of a private investment bank in Cyprus, has consulted and assisted on the acquisition of Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) licenses issued by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) on behalf of International financial services organizations; now the Firm is in the process of acquiring an electronic money institution license from the Central Bank of Cyprus.t In respect to litigation, the firm is proud of the high profile multimillion actions and company petitions filed before Cyprus courts, either successfully completed or currently pending completion. Such actions include the filing of winding up petitions on the grounds of oppression of minority shareholders’ rights or deadlock situations; such high profile petitions includes the winding up of a Cyprus holding company worth of, according to valuations, US$1.8 billion (currently pending hearing); have successfully defended an action in Cyprus for breach of contract in Russia worth of US$1 billion (including the successful objection filed against the issue of interim orders). The Firm has handled a large number of high profile claims before Cyprus courts worth of millions; successfully obtained two interim orders (tracing and freezing injunctions) on behalf of a leading international retail Company based in the UK, involving financial fraud; successfully represented a Ukrainian retail group before Cyprus courts for a claim over EUR400 million, etc. Clientele: In addition to the Firm’s international clientele, we are proud of our cooperation and representation before Cyprus courts and local authorities of major local companies, including Cyprus banks, such as the Bank of Cyprus PLC, Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd and Hellenic Bank PLC., and other local companies such as the Polycliniki ‘Ygia’ PLC (leading private hospitals company), DHI Global (a leading hair transplantations Clinique in the world), LiteForex, United World Capital, IFC Markets, Insta-Markets, OKPAY, Metaquotes, XE-Markets, Mayzus Investments and many other (leading international forex trading and financial investment companies), the Heritage Private School (a leading private school in Cyprus), Aristo Developers (a leading construction company in Cyprus), CADS International (international construction
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 45
company based in Cyprus) BuySell (leading estate agents in Cyprus) and many others.
Evens & Conferences The firm actively participates in international conferences and seminars in respect to international tax planning and trusts providing detailed information in respect to the benefits that Cyprus has to offer to international investors and corporations. Such seminars take place in Cyprus, Russia, Ukraine and India on a regular basis.
Mr. Angelos G. Paphitis Email: apaphitis@agpaphitis.com Tel: +35725731000
Cyprus Headquarters: Themis Tower, 6th Floor Anastasi Sioukri & Olympion Corner
Mr. Angelos G Paphitis Mr. ANGELOS G. PAPHITIS is the founder and managing director of A.G.Paphitis & Co LLC as well as of the ASG Premier Group of Companies. Mr. Paphitis graduated in Law (LLB) and obtained his Masters degree on Commercial & Corporate Law (LLM) from the University College London (UCL), University of London. He is qualified as Barrister-at-Law in England and Wales, member of Gray’s Inn Society, and a member of the Cyprus Bar Association. In 2006 he has been certified as a Trust and Estate Practitioner by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and received the TEP title; the same year he obtained a post graduate diploma on International Tax Law from Robert Kennedy College in Zurich, Switzerland. Main areas of his practice: His main areas of practice are Commercial, Corporate and Tax areas of law, both in Legal Consultancy and Litigation, with special expertise in Corporate Governance, International Tax Planning and Trusts. He undertakes high profile cases in Civil and Corporate Litigation, Shipping and Admiralty, Property and IP, Financial, Banking and Foreign Investments law in Cyprus and abroad. Memberships: He is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association, the International Bar Association, the International Tax Planning Organization, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the International Law Office, and the Honorable Society of Gray’s Inn.
3035 Limassol – Cyprus
On June 2012 moving in at the Firm’s privately owned building at:
A.G.Paphitis Chambers 84, Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue 4003 Limassol - Cyprus P.O. Box 58419, 3734 Limassol Tel. +357 25 731000 Fax. +357 25 761004 Web. www.agpaphitis.com Email. info@agpaphitis.com
Other offices: Greece – Athens Kolonaki Square, 8 Milioni Street, 1st Floor, 106 73 Athens, Greece Tel. +30 210 361 5913 Fax. +30 210 361 5911 E-mail: athens@agpaphitis.com
UAE – Dubai Unit P12, Rimal, The Walk, Dubai, UAE PO Box 487177 Tel. +971 4 4521911 Fax. +971 4 4580839 Email: info@agpaphitis.com
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WINNER
UK J NICHE CONSULTANCY PRACTICE OF THE YEAR success in providing loss forecasting and stress testing, MIAC|Acadametrics is delighted to receive the 2012 ACQ
cash flow valuation, and distressed asset analysis, we
Award for the UK Niche Consultancy Practice of the Year.
recently developed a robust rental valuation tool which
This award provides an instant record of the companies
provides a rental assessment down to the postcode level
who have supplied the best service around the world in
throughout the UK using a database of actual and asking
the view of their customers. We appreciate the confi-
rental data. Further, we continue to enhance our
dence our clients and partners have in us as evidenced
software offerings including the integration of our
by this honor!
proprietary software suite with SAS, allowing users to
Over the last year, MIAC | Acadametrics has provided
seamlessly interface with an existing SAS framework.
the analytics behind numerous asset transactions
The synergy of skills and experience brought together
throughout Europe. Using our rigorous models and
under one roof from New York based Mortgage Industry
proprietary software, we assisted our clients in
Advisory Corporation (MIAC) and those of London based
successfully achieving their business objectives by
Acadametrics allows our global team of professionals to use
providing stress test loss forecasting, cashflow valuations,
the most effective methodologies to achieve desired results.
model benchmark and validation, and related analysis. Our focus on delivering analytics built from the loan level upwards has proved to be a critical value-add to our clients, particularly given the increasingly complex regulatory environment.
About MIAC|Acadametrics: MIAC|Acadametrics LTD is a leading valuation service provider for all mortgage and other fixed-income asset classes in the financial industry today. Using our proprietary valuation software, MIAC Analytics™, and leveraging the firm’s combined global
MIAC | ACADAMETRICS LTD 226 Sheen Lane London SW14 8LD +44 (0) 20 8392 9082
At MIAC | Acadametrics, our seasoned professionals
experience, MIAC|Acadametics can assist your
continue to develop and expand the range of services
institution in understanding the value of any assets or
Circulation@miac-acadametrics.co.uk
and solutions we offer to the market. Building on our
liabilities on your balance sheet.
www.miac-acadametrics.co.uk
UK
WINNER
J ASSET BASED LENDING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Addleshaw Goddard is a leading UK law firm of 160 partners and over 500 other fee-earners with an international capability offering a full range of commercial legal services through offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Singapore and a network of likeminded firms around the world. We provide not only technical excellence and experience, through our five divisions: Commercial Services, Corporate, Finance & Projects, Litigation and Real Estate; but crucially, we also demonstrate real insight into our clients and what really matters to them. Through this approach we are recognised for our extraordinary effort that creates sustainable value and a consistently positive experience for our clients, our people and our communities. We are ranked 7th in the UK by number of FTSE100 clients. Built on a culture that is forward looking and supportive, commercial and straightforward, the firm’s aim is to be a natural choice for FTSE 250 and similar sized clients. Addleshaw Goddard has 40 practice areas that are ranked in the top tier across the UK in Legal 500 2011 and 30 practice areas ranked in the top tier across the UK in
46
Chambers UK 2012. Addleshaw Goddard also maintain cross disciplinary sector focus groups in relation to the Financial Services, Government, Energy and Infrastructure, Property and the Retail & Consumer sectors. The ABL team forms part of Addleshaw Goddard’s wider Banking practice and acts for borrowers and lenders in negotiating and documenting asset based and other alternative lending transactions, including receivables finance. They have acted on transactions ranging from simple domestic bi-lateral invoice finance transactions to larger cross-border ABL transactions, including off balance sheet and back-to-back transactions as well as advising on portfolio acquisition and portfolio management issues within the sector. Addleshaw Goddard has been awarded a Silver accreditation by Investors in People - one of only 150 businesses in the UK to reach the required standard and is regularly recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the best 100 companies to work for in the UK and by The Times as one of the Top 50 Places Where Women Want to Work in the UK.
London Milton Gate 60 Chiswell Street London EC1Y 4AG United Kingdom DX 47 London Tel: +44 (0)20 7606 8855 Fax: +44 (0)20 7606 4390 www.addleshawgoddard.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
FRANCE
WINNER
J STRATEGIC ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Advention Business Partners is a strategy consulting
corporate and business unit strategies resulting in increased
group that helps boards and senior management address
competitive advantage and greater shareholder value.
complex issues in areas including corporate strategy,
Advention Business Partners assists its clients in the
business unit strategy, performance improvement,
management of their corporate portfolio to long-term value
turnaround/restructuring, transaction services and
creation, and in their business unit strategy which includes
commercial/strategic due diligence.
knowing what business to be in, understanding the sources
Advention Business Partners currently employs sixty professionals in its international offices (Dubai, London, Munich, New York, Paris and Shanghai). Clients come
of competitive advantage in that business, and developing a plan to capture sustainably a relative advantage over competition
from a number of sectors and include global clients,
Advention Business Partners is also very active with its
small/middle-sized businesses and private equity firms
private equity clients at every point of the transaction
worldwide.
process. Services range from acquisition screens,
Advention Business Partners has a reputation for longterm relationships with its clients, valuable independence and acute business sense.
Advention Business Partners
commercial/strategic due diligence as well as post-merger
Alban Neveux (Managing Director)
management. When analyzing an investment, Advention
E-mail: alban.neveux@adventionbp.com
Business Partners goes through a rigorous and systematic
Address in France: 6 rue Anatole de La Forge – 75017 Paris
analytical process in order to provide its clients with a clear
As a strategic advisor, Advention Business Partners
advice regarding a “go / no go” decision and the impact on
Telephone: +33 6 10 94 33 39
works with its corporate clients to develop efficient
valuation.
Web address: www.adventionbp.com
GERMANY
WINNER
J SMALL TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AFR Aigner Fischer Radlmayr was established in Munich in early 2007 by attorneys-at-law Florian Aigner, Florian Fischer and Ulrich Radlmayr as founding partners after several years of work for a major German tax and M&A boutique. In late 2007, the firm opened a Stuttgart branch with attorneys-at-law Dr Roderich Fischer, Diethard
• Top-level tax advisory practice for investments and
projects of high-net-worth individuals (including
tax strategies, investment fund taxation, inheritance
tax optimization)
Goerg and Martin Hunstein (each with several years of
• Tax and financial products and tax-driven structures
experience with Gleiss Lutz and Shearman & Sterling).
for institutional and individual clients (including
Diethard Goerg and Martin Hunstein are qualified as tax
regulatory issues
advisors, too.
The firm´s approach can be characterized by
The tax practice group of AFR has an outstanding
responsiveness and high flexibility. Due to the firm´s lean
reputation in the market, in particular for
structures, AFR´s clients enjoy a very close and dedicated
• transaction tax know-how in private equity, real
personal contact to the lawyers working on the deal (“know your lawyer”).
estate and M&A (including cross-border
transactions, real-estate transfer tax, conversions
Industry publications have variously described AFR´s “clients
and reorganizations, group tax issues, profit
praising the creativity, quick-wittedness and readiness for
repatriation, double tax treaty-issues)
action of the relatively young firm”.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
AFR AIGNER FISCHER RADLMAYR Rechtsanwälte Leopoldstr. 12 D 80802 München T +49 89 38 6660-0 F +49 89 38 6660-100 info@afr-legal.de www.afr-legal.de
47
WINNER
BELGIUM J HR ADVISORY OF THE YEAR J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AFSCHRIFT is a multi awarded 20 lawyers boutique law firm established in Brussels, Antwerp, Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid and Tel Aviv. With over 30 years experience in domestic and international tax law, and founder of the firm, Professor Thierry AFSCHRIFT leads the firm’s practice and advises a very important number of major Belgian and foreign companies and banks; he is admitted to the Brussels, Antwerp and Madrid Bar, while being member of Luxembourg and Geneva bars. Thierry AFSCHRIFT is founder and Chairman of the Master on Tax Management, from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management of the Free University of Brussels (U.L.B.) and deputy judge at the Court of Appeal in Brussels. AFSCHRIFT’s lawyers engage in all matters of (international) business law and more specifically tax and international law, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, international tax planning and optimization, consultancy and litigation, as well as consultancy on taxation related to financial instruments. They also specialize in white collar crime cases.
The firm has participated in the major tax trials of the past 20 years and acts as a counsel for several Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourgian banks and financial institutions, as well as for wealthy individuals. The major specificity of the firm is its niche character. Therefore, AFSCHRIFT’s lawyers handle (almost) exclusively tax cases because, given the speed of changes in tax law, tax practice a tax specialist’s sole activity; furthermore, AFSCHRIFT’s services are highly personalized, in order to achieve a better client attorney relation and preserve the confidentiality. Finally, most the firm’s lawyers teach to the university, which allows them, by combining up to date theoretical knowledge to practice, to produce highly efficient counseling. The firm’s clientele includes individuals, industrial and commercial companies, Luxembourgian, Swiss and Belgian banks, as well as companies from abroad. Due to the partners’ expertise on European tax law as well as their specific knowledge of Swiss, Belgian, Luxembourgian, Spanish and Israeli tax law, they are able to help companies achieve the best optimization of their tax situation, as well as individuals to optimize estate planning of their estate, in the strictest confidentiality.
SPAIN
AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM Avenue Louise, 208 B-1050 Brussels Tel : +32 (0)2.646.46.36 Fax: +32 (0)2.644.38.00 Email : avocats@afschrift.com Website : www.afschrift.com
WINNER
J FULL SERVICE SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J NEW LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ALAE ABOGADOS is a young law firm created in the beginning of 2007, with the goal of becoming a leading Spanish law firm. Our mission is to provide integral and exclusive legal services to our clients, drawing from our lawyers’ extensive experience at multiple international law firms. Our objective at ALAE ABOGADOS is to supply our clients with a complete service, providing advice for any questions which may arise from their activity. We add value by foreseeing our clients’ needs and assisting to resolve them in the most effective way. We do not work for our clients, we work next to them in all aspects of their business. Our professionals provide integral legal advice according to Spanish Law to both domestic and foreign organizations. Our international vocation is materialized through collaboration with foreign law firms as well as our expansive network of contacts in South America and the European Union.
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In order to achieve our goal, ALAE ABOGADOS works with an excellent team of professionals, specializing in giving global answers to our clients’ problems with the highest standard of care. The work of ALAE ABOGADOS is based on the values and experience our lawyers have acquired throughout years of practice. This serves as the foundation upon which we develop the best quality in our areas of practice. The services offered to our clients always comply with the following standards: - High quality of the service; - Loyalty to the client and commitment to their projects; - Effectiveness and quick response; - Rigorous fulfillment of professional ethics and deontology Regulations. ALAE ABOGADOS has important alliances with international law firms, which allow us to provide our services to clients of all nationalities, especially from Central and Latin America.
Calle Recoletos 6, 2o Izq. 28001 Madrid +34 91 781 74 07 info@grupoalae.com www.grupoalae.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
RUSSIA
WINNER
J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AstapovLawyers International Law Group, one of
Jump Ukraine/Beeper, Huawei, metallurgical companies
TOP-5 Ukrainian law firms, provides high-quality legal
ThyssenKrupp SA, Mechel, Ferrexpo/Vorskla Steel, DEMZ,
services to clients doing business in Ukraine and the CIS,
EMSS – Energomashspetsstal, and companies Danone/
combining international experience with local expertise.
Nutricia, Avery Dennison, Detskiy Mir, Perdue Farms,
The company has been recognized by many ratings. Notably, Recommended for dispute resolution in Ukraine
China National Oil Corporation, Energoatom, Ukraeroruh, Ukrzaliznytsia and others.
by the leading international rating PLC Which Lawyer in
If you have any questions, please contact Oleh Beketov,
2010 and 2011, Chambers and Partners 2012 and others.
Partner beketov@astapovlawyers.com, or Yulia Sydorova,
Andrey Astapov, AstapovLawyers’ Managing Partner, was
PR-Assistant sydorova@astapovlawyers.com.
named as internationally recognized and outstanding arbitration expert by the Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, Who’s Who Legal CIS.
More information about the firm is available at www. astapovlawyers.com.
The firm’s key clients include such companies as Glencore, Soufflet Negoce SA, Bunge, Valars Group, EFKO, Mriya, United grain company, alcohol holdings
Astapov Lawyers, International Law Group
Nemiroff, Soyuz-Victan, Khortycia, banks such as EBRD, Raiffeisen Zentralbank, Sociate General, Cesci Komerzi
Kyiv Odessa Moscow Almaty
Bank, Rodovid Bank, pharmaceutical companies Bayer,
www.astapovlawyers.com
Metagenics, Optima pharm, telecom companies CDMA,
WWW.ATRIUMPARTNERS.DK
OUR APPROACH TO GROWTH YIELDS MORE THAN ITS OWN REWARDS ATRIUM Partners creates growth through strategic and financial advisory. While the best acknowledgement of our results will always be our client’s bottom line, international recognition also keeps us reaching higher. Awarded M&A Advisory of the Year, Financial Advisory Firm of the Year, Denmark 2012 by ACQ Finance Magazine.
ATRIUM Partners is an independent Danish advisory firm specialised in Corporate Finance advisory, debt advisory and wealth management
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 49
+45 39 48 10 10
49
UK
WINNER
J SMALL CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR Ballard Evans is a leading Corporate Finance advisory firm which was formed to offer a partner-led style of advice to entrepreneurs and small and medium sized private companies across the UK. We are wholly focused on providing corporate finance advice. There is no agenda to sell other services and as a result there are no conflicts of interest. We take a hands-on project management role in each assignment, co-ordinate the efforts of all advisers and ensure the fine details of financial, commercial and legal matters are dealt with.
Acquisition search and support We initially look to understand our clients’ business, their rationale for making acquisitions, methods of financing and the size and type of business they want to acquire. We then use sophisticated business tools and our wide network of corporate finance contacts to identify suitable acquisition targets before making discreet approaches.
Our approach is highly discreet at all times.
Once we have identified a suitable target and negotiated the most favourable terms and structure for our client, we manage the transaction through to completion.
We specialise in advising on:
Management Buy Outs
Ballard Evans Corporate Finance
Business disposals
We are highly experienced in arranging Management Buy Outs, which often involve complex debt and equity funding packages.
Jonathan Ballard Mob: 07739 123 707
We are highly active in business disposals and we act exclusively as retained advisors and hands-on project managers.
Raising debt or equity funding
Chris Evans Mob: 07958 037 294
We manage each disposal assignment from initial engagement through to the completion meeting and often beyond in order to present our client’s business in a way which will allow us to achieve the most favourable price, terms and structure of a deal.
We have an extensive network of contacts within all of the major UK banks, as well as relationships with specialist funders such as private equity/venture capital firms, asset-based lenders and government-backed funds.
Lowry House 17 Marble Street Manchester M2 3AW
We drive the timetable to ensure that completion is achieved in as timely a manner as possible. We are result driven and the majority of our fees are contingent on completion of the transaction.
Strategic and financial support We offer general financial and strategic support to small and medium-sized businesses.
Website: www.ballardevans.com Tel: +44 (0)161 836 6870 Fax: +44 (0)161 836 6871
WINNER
UK J PRIVATE CLIENT INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Brooks Macdonald Asset Management Ltd is a specialist investment manager providing discretionary management services. The company is a subsidiary of Brooks Macdonald Group plc, an independently owned specialist wealth management group. Since formation in 1991, the Brooks Macdonald brand has grown steadily and significantly and now, from its head offices in Mayfair, London and their network of regional offices in Hampshire, Manchester, Tunbridge Wells, Edinburgh, Taunton and York they manage £3.45 billion on behalf of private clients, trusts, charities and pensions funds as at 31st March 2012. Brooks Macdonald Asset Management’s Bespoke Portfolio Service combines a flexible, balanced and sophisticated investment management process with direct contact between clients and their portfolio management teams and fair, clean and clear charges. The investment process provides a framework that allows the creation of individual portfolios whilst controlling the risks taken. A top down macro economic strategy is
50
employed for the asset allocation element to which to risk management tools are applied, and a bottom up strategy is used to provide the appropriate investments for clients’ portfolios. Every portfolio is managed on an individual basis by a dedicated investment manager and much emphasis is placed on accessing a client’s current financial position and investment objectives, taking into account tax, appetite for risk and income requirements. Both absolute and relative return vehicles are used depending on clients’ requirements and Brooks Macdonald are able to manage both AIM and target return portfolios. Brooks Macdonald understand that investment management is only a small part of the overall financial planning process and recognise the importance of working closely with professional advisers in order to ensure a smooth service experience for mutual clients. Intermediary relationships are managed by a team of 11 intermediary sales managers who are based throughout the UK.
To find out more about Brooks Macdonald Asset Management please visit www.brooksmacdonald.com/am call us on 020 7499 6424, or email us at info- am@brooksmacdonald.com. Follow Head of Investment Strategy, Gemma Godfrey, on Twitter: @GCGodfrey
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
TWO
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
THREE
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WINNER
ITALY J FINANCIAL ADVISOR OF THE YEAR Interview with Andrea Mayr, Head of Banca IMI’s Investment Banking Are you focusing on a particular industry? We always follow with particular attention and interest the Energy and Utilities sectors, as well as the Industrials, TMT and Consumer & Retail with specialized teams, working both on Italian and European level, through our Hub in London. We are also in constant dialogue with the main the Financial Sponsors active in Europe. What is the main characteristic of your business approach to the customers? Our focus is on a continuous, strategic dialogue with our customers, based on effective and long-term relationships together with a financial support of their business, from debt to equity, to placement capabilities. Moreover, the Bank’s decision-making process is always very fast. How can you increase the confidence of your clients in your brand? We try to support our customers in achieving their industrial strategies, also taking load of financial markets volatility. The Bank, in fact, has supported the implementation of operations financing them directly, thanks to our Group’s financial support, without waiting for the capital markets resumption. What about your business strategies outside Italy? After consolidating our position as the reference investment bank in Italy, we are now particularly active in developing our business outside domestic borders, also leveraging on the extensive international network of the Group, in order to offer the best support to our clients’ strategies of growth and internationalization processes. We are strengthening our presence in the international arena, especially through a further development of our London hub, thanks to the inclusion of senior bankers with strong skills in the main industries in which the Bank is focused. We are finalizing the set-up of the UK Investment banking platform with a team of approximately 25/30 bankers, to advise companies on mergers & acquisitions, initial public offerings and debt
issuance, as we are willing to increase investment banking services to European and global clients as well as further enhance the solutions delivered to Italian customers, thanks to a more global reach. The objective is to gradually become a regional player in the core investment banking products. BANCA IMI Banca IMI, a 100% company of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, is the leading Investment Bank in Italy. With a 700 bankers platform, Banca IMI operates in the areas of Investment Banking, Structured Finance and Capital Markets on the main domestic and international markets through its offices in Milan, Rome, London and Banca IMI Securities Corp. in New York. Moreover, Banca IMI can leverage on Intesa Sanpaolo Group international network, deployed in 29 countries through 2 Corporate Banks, 14 International Direct Branches and 19 Representative Offices, including a strong presence in Asia and in Middle East As of 31 December 2011, Banca IMI reported a top line of Eur 1,187 million, with a net income of Eur 517 million, while Core Tier I and Total Tier ratios equal to 11.4%. Banca IMI has a solid experience and a successful track record in mergers & acquisitions advisory, equity offerings, debt issuances: Banca IMI is a market leader for M&A transactions in Italy, with more than 100 completed transactions in the last three years for over Eur 60bn; it is currently leading League table (1# either in 2011, with 39 transactions completed for a deal value of Eur 37.4bn, and in 1Q 2012). Banca IMI also enjoys an absolute domestic leadership in supporting financial sponsors, both as M&A advisor and as lender. Banca IMI is the market leader in Italian IPO, with over 70 transactions totaling a value of over Eur 13 bn in the last decade. Banca IMI has always ranked #1 bookrunner in the last 5 years in the Italian bond transactions and has a consolidated position in Europe, thanks to an efficient DCM platform.
Milan Largo Mattioli, 3 20121 Milan Tel +39 02 72611 Rome Via del Corso 226 00186 Rome Tel +39 06 67121 London 90 Queen Street London EC4N 1SA, UK Tel +44 207 894 2600 New York 1 William Street New York NY 10004 Tel +1 212 326 1100 Hong Kong (Intesa Sanpaolo) 36th Fl, Lee Gardens – 33 Hysan Hong Kong Tel ++852 2532 2700 Dubai (Intesa Sanpaolo) DIFC-Gate Village -BD1- FL3-Unit Dubai Tel +971 4 3729100
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
NETHERLANDS
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BANNING N.V. was established in 1965. In the last 47 years BANNING N.V. has developed into an independent, specialized law firm with domestic and international clients and a domestic and international practice. The 90 lawyers at offices in s- Hertogenbosch and Rotterdam work in nine specialist areas. Teams of lawyers from a range of practice areas are regularly formed for specific projects, especially in the transaction practice. BANNING has a training institute called BANNING Education Institute which trains lawyers internally and externally. BANNING’s Legal Research Department offers support in handling cases, ensures that our lawyers are aware of all the latest developments and publishes articles in professional journals and other media. BANNING considers an optimal price-quality ratio essential. We offer a favourable rate structure that can be customized in consultation with our clients. Company law is an extensive practice area. The activities of the teams include avoiding disputes, for example by drawing up and providing advice on contracts and general conditions. An important part of the Practice Group’s activities consists of supervising mergers, acquisitions and restructurings, and all of the matters related to such activities. The lawyers in this Practice Group have a great deal of knowledge and experience in this field and have supervised numerous major transactions. Of course, they also provide thorough advice on the financing structure to be used and advice on the aspects of the case involving competition law. All of the lawyers have a great deal of procedural experience, so that the client’s interests can be optimally represented when handling disputes that have already arisen, where legal proceedings have become unavoidable. They can also assist in collections with respect to your accounts receivable portfolio. A number of specific subareas of company law for which
Dr. R.W.F Hendriks
separate Practice Groups have been set up are insolvency
Advocaat / Attorney-at-law
law and restructurings, banking and security, commercial
(+31) 73 6927 748
contracts and competition law, and IP & ICT law.
r.hendriks@banning.nl
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
53
NETHERLANDS
WINNER
J PENSION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies is well versed in all kinds of legal matters, both tax and civil, as long as they have anything to do with pensions. The Dutch word “pensioenrechtadvies” means no more than “advise-inpensions-law”. Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies advises a large range of employers (from small businesses to large corporations and listed companies) in various sectors, pension funds and insurance companies in pensions and pensions related matters. Our advisors, six specialists, are independent and driven by their passion for everything to do with pensions. This passion is translated into a pragmatic and innovative client-focused approach, in which Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies will become, as it were, a partner in the organisation of its clients. Often this approach results in the project management of complex processes that our clients are dealing with. Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies attaches great importance to make all those issues which its clients have to deal with as accessible as possible in a practical and compact way. Our lawyers are closely involved in the development of Dutch and European pensions law and policy and are well-known specialists in the Dutch pensions law market.
Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies’ clients use its services in preparing and planning a strategic pensions policy. Clients also actively involve Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies in their decision-making processes related to pensions as well as developing and implementing this policy. This allows Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies to assist their clients during the entire pensions process, from abstract ideas to concrete implementation. Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies shares its specialist knowledge with its clients on the whole spectrum of legal information and communication obligations, as well as the options available to change or modify a scheme. Where necessary we work together with selected specialists in areas such as labour law, actuarial services, communication, competition, accountancy and corporate law. We have successfully assisted a number of clients in conducting due diligence on pensions procedures and subsequent integration following mergers or acquisitions. Eric Bergamin and Jos Gielink are both recognized as leading pensions law specialists in the Netherlands and have extensive experience in dealing with complex pensions issues.
Bahialaan 502
Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies is member of Ius Laboris: www.iuslaboris.com
F +31 (0)10 463 77 50
T +31 (0)10 463 77 55 www.pensioenrechtadvies.nl
J EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J FULL SERVICE SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Biedecki is an independent, business oriented medium sized law firm. We are focused on an individual approach to each client by providing “tailor made” services. We strive to first understand our clients’ needs and next form teams of lawyers dedicated to obtain the right results. Personal involvement of partners in each case is part of our working culture. You will always get their close care and attention. Biedecki provides a wide scope of services including general corporate and commercial law, mergers & acquisitions, real estate and construction law, litigation and arbitration, labor and employment, banking and finance, capital markets, energy and IP/IT. Our clients are Polish and international, medium and large firms. Our lawyers assist clients in Polish, English and French and some team members communicate in German. The partners and key associates of Biedecki have a substantial professional experience gained during many years of practice in leading international law firms and as in-house lawyers in large companies. They advised in
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3065 WC ROTTERDAM, Netherlands
WINNER
POLAND J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CLIENT FOCUSED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Bergamin & Gielink pensioenrechtadvies B.V.
many structures and transactions, a number of them being innovative on the Polish market. Biedecki co-operates with reputable independent law firms almost worldwide. Thanks to our privileged contacts and excellent relationships with firms we co-operate with, we can obtain expertise, opinions or information on legal issues from almost any jurisdiction and thus are able to provide a full range of services in international transactions. Biedecki and its lawyers are repeatedly recommended by international independent and esteemed legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers Europe. Biedecki has also been recommended by ACQ Magazine, Corporate International Magazine, InterContinental Finance Magazine, Intercontinental Finance Magazine, Finance Monthly. We have been distinguished by numerous awards such as e.g. DealMakers Global Awards, International Legal Awards and ACQ Law Awards. These accolades as well as the latest ACQ Global Awards (winner in 12 categories) prove the industry’s recognition of the highest quality standards and dedication of our lawyers to provide the best advice in business law.
BIEDECKI Poland, Warsaw Address: ul. Pańska 73 00-834 Warsaw, Poland Tel: +48 22 314 75 90 Fax: +48 22 314 75 99 web: www.blegal.pl email: office@blegal.pl
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
SPAIN
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Blas de Lezo provides services to the shipping industry, advising shipping operators, freight forwarders,
its vessels in the Mediterranean Sea; advising a shipowner
shipowners, port terminals, shipbrokers, insurance
after a collision suffered by one of its vessels off the Bay of
companies, shipyards and logistics operators. The firm is
Biscay; counseling a marine recoveries company on the
also proud to run a leading environmental, energy and
recovery of the cargo of a shipwreck; directing the drafting
sustainability department and a criminal law department.
commission of a new bill of lading for a leading European
Blas de Lezo Abogados is one of the very few Spanish law firms with an English qualified lawyer in its full-time team, making it the perfect partner for all matters linked
freight forwarding group; directing a 10USD million international arbitration; and defending the interests of a shipyard before a claim in excess of €200M.
to the UK. Miquel Roca, the firm’s Managing Partner, is
Miquel Roca, is a leading maritime lawyer, always obtaining
both a Spanish Abogado and a UK qualified lawyer and
the best endorsements from the maritime industry
Blas de Lezo Abogados
has worked as a Solicitor in England for leading UK firms
members. Miquel was appointed Plenipotentiary of the
for several years, providing him with familiarity with both
Spanish Crown before the United Nations and, on behalf of
c/ Paris 162, 4-1, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
the UK and Spanish legal systems.
the Kingdom of Spain, signed the Rotterdam Rules.
Blas de Lezo always obtains the best recommendations
Miquel has been included in the list of “The Best 50 Lawyers
in all leading lawyer’s guides and its most recent cases
in Spain”, thus being recognised as one of the best 50
http://www.bdlezo.com
include advising a shipowner after the sinking of one of
lawyers in the country.
Twitter: @bdlezo
NETHERLANDS
Tel: +34.934192489 Fax: +34.934193611
WINNER
J INDEPENDENT CORPORATE FINANCE FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 55
55
WINNER
GERMANY J FINANCIAL ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
Consider the whole … observe every detail. We are a firm of auditors, lawyers and tax consultants. More than twenty five professionals provide consulting services on all business, legal and tax issues for mediumsized enterprises, private equity funds and venture capitalists. Our client portfolio also includes wealthy private individuals, non-profit and public institutions. Our activities as corporate consultants are as complex as the challenges that our clients face every day as an entrepreneur. Based on sound theory and proven in practice, the detailed knowledge of auditors, lawyers and tax consultants is combined into an interdisciplinary competence team, thus making it possible to consider every issue as a whole. The sound experience of more than 15 years enables us to provide flexible and innovative solutions to the given tasks. The integrated consultancy approach gives us the capacity to cover M&A and financing transactions or to conduct a corporate reconstruction and due diligence process. Knowing both sides, companies and financial institutions, we are able to build bridges and, although
being focused on our client’s needs, keep his business partner’s requirements in mind. Our goal is making the deal possible. Besides the common services such as audits, assistance with financial statements according to German-GAAP and IFRS, national and international taxation a major part of our work is related to M&A, such as: • business valuations according to legal requirements or as a basis for transactions • due diligence audits • corporate reconstruction • structuring transactions reflecting legal, accounting and tax issues
Böhret • Lindstedt • Sehmsdorf & Partner Auditors • Lawyers • Tax Consultants
• vendor due diligence
Michael Boehret
To cover this scope of work, we employ more than ten certified auditors, lawyers and certified tax consultants. To serve our clients on international tasks we are actively using our membership with IGAF-Polaris, a global association of independent firms.
Maxstr. 8, 01067 Dresden, Germany m.boehret@boehret-lindstedt-sehmsdorf.de Phone +49 351 866 85 0 www.boehret-lindstedt-sehmsdorf.de
WINNER
UK J BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Bryan Cave is delighted to be recognised as UK Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year. Our more than 1,100 lawyers and legal professionals practice in a wide range of disciplines in more than 30 offices across Europe, Asia and the US. With European offices in London, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Paris and Milan (in affiliation with Bryan Cave LLP), we form a strong network across Europe. Our Banking & Finance team in London has extensive experience of both UK-based and cross-border transactions representing lenders, private equity investors and borrowers across a wide range of industry sectors. Specific areas of focus in London and Europe more generally include bilateral, club and syndicated financings and debt capital markets; secured lending including the taking and enforcement of security interests; acquisition finance; asset finance and leasing; leveraged finance; project finance, including the representation of project companies, sponsors and providers of finance; trade finance and derivatives and structured products. In acquisition financing, Bryan Cave routinely acts for bank syndicates, private equity funds, strategic investors and joint venture participants in connection with both term loans for the initial acquisition and working
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capital facilities for ongoing financing requirements. In 2011, out of our London office alone, we advised the lenders on over 30 secured and unsecured financings in the aggregate principal amount of more than £1 billion to major investment funds in Europe and all major offshore jurisdictions. Bryan Cave has an active M&A practice and we continue to work with our offices in the US, Europe and Asia on significant and multi-jurisdictional deals. We were ranked 22 in the Thompson Financial Worldwide M&A Rankings 2011 and we were ranked 6 in the Thompson Financials US Rankings 2011, both for number of deals. We were recently ranked number two among all major law firms for client service by BTI Consulting, an independent research organisation. For the last three consecutive years, a number of our practices have been recognised by The Legal 500 UK. Practice recommendations include Finance, Derivatives, M&A, Litigation and International Arbitration, Trade & Customs, emerging markets work and our dual US/UK law ability.
Meika Willmot, European Marketing and Business Development Manager Tel: +44 (0)20 3207 1234 E : meika.willmot@bryancave.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
UK
WINNER
J COMMERCIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
Carlton Strategy Advisors’ founding principle as a commercial due diligence and business strategy consulting firm is to identify areas where we can add value to client transactions in the fields of private equity investment and bank debt lending. The sole objective of CSA’s work therefore, is to deliver comprehensive insight into the health, character and commercial affairs of a potential private equity investment business or bank corporate lending customer which permits our client to navigate the deal process successfully. Our business and market analyses bring transparency and perspective to client investment and lending decisions. We provide our clear opinion of the strategy and competitive position of the target business that serve to shape revenue and margin performance, thereby determining deal value and attractiveness. CSA’s methodology and approach is director-led and process-driven and based on original thinking. Our consulting skills base combines the background and
experience of CSA’s founding director, both in the professional services sector and within corporate management. CSA will sit with our client to discuss specific deal issues before reaching agreement on scope based on identified project complexity, available timescales and with attention to cost. It is CSA’s natural preference to work as often as possible with repeat clients, becoming as familiar as we can with the detail of any preferred deal strategies and comfort zones with regard to investment risk or settlement exposure they may have. CSA seeks to meet an identified client need for a commercial due diligence service that is solidly differentiated by our ability, as advisors, to provided evidence-based judgement and opinion on key points of transaction concern. Clients should be fully informed about what they are getting into - for better or worse - the last thing they want is to receive ambiguous commentary from consultants who are not prepared to ‘come off the fence’ in the manner of their reporting.
GERMANY
David McClelland Director T: +44 (0) 208 947 5108 E: david.mcclelland@carlton-advisors.co.uk W: www.carlton-advisors.co.uk
WINNER
J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The CBM team also has broad, first-hand experience CBM International Lawyers LLP, is an international litigation practice focused on complex, cross-border civil and criminal legal matters around the globe, with a growing practice in international brand protection and anti-counterfeiting. The practice is led by managing partner, Tim Smith, who has supervised or personally defended civil and criminal cases and claims in more than 65 countries.
in front line catastrophe management and crisis communications, setting-up and managing global litigation coordination programs. CMB also provides in-house, early stage legal advice focused on minimizing corporate and personal client preventative, regulatory and safety-related civil and criminal liability risks. During 2012, CBM International has launched its global intellectual property and brand protection service, prompted by demand from clients facing the global
TIMOTHY C. SMITH
With three offices in Germany and an expanding
problems of counterfeit manufacturing and online brand
presence in the Far East, including Hong Kong, Beijing
erosion. CBM currently represents several international
and Singapore, CBMI has advised on a wide range of
manufacturers in their battle to stop counterfeiting and
products and issues internationally. These include motor
preserve their global brand integrity. The team provides
vehicles, aircraft, firearms, power tools, professional
comprehensive legal support and preventative advice,
70173 Stuttgart, Germany
negligence, real estate and construction projects,
covering patent, trademark and design registration
Tel: +49.711.550.200
vicarious liability, pharmaceuticals, food products, Alien
filing, prosecution and litigation, IP transactions and
Fax: +49.711.550.20.223
Tort Claims Act matters, class actions, RICO litigation,
commercialisation and investigation, enforcement and
e-mail:
and large commercial disputes.
anti-counterfeit litigation.
Website: www.cbmlaw.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 57
Managing Partner CBM International Lawyers LLP Hirschstraße 16
tsmith@cbmlaw.com
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IRELAND
WINNER
J FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
BNY Mellon has had a presence in Ireland for almost
time zone support. We service our clients 24/7, anywhere in
two decades. From our vantage points in Cork, Dublin
the world. A fund with shareholders based in Asia, Europe
and Wexford, we have seen the Irish funds industry
and US can benefit from on the ground support in each
enjoy exponential growth for well over a decade. Total
location to take trades and answer queries. A seamless
assets under administration have reached a record
handover across the three major time zones requires robust
high having surpassed the €2 trillion mark earlier
procedures and strong technology, both hallmarks of BNY
this year. Patriotically, we are very proud to see our
Mellon’s global operating model.
nation compete so successfully in what is a strong and competitive European landscape. We are also equally proud of our company’s contribution to the development and success of Ireland’s funds industry.
Regulatory change and its associated headwinds remains one of the greatest challenges facing the funds’ industry. Change presents both opportunities and challenges. There is no doubt that technology costs will increase and in
Looking to the future, whilst the last decade can be
some cases that may impact the end investor. Accordingly,
described as vibrant and great news for Ireland inc. today,
many asset managers are turning to providers, like BNY
there is no avoiding the fact that we are in the midst of
Mellon, to outsource many of their back and middle
one of the most challenging financial and economic
office requirements to improve operational efficiencies
climates for a generation. Despite this, Ireland’s
and remove the need to heavily invest in their current
reputation as a strongly regulated centre remains a
systems to become compliant once the new rules come
compelling draw for global managers who need to meet
into play. At the end of the day their primary business is
the needs of investors, who are demanding greater
to manage money, not technology, and this is where BNY
control and transparency and more robust governance
Mellon can help. As administrator and custodian we hold
frameworks. Fund promoters and investors recognise
the critical information that feeds the future regulatory
the key differences between Ireland’s domestic issues
reporting requirements. Our ability to adapt and enhance
and our internal funds industry, and Ireland’s superior
this data to comply with Solvency II, AIFMD, and so forth,
ability to meet the needs of all complex fund structures,
will offer solutions to minimise the headache for managers.
for example private equity, hedge funds and exchange
We believe our ability to innovate, and to be nimble and
traded funds (ETF’s) is internationally renowned.
responsive to regulatory change, will help the Irish funds
Innovation has been a key success factor over the years.
marketplace to continue to grow and flourish.
Flexible solutions and a client-focussed approach has
Today, BNY Mellon employs approximately 1,800 people in
ensured that the Irish funds industry is at the forefront
Ireland, delivering a broad range of services to traditional
of change. BNY Mellon is no different in that our core
and alternative asset managers, banks, pension funds,
priority is to understand our clients needs and respond
insurance companies and corporates. Our Irish operations
to them. We pride ourselves on providing solutions to
are a centre of excellence and a major hub from which
clients’ challenges and requirements. Recognising the
we service our global clients. Our staff’s dedication
role a service provider can play in the success of a fund,
to excellence, and our clients needs is what makes us
BNY Mellon has developed services such as Distribution
successful. It is against this backdrop that we can reiterate
Support Services, which aims to share with clients our
Gerald Hassell’s statement from the start of the year: “BNY
knowledge and experience in global markets, providing
Mellon is bullish on Ireland” and we are investing here for
local knowledge and expertise to help the promoters
the long term.
grow their funds.
Rachel Turner Head of Offshore Asset Servicing BNY Mellon, 1st Floor, Hanover Building, Windmill Lane, Dublin 2 T: +353 1 900 2433
As promoters look to access the global market, BNY
E: rachel.turner@bnymellon.com
Mellon has used its global presence to facilitate a multi
www.bnymellon.com
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 59
59
WINNER
We will pave the way for you
in the Czech Republic
WINNER
Looking for a trustworthy partner in financial services? Searching for a solution for your corporate finances, payments or risk protection? The professional team of ČSOB’s corporate bankers offers a long-term partnership. With an over 45 years of tradition, we have an extensive expertise in corporate banking. Detailed knowledge of the local business environment makes us a top provider of financial services on the Czech market, proved by many international awards. We are eagerly looking forward to doing business with you.
www.csob.cz
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Corporate and Institutional Banking
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
CZECH J BANK OF THE YEAR Back to Basics
ACQ’s Czech Republic Bank of the Year 2012 award goes again as in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 to ČSOB for outstanding skills and leadership in its marketplace. Charlotte Abbott talks to Ivan Meloun, Director of ČSOB’s Acquisition and Leveraged Finance department (CSOB AF), about the banks back to basic approach to lending.
The Bank ČSOB is part of Belgium’s KBC, a leading European bank assurance group, and is one of the biggest local banks in the Czech Republic, both in terms of balance sheet and number of corporate clients. Measured in the long term basis, most of the major corporate Czech firms use ČSOB as their house bank, or at the very least, one of them. CSOB AF is the transaction unit focused on origination of new deals from the new and existing customers generating financing of new transactions. CSOB AF is interested in all financing opportunities connected to its clients and prefers not to follow the cherrypicking strategy. Along with its corporate clientele, typical clients are private equity funds and wealthy individual investors.
“All business decisions in CSOB AF are made locally within ČSOB; we originate the deals ourselves.” “We serve as the centre of excellence and support for other KBC units in the Central Europe regions like Slovakia, Hungary or Poland where KBC Bank is present. We exchange the best practices with K&H Bank in Hungary, Kredytbank in Poland and ČSOB Slovakia, and provide our collective clients with full coverage of the CEE region.” “We also act as a local service point for foreign banks. When there is a big buy out, over €100m for example, that is being driven by maybe a London-based bank; we are a strong point of contact for the foreign bankers who will approach us for our local knowledge and advice. We are not the only local bank in this region, obviously, so I am always very happy when we are approached for this kind of advice.”
Ivan Meloun has been active in financial markets since 1996 working in, amongst other things, investment banking, asset management and company restructuring. “The role of the CSOB AF team is simple; we are part of the large structured finance division. There are other teams like us: Syndication, Project finance, Trade finance, Real estate finance, etc. All in all, there are some 40 commercial specialists in the ČSOB structured finance division. CSOB AF consists of 5 people, I guess we are the biggest team focusing on acquisition finance or leveraged buyout financing in the Czech Republic, it means that we in one team cover not only the LBO type of financing for the private equity sponsors but also the M&A financing dedicated for the corporate investors.”
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 61
Mr Ivan Meloun
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We know the formula for success As the largest bank on the Czech market, we continue to strengthen our leading role in corporate and institutional banking. Our clients can expect a high standard of service, as well as a professional and dependable team, offering a unique combination of insight into the local environment and a support from international KBC network. Our comprehensive, individually tailored financial and consulting services have been designed to establish long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our corporate and institutional clients.
Ä&#x152;SOB for your success.
www.csob.cz 62
Corporate and Institutional Banking ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
CZECH J BANK OF THE YEAR
Winning Formula “Our winning formula is to keep banking simple. We are conservative bank and still use the old efficient model that has been used for hundred of years. “Our model doesn’t have any sophisticated products; we just focus on providing loans to our clients, like we have always done. We also always hold our loans till maturity and have an extreme focus on relationship building with customers. During the acquisition we cover both type of sponsors (i.e. private equity and trade buyers), so the long term relationship between the target company and our bank will last regardless who becomes the new owner.”
Big deal Last year, Ivan stated that he hoped to see the return of the big deals over €100m in CSOB’s marketplace and that the banks will find enough appetite to underwrite and syndicate them. “In the past we used to underwrite almost all senior facilities on our own. Nowadays, because the syndication market is very weak, we underwrite loans jointly with other banks or we engage in club financing.” In the Czech Republic we can see lot of a new transactions executed during 1H2012, like EUR 400 mio financing of Falcon (holding shares in T-Mobile CR) where CSOB co-ordinated the club financing and committed .EUR 100 mio loan ticket. Despite the limited activity on the Western markets the Czech LBO market sees the slightly recovery trends, the local banks disposes with the funds and are prepared to allocate them, the local pricing still a little bit below Western European standards that makes financing quite attractive and also the drop in leverages is not so significant – the banks are still providing the senior leverage around 3.5x as before the crisis in 2008. The pipeline of new deals in 2012 is huge; we expect 50% growth both in terms of income and assets in year –o – year comparison.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 63
We are very pleased that the number of western based private equity funds (that have never been in CEE before) eyes the CEE region (mainly Czech Republic) as the interesting enough to spend the capital here. Regarding the new deals that we have in the pipeline, yes, the big deals over €100m have returned to our market place, we are working currently on three EUR 100 mio deals in senior loan size and we will be happy to share this information once the deals are completed. “In the past years 2009-2011, we have seen the exit of many competing foreign banks in the Czech market place. At the moment, local banks, including CSOB, are really active and fully capable of providing loans to local clients. “Some banks that used to be in the Czech Republic in 2008-2011 aren’t here any more, but I believe that this is just a temporary situation, with foreign backed banks re – entering the marketplace.” “In regards to the next six months, I think there will be financing, as we haven’t stopped so far and we wont in the latter half of 2012. “For rest of 2012, CSOB will be more selective with their lending, concentrating on industries that have remained resilient through the crisis, for example the TELCO, food, water utilities and energy sectors. “In areas such as the automotive and machinery, we will analyse each company independently from the market, as those areas have started to feel the effects of the crunch. “In two years time, CSOB will be even stronger. Throughout the crisis we never closed our business; we kept going, and keep enough sources for providing new loans as CSOB loan-to-deposit ratio stands at 70% and CSOB Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio is at healthy 11.71% end of 2011.. We can honestly say that during one of the worst recessions in decades, CSOB stayed open for business, when other did not. I think it’s a great accolade to the strength of the bank.”
Ivan Meloun, Director Ceskoslovenska obchodni banka, a. s. SF - Acquisition and Leveraged Finance Radlicka 333/150 150 57 Praha 5 Phone: +420 224 114 393 Mobile: +420 603 800 187 E-mail: imeloun@csob.cz http://www.csob.cz/
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UK
WINNER
J INVOICE DISCOUNTER OF THE YEAR
Centric Commercial Finance is an independent financial services company specialising in Asset Based Lending (ABL) and Invoice Finance providing finance to companies in 20 different business sectors. Typically used to improve cashflow and help drive growth, Centric also works to structure funding around major business events such as MBOs, MBIs, mergers and acquisitions. Early in 2012, Centric announced a new £50 million partial exit fund to help entrepreneurs release cash from
Centric Commercial Finance
their business as they consider retirement.
69 Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey. CR0 1JD.
Centric Commercial Finance funds the working capital and growth aspirations of SMEs. We understand their
T: 020 8603 2900
needs, their challenges and we quickly deliver business
F: 020 8681 8045
finance solutions and business certainty.
E: info@centriccf.com
UK
WINNER
J IP ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Along with the excitement that investment or M&A generates, is the requirement for detailed due diligence. However, an area that is often not considered as fully as it ought to be is the real value and robustness of the IP and other intangible assets. This can make a big difference to the money that changes hands - or even whether the deal takes place at all – and definitely to the management of the assets post deal. Intangible assets such as brands, inventions and knowhow now contribute by far the greatest shareholder value in most sectors. When it comes to intangible assets, there are three key issues to consider. Firstly, understanding what intangible assets exist and the value of them. Secondly, whether they are robustly protected. And finally, how they could be enhanced and exploited. Intellectual Property is one group of intangibles that requires special attention. IP advice needs to be sought at an early stage, as a great deal of the value often resides in the IP (e.g. patents, trademarks, copyright, designs, trade secrets) and other intellectual assets (branding, skills, policies, “know-how”, processes), and intellectual capital (reputation, relationships, contracts).
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At Coller IP, we combine technical, legal and commercial expertise to advise on all intangibles. We deliver intellectual property management and valuation services that unlock the potential of business assets., working with companies and professional practitioners to value IP for many purposes such as insolvency, fund raising, M&A, share issue, director disputes, arbitration, royalty considerations, divorce, probate, and tax considerations - and at all levels within organizations, from start-ups to corporates, from the boardroom to technologists and with the investor community to protect and manage IP and other intangible assets. The company’s activities extend further to provide board level strategies, competitor analysis, patent and trade mark attorney services and clear legal opinions, as well as an Invention House service aimed at giving support and access to funding through venture capitalists and investors. Jackie Maguire, Coller IP’s CEO has been voted into the IAM 300 of global top IP strategists for the forth year running - and is leading in the UK. Jim Asher leads Coller IP’s valuation practice and is an expert in valuations in M&As. Coller IP’s website is at http://www.collerip.com – call +44 870 402 1611.
Coller IP Management Ltd Fugro House Hithercroft Road Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 9RB Tel: +44 870 402 1611 http://www.collerip.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
ITALY
WINNER
J M&A ADVISER OF THE YEAR
Compass, Rondelli Advisers is a M&A boutique, based in Milan, Italy. Founded in October 2006 by Saverio Rondelli, formerly at UBS, Citigroup and WestLB; the Milan-based investment banking boutique, Rondelli Advisers Srl, became the exclusive Italian affiliate of the international partnership Compass Advisers, to collaborate on cross-border M&A transactions involving Italian companies taking the brand name of Compass, Rondelli Advisers. Our mission is to provide our clients world-class service through independent senior-level advice, a global network of relationships, and a talented roster of experienced investment bankers, fully dedicated to guide our clients through complex strategic initiatives in M&A transactions. Since inception, Compass, Rondelli Advisers has advised many important domestic and international financial sponsors and corporate clients, helping them in successfully completing transactions. Compass, Rondelli Advisers is now one of the leading M&A boutiques in Italy. We also have been honoured with awards recognising our client-focused approach resulting in successful transactions:
Banking Advisory Firm of the Year 2012, Italy – Awarded by Finance Monthly DealMakers Global Award 2012 – Awarded by Dealmakers Monthly ICFM Highly Commended Top Tier Award 2011 Intercontinental Finance Global Award 2011 – Italy – Awarded by Intercontinental Finance Magazine M&A Advisory Firm of the Year 2011– Italy – Awarded by DealMakers Monthly Fast Emerging M&A Firm of the Year 2010 – Awarded by Corporate Intl Global Awards Investment Bank of the Year 2010 – Awarded by Intercontinental Finance Magazine Global Awards
Saverio Rondelli, Partner
Investment Bank Of the Year 2009 – Awarded by ACQ Global, category Southern Europe
Via S. Radegonda, 11
Compass, Rondelli Advisers 20121 Milan, Italy Tel.: +39 02 30300700
Also in 2011, Saverio Rondelli, the founder, has been honoured with the Leading Advisor 100 award.
SPAIN
Fax: +39 02 30300706 saverio.rondelli@ca-llp.com
WINNER
J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Corporate Defense was established in 2007 in an effort to combine local regulation with international standards and European case law. Attorneys and Of Counsel working at the firm have substantial knowledge and expertise in this dual dimension that has driven the path of white-collar practice in the past decade. Law enforcement actions increasingly encompass more than one jurisdiction so that counseling corporate clients necessarily involves structuring defenses that may stand challenges in various jurisdictions. Corporate Defense has specialized in this relatively new approach to criminal litigation emphasizing the need for coordinated action in differently regulated environments. The special feature of the Spanish legal system that enables private prosecution in many corporate settings i.e., breach of fiduciary duties, market manipulation or bankruptcy has also proven a useful tool for corporate clients that felt that local enforcement by the government did not meet the international standards. Asset recovery and criminal actions against rogue employees and disloyal management has therefore increased significantly. Corporate Defense has been retained consistently to prosecute misconduct within the corporate setting.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Additionally, the reform of the Spanish penal code has brought major litigation in the field of white-collar crime in Spain. In the prosecution side, Corporate Defense has counseled the Spanish government bailout fund and represented major Spanish financial institutions in initiating criminal proceedings against white-collar offenders. It has also successfully defended corporate executives and companies against white collar crime related proceedings. The reform also introduced for the first time corporate criminal liability. In this novel field to Spanish practitioners, Corporate Defense has been involved in the design of compliance programs for major Spanish and foreign corporations operating in the Spanish territory, while conducting internal investigations to safeguard corporate interests. The expertise of Corporate Defense in this specific area has proven valuable for its clients. Multijurisdictional litigation has also increased significantly so that assistance to foreign law firms with no branches in Spain has been a major field of expansion for Corporate Defense. FCPA enforcement actions have provided outstanding examples of the need for coordinated efforts to avoid substantial liability.
Corporate Defense SL Carlos Gómez-Jara – Partner Country: Spain info@corporatedefense.es +34 91 859 63 89 www.corporatedefense.es
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BELGIUM
WINNER
J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The law firm De Broeck Van Laere & Partners, with
A significant proportion of our daily work consists in
offices in three major cities (Brussels, Ghent and
assisting our clients in relation to both local and
Antwerp), was founded in 1998 by Leo De Broeck and
international operations, ranging from M&A, sales of
Didier Van Laere, and has since then grown into a
assets/shares and restructurings to joint ventures,
professional and dynamic team of more than 20
private equity/venture capital and general corporate
lawyers. Our firm offers integrated legal services to
and company law in virtually all business sectors.
both companies and individuals, ranging from compliance over consulting to litigation.
Furthermore, De Broeck Van Laere & Partners has become well-known for its expertise on estate planning, for its
Our firm owes its fast growth and success to our
work in the field of tax amnesty, as well as its success in
dynamic and entrepreneurial approach, by which we
solving major tax litigation cases through negotiation, for
distinguish ourselves from others in the profession.
both companies as individuals.
More specifically, we satisfy our ambition only by providing our clients with the highest level of professionalism and technical excellence in tax, corporate and accounting law.
Since the global economic crisis, many CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and CFOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of medium sized and large companies have become more cost aware in regards to legal services. Considering the significantly lower range of our fees in comparison to
Didier Van Laere dvl@dvp-law.com De Broeck Van Laere & Partners Rue Jules Besme 124 B-1081 Brussels
Today, the firm is one of the most noted Belgian law
top tier international law firms, our client portfolio is ever
firms specialized in tax law and corporate law (with an
growing. As such, our goal is to forefront the group of
emphasis on M&A), and counts a large number of high
second tier firms, while continuing to increase our share
tel +32 2 423 00 42
profile Belgian and international companies to its clients.
of upper mid-tier and lower top tier work.
fax +32 2 423 00 32
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Belgium
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
FRANCE J INDEPENDENT FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
A French independant business law firrm A French independant business law firrm
85 attorneys, including 25 partners 85 attorneys, including 25 partners Full-service Full-service With a broad litigation and transactional expertise With a broad litigation and transactional expertise
An organization around two main divisions An organization around two main divisions
Corporate Structure Division: Responding to economic players’ needs in Corporate Structure relation Division: Responding to economic players’ and needs in governance. to their capital and human resources their
relation to their capital and human resources and their governance. Corporate Operation Division: Responding to companies and public Corporate Operationentities’ Division: Responding operational needs.to companies and public entities’ operational needs.
An international practice An international practice
A network of skilled “good friends” A network of skilled “good friends” 60% of international clients 60% of international clients
9 rue Boissy d’Anglas ‐ 75008 Paris ‐ France 9 rue Boissy d’Anglas ‐ 75008 Paris ‐ France Tel: +33 (0)1 56 64 00 00 ‐ Fax: +33 (0)1 56 64 00 01 Tel: +33 (0)1 56 64 00 00 ‐ Fax: +33 (0)1 56 64 00 01
www.dga.com
www.dga.com
UK
WINNER
J RECORDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
DEEPSTORE
The home of the nation’s treasures.
THE JOURNEY service, security, second to none
Our unique 2-Tier service provides quick and convenient storage solutions to businesses nationally, for records, artifacts and archives in the UK’s most ideal storage environment. For frequent retrieval as well as cost-effective, long-term storage, DeepStore offers state-of-the-art technology and a friendly, professional service.
www.deepstore.co.uk
DeepStore_Half_Page_Ad_230x153_AW.indd 1
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
10/05/2012 17:50
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IRELAND
WINNER
J ASSET MANAGEMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INVESTMENT FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Dillon Eustace is one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading law firms focusing on financial services, banking and capital markets, corporate and M&A, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate and taxation. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international practice has seen it establish offices in Tokyo (2000), Boston (2003), New York (2009), Hong Kong (2011) and Cayman (2012). Dillon Eustace acts as legal advisors to the largest number of fund promoters in the Irish market. It advises on the structuring, establishment, distribution and ongoing legal and regulatory compliance of traditional and alternative investment funds established in Ireland and the Cayman
Andrew Bates, Partner and Head of Financial Services
Islands. Its 14 partner asset management and investment funds team is led by Andrew Bates.
Direct: + 353 1 673 1704 andrew.bates@dilloneustace.ie www.dilloneustace.ie
Matt Mulry Partner Cayman Islands Direct: + 1345 949 0022 matt.mulry@dilloneustace.ie www.dilloneustace.ie
UK
WINNER
J CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
The Duff & Phelps Global Restructuring Advisory team
advisory services in profit and loss improvement, working
has cultivated deep working relationships with the most
capital management and debt and capital structuring.
active participants in the distressed and turnaround community. We offer restructuring services to clients in a broad range of industries and geographies. The team is focused on guiding management teams and stakeholders through the appropriate process, drawing upon years of experience and industry expertise to maximise value for our clients and ensure that their strategic goals are met on the best possible terms. Our suite of service offerings in the UK includes: Business Consulting, Corporate Restructuring, Debt Advisory, Tax Arrears Solutions, Receivables Management, Finance Brokers and Personal Financial Solutions.
About Duff & Phelps As a leading global financial advisory and investment banking firm, Duff & Phelps balances analytical skills, deep market insight and independence to help clients
43-45 Portman Square London W1H 6LY T: +44 (0) 207 487 7240 F: +44 (0) 207 487 7299 E: london@duffandphelps.com
make sound decisions. The firm provides expertise in the
Manchester:
areas of valuation, transactions, financial restructuring,
The Chancery, 58 Spring Gardens,
alternative assets, disputes and taxation, with more than
Manchester M2 1EW
1,000 employees serving clients from offices in North
T: +44 (0) 161 827 9000
America, Europe and Asia. Investment banking services
F: +44 (0) 161 827 9001
in the United States are provided by Duff & Phelps
E: manchester@duffandphelps.com
Securities, LLC; Pagemill Partners; and GCP Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. M&A advisory services in the United Kingdom and Germany are provided by Duff &
With offices in Paris, Amsterdam and Munich, the wider
Phelps Securities Ltd. Duff & Phelps Securities Ltd. is
European Restructuring team serves clients across a
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services
broad range of industries and situations, from operational
Authority. Investment banking services in France are
and financial underperformance to insolvency including
provided by Duff & Phelps SAS. For more information,
special situation transactions. Our professionals provide
visit www.duffandphelps.com. (NYSE:DUF)
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London:
Birmingham: 35 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3PU T: +44 (0) 121 214 1120 F: +44 (0) 121 214 1121 E: birmingham@duffandphelps.com www.duffandphelps.com/uk
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
GREECE J PATENTS & IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Dr. Helen Papaconstantinou, John Filias & Associates, is one of the largest specialist IP Firms in Greece. Along with its affiliate branch, the Law Office of Dr. P.D. Theodorides – Dr. H.G. Papacostantinou (established in 1920), the firm offers a broad range of top quality IP Law services at highly competitive prices. The firms’ area of expertise spans over all aspects of IP Law, including the portfolio management of patents, trademarks, domain names, designs, SPCs, etc. Moreover, we also undertake all contentious and non contentious legal work with respect to the above areas, as well as to copyright, unfair competition, anti-counterfeiting/antipiracy/border measures, internet law, antitrust, licensing, franchising and ADRP procedures. Throughout our numerous years of activity, we have succeeded in establishing long-standing, invaluable collaborations with hundreds of highly reputable firms around the world, enabling them to represent some of the most important companies internationally – either directly or through their legal agents – building on our solid basis of reciprocity. One of the main strengths of our offices lies in its IP team, that not only has very significant experience and expertise, but also the flexibility and ability to adapt in the most efficient manner to new demands that arise in both
the traditional (e.g. trademarks, patents, copyright) as well as in the modern sectors (e.g. anti-counterfeiting, domain names, ADRP’s) of the IP field. As a resutl, we are enabled to successfully manage and deal with the intricacies and particularities of the Greek business and legal environment. Furthermore, we were the first Greek Firm to receive ISO 9001/2008 Certification in the IP Law Field. Key recognitions include: • Top Greek Law Firm in its field “Tier no.1” (in some fields exclusively so) by MANAGING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MAGAZINE” (MIP), for the 13th consecutive year • Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year for Greece by the ACQ (Acquisition & Finance) Magazine - ACQ Country Awards 2009 • Corporate INTL Legal Award for 2009 and 2010 • Dynamic firm of the year 2010 award for Greece by Corporate INTL magazine • Finance monthly Global award for achievement, 2010 • GCR 100 leading firm for competition, 2011 • Lawyer Monthly legal awards 2011 • Lawyers world global awards 2011 • Lawyers World Global Leading Firms – Top Tier Rankings 2012
Dr Helen Papaconstantinou, John Filias & Associates Attorneys at Law - Patent & Trademark Attorneys 2 Coumbari Street Kolonaki 10674 Athens Greece Tel.: +30 (210) 3626624 3625757 - 3612389 - 3622724
• LEGAL 500: at the top of recommended IP Law Firms in Greece.
Fax: +30 (210) 3626742 - 3605873
• PLC Which Lawyer: Leading Firm in its field in Greece.
http://www.iplawconsulting.biz/
UK
WINNER
J ETHICAL INVESTOR OF THE YEAR
Emerald Knight Ltd is at the forefront of the drive in
fact that no other type of investment vehicle is on offer.
alternative and socially responsible investment (SRI), and
It offers a diversified portfolio which generates strong
is able to service the needs of investors who are seeking
returns on invested capital whilst delivering meaningful
opportunities which have a proven ethical, environmental
and measurable environmental benefits. Projects to date
or socially responsible element. Gone are the days when
have included discounted carbon credits direct from a
certain asset classes could be relied upon to deliver a
prestigious project in the Amazon generating 30% return
return on investment in almost any circumstances,
on investment over 12 months; an asset-backed bond
leaving some of the more traditional investments at a
that invests in bamboo plantations in Central America
disadvantage. Investors are now demanding to know the
offering an increasing fixed annual income return; and
ethical credentials of the products they are using, which
investments in timber plantations in Brazil, offering a
in turn is putting pressure on investment companies to
fixed 10% annual return.
come up with a better and wider range of ethical and socially responsible options for their clients.
SRI typically involves investment in the few industries which have managed to remain in positive growth
Set up specifically to cater for the SRI market, and with a
through the global recession. And since people have lost
management background in the financial world, Emerald
trust and confidence in the more traditional investment
Knight is totally independent and focuses entirely on
models, the returns demonstrated by SRI products
delivering the best opportunities in the market to its
combined with their social, environmental and ethical
London Office
clients. All projects undergo a robust selection process
benefits make for a very compelling investment case.
1 Ropemaker Street, City Point,
and, where possible, are SIPP approved.
Emerald Knight is uniquely positioned to take advantage
15th Floor, London EC2Y 9HT.
Many companies are now offering SRI products among
of global economic trends, and due to its total
Tel: 020 7122 0241
their portfolio, but Emerald Knight’s strength lies in the
independence, it is 100% transparent.
www.emeraldknightconsultants.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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WINNER
SWEDEN J CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR
EOC Partners is an international investment bank and corporate finance house advising mid-market technology and growth businesses on company sales and financing, and working with companies of all sizes on acquisitions, mergers and divestments. Our international team offers specialist transaction experience in areas including IT (software, services and hardware), internet and e-commerce, mobile/wireless, telecoms, advertising and media, financial services, energy and clean technology. EOC Partners has been voted numerous national and international awards, recently including Boutique of the Year, European Boutique of the Year, Corporate Finance House of the Year and M&A Advisory Firm of the Year, and now Corporate Finance Boutique of the Year – Sweden, from ACQ Finance Magazine.
Over several years EOC Partners has executed numerous transactions for well-known Swedish companies, including Pricerunner (price comparison), Anoto (sale of semiconductor division), Travelpartner (online travel agency), Hermods (education), Netgiro (payments services), EssNet (lottery and gaming systems), Nyx Interactive (online gaming), Cint (SaaS for market research), Webhallen (e-commerce) and most recently Teligent Telecom, the telecoms infrastructure systems and services company sold to the Altruist group in India. EOC Partners’ other clients come from many different European countries, southern European as well as northern, and from North America. Counterparties stretch from the US West Coast across Europe and Asia to Japan and Australia.
ITALY
For further information please see our website: www.eocp.com Or contact us on +44 20 7766 0090
WINNER
J INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM OF THE YEAR
Four Partners, founded in 2007, is an independent financial advisory firm dedicated to entrepreneurial and/or private families owning and managing a large and complex wealth. Since 2009 Four Partners is a fully regulated entity under the supervision of Consob and Bank of Italy. Four Partners assist clients in defining and executing the investment strategy either for their global wealth or for a part of it. Often Four Partners acts as sounding board for the client vis-à-vis all matters (not just financial) that fall into the strategic or operational management that clients runs on their wealth. Our differentiating factors are: Technical analysis and methodology: Four Partners always adopts an integrated approach by merging/ cross-checking the relevant know-how and experience of all its capabilities to perform its analysis and reach its recommendations, hence to better serve the client. Pivotal role of client as opposed to request for “delegation of power”: Four Partner’s scope of work is to put clients in the best position to take executive decisions and to be ensured that execution follows and respects their strategic decisions. Operating arm for a holistic supervision of the wealth: even if focused on only one type of service, Four Partners is always ready, upon client’s request, to switch perspective to an enlarged part if not all of the client’s wealth.
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Shield for the client in scouting opportunities on the market: confidentiality and independence make Four Partner’s action on the market anonymous (difficult to know who Four Partners is acting for). Focus on long term relationship with each client: what really matters is the trust and ongoing activity with the client to create value for the client’s wealth. Area of expertise: Corporate and real estate business: financial planning, investment return analysis, M&A (deal sourcing and execution), Equity and Debt Capital Markets (deal analysis and structuring), corporate restructuring, leveraging on deep local connections. Liquid assets: portfolio modeling and construction, securities selection, ongoing management of asset managers, risk budget control and allocation. Risk Management: proprietary research and development of tools to enact the RM as a decision making variable both for the entire wealth as well as specific asset classes. Family wealth integration: ongoing assessment of correlation among all asset classes, optimization of global investment strategy depending on client’s variable focus on growth and preservation, likewise family governance and generational planning.
Four Partners S.r.l. & Four Partners Advisory SIM S.p.A. Via Senato, 12 - 20121 Milano Tel: 0236594500 Fax: 0236594531 E-mail: segreteria@fourpartners.it
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
GERMANY J PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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UK
WINNER
J ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR
Fulcrum Chambers LLP is an innovative partnership of barristers, solicitors and other professionals. It has established itself as an award winning law firm providing advice and representation for public, private and commercial clients in cases involving bribery and corruption, commercial fraud, corporate governance, money laundering, asset tracing, and all regulatory and compliance matters. We provide our clients with business enabling advice and find efficient solutions with direct access to specialist counsel from the beginning of an investigation to litigation. We have been engaged to draft AB&C policies and guidance, conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate structures to ensure clients achieve “adequate procedures”. We have also provided tailored AB&C training to all levels of personnel including board members and dealt with particular issues confronting companies.
Fulcrum Chambers LLP 11 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn,
During the past year Fulcrum has represented multinational clients in Europe, Africa, China, US, the Caribbean and the Middle East, successfully resolving complex cross jurisdictional bribery, corruption and related issues.
London WC2A 3TS
UK
WINNER
T: +44 (0)20 7186 0420 F: +44 (0)20 7831 6944 E: enquiries@fulcrumchambers.com
J ASSET APPRAISER OF THE YEAR
GoIndustry DoveBid is the world’s largest online auctioneer for buyers and sellers of used machinery & business assets, more auctions, combined with instant access to detailed proprietary information and contacts, mean that GoIndustry DoveBid Valuation Services are the preferred choice of organisations seeking rapid, accurate and dependable valuations advice. Our customers include many of the world’s leading companies, banks and asset based lenders, equipment lessors, corporate recovery & turnaround firms, corporate finance and private equity houses. Our valuations advice and reports deliver consistent, trusted, evidence which in turn helps our customers to reduce their risk, providing them with increased confidence in their business decisions.
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The asset valuation professionals conduct valuations in over 30 industrial sectors and 70 different countries around the world. Elaine Shelley joined the valuation group of GoIndustry DoveBid in 2006 and since that time has been responsible for developing new Asset Based Lending valuation work in the UK & Europe. She has worked within the Asset Based Lending Industry in various risk, audit and valuation roles in GMAC, Commercial Finance and in the professional service firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and Baker Tilly. She has also completed a wide range of valuation assignments in her career, in addition to providing valuation training and support for UK and European lenders and the ABFA. Elaine is an Associate of The Chartered Accountants of England & Wales.
Elaine.shelley@go-dove.com Mobile No 07740 633 505 Postal Address Livery Place 35 Livery Street Birmingham B3 2PB GoIndustry DoveBid St Andrew’s House 18-20 St Andrew Street London EC4A 3AG Tel: +44 20 7098 3700 Fax: +44 20 7098 3795
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
HUNGARY J LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Gobert & Partners Attorneys and Tax Advisors was founded in 2002 and started as an affiliate to one of the largest law firms in Hungary and a “big-four” tax and accounting firm in the early 90’s. Being formerly associated with such names as Arthur Andersen, Ernst & Young and Luther, today Gobert & Partners is a completely independent company with a well experienced and dynamic team. Currently our firm consists of 3 Partners with altogether more than 40 years experience in tax and legal services in various international firms, and a total number of 15 professionals of which five are dealing with tax and ten with legal services. We have the capacity of fulfilling any task for our clients, including complex, large and crossborder transactions. Gobert & Partners is an exclusive member of such large and reputable international network as Globalaw in Hungary. Globalaw combines expertise of nearly 4500 lawyers practising in over 80 countries worldwide. Our professionals offer legal support in many languages, including Hungarian, German, English, Russian, Ukrainian and French. The expertise areas of Gobert & Partners
include but are not limited to corporate and commercial law, M&A, tax, labour, finance, data protection law as well as restructuring, property, litigation, IT and energy law. The quality of our legal and tax counceling is ensured by the high-level professional qualifications of our colleagues, who, besides the general legal preparation and knowledge, are specialized in diverse legal fields and industry sectors to meet the needs and expectations of our Clients. Our colleagues are constantly developing their competencies and are being published by reputable sources. We are constantly helding various conferences and seminars in order to provide our clients with the most up-to-date legal and tax information. Upon request, we are capable of rendering legal services also outside Budapest, on the whole territory of Hungary and even abroad. We offer our current and potential Clients support from two major aspects – legal and tax, which is especially important for customers, seeking resolution of complex issues. Responding to the rapidly changing market needs, we propose flexible solutions at competitive and affordable prices.
UK
Phone: +36 / 1 / 270 9900 Fax: +36 / 1 / 270 9990 E-mail: office@gfplegal.com Address: Andrássy út 10., Stern Palota, H-1061 Budapest, HUNGARY
WINNER
J TAX ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
Originally established 25 years ago International Accountants Graham Associates (International) Ltd has become one of the major forces in British film financing, investment and production. Acting for many production companies in the UK, Europe and US and also international artists, we specialise in creating the most suitable and tax efficient framework within which films can be produced. Using Enterprise Investment Schemes and the new Seed EIS we mitigate the risk for investors in film. We financially manage the films by working as financial controllers on the projects and working directly with film producers. In acting as Executive Producers Graham Associates selects film projects from the many that are presented for their commerciality and potential profitability. Naturally it is far easier to recoup and make money on lower budget films than the higher end budgets. We ensure that each investor achieves any or all of the 5 tax benefits of the EIS and tax free profitable returns. Some films can make between 100-220% tax free returns for investors. With eleven films behind us and working on
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
a further six financed and in production, we established our own production division, Independent Moving Pictures. During 2012 IMP financed two iconic low budget horror films with the first one completed and picked up by Lionsgate for the USA. Graham Associates and IMP has already green lit a slate of very exciting films for this year and 2013. We are also consultants for several angel investment networks and have partnered with one of the largest in the UK. This year we will be creating a joint venture with a major film distributor and production company. Movies have continued to outwit recessions, depressions and down turns for over a century because whatever is thrown in their path they reinvent themselves to maintain and increase their market. Graham Associates (International) Ltd has developed a model that, with integrity and absolute transparency, takes the exciting world of film investment to a less risky and more profitable place.
Graham Associates (International) Ltd 180 Piccadilly London W1J 9HG Tel : 0207 917 1727 Fax:0207 432 0516 www.graham-assoc.co.uk
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UK
WINNER
J CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
IRELAND
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
UK
WINNER
J NICHE CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR
Green Square is a corporate finance boutique specialising
it takes to ensure the best outcome for them, be it a
in media, marketing communications and marketing
sale mandate, consultancy project or just general
technology companies. We undertake M&A transactions
handholding and advice. Our clients encompass
across all disciplines including Digital, Advertising, Data,
privately owned businesses and corporates.
Design, PR, Research and Healthcare Marketing and offer consultancy services to such businesses to ensure shareholders attain optimal value on sale.
Whilst the majority of us hold accountancy qualifications, have international corporate finance backgrounds and heavyweight CV’s, we are not cold fish!
Aside from being experts in the M&A environment,
As one recent client put it “You’ll be hard pushed to find
Green Square people have built and sold businesses,
a more professional, friendly, funny, diligent and driven
from corporate communications agencies through to
bunch of people”. People enjoy working with us because
mobile software platforms. This is what makes us
we de-mystify the world of corporate finance, treat our
different. We are not just advisers, we have actually
clients with the respect they deserve and work alongside
been there and done it ourselves, thus have first hand
them as equals, whilst always having fun along the way.
experience of the journey our clients will undertake.
Please visit www.gsquare.co.uk to learn a little more about
Our testimonials are the best in the industry. We have
us or call 020 7182 4077 if you’d like to have a chat about
exceptionally happy clients and always do whatever
how we may be able to help you and your business.
Green Square Partners LLP 33 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PW TEL: 020 7182 4077 E: tony.walford@gsquare.co.uk
WINNER
UK J BOUTIQUE CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
gunnercooke is a corporate and private equity boutique and in today’s economic climate its fresh and innovative approach has been welcomed and respected by clients from all disciplines and companies of all sizes. gunnercooke has one clear vision: to challenge, improve and evolve the way legal services are provided. It is an uncompromising business; the firm is built around the simple premise: at all times maintain a strong client central core that focuses on adding value and going above and beyond what clients expect. We bring both senior quality leadership and deal-making abilities to a deal and also real value to any project of good management, good negotiation skills and the outsourcing of technical requirements at the right level and from the right source. We operate a true fixed fee system with no time recording. gunnercooke was established because of the frustrations at the way some of the large firms operate leading to costs creeping, renegotiating agreed client fee terms, overpaying for technical services, poor management of transactions, poor negotiation skills and excessive costs such as large marketing budgets, etc. The founding partners believed a different service delivery model could be offered to clients. Even now, gunnercooke is not afraid
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
to be challenged. It has an advisory board of highly entrepreneurial individuals who provide advice and support and challenge our strategy to ensure we are never complacent with the service we provide and to help us to continue to be innovative and one step ahead at all times and has an experienced technical advisory board made up of heads of legal from major plcs such as Müller, Iceland, Greggs and Shop Direct. Our view is that gunnercooke is all about service. We act for medium and large corporates, private equity houses and financial institutions. Our people are what make the difference. The partners are dynamic and provide an exceptional high level of service. The majority of the partners have worked in industry and use their significant in-house experience and knowledge to appreciate and understand the needs of FDs, CEOs, heads of legal etc. We only recruit the very best lawyers, the very best rainmakers and the very best dealmakers from the very best firms. They arrive with excellent corporate skills, lots of high quality transactional experience and great ambitions and then we teach them the “gc way” (Darryl Cooke, founder of gunnercooke)
Delphian House Riverside New Bailey Street Manchester M3 5FS Telephone: 0870 998 8870 darryl.cooke@gunnercooke.com sarah.goulbourne@gunnercooke.com
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GERMANY
WINNER
J ISOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
by the new German Act for the Further Facilitation Of The Restructuring Of Companies (“ESUG”).
HERMANN RWS is one of the leading German law firms for insolvency administration, insolvency law and restructuring. The firm advices business people as well as businesses and financial institutions in all aspects of insolvency, business (including corporate, commercial law, competition and civil law), tax, labour law, real estate and construction law.
With offices located in the most important German business and financial centers and cooperation partners worldwide. HERMANN RWS offers a competent support to all parties involved in the insolvency proceedings including investors as well as other clients affected by business crisis. Especially the administration of insolvency requires an entrepreneural and profound understanding as well as the capability of finding a solution for all subjects on the basis of legal and practical knowledge, which is relevant when national and international company is acquired, operated or sold.
The special focus is on well-targeted services and diligent consultancy in all areas of business life and in connection with corporate crises and insolvencies, also across borders. The roots of the law firm are in the areas of insolvency and restructuring. For many years, numerous professionals within the law firm have been closely involved as insolvency administrators with the handling of insolvency proceedings and are thus familiar with all the matters accompanying insolvency.
All these extensive expertise and detailed corporate knowledge have lead to the fact that HERMANN RWS accompanies national and international company as a permanent legal advisor apart from the administration of insolvency. Beside the classical medium sized companies there are famous companies of the industrial and service sector who are clients of HERMANN RWS. Due to the postive disposition on the market HERMANN RWS is involved in national as well as transnational M & As of all kinds of industries.
Insolvency proceedings are carried out especially in the field of Automotive, Aviation, Construction and Real Estate, Energy, Entertainment/Gastronomy, Finance, Freelancer, Renewable Energies, Retail and Telecommunication. HERMANN RWS is the first law firm who received an appointment for insolvency proceeding
HERMANN Rechtsanwälte, Wirtschaftsprüfer, Steuerberater Bleichstraße 2-4; 60313 Frankfurt am Main Tel.: +49 (0) 69 . 91 30 92 - 0 Fax.: +49 (0) 69 . 91 30 92 - 30 Email: frankfurt@hermann-law.com Domain: www.hermann-law.com
WINNER
SWITZERLAND J BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
id est avocats is a boutique law firm based in the Lake of Geneva region and serving local and international clients throughout Switzerland. The firm is mainly active and has been highly recommended in the following industries. Technology | Media | Advertising. We help global brands, innovative SMEs and long established businesses navigate the world of advanced technologies (IS|IT, cloud computing, med|biotech, media, branding, advertising, telecoms). We regularly assist in the design of best practices, the negotiation of highly complex technology and outsourcing projects, crossborder privacy issues, and the management of brands, online presence and reputation, in particular in the field of social media. Corporate | Finance | Acquisitions. We offer expert advice and regularly assist in commercial and corporate finance transactions, including M&A deals, private equity investments, venture capital financings and leveraged and management buyouts. Our clients range from early stage, equity or debt financed companies and entrepreneurs to global leaders and include numerous SMEs doing business with international suppliers or customers. Intellectual Property | Unfair Practices. We regularly handle traditional copyright, trademarks, design, publicity
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rights, unfair competition and IP licensing matters and disputes across several industries, including luxury, watchmaking, IT, computing, med|bio|nanotech, food, retail, and media. We have developed a recognized expertise in emerging issues such as Free and Open Source strategies, Open Access models, and Creative Commons licensing. The firm’s name, id est, derives from the Latin expression which means “that is to say” (i.e. in abbreviated form). Clients expect nowadays from their legal counsel far more than a perfect knowledge of the law. Trusted attorneys shall be able to assist in ambitious projects and help design and implement complex negotiation or litigation strategies; they must fit in multidisciplinary teams, explain the stakes, and formulate no non-sense, pragmatic and actionable recommendations to diverse stakeholders: board of directors, entrepreneurs, managers, engineers, shareholders, investors. Our lawyers have deep knowledge of the industries we are active in and strong expertise in handling complex legal issues working hand in hand with clients. As a result, we are capable of explaining not only the rule of law, but also how it might impact the client’s business, and what the best decision will be.
Managing Partner: Michel Jaccard (michel.jaccard@idest.pro) id est avocats sàrl Rue Centrale 6 | CH - 1003 Lausanne T. +41 21 321 0880 F. +41 21 321 0881 E. contact@idest.pro W. idest.pro Twitter: @idestavocats
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
RUSSIA
WINNER
J BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The firm also solves a wide scope of problems in the Inmar Legal Ltd was established in 1998. The basic line of
sphere of international investments. During a few last
the firm‘s activity is provision of legal support of business
years the firm has participated in projects related to an
for Russian and foreign commercial organizations.
acquisition of existing business by foreign investors as well
The main activities of Inmar Legal Ltd are the following: • Corporate/M&A • Bankruptcy • Antitrust • Intellectual property • Real Estate • Maritime • Insurance • International trade
in development of business projects from the beginning in the shipbuilding, agriculture, and production of new technology equipment field. The firm provides full scope of services concerning legal support of foreign investors business in Russia. These services include: • Rendering of legal support in the decision of all
questions arising in the course of current business activity.
• Consultation concerning current business activity;
690003, 21 Bestuzheva Str. Vladivostok, Russia.
• Customs
• Work with counterparts (settlement of disputes,
• Tax
negotiation);
• Employment
• The analysis of concluded contracts, the coordination of
Email: secretary@inmarlegal.ru
• Litigation and Arbitration
www.inmarlegal.ru
conditions of contracts with counterparts
Telephone: +7 (423) 241-34-45 Fax: +7 (423) 264-83-94
WINNER
UK J PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Jones Day’s Private Equity practice team comprises over 100 lawyers located across the Firm’s 38 offices and delivers technical excellence across a full range of private equity transactions including LBOs/MBOs, venture and growth capital investments, recapitalisations, exits, fund
• Inflexion Private Equity on its take private of Ideal Shopping Direct plc • Management on the MBO of Cabot Financial backed by Anacap.
formations, private placements and public to private
Jones Day’s private equity team are:
transactions. The team advise across a wide spectrum of
#1 in Buyouts’ 1Q 2012 league tables for number of transactions in each of the undisclosed and disclosed values up to and including $100 million, $500 million, and $2 billion categories, and for number of transactions overall. Also ranked #1 in Buyouts’ league tables for number of transactions for the full year for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
industries including real estate, biotechnology, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, financial services, oil & gas, technology, and telecommunications as well as highly regulated industries such as energy and health care. In 2011 Jones Day London acted on a number of high profile and high value PE matters which included advising • WL Ross & Co on a further investment into Virgin Money to fund its acquisition of Northern Rock plc as well as on its investment in Bank of Ireland • Private equity fund DV4 on the 1 billion offer (enterprise value) for Minerva plc • The £472 million sale of SAV Credit to Värde Partners • Goode Partners on its investment in All Saints
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
#1 in Mergerstat’s 1Q 2012 league tables for number of announced M&A deals globally, in the United States, and in the U.S. middle market. Jones Day also ranked among the Top 5 for number of announced Europe, U.K., Asia ex-Japan, and Japan M&A deals.
Adam Greaves Head of Jones Day’s U.K. Private Equity Practice agreaves@jonesday.com
Recognised in Legal 500 EMEA edition for our practices in France, Germany, and London. The guide notes “Jones Day is a leader in the venture capital field while also covering the full range of private equity transactions.” (2011)
London (T) +44.20.7039.5251 (F) +44.20.7039.5999
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SWITZERLAND
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Kellerhals Attorneys at Law is one of Switzerland’s finest and leading law firms combining the extensive knowledge and expertise of the firm’s more than 70 professionals in Basel, Berne and Zurich. In order to meet the needs of today’s complex business world Kellerhals offers the full range of legal services, delivered with the intent to make the legal side of business a personal, pleasant and rewarding experience for its clients. The firm efficiently handles challenging and complex cases and legal transactions across a wide variety of market sectors in a national and international context. Being lawyers with a pragmatic and business-minded approach to the issues, the firm understands the pressures and opportunities facing individuals and corporations in the current market. In M&A, we advise a wide range of different clients, including listed, private and foreign-owned companies, financial institutions, private equity investors, management teams and entrepreneurs on all aspects of buying and selling companies and businesses, often involving a cross-border element in which case we work closely together with our network of law firms abroad (i.e. State Capital Global Law Firm Group).
Dr. Beat Brechbühl, LL.M. (UoC) Co Managing Partner T: +41 58 200 35 30 beat.brechbuehl@kellerhals.ch; www.kellerhals.ch
WINNER
SPAIN J M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR With a commercial focus and extensive hands-on experience in complex transactions, KPMG Abogados’ M&A tax and legal professionals know how to identify the material tax and legal exposures and opportunities of a transaction and create strategies that address those implications, ensure compliance and add value. Our people bring a practical and process-driven approach and a clear understanding of the mechanics of mergers, acquisitions and disposals in a competitive environment to cut through the complexity of our clients’ M&A tax and legal challenges. KPMG Abogados’ tax and legal professionals are part of the KPMG network of M&A professionals who combine shared global understanding and extensive deal experience with local knowledge of tax jurisdictions and regulations, and also specialized sector knowledge with a multidisciplinary approach. In coordination with KPMG’s Transaction Services financial team, KPMG Abogados M&A team offers a wide range of M&A Tax and Legal services covering the many phases of domestic and cross-border transactions. The following can be adapted to suit your needs and business objectives: Tax, legal and labor due diligence Due diligence services can track down the tax, legal and labor information the acquirer or vendor needs to answer. We have conducted due diligence reviews for all kind of transactions, from large privatizations to confidential private equity deals. With our well tested methodology we help to identify and resolve material
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tax, legal or labor exposures in multi-faceted multi-jurisdictional transactions Structuring acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures With our understanding of each party’s business priorities, and taking into account the exposures and opportunities revealed during the due diligence phase, we help to design an efficient acquisition and financing structure from a legal and tax perspective, We offer a wide range of services from drafting and negotiating the SPA (focusing on seller’s representations warranties, liability regime and guarantees and potential purchaser claims); assisting during deal execution or preparing and filing notifications before Competition and Antitrust Authorities; to focusing on the seller’s representations warranties, liability regime and guarantees and potential purchaser claims; but also on tax efficiency of contractual arrangements and providing a combined legal and tax structure “steps paper” that optimizes after-tax cash flows and facilitates distributions minimizing cash-traps Post-transaction integration services A key to deal success is the swift resolution of issues created by a transaction and the tax optimization of post-integration alternatives (e.g. merger/ reorganization and/or refinancing/debt push downs). Our post-integration team includes professionals in KPMG practices such as transfer pricing, VAT, International Tax and People services, corporate law, real estate, labour services and regulatory issues.
KPMG ABOGADOS´ Torre Europa Pº de la Castellana, 95 28046 Madrid Tel.: + 34 91 456 34 00 Fax: + 34 91 555 01 32 www.kpmgabogados.es
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
UK J AIM LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AIM It has been another successful year for Kerman & Co LLP advising AIM and PLUS Markets listed companies. Despite the market downturn, the Firm has continued to advise its clients with international interests in jurisdictions such as the USA, Russian Federation, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Australia, Philippines, Peru and Colombia on admissions, placings, acquisitions, and other equity and debt raising transactions including the increased use of debt instruments. The wealth of experience of Kerman & Co LLP’s Corporate and Commercial department means that it is able to provide a broad spectrum of expert advice in both public and private company matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, equity and debt capital markets, finance, e-commerce and technology, ‘MBO’ and ‘MBI’. It is this expertise that allows Kerman & Co LLP to provide “effective solutions for difficult times”. Energy, Oil & Gas Kerman & Co LLP’s energy team is well regarded and offers a diversified practice that serves the needs of its clients in the global energy industry. It has accumulated valuable knowledge and experience through acting for clients in international and domestic energy matters in both the public and private company arenas. This encompasses a broad portfolio of transactions from the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas and other fossil fuels such as anthracite coal and uranium to developing and implementing alternative energy concepts. This includes advising clients who are active in developing solar, wind and water power. Our Energy Litigation Practice also plays a crucial role in safe guarding our clients’ assets and interests overseas and it regularly handles commercial disputes as well as arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings in international energy litigation matters Natural Resources The AIM teams have also been very active in the natural resources sector advising clients on transactions relating to resources including: iron ore, gold, molybdenum, rutile, bauxite, copper, and a range of other metals. A significant recent challenge for companies in these areas has been to deal with the pricing volatility. However this has also created opportunities for clients to acquire minority stakes in similar businesses and consolidate their interests often in different geographical regions.
approachable, empathetic and pragmatic. They look for practical and workable solutions to problems and challenges in a timely manner. A significant proportion of their work is international in scope and the Firm has a number of multi-lingual partners and staff. Having developed strong working relationships with likeminded firms around the world, in particular Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Firm can offer extensive experience in project managing the legal aspects of international transactions which range in both size and magnitude. The Firm also recently opened an office in Dublin to service international clients looking for a tax efficient European base. Kerman & Co LLP understand the ever changing nature of client requirements. The Firm’s corporate and commercial clients are regularly served by its Property, Litigation, Employment and Private Client departments who provide effective solutions to not only companies but also to the high net worth individuals who are associated with them. In particular the Property department is experienced in supporting corporate deals, advising UK and international clients on all aspects of property law including acquisitions, developments and lettings. Our Future Despite the current economic situation in Greece and elsewhere in Southern Europe entrepreneurs have identified opportunities. Established companies are being forced to leave gaps in the market place which may be developed. This coupled with reduced asset values, particularly where the seller is distressed, are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to exploit. Another consequence of the economic turbulence is that, in addition to increased instructions relating to redundancy, restructuring and TUPE issues, the Firm’s Employment department has seen a considerable increase in advice concerning the “top-down” restructuring of businesses. Many companies now see the necessity to have the best possible management teams in place to survive the downturn and be best placed to take advantage of the eventual recovery. The need for effective and practical advice throughout this process cannot be understated.
Client Focus
The AIM Market is showing signs of recovery. The demand for energy and other natural resources will continue to grow globally. Kerman & Co LLP is well placed to provide excellent legal services to its clients who wish to exploit these opportunities, with its team of lawyers who are well versed in the development and financing of transactions as well as acquisitions and disposals.
Kerman & Co LLP lawyers pride themselves on understanding their clients’ business issues, providing high service levels and on being
Up-to-date news and details of recent deals undertaken by the Firm can be found on their website www.kermanco.com ACQ
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Kerman & Co. LLP 200 Strand, London, WC2R 1DJ Tel: 020 7539 7272 Fax: 020 7240 5780 DX: 99 Chancery Lane info@kermanco.com
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WINNER
UK J SPECIALIST IP ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR Metis Partners has a proven track record in the assessment and monetisation of IP assets. Our Managing Director, Stephen Robertson, is recognised as one of Intellectual Asset Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 300 leading IP Strategists. We help companies recognise IP assets such as unique processes, internally generated software, R&D and innovation, know-how, patents, trademarks and brands. These unsecured assets that exist in every business are hardly ever on the balance sheet and as a result are overlooked. Using our well established methodology these are all assets that we have valued, sold, used as security for borrowings and investment and helped companies create new revenues streams and competitive advantage. Services provided are: Corporate Recovery Services We specialise in identifying and exploiting the value in IP assets of companies. This hitherto ignored asset class is capable of significantly enhancing the recovery for creditors in corporate recovery situations through the sale of IP assets. Our expertise in this area was recognised at the Insolvency and Rescue Awards 2011 where we won Asset Valuer/ Auctioneer of the year.
Due Diligence Services Our expertise is used by investors and banks as part of their due diligence exercise to get to grips with the IP asset value and risks associated with the target business. Notably, we have carried out many such assignments for the Clydesdale Bank plc and other funders. We provide expert 3rd party opinion, identifying critical IP assets in the value chain and specifically where these assets underpin revenue streams. IP Valuation Services In this challenging financial climate we have been helping banks and investors recognise they can take security over IP assets to allow companies to use them for various value release situations. Advisory Services From the initial IP housekeeping and the development of new strategies for business growth, through to planning the tactics required to successfully negotiate IP asset related deals, our focus is always on maximising the value of IP in our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business We operate from our two offices in Glasgow, Scotland and Berkeley, California. Recently we have partnered with Ocean Tomo to deliver a new generation of corporate recovery and restructuring services to the European market (www.recoveryandrestructuring.com/).
GERMANY
Metis Partners Ltd Trinity House, 33 Lynedoch Street, Glasgow, G3 6AA. Telephone: 0141 353 3011 www.metispartners.co.uk
WINNER
J PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
ROMANIA J COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
“Leaua & Asociatii” is one of the leading law firms in Romania in the field of commercial arbitration. The lawyers of “Leaua & Asociatii” represent various clients in domestic and international commercial arbitration, in ad-hoc arbitral proceedings and in institutionalized arbitration, in front of various international courts, (International Court of Arbitration by the International Chamber of Commerce – ICC Paris, CEPANI - Bruxelles, London Court of International Arbitration – LCIA, - VIAC , Danish Institute of Arbitration etc). The lawyers within “Leaua & Asociatii” have experience also in capacity as arbitrators, being members of international commercial arbitration institutions, such as the Court of International Commercial Arbitration attached to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, the Court of International Commercial Arbitration attached to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bulgaria, the Center for Arbitration and Mediation of the World Intellectual Property Organization or appointed as arbitrators outside the institutionalized list.
Also, the lawyers of the law firm “Leaua & Asociatii” have expertise in testifying in capacity as expert witness in various international arbitration proceedings. Moreover, the lawyers from the law firm “Leaua and Asociatii” are members of various arbitration association or committees dedicated to arbitration, such as the London Court of International Arbitration – LCIA, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – CIArb, London, Swiss Arbitration Association – ASA , International Bar Association – IBA – Commitee Arbitration, being involved also in various matters related to arbitration, such as ICC Task Force on Criminal Law in Arbitration, various problems raised in front of the Court of International Commercial Arbitration near the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania and Bucharest Municipality. The lawyers within the law firm “Leaua & Asociatii” have published numerous studies and have completed numerous presentations or reports in national or international conferences and symposiums in matters related to the arbitration.
Dr. Crenguta Leaua crenguta.leaua@leaua.ro 10 Zborului Street, sector 3, 030595, Bucharest, Romania Tel: +40 31 405 43 04 +40 21 312 55 13 Fax: +40 31 405 43 05 +40 21 312 55 12 office@leaua.ro, www.leaua.ro
WINNER
GERMANY J INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LEONHARDT Rechtsanwälte rank amongst the leading law firms with regards to insolvency law in Germany. Our restructuring advice benefits from our vast experience and ground-breaking insolvency cases our firm has previously been involved in. Our experience in insolvency law and restructuring goes back about 90 years. More than 20 qualified German attorneys and corporate lawyers work for LEONHARDT solicitors as insolvency practitioners. The success of our restructuring practice is based on our knowledge of the advantages of restructurings especially through insolvency plan procedures, which are still far from commonplace and in the use of which we as pioneers have acquired an edge. Thus, we advise directors, members, creditors, receivers, administrators, liquidators and any other type of insolvency practitioner, as well as corporate law firms and management
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
consultancies on the restructuring of businesses, companies or high net worth individuals who are insolvent or bankrupt. Today, we have more than 100 professionals working in our insolvency administration and restructuring practice. This puts us in a position to manage insolvencies of any size. In the field of insolvency administration we are certified according to the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2008. LEONHARDT’s litigation division works on litigation assignments which stem from our insolvency practitioners as well as from renowned external clients. Our emphasis is on litigation in the fields of corporate, insolvency and employment law. The focus on corporate, insolvency and employment allows us to make full use of our litigation expertise in these practise areas.
www.leonhardt-rechtsanwaelte.de c.koehler-ma@leonhardt-rechtsanwaelte.de wissenschaft@leonhardt-rechtsanwaelte.de
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UK
WINNER
J ASSET BASED LENDER OF THE YEAR
Having already won the title of Asset Based Lender of the Year for the United Kingdom in ACQ’s Country Awards for three consecutive years, Leumi ABL this year has won the title in ACQ’s Global Awards. Leumi ABL is the specialist asset based lending subsidiary of Bank Leumi (UK) plc, an international bank that has just celebrated its 110th anniversary. Providing funding from £1m to £25m, Leumi ABL provides a full range of asset based lending facilities, including stock finance and plant and machinery finance, real differentiators in today’s market. This is supported by trade finance and property finance facilities via Bank Leumi (UK). 2011 marked the fifth anniversary of the launch of Leumi ABL and the team continues to work closely with dealmaking communities, earning a reputation for their flexible and highly personal approach to assisting business growth. During the past twelve months Leumi ABL has seen an increase in requests for the financing of M&A activity, pointing to greater confidence in the business community, as well as continued refinancing activity as businesses struggle to obtain the levels of financing and flexibility they need from existing banking arrangements. Leumi ABL is able to offer greater flexibility than bank owned invoice discounters, and their bespoke approach to funding mid-market businesses is winning recognition everywhere.
Notable deals included providing financing to Ash and Lacy Building Systems, a £30m turnover manufacturer and distributor of metal roofing and building envelope systems. Leumi ABL provided a total asset based lending package of £6.85m, comprising a £5.75m invoice discounting facility, £0.75m stock finance plus £0.35m plant finance. Another deal saw Leumi ABL put together an asset based lending package as part of a £130m syndicated facility for Celsa Steel (UK) Limited. Leumi ABL provided a £20m invoice discounting facility with stock finance. Most recently, Leumi ABL has supported 229 year old business, Brintons Carpets Limited, with a multi-asset ABL package totalling over £11m, comprising debtor, stock and plant and machinery facilities.
Phil Woodward, Managing Director
Increasing numbers of opportunities are benefiting from Leumi ABL’s ability to put in place a jointly structured funding facility with Bank Leumi (UK). One such deal was Lambson Building Products Limited where a total funding facility of £9.44m was provided.
Leumi ABL Limited 126 Dyke Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 3TE
As M&A picks up and refinancing continues to come out of high street clearers, Leumi ABL is well placed to offer the consistency and stability which is so highly valued as the market recovery gets underway.
Email: pwoodward@leumiabl.co.uk Tel: 01273 716200 Mob: 07900 802774
WINNER
RUSSIA J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Since 2006, Lidings Law Firm has been the leading legal advisor in the Russian market providing unparalleled legal advice to over 200 international companies operating in Russia and the CIS on a wide range of business and legal matters. Focus on providing legal advice to foreign businesses Over 90% of the Firm’s clients are multinational companies and corporations. We advise market leaders, international investors, representatives of medium and large global businesses interested in entering the Russian and CIS market and in actively implementing a variety of business and commercial projects in Russia. Our lawyers are highly skilled, multilingual legal experts who hold degrees from the best legal institutions in Russia and abroad. Their expert knowledge of Russian legislation and of the intricacies of Russia’s unique business culture has built up Lidings reputation as one of the top law firms in the nation. Lidings is a member of the International Lawyers Network (ILN) – a leading association of independent law firms comprised of more than 5000 attorneys worldwide. This gives our clients direct access to legal experts in over 100 jurisdictions.
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For more than six years, Lidings law firm has been a leader in all industry sectors and major areas of law, boasting an expert knowledge of regulatory framework. Our reputation for excellent client service is a key factor in the Firm’s success and the reason for its impeccable reputation in the Russian market. Geographic range Regardless of a project’s complexity and scope, Lidings offers legal solutions to international corporations operating throughout Russia. With offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg and through ongoing cooperation with leading national legal advisors and government authorities in the most dynamic regions of Russia and the CIS, Lidings offers legal advice that exceeds the highest international standards of excellence. Lidings closely collaborates with the top law firms in Europe, America and Asia and provides professional services to clients from more than 35 countries, advising them on all aspects of Russian legislation and supporting complex international transactions.
Lidings Business Centre Pollars, 6th floor, 11V, Derbenevskaya embankment, Moscow, 115114, Russia Phone: +7 (495) 989-44-10 Fax: + 7 (495) 989-44-20 http://www.lidings.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
BELGIUM
WINNER
J MOST TRUSTED LAW FIRM J ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Linklaters in Belgium (with offices in Antwerp and
• Finance & Projects: Banking, Capital Markets, R&I,
Brussels) comprises 25 Partners, 15 Counsels, 4 Of
Structured Finance, Investment Management
Counsels and about 90 Associates, with a support staff of more than 90, including practice support lawyers,
• Specialists: Litigation/Arbitration, Public Law, Real
information officers and paralegals. Linklaters is an
Estate, Tax, TMT, IP, Environment
established law firm in Belgium since more than forty
For the last 25 years the firm has been involved in most
years (previously known as De Bandt van Hecke Lagae)
of the landmark transactions or litigations that shaped
and is recognised as one of the leading law firms in the
the Belgian economy. These transactions include
market. We are renowned for the excellence of our work
one of the first hostile take-over bids in Europe (De
and our ability to handle the most complex matters for
Benedetti on the Société Générale de Belgique in 1987),
our domestic and international client base.
the consolidation of the sugar industry (Südzucker –
Brussels Linklaters LLP Rue Brederode 13 1000 Brussels Belgium
Our lawyers are multilingual, combine local and interna-
Raffinerie Tirlemontoise in 1990), the beer industry (from
tional experience and above all understand our clients’
Interbrew to ABInbev), the financial sector (the formation
Tel: (32-2) 501 94 11
businesses, which enables them to anticipate and meet
of Fortis, ING and KBC), the energy sector (the formation
Fax: (32-2) 501 94 94
their needs. Creative thinking and determination are key
of the Suez group in Belgium) as well as landmark IPO’s
drivers of our approach. “Getting the job done” is what
(Interbrew / Agfa-Gevaert / Belgacom / Umicore) and
sets us apart from our competitors.
privatisations (ASLK-CGER / the Belgian Post). More recently the firm has been engaged in all major bank
Practice areas that we cover from our Belgian offices
restructuring and capitalisation transactions (Fortis /
include:
Dexia / KBC as well as some of the ensuing divestitures
Antwerp Linklaters LLP Graanmarkt 2 2000 Antwerp Belgium
• Corporate: Corporate/M&A, Employment, Pensions,
(Centea / Fidea). Last year the firm acted on the landmark
Tel: (32-3) 203 62 62
Private Equity
public to private transaction of Omega Pharma.
Fax: (32-3) 203 62 34
WINNER
UK J DEBT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Established in 2004, Litmus Advisory is an independent debt advisory firm, providing highly qualified debt advice to private equity owned businesses and small to mid-cap listed corporates in the Asset Based Lending (‘ABL’) market. Our team provide an in-depth knowledge and impartial understanding of current debt markets, underpinned by an extensive and unparalleled network of direct relationships with ABL’s and alternative capital providers, throughout the UK, EMEA and USA. Our debt advisory services range from strategic analysis of optimal debt structures and evaluation of available sources of finance, through to the provision of an award winning execution resource which consistently delivers market leading debt solutions. Our assignments typically involve raising funds of between £5 million and £50 million in order to refinance existing funding arrangements or to provide acquisition finance and working capital for private equity backed corporate finance transactions. Our execution capability is Director-led and our proven methodology ensures complete visibility and accountability at all stages throughout the debt raising process. We value our independence from full service accountancy firms and providers of finance, as this ensures our objectives can be fully aligned with those of our clients - unaffected by conflicts of interest.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Litmus Advisory has developed a proven process which ensures we deliver optimal and flexible debt structures whilst maintaining a hands-on, objective approach at all times. Our process is designed to accurately determine critical funding issues, to precisely assess total debt capacity, to correctly identify a range of potential funding solutions and to swiftly engage with lenders through a competitive and tightly managed debt raising process to successful completion. We advise on the structuring of debt facilities for clients seeking to use asset based lending (often first time users) and the following three situations would typically trigger our involvement: • Refinancing – maturing debt facilities, rapid sales growth and international expansion together with trading downturns and manage-aways due to under performance.
Litmus Advisory Limited 6 Adam Street London. WC2N 6AD. T: 020-7520-9073 F: 020-7520-9363 W: www.litmusadvisory.com
• Acquisitions, disposals & mergers – sponsor seeking acquisition or merger financing for a corporate finance transaction (e.g. MBO, MBI or BIMBO).
Dave Edwards T: +44 (0)7775-674342 E: dave.edwards@litmusadvisory.com
• Restructuring – facility extensions, facility amendments, bullet loan repayments, new money requests, covenant waiver and reset negotiations.
Andy Dimmock T: +44 (0)7739-819559 E: andy.dimmock@litmusadvisory.com
Contact Litmus Advisory to discuss how you can gain an exceptional competitive advantage from the market leaders in ABL debt advisory.
Nick Grainger T: +44 (0)7980-803464 E: nick.grainger@litmusadvisory.com
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WINNER
FRANCE J INDEPENDENT CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR ...GETS EVEN BIGGER May 2012 A leading Pan-European Technology Corporate Finance Firm Lorentz, Deschamps & Associates (LD&A), with offices in Paris and London, and Munich-based Jupiter Capital Partners, two leading European technology investment banking boutiques, have announced the combination of their respective businesses to build a leading pan-European technology corporate finance firm serving highly innovative and fast-growing companies and investors across Europe. The two firms will integrate their operations and leverage their sector expertise and customer reach under the common brand name ‘LD&A Jupiter’. With offices in the three largest European markets and reach across the continent, LD&A Jupiter will offer a pan-European coverage, combining crossborder capability with local presence and know-how that is unique in specialised technology corporate finance in Europe. LD&A Jupiter identifies, structures and executes value-creative private and public market transactions for corporations and financial investors. Transactions include build-ups, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures as well as the issuance of equity or debt capital for customers from the Software, IT Services, Telecoms, Internet/Digital Media, Gaming, Customer Care, Electronics and Cleantech industries. The founding partners of the two companies, Francis Lorentz and Marc Deschamps of LD&A, Ralf Philipp Hofmann and Julian Ostertag of Jupiter, share the same vision with respect to providing corporate finance advisory services to the European technology markets. Creation and growth of innovative technology companies will accelerate in Europe, driven by the ongoing upsurge of technological changes. Cloud computing, mobile internet, data analytics and connected TV are currently fuelling new waves of disruptive innovations comparable to internet innovations in the 1990’s. European technology companies have engineers with an outstanding quality and strive to become global players. Start-ups driven by dedicated entrepreneurs intend to grow internationally, mid-caps will have to consolidate through cross-border mergers or acquisitions, large and mature companies will have to update their portfolio through innovative technologies. This will result in an increasing demand for venture and development financing, for build-up processes and for merger and exit transactions. LD&A Jupiter is very well positioned in this highly active market in Europe. The technology corporate finance firm with more than 25 professionals based in London, Munich and Paris and has a strong track record of domestic and cross-border transactions and a strong global reach, including US coverage (East and West Coast) as well as a reach into India and China via partner
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investment banking firms. While LD&A Jupiter has the scale and experience to be a European category leader, the firm is highly flexible, creative and close to its clients. Due to its unique blend of industrial and financial expertise LD&A Jupiter has a thorough understanding of both entrepreneurs’ and investors’ needs and can enable their corporate finance strategies. Since inception in 2004 and 2007, respectively, LD&A and Jupiter Capital Partners have both accomplished numerous international benchmark transactions. The LD&A Jupiter team works closely with a network of more than 250 private equity funds, family offices and corporate ventures in Europe and worldwide. Transactions executed by LD&A Jupiter include: • Financial advisor to Chillingo (UK), leading mobile games publisher, on the sale to Electronic Arts (USA) • Financial advisor to La Poste (F), French national Post, on the launching of a MVNO jointly with the telecom operator SFR, and the acquisition of Debitel • Financial advisor to Intershop Communications (D) , e-commerce solutions provider, on the sale of existing shares and capital increase with GSI Commerce, Inc. (US) • Financial advisor to Sohomint (D), operator of themed content portals on the Internet, on the majority sale to Axel Springer (D) • Financial advisor to SCM MicroSystems (US/D), RFID identification solutions provider, on the merger with Bluehill ID (CH) to form Identive Group • Advisor to DFJ Esprit (UK) on the €20m equity capital increase and secondary investment of DFJ Esprit, Alven Capital and FSI in Qosmos (F), network intelligence technology provider • Financial Advisor of Identive Group (US/D) on the majority acquisition of payment solutions • Financial advisor to Backelite (F), leading m-commerce and m-media technology provider, on its sale to Prosodie/Capgemini (F) • Financial advisor to Damilo (F), IT service company, on its sale to Manpower (USA) • Financial advisor to ProSiebenSat.1 (D), a leading media group, on the sale of billiger.de (D) • Financial advisor to Mendix (NL), PaaS in the corporate application space, on its private €9m equity placement by Prime Ventures and HENQ Invest • Financial advisor to adnologies (D), retargeting technology company, on the equity private placement with ViewPoint Capital Partners (D)
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
IRELAND
WINNER
J AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Our group is well-known as a market leader in asset finance and represents airlines, banks, manufacturers and operating lessors in various types of aircraft transactions. We work closely with our fiduciary services firm, MaplesFS in Ireland, to offer comprehensive corporate administration and director services to special purpose structured and asset finance vehicles.
Nollaig Murphy +353 1 619 2079 nollaig.murphy@maplesandcalder.com
IRELAND
WINNER
J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Our Finance group has extensive experience in advising financial institutions, private equity houses and corporates on many types of domestic and cross-border funding arrangements. We advise on all types of finance transactions, with recognised specialisations in debt structuring, asset and leveraged finance, loan portfolio sales and derivatives. We have also been involved in all of the most high-profile and complex restructuring and work-out transactions in Irish corporate history in recent years.
Nollaig Murphy +353 1 619 2079 nollaig.murphy@maplesandcalder.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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IRELAND
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
McEvoy Partners is a leading Irish corporate law firm providing a full range of corporate legal services to international clients, domestic companies, emerging Irish businesses and public bodies. Newly located at 27 Hatch Street Lower, Dublin 2 their service range focuses on supporting the business growth of their clients. McEvoy Partners reputation is founded upon the quality of their service, their understanding of client needs and expectations and their solution focused commercial approach to legal issues. Continued investment in people, technology and research maintain McEvoy Partner’s ability to provide practical and efficient solutions to client queries.
•
Employment
•
Franchising/Distribution
•
Debt Resolution
•
Insolvency/ Restructuring
•
Disputes and Litigation
•
Commercial Contracts/ Outsourcing
•
Private Client
•
Technology & Media
•
Corporate Governance
McEvoy Partners areas of expertise include:-
•
Landlord and Tenant
•
Mergers & Acquisitions
Recognition:-
•
Management Buyouts/Buyins
•
IPO’s/Flotations
•
Commercial Property Development
•
Equity/Debt Fundraising
•
Venture Capital
•
Intellectual Property
•
Information Technology
McEvoy Partners were awarded “M & A Law Firm of the Year - Ireland ” in the 2011 Acquisition International Legal Awards and “AIM Law Firm of the Year – Ireland” in the Finance Monthly Law Awards 2011. McEvoy Partners were also a finalist in the Irish Law Awards 2012 for “Commercial Law Team of the Year”. Most recently in the ACQ Finance Global Magazine Awards 2012 McEvoy Partners won “Ireland M & A Law Firm of the Year”.
FINLAND
Orlaith O’Brien Firm: McEvoy Partners Address: 27 Hatch Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland T: +353 1 2383900 F: +353 1 2383901 E: orlaith.obrien@mcevoypartners.ie www.mcevoypartners.ie
WINNER
J INDEPENDENT M&A FIRM OF THE YEAR
Mergertum ltd. is an independent and leading Finnish M&A advisor on its segments. Mergertum has a supreme expierence in business segments it has concentrated:
•
ICT
•
Industry
•
Building construction and HVAC
•
Energy
•
Mining
Mergertum does both Seller and Buyer mandates. Company’s services vary from total turn-key projects including project management to market and segment studies. References and more information are available at web-site www.mergertum.fi.
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Mr. Kyösti Moisio mobile: +358 403 100 122 E: kyosti.moisio@mergertum.fi
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
LUXEMBOURG J SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Ober & Beerens is a fully independent Luxembourg law firm which advises a large national and international client base on areas of practice including: corporate law, corporate finance, private equity, transactional business law, banking and finance, investment management, litigation and tax. Ober & Beerens aims at maintaining the highest standards of service with a high associatepartner ratio, and relies on cohesive team-work and partnerships with fully involved and recognized business partners. We strive to provide our clients with the best strategic advice to resolve complex commercial questions, to structure or restructure their business, to address important legal and procedural issues, taking into account the financial markets variations and the changing laws or regulations likely to affect that advice. Our business-minded perspective and our resultsoriented culture, our responsiveness and our in-depth knowledge of the financial markets are highly valued by our clients. Because we started right in the midst of a global financial crisis, we have been able to immediately adjust our advice by matching the new constraints of the market with the expectations of our clients. Bernard Beerens, a founding partner of Ober & Beerens, He holds a Master’s degree in law from the Université
Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium). He has also studied at the Universita Degli Studi di Milano (Italy). Prior to establishing Ober & Beerens, he worked for a major UK-based law firm then at the Luxembourg office of a leading Dutch law firm, advising clients on various corporate and finance transactions. During 2008 and 2009, he headed the Luxembourg desk of the corporate and finance department of the same firm in New York, mainly serving US and Canadian clients on Luxembourg legal matters. Bernard heads the corporate and M&A practice as well as the banking and finance practice, and specializes in corporate law, corporate finance, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, transactional business law and banking and finance matters. He advises multinational clients, including major private equity firms, hedge funds and non-regulated real estate funds, on structuring and financing of international transactions, formation of joint venture and securitization vehicles, corporate organizations and reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, exit strategies and corporate governance matters.
Bernard Beeerens Partner Ober & Beerens 37A, Avenue J.F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg Tel. +352 26 26 79 1 Email: bbeerens@ober.lu Website: http://www.ober.lu
Lionel Barber, Financial Times Editor “When it comes to news, comment and analysis, the FT offers something different. I invite you try the Financial Times. You will not be disappointed.”
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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GERMANY
WINNER
J FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
A merger of two well-established German law offices, both dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, Meyer-Köring combines a fresh perspective with more than a century of tradition. With a total of no more than 30 lawyers, MEYER-KÖRING, a medium-sized operation by German standards, pursues a policy preferring strict
Franchisors and Master Franchisees in the optimization and management of franchise systems. It is MEYER-KÖRING’s paramount priority to advise Franchisors not only in the field of Franchising Law but, equally important, also in strategic questions with respect to international expansion.
quality standards, highly personalized client-lawyer
According to the Who’s Who Legal, Dr. Patrick Giesler, who
relations and arm’s length working processes over rapid
heads the Franchise Practice Group, is one of the leading
growth. Long-standing relationships provide a high
German franchise lawyers. He is the author of numerous
degree of insight into clients’ specific legal concerns,
books and publications on Franchising Law. Furthermore,
financial issues or personal situation, allowing the
Dr. Giesler is President and founder of the International
professionals at MEYER-KÖRING to identify, avoid or
Franchise Lawyers’ Association, a world-spanning network
resolve conflict, and enabling sensitive and capable
of law firms specializing in this field.
problem-solving.
Catering to the needs of foreign clients also outside and
Meyer-Köring Lawfirm Franchise Law Department
For many years, the firm has been active in the field
beyond the domain of franchising, MEYER-KÖRING, from its
Oxford Str. 21
of Franchising law throughout Germany and other
Berlin office, operates an international department where
53111 Bonn
European countries. Today, Meyer-Köring are advisors to
lawyers fully conversant in English and French provide
Germany
more than 150 franchisors in Europe and North America.
advice and guidance to companies from all fields of business
Phone: +49 228 72636-32
The firm has particular experience in the development,
life, to foreign states and diplomatic missions as well as to
Fax: +49 228 72636-77
reorganization and expansion of franchise systems. Its
banks, real estate partnerships and individual investors. Key
e-mail: giesler@meyer-koering.de
Franchise Practice Group focuses exclusively on advising
specialisations are in Real Estate and Labour law.
www.meyer-koering.de
UK
WINNER
J REGIONAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Millbank Edge LLP is an ambitious corporate and
regularly been listed in legal publications, such as Legal
commercial law firm. It was established in 2010 by a
500 and Chambers, as leading practitioners.
group of partners with successful track records in large UK and international law firms to create a leaner and more market responsive business model. Our services are aimed at clients who appreciate a high quality, cost effective service and who are receptive to a direct hands-on approach from experienced practitioners. The firm advises UK and international businesses across a broad range of industry sectors, often acting on high value complex transactions and disputes. A significant part of our practice is advising clients on international transactions and advising international clients on
We are passionate about what we do and look to bring this enthusiasm and energy to our work in supporting our clients to take up opportunities and meet their business challenges, whatever these may be. We are committed to delivering the highest levels of service and providing an outstanding client experience. This means that we seek to recruit talented individuals
Pauline Cowie
who share our values and enthusiasm, who are agile and
Millbank Edge LLP
responsive to the needs of our clients, and who do not
St Andrews House
delegate responsibility.
62 Bridge Street Manchester
transactions and disputes in the UK. We have particular
We work hard to develop a strong relationship with every
expertise advising on M&As, corporate finance,
client: a relationship which is accessible, stimulating,
private equity, JVs, funds, IP, IT, franchising, outsourcing,
commercial and which above all achieves results for
Tel: 0044 (0) 161 725 7920
litigation, arbitration and mediation. Our partners have
our clients.
Email: info@millbankedge.co.uk
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M3 3BW
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
AUSTRIA J SMALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Remarkable international expertise and local market insights, strategic scope and fast on point legal advise creates the formula of success for monlaw Attorneys at Law, a Vienna based legal Advisors office offering highly personalised legal advice. monlaw - We don’t follow, we are leading the way. Merging out of two Vienna based Law firms monlaw Rechtsanwälte (monlaw Attorneys at Law) have come on scene almost five years from now. Combining long term specialised experience in their fields of expertise with Boutique Law Firm flexibility the clients responded highly positive. Monlaw has been recognised with numerous well reputed Awards from the first year on like Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year (2010 Finance Monthly Magazine Global Award), Small Lawfirm of the year (2010 and 2011 ACQ Magazine) aswell as a recommended M & A Law Firm in the Legal 500 ranking) just to point on some. This good reputation of monlaw has also been reflected in being called on board on a wide range of projects in all of their fields of service. The field of business the clients are coming from are various, including international real estate corporations, IT companies, banks and financial service providers as
ITALY
well as private equity companies. Focusing on the understanding of their clients business and business needs monlaw advises in the following areas • Banking & finance and capital markets law • M&A • Real estate • IT/IP • Public procurement • Corporate law. Understanding their clients need as entrepreneur, monlaw is used keeping pace with moving markets and to cope with changing challenges. Over the last Dr. Thomas Mondl and Robert Leuthner, LLM (Columbia) and their teams have been especially remunerated for their team of attorneys who are keen to keep a flexible mindset and able to develop innovative solutions to issues their clients are facing over the last years.
Thomas Mondl Robert Leuthner Canovagasse 7 A-1010 Vienna
monlaw pursues a policy preferring strict quality standards, highly personalized client-lawyer relations and arm’s length working processes over rapid growth.
Tel.: +43-1-535 57 44
monlaw - We don’t follow, we are leading the way.
www.monlaw.at
Fax.: +43-1-535 57 44-33 office@monlaw.at
WINNER
J BANK OF THE YEAR
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472, is the oldest bank in the world. Today’s parent company of Italy’s third largest banking group, the bank holds significant market shares in all areas of business. The bank has a strong retail vocation (households and small-medium businesses) that makes it the “bank of choice” in all the areas in which it operates.
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena Spa Address: P.zza Salimbeni, n° 3 – 53100 Siena (Italy) Phone: +39 0577 296634 Fax: +39 0577 294148 Mail: ufficio.stampa@banca.mps.it
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
89
GERMANY
WINNER
J SMALL FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Established in 2004 as a spin-off of PwC’s former law firm, Mütze Korsch Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH (MKRG) is now a completely independent German full-service business law firm. From MKRG’s offices in Düsseldorf and Cologne, 20 lawyers provide legal advice to domestic as well as international clients and attend to mandates throughout the Federal Republic of Germany. MKRG’s aim is to find the best legal as well as commercial solution to meet the clients’ needs at best.
• Corporate and Finance • Health Care Sector • Intellectual Property Rights • Labour Law • Public Law / Public Procurement
MKRG’s lawyers form a small but highly qualified and very experienced team. Each lawyer is an expert in his field, working at the highest legal quality standards and is used to working in multi-jurisdictional teams. If required MKRG can access its various domestic or international cooperation-partners or will fit in the team provided by the client. Thus, MKRG can handle e.g. small as well as big cross-border M&A deals while not being forced to over-staff its team. In any case, MKRG’s project team structure and size will be very efficient.
• Real Estate and Construction
While rendering advisory and forensic services in all material areas of German business law, MKRG has seven practice groups which also reflect the focal points of its legal service offering:
One of them is also ranked by the German business journal Handelsblatt among Germany’s top Private Equity lawyers. In sum these accolades honour MKRG’s full-service concept and transaction expertise.
• Restructuring and Insolvency Law MKRG’s ACQ Global Award 2012 has come in a row, after MKRG had received numerous awards from different organisations in 2009, 2010 and 2011 already. Furthermore, three MKRG partners from different practice areas have been elected for inclusion in the highly regarded Best Lawyers list for Germany in the fields of Construction, Private Equity and Intellectual Property, respectively.
Mütze Korsch Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Dipl-Kfm Dr Maximilian Koch Rechtsanwalt, Partner E: koch@mkrg.com T: +49 (0) 211 88 2929 F: +49 (0) 211 88 2926 W: www.mkrg.com
ITALY J NICHE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (TMT)
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
UK J TECHNICAL ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
2012 has been a busy year for the company so far; our OST Energy is an engineering consultancy in the
new subsidiary, OST BioEnergy has grown substantially
renewable energy market specialising in solar
since its launch in Spring 2011 and our Solar PV division
photovoltaics, bioenergy, wind power, concentrated solar
has cemented our market leading position in this sector
power and hydro plants. The company has grown rapidly
having acted as Technical Advisors on nearly 60% of all
since it was established in 2008 with the aim of providing
the large scale PV projects (>1MW) installed under the UK
exceptional consultancy services built upon a wealth of
FIT legislation.
knowledge and experience.
Director Bruce Sexton comments: “It’s a real pleasure
Our clients range from private equity funds and banks
to receive this award for UK Technical Advisor of the
to owners, developers and utilities. Our specialist teams
Year. It’s been an exciting year and all of our teams have
advise on all aspects of projects from green-field
worked tirelessly to make the business a success. This
developments, to asset management of existing
award recognises their contribution to growing our
operational plants and we undertake assignments
business and we look forward to maintaining and
globally throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
improving the quality of our services going forward’
UK
Bruce Sexton Bruce Sexton@ostenergy.com +44 (0) 1273 819429 www.ostenergy.com
WINNER
J NICHE DEBT PROVIDER OF THE YEAR (HEALTHCARE)
Pharmacy Partners, a division of Centric Commercial Finance, is the UK’s only dedicated pharmacy finance company. Pharmacy Partners provides an instant source of working capital, typically used to improve cashflow and help drive growth, Pharmacy Partners turns the pharmacy into a cash business. Finance for start-ups, refinancing, acquisition and growth, Pharmacy Partners is the first choice for pharmacy finance in the UK.
• Contribute less equity towards
• Add new income streams through offering new
pharmacy acquisitions
services (growth)
• Refinance existing facilities, overdrafts, loans etc
• Working Capital for existing pharmacies
• Provide immediate funding for Pharmacy
• Meet the cost of increased stock levels to match
Pharmacy Partners 69 Park Lane, Croydon,
Start-Ups and New Contracts
seasonal requirements
• Cash certainty for 100 hour Pharmacies
• Plug the financial hole caused by Category M
Turn your pharmacy into a cash business by being paid
F: 020 8681 8045
immediately for your NHS dispensing.
E: info@pharmacypartners.com
claw backs
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
• Releasing Capital from your Pharmacy Business
Surrey. CR0 1JD. T: 0808 144 5554
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UK
WINNER
J SPECIALIST DUE DILIGENCE ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
Pragma are the leading provider of commercial and operational due diligence services for consumer and retail businesses. Our clients value our deep knowledge of the consumer and retail sectors and how we uniquely combine rigorous analytical work with innovative ideas and commercial implementation skills.
evaluation of a business’s operations, including supply chain and distribution structures, merchandising, pricing, ranging, staffing, store profitability and future location planning. In the last year we have worked on many projects including commercial due diligence (CDD) for Searchlight in their acquisition of Hunter Boots; CDD for
We are different to other consultancies as we combine:
LDC in their secondary MBO of Original Additions; CDD
• original, bespoke insightful consumer research
for Matrix Private Equity Partners in their investment in
• rigorous market and trading analysis
Equip and Vendor Due Diligence for Phase Eight.
• in-house retail and operational experience developed first hand
Our level of client service is, to quote one client ‘phenomenal’ and we always remember that our job is to
Typical commercial due diligence projects include
make clear recommendations – we don’t pull
market review, customer segmentation and behaviour,
our punches!
research, trading data analysis and business plan validation.
We would be delighted to show you why Pragma is
Our operational due diligence expertise, based on our
the ‘Go To House’ for so many CDD clients, and
directors’ experience of actually running retail and
welcome the opportunity for an informal discussion
consumer businesses, enables us to make a complete
about your requirements.
Patrick Woodall Chief Executive, Tom Holt Divisional Director p.woodall@pragmauk.com t.holt@pragmauk.com Pragma Consulting Ltd 32 York Street Twickenham TW1 3LJ. Tel 0208 744 1222
WINNER
SWITZERLAND J PATENTS & IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RENTSCH PARTNER is a leading Patent and Trademark Attorneys Firm in Switzerland, offer-ing a full range of services in Intellectual Property Law and related legal fields. The firm is seen as a strong prosecution firm in both patents and trademarks that also has a solid litigation capability. In a multidisciplinary team 14 Patent Attorneys and 9 Attorneys at Law work together to optimize the services for its clients. RENTSCH PARTNER works for Swiss and foreign corporate and individual clients and has an established network of con-tacts with first class law firms in Europe, the USA, China, Japan and many other countries. RENTSCH PARTNER is recommended for its ‘very well organised team, high level of service and very fast response times’, and the group ‘meets deadlines, has good business acumen and is good value for money’. Its competence includes advising clients in the hi-tech, software, chemistry and biotech fields on patent, copyright and design law. Recently, Christian Hilti, Alfred Koepf, Rudolf Rentsch, and Dany Vogel of the firm were elected as part-time judges at the new Federal Patent Court.
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RENTSCH PARTNER AG For extensive information on our areas of expertise, please visit our websites: www.copyright.ch www.trademark.ch www.patentlaw.ch www.designlaw.ch www.ictlaw.ch www.industriallaw.ch
Fraumünsterstrasse 9 P.O. Box 2441 8022 Zürich Switzerland +41 (0)44 225 70 70 office@rentschpartner.ch www.rentschpartner.ch
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
SWEDEN
WINNER
J BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Sagell & Co. is a boutique law firm who is serving both
We can quickly set up a new franchise organisation,
Swedish and international clients who have chosen
establish a foreign franchise
to operate and expand their business, concept and brand through franchising and licensing. The law firm
system in Sweden, and solve disputes.
is specialized in franchise law and related law areas.
Sagell & Co is a member of the Swedish Franchise
The firm has expert knowledge about the daily life of
Association and a member of the
franchise operations. We serve both franchisors and franchisees. The firm provides also legal services to
International Franchise Lawyers Association (IFLA).
licensers and licensees, to principals and commercial agents, and to distributors and retailers. We are the legal counsel to several franchise systems
Mr. Dan-Michael Sagell
in Sweden. Mr. Dan-Michael Sagell is one of the leading
Biblioteksgatan 3, 5 tr
lawyers in Sweden within the field of franchise law. He
P.O. Box 7174, SE-103 88 Stockholm
writes books and articles and is the head legal counsel
Sweden
of the Swedish trade organisation Butikerna (the Stores) that is the leading trade organisation for small and
www.saglaw.se
medium sized retail stores in Sweden and of the trade
Tel: +46 (0) 8 611 55 42
organisation Swedish
Mobile: +46 (0) 707 952 733
convenience stores and fast food restaurants.
E-mail: dms@saglaw.se
UK
WINNER
Fax: +46 (0) 8 611 90 14
J INVOICE FINANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR
Cash, as every business knows, is the key to success. Keeping the cash flowing, however, can be a challenge, regardless of the size of business you represent. Finding the right funding partner, therefore, is essential, which is why Touch Financial is recognised as the very best in finding the right cashflow finance solution for your clients’ needs. Founded in 2008, Touch Financial is an award-winning broker that works with nearly all of the major lenders, from the boutique specialists through to the main high street banks. It even partners other specialist brokers to ensure that it is truly able to accommodate and respond to every enquiry, delivering a range of financial options from factoring to invoice discounting, commercial mortgages to asset-based finance, but always with the purpose of supporting business growth. Touch Financial speaks to more than 500 businesses every month, helping them to explore their financing options. Since its inception, it has successfully sourced funding for at at least 1,400 businesses – businesses with a combined turnover of a staggering £1.4 billion. It is this track record in helping these businesses realise
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
their growth ambitions that enables Touch Financial to rightfully claim its place as the UK’s leading and largest invoice finance broker. Touch Financial provides solutions for the smallest of business to the largest of enterprises, in virtually every sector from agriculture and healthcare to retail and recruitment, regularly brokering deals between £50,000 to £10 million. This means that no business is too big or too small, since its expert advisors are skilled at matching their customer to the lender best suited to meet that customer’s needs. And it keeps talking - to meet its customers’ needs today and in the future.
Touch Financial 16 Ensign House Admirals Way Marsh Wall London E14 9XQ 0845 388 9725 info@touchfinancial.co.uk www.touchfinancial.co.uk
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GERMANY
WINNER
J LEAD ADVISORY OF THE YEAR About Rödl & Partner Rödl & Partner is active at 89 wholly-owned locations in 39 countries. The integrated firm for audit, legal, management and tax consulting owes its dynamic success to over three thousand entrepreneurial colleagues. In close collaboration with our clients we develop information for well-founded economic, tax, legal and IT decisions that we implement together – both nationally and internationally.
Meanwhile many international investors and private equity companies opt for Rödl & Partner as the firm has established a unique, multi-disciplinary expertise in the support of family-owned companies, whereby the offices in Berlin, Eschborn, Hamburg, Cologne, Nuremberg and Munich play an important role. Rödl & Partner possesses extensive expertise in providing comprehensive advice for transactions in the area of renewable energy. The M&A team provides legal advice in
What sets us apart
close co-operation with the international offices for matters relating to corporate law, tax law and all questions relating
Rödl & Partner is not a collection of accountants,
to financing, ranging from conventional bank financing to alternative financing methods on the capital market.
auditors, lawyers, management and tax consultants working in parallel. We work together, closely interlinked across all service lines. We think from the client’s perspective, bringing together a project team that possesses all the capabilities to be successful and to realize the client‘s goals. Our multidisciplinary approach is not unique, nor is our global reach or our traditional strong presence among family businesses. It is the combination that cannot be found anywhere else – a firm that is devoted to comprehensively supporting foreign direct investment anywhere in the world. M&A Advisory driving force for Rödl & Partner’s international success In 2011/2012 support for family-owned companies and groups in connection with strategic company acquisitions was one of the most important factors for
In particular, legal advice was successfully given in co-operation with offices in Italy and Spain, for example, for solar parks. The firm has a high profile presence nationwide in Germany with family-owned companies and medium-sized companies engaged in international operations as well as increasingly more publicly listed companies in Germany. Legal advice for transactions for venture capital and private equity companies relating to company acquisitions in Germany has also enjoyed healthy growth. Rödl & Partner is also meanwhile one of the leading firms for legal and tax advice in connection with real estate transactions. Last year legal and tax advice was provided by Rödl & Partner for a number of the largest M&A transactions in the area of real estate in Germany. In addition advice was provided for numerous real estate transactions outside Germany.
growth in the successful development of Rödl & Partner.
Rödl & Partner corporate finance advisory services are
As an example, Rödl & Partner advised on more than
focused on M&A and financing advisory for a wide range of organisations, from family owned businesses, corporates, private equity houses to financial institutions. The provision of advice for distressed M&A transactions has become a further driving force for growth. With the provision of advice for 6 successful transactions for companies with an annual turnover exceeding 10 million euros Rödl & Partner leads the ranking of financial advisors in the insolvency context of Mergermarket for Germany in 2011. In total, in 2011 Rödl & Partner provided financial advice for 9 transactions in the area of insolvencies.
150 transactions only in Europe in 2011. In this area the firm is able to fully exploit its strength in the provision of multi-disciplinary and cross-border legal, tax and auditrelated advice as well as corporate finance advisory. Rödl & Partner is one of the leading German professional service firms regarding company acquisitions or disposals inside and outside Germany. Rödl & Partner is best known for: » truly inter-disciplinary advice on cross-border and acquisitions and disposals, mostly by private companies and their worldwide subsidiaries » real estate transactions and transactions for real estate funds » international transactions in the field of
In addition to the provision of advisory in Germany, support for company acquisitions in western Europe, central Europe, eastern Europe, China and increasingly in south-east Asia, the US and Latin America play an especially important role.
transactions, legal opinions deal structuring,
The great strength of the comprehensive advisory provided by Rödl & Partner for M&A transactions lies in the cross-border co-operation with international offices of Rödl & Partner involving the flexible application of multi-disciplinary expertise. In this way lawyers, tax consultants, accountants and corporate consultants work closely together to ensure the success for clients of the
tax-efficient integration and divestiture planning
respective acquisition or disposal process.
renewable energy » private equity and venture capital transactions » financing transactions » risk management in cross-border business
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Prof. Dr. Christian Rödl, LL.M. Attorney at Law, Certified Tax Consultant Managing Partner Aeussere Sulzbacher Strasse 100 90491 Nuremberg Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 911 9193 1000 email: christian.roedl@roedl.de
More information on Rödl & Partner is available at www.roedl.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
UK
WINNER
J ALTERNATIVE LENDER OF THE YEAR
borro is the UK’s leading personal asset lender, our
IFAs, private banks, wealth managers, accountants and
award winning loans facility is at the forefront of today’s
solicitors to offer clients our unique loans facility.
alternative lending market. We offer loans of up to £1,000,000 secured against personal assets such as fine art, antiques, jewellery, luxury watches, prestige & classic cars, fine wine and more.
borro has firmly established itself in the financial intermediary sector winning numerous industry awards including the prestigious Alternative Lender of the Year by Credit Today for two consecutive years in 2011 and
Servicing high net worth clients, our bespoke service
2012. Intermediaries have come to realise borro as a
is tailored to bridge the gap between more traditional
viable alternative to address their client’s short term
forms of finance and the private banks.
borrowing needs.
We offer a discreet personalised service which allows
The majority of our customers are entrepreneurs and
clients to release equity against their high value assets.
small business owners looking for alternative financing
Whether bridging a shortfall, releasing equity whilst
options. In an already tight credit market, these
awaiting a payment or managing a sale at auction, borro
customers are often looking for but may have trouble
could be the ideal solution.
obtaining short-term financing by traditional lenders.
Our world-class service provides clients with the
Our business model enables us to quickly scale the
reassurances they are looking for when dealing with their
business internationally. In January 2012 we opened
high value personal assets.
up a New York office where our time to launch, from
Our in-house valuation experts have over 150 years of combined experience and are former senior employees of Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonhams, which gives us the
business plan through to issuing our first loan, took less than 2 months. In less than six weeks of launching into the U.S market, borro lent more than $1 million.
best understanding of the underlying value, enabling us
borro’s intermediary programme in the US has also been
to maximise the available capital in each asset.
a great success. The current introducers have been
Client’s assets are stored in a highly secure facility in Central London or at specialist facilities that ensure the optimum environment for the safe keeping of the asset. Whilst in our possession client’s assets are fully insured. With our online model, we are able to increase our accessibility and offer our customers a discreet, flexible
very receptive to borro’s product and we have already received referrals from some of the biggest private banks in New York. Further expansion is planned, we are expecting to start operations in California in 2013 and branch out to other territories.
and personal service, allowing them to take out a loan from the comfort of their own home. We have recently launched our new consignment loans service, for clients looking to sell personal assets at auction or through private treaty, our service will allow them to raise capital whilst waiting for the transaction to take place. The service will enable clients lend up to £1,000,000, at a loan to value of up to 70 per cent of the estimated sale price of the asset, with borro also managing the sale of the asset. Our range of services grew even further during the same
London 53-64 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1QU T: 0808 163 9472 E: introducer@borro.com W: www.borro.com
period with the launch of our valuation service. The bespoke service is for clients looking for an open market valuation of their assets. One of our senior valuers individually appraises selected assets at the convenience of the clients’ residence or location of their choice. In 2010 borro launched its introducer programme, allowing intermediaries in the financial industry such as ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
New York 767 3rd Avenue New York NY 10017 T: 800.953.6594 refer@borro.com www.borro.com
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GERMANY
WINNER
J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR With 700 partners and employees at eleven offices across Germany, RölfsPartner is one of the leading German integrated law, tax, audit and consulting firms. Our attorneys serve our clients through an uncompromising, solution-oriented approach, deep-rooted sector-specific expertise and close cooperation with our tax advisors, auditors and management consultants. You can rely on the same level of interdisciplinary thoroughness both in ongoing support for your general legal affairs and in assistance with complex domestic and – through our excellent global network – cross-border matters. Publicly listed corporations, family-owned businesses and financial investors, not to mention start-ups, family offices and public authorities, all entrust their most important legal issues to our hands and minds. They particularly appreciate our commercial insight and the innovative, target-led and entrepreneurial approach of our attorneys. Our clients gain maximum benefit from our legal support over the course of long-term, continuous collaboration, knowing that we are always there by their side as their personal confidants. Our attorneys have, for the most part, studied or worked abroad or have held posts in international law firms. Through our membership in Baker Tilly International, RölfsPartner is represented in all major industrialized countries of the world. Baker Tilly International is one of the largest accountancy, auditing and business consultancy services networks worldwide and with 25,000 employees in 125 countries.
Corporate Law The ACQ Global Awards 2012 value our corporate work which is one of our core competences. We advise nationally and internationally structured partnerships, stock corporations and corporate groups of all sizes and from all industries. Our range of counseling services extends from the initial establishment of a company to legal corporate structuring, with both regular and project-related advice and support services for partners, shareholders, companies and executive bodies. These include the organization and convocation of shareholder/annual general meetings, restructurings or, if required, the liquidation and winding-up of a company. The services of our corporate lawyers particularly include: • Establishment of companies (in particular subsidiaries of international clients) • Restructuring and reorganization of companies and corporate groups • Preparation, support and post-processing of annual general meetings and other shareholder meetings • Legal support for executive and non-executive directors in all corporate law matters • Capital markets related issues, including IPOs and taking private, ownership reportings or public takeovers • Corporate Governance and Compliance • Shareholders Agreements • Shareholder litigation.
FRANCE
Dr. Thomas Gemmeke Rechtsanwalt Partner Tel.: +49 (0) 89-5 50 66-390 Fax:+49 (0) 89-5 50 66-163 thomas.gemmeke@roelfspartner.de www.roelfspartner.de
WINNER
J ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Savin Martinet Associes offers a cross disciplinary range of consulting and litigation corporate-law services in the following areas: • environmental law (contaminated sites and soils, classified installations, water, sanitation, waste, pollution ... ) • health and safety law-chemical products and substances (REACH, biocides ... ) • natural resources law (mines, quarries ... ) • urban planning, construction and sustainable real estate law • new regulations law (biotechnologies, C02 market. renewable energies ... ) • food law-consumer law • labor and economic law • litigation, arbitration, mediation In all of the above fields, the Firm has developed specific expertise in: • drafting and negotiating contracts (sale and purchase contract, leases, VEFA, BEFA ... ) • legal opinions • due diligence for purchase (shares or assets) • regulatory audits, risk audits • environmental and social reporting • criminal, civil or administrative litigation • arbitration mediation
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In analyzing cases, a multi-disciplinary approach Is used, which emphasizes specific expertise and teamwork. To ensure effective and optimum processing of the case, teams are composed of lawyers with particular expertise in the relevant areas. Given the organization and management choices (first law firm in Europe to earn the triple certification ISO 9001 /year 2000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) made by the Firm, its focus on the legal and organizational links between corporate governance, the global quality procedure and corporate social responsibility is a continuous and systematic priority for the Firm’s lawyers. Furthermore, the Firm is located in a haussmannlan building which has been renovated according to High Environmental Quality (HEQ) standards. Certivea delivered in September 2009, the HEQ certificate to the Firm who successfully achieved five “very high performance” targets, three “high performance” targets and which energetic performances complied with THPE (Tres Haute Performance Energetique -Very High Energetic Performance) label’s requirements. The Firm Is certified as a training institute by the Ministry of Labor under No. 11.75.38578.75. These training sessions are financially assumed as part of the “1% training·: The Firm also provides client training and performs relevant legal monitoring.
Savin Martinet Associes 33 rue des Mathurins 75008 Paris France T: +33 1 53 43 22 20 F: + 33 1 53 43 22 21 E: contact@smaparis.com W: www.smaparis.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
FRANCE
WINNER
J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The business law firm STC Partners brings together more than 80 lawyers who specialize in the main areas of business law and who have a solid managerial and financial background. Combining legal, tax and sector expertise, STC Partners assists large companies, whether private or listed, in connection with national or cross-border transactions. The firm also advises private and family groups, their shareholders and executives as well as the management teams of major company groups, both listed and private, with diverse shareholding structures. STC Partners has been a leading player on the mergers and acquisitions market since its creation. Thanks to a solid knowledge of finance, STC Partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax teams have acquired experience and knowhow which they bring to bear on all stages of major merger/acquisition operations. A proven due diligence methodology allows them to help both buyers and sellers to identify tax issues in relation to target companies by producing reports that facilitate rapid, optimised decision-making. STC Partners teams also provide assistance with the
implementation of acquisition entities and optimised, tailor-made financing (debt push downs, foreign holding companies) in all acquisition scenarios (simple acquisition, LBO, LMBO, etc), whether for industrial groups or financial investors (institutional investors, investment funds, sovereign funds, family office, etc.). Team members are used to working as part of a multidisciplinary team that combines legal, financial and tax expertise. This results in great fluidity in the handling of multifaceted subjects such as the drafting of price and guarantee clauses in sale contracts and financial optimisation. Through their extended involvement in the arrangement of operations, tax lawyers contribute added value to due diligence and structuring projects. Cooperation with asset management teams makes it possible to obtain the same efficiency in relation to family groups and to integrate managersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pay problems, which may be a crucial aspect of certain deals and a guarantee of their success. The Taxation of Mergers and Acquisitions team has a firstclass reputation on the Paris marketplace, which is attested to by the rankings.
UK
Partners : Pierre Bouley, Christian Couderc Emmanuel Delaby
WINNER
J CORPORATE FINANCE BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
97
WINNER
SWITZERLAND J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Tavernier Tschanz regularly advises banks and financial companies, Swiss or foreign, on all sort of issues relating to banking law and regulations, be it in connection with the establishment of a new bank (new banking and securities dealer licence and the opening in Switzerland of branches, subsidiaries or of representative offices of foreign banks or securities dealers in Switzerland) or regarding regulatory matters relating
Tavernier Tschanz has been retained on a regular basis as lead advisor in the context of banks’ acquisitions and banks’ mergers and has acquired a position as a market leader in this field having participated in a number of important transactions over the last few years.
to the day-to-day business of banks operating
Tavernier Tschanz has also often been called upon
in Switzerland.
to advise banking clients in the setting up and
Tavernier Tschanz works on a regular basis with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, be it for regulatory questions relating to the operations of banks
organisation of compliance and risk management departments, including money laundering compliance procedure and regulations.
active in Switzerland or regarding issues and questions
Tavernier Tschanz banking team works in close
relating to collective investment funds; Tavernier Tschanz
cooperation with our corporate finance / M&A team to
has experience in preparing the necessary filings and
assist lenders and borrowers in international and
documentation for the granting of new banking licences,
domestic finance transactions (credit facility, loans,
for the setting up of new branches, in Switzerland or
mezzanine financing, etc.) and with our new
abroad and for all other types of submissions to be made
technologies team in connection with financing
by banks to the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory
issues, in particular in the IT sector and in connection
Authority FINMA.
with new technology issues such as e-banking.
UK
Jacques Bonvin Tavernier Tschanz E-mail: bonvin@taverniertschanz.com http://www.taverniertschanz.com
WINNER
J INVOICE FINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR RBS Invoice Finance has been announced as the winner of the UK Invoice Finance Bank of the Year Award in the ACQ Magazine Global Awards 2012. The accolade is testament to the commitment shown by the RBS Invoice Finance team to make a real impact in the UK SME and Corporate markets and to demonstrate the benefits of using Asset Based Finance and Invoice Finance as a means to support growth. Recent data released by the Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA) confirms considerable growth in this market suggesting that asset based finance is set to grow by 9% in 2012 and that total funding provided by the industry is forecast to reach £17.2bn in 2012. The survey also forecasts that turnover from companies using asset based finance in 2012 will hit £259bn up 12% from £235bn in 2011. In addition, the popularity of the industry looks set to continue with the number of clients expected to increase by 7% to peak at 44,412. These are encouraging figures that confirm Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending (ABL) as established mainstream products, and they are particularly attractive during a period when access to finance remains a key concern for many businesses. The products have evolved in sophistication and are flexible and innovative funding packages used by many SMEs and Corporate businesses. Martin Morrin, Managing Director at RBS Invoice Finance explains: “It is hugely gratifying to know that the hard work and achievements at RBS Invoice Finance have been formally acknowledged in this way in the external market place.
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We are delighted to have received the UK Invoice Finance Bank of the Year award which recognises the success of the teams at RBS Invoice Finance. RBS Invoice Finance is committed to supporting the growth and development of UK companies and working to establish asset based finance as a mainstream form of financing for UK Plcs. Our track record of executing deals is demonstrated through the total value of new facilities provided in 2011 which exceeded £1bn. This includes structuring ABL facilities to support acquisitions, working with specialist and mainstream financial sponsors and equity houses as seen in the deal earlier this year to support Vitruvian Partners acquisition of Healthcare at Home. We have also supported Hewden Stuart Limited who extended its £100million ABL facility, BenRiach Distillery Limited, one of Scotland’s most famous independent whisky distilleries with a £27 million ABL line and David Morris International, the Bond Street jeweller with a £15million ABL package - both to support growth plans. Invoice finance is also used to support growth as highlighted through the facilities provided to recruitment specialists Harvey Nash. We are delighted to be able to build further on the success of this award and remain focused on raising awareness of the benefits of Invoice Finance and ABL and writing more deals as the year progresses. Indeed, many UK businesses are already aware of the benefits of using these flexible forms of funding and we will continue to share our knowledge and expertise to support both our existing client base and new clients also.’
Martin Morrin Managing Director RBS Invoice Finance Smith House Elmwood Avenue Feltham Middlesex TW13 7QD email: martin.morrin@rbsif.co.uk Tel: 020 8895 7576
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
UK
WINNER
J ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR Adding value throughout the entire transaction cycle. URS is a fully integrated organisation with the capabilities to support the full lifecycle of a project - from conception through to start-up and ongoing operations, as well as decommissioning and closure. We are a single source provider of planning, architecture, engineering, environmental, construction and technical services. With a global network of more than 400 offices in nearly 50 countries, URS’ comprehensive skills and expertise are valued by public and private sector clients around the world. URS approaches asset ownership and management with the entire lifecycle in mind. Our services range from environmental, health, safety and operational due diligence assessments to quantify the costs of liabilities prior to purchase, through to property condition assessments (including building condition, structural, mechanical and electrical surveys) and remediation strategies to reduce or remove financial provisions from the balance sheet, thereby increasing return on investment. URS’ award-winning transaction team has over twenty years’ experience in supporting multi-asset global portfolio deals of up to €3.1 billion in value across the oil & gas, chemicals, food & drink, pharmaceutical, automotive, minerals, commercial and large scale industrial manufacturing sectors. Our transaction team is experienced in providing vendor and purchaser support during rapid turnaround due
diligence. We are adept at interrogating and challenging vendor financial reports and CAPEX plans to identify potential material issues and liabilities. URS’ reports are tailored to suit the needs of our clients’ deal teams. We translate technical due diligence issues into prioritised cost breakdowns and cash flow forecasts using financial cost models and our extensive industry experience. This provides realistic and credible likely case costings, which in turn support the development of the transaction financial model. Our transaction team regularly supports clients during negotiation of Price Chips for identified due diligence issues. We provide guidance on the wording of the SPA, as well as advice on the real-world application and considerations of environmental liability indemnities. Post deal announcement, URS continues to support our clients during potential ‘carve out’ discussions, mitigating the risk of acquiring redundant, contaminated or legacy assets. We also provide post-acquisition integration support, permit transfer, environmental site baselining, management systems consolidation and rectification of material issues identified during the due diligence process. Our transaction specialists are supported by a global network of engineers, scientists and business risk management consultants with extensive technical and regulatory expertise.
GERMANY
Nicholas Howard UK Transactions Practice Leader nick.howard@urs.com +44 (0) 161 237 6050.
WINNER
J REAL ESTATE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
VALTEQ – Build on Value
REVIEW
VALTEQ is a technical and commercial consulting firm. We support customers from the financial, real estate, design and construction industries, as well as property users and operators. VALTEQ employs a team of 50 architects, economists and industrial, construction and building services engineers, many of whom with additional real estate management-related qualifications. Quality, value-orientation and responsibility count among the cornerstones of our corporate philosophy. Knowledge is our most important resource and it is for this reason that we invest in the training and advancement of our employees and have a commitment to education and research.
• Technical and environmental due diligence • Project monitoring • Green Building certification • Environmental compliance
Finding sustainable and economically-feasible technical solutions for our customers stands at the very core of our activity. Our spectrum of services encompasses the review, management and provision of advisory services for companies and projects:
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
MANAGEMENT • Project management • Technical asset management CONSULTING • Facility management • Project development • Energy and contracting • Corporate real estate • Public-private partnership • Sustainability We are active throughout Germany and Europe from our branch offices in Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Stuttgart and Nuremberg. The company is managed by its partners, Dr. Thomas Herr, Dr. Gabriele Lüft and Jürgen Scheins.
Office Berlin Alte Leipziger Straße 4 10117 Berlin Germany T +49 (0)30.293 632 0 F +49 (0)30.293 632 77 E berlin@valteq.de Office Munich Olgastraße 9 80636 München Germany T +49 (0)89.203 56 32 88 F +49 (0)89.203 56 32 25 E muenchen@valteq.de
Office Frankfurt Mainzer Landstraße 49 60329 Frankfurt am Main Germany T +49 (0)69.308 55 088 F +49 (0)69.308 55 188 E frankfurt@valteq.de
Office Stuttgart Silcherstraße 1 70176 Stuttgart Germany T +49 (0)711.25 25 36 0 F +49 (0)711.25 25 36 25 E stuttgart@valteq.de
Office Nuremberg Neumeyerstraße 30 90411 Nürnberg Germany T +49 (0)911.120 300 88 F +49 (0)911.120 300 25 E nuernberg@valteq.de
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WINNER
NETHERLANDS J MID MARKET CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Van Oers Corporate Finance is a mid market M&A
than in 2009 and 2010. Especially large international firms
boutique in the Netherlands. Van Oers Corporate Finance
and private equity firms are looking for acquisitions and
assists their clients on sell-side and buy-side transactions
investment opportunities. This has led to more confidence
(acquisitions, MBO’s), provides access to capital markets
in the market for potential sellers and was followed by an
and assists on all sorts of company valuations. On a
increase in sell-side transactions. A careful and professional
yearly basis Van Oers Corporate Finance is involved
approach and independent high quality advice is vital to
in approximately 30 to 40 national and international
complete these transactions successfully.
transactions.
With a team of 12 professionals, Van Oers Corporate
Over the course of 2012 our firm continued to expand
Finance has a broad and thorough sector expertise, and
its footprint in the field of M&A . The company has been involved in notable deals such as the sale of the Netherlands-based LED lighting specialist Lumoluce to the Irish Nualight, and the sale of a majority stake in
is yearly ranked at the top of the professional listings in national and international surveys. As part of the Leading Edge Alliance network, with offices in more than 90 countries, Van Oers has a strong international presence. The assistance provided by the M&A consultants of Van
VAN OERS CORPORATE FINANCE
Neterlands, to Bencis Capital Partners.
Oers, who all have extensive experience and specific
PO Box 2039
expertise, can be summarized in two words: dedicated and
4800 CA BREDA
According to Thijs Kleijwegt, transaction manager at Van
professional. The 24/7 approach is explained in more detail
T: 0031 76 5303 800
Oers Corporate Finance, M&A activity is clearly not at
on the website www.vanoers-cf.com. In addition you can
E: t.kleijwegt@vanoers-cf.com
its peak although the market appears to be more stable
find references and inspiring stories from our customers.
W: www.vanoers-cf.com.
Tandvitaal Group, the largest dental care chain in the
GERMANY
WINNER
J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VOIGT WUNSCH HOLLER is a young, dynamic and entrepreneurial law firm specializing in corporate and capital markets law, transaction management, and conflict resolution. We primarily advise on corporate (including stock corporation) law, capital market law, private and public M&A, private equity transactions, venture capital and corporate litigation. We take a holistic approach to consulting in our areas of specialization, which includes forensic advice on court and arbitration proceedings as well as ongoing support and transactionrelated legal advice. We advise listed companies as well as family-owned businesses and investors. We stand for personal advise delivering creative and practicable solutions to our clients Personal advice to our clients providing for solutions that are likewise efficient and practicable is our utmost priority. Different from many other law firms our clients do not engage a big project team but a rather straightforward team of highly qualified lawyers with a distinct understanding for the economic needs and interests of our clients. Our clients are advised personally by an experienced and dedicated partner to guarantee effective and individual advice with quick reactions.
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We stand for independency and highest quality VOIGT WUNSCH HOLLER is not another big law firm, but an independent partnership of experienced corporate lawyers. We combine both quality and expertise of a major law firm with promptness, transparency and efficiency of a small business unit to benefit our clients. Within shortest time our boutique has earned the reputation of advising our clients on the quality level of leading international law firms. Capital Market Law We comprehensively advise listed companies with respect to all matters related with equity capital markets transactions (including PIPE-transactions). We work with the company and investors to develop the right transactional structure for the company, and also advise the company in negotiating and entering into the transactional documents, performing due diligence, and preparing for and obtaining stock exchange listings. Our clients benefit from our indepth knowledge of market practices and participants (investment banks, accountants). In addition, we advise our listed clients and their shareholders with respect to all matters of ‘being public’ (including compulsory and periodical reporting).
Dr. Oliver Wunsch, Dr. Hans-Christoph Voigt VOIGT WUNSCH HOLLER Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten Große Bäckerstraße 13 D-20095 Hamburg T + 49 40 300 69 95 - 0 F + 49 40 300 69 95 - 95 E oliver.wunsch@voigtwunschholler.de www.voigtwunschholler.de
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
POLAND
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Weremczuk Bobel & Partners holds a well-established position on the legal market and is currently one of the most rapidly developing law firms in Poland. With offices in Poznan and Warsaw, the firm provides comprehensive legal services to both Polish business entities as well as foreign investors. Its dedicated team of professionals is ready to assist their clients in Polish, English, German, French and Spanish. Team of experts The partners – Łukasz Bobel, Krzysztof Weremczuk and Michal Gniatkowski – and their associates compose a motivated team of legal experts who add value to their clients’ business. Our lawyers have vast experience in advising on complicated cross-border transactions as well as in providing legal assistance to international Clients, cooperating in this field with major international law firms. Client satisfaction
way we ensure that Clients have every chance to work with the most experienced lawyers within the firm and receive highest quality of service. Wide range of expertise Weremczuk Bobel & Partners is ready to assist its clients with regard to every legal aspect of their activity. Our strongest practice areas include Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Employment, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Tax. Global reach The Firm was awarded with numerous prizes in 2011, the M&A Law Firm of the year in Poland in 2010 and 2011 by Finance Monthly, ACQ Finance Magazine, Lawyer’s Monthly and Dealmaker’s Monthly. In Year 2012 the Firm has already been recognized in Legal500 and IFLR1000 Law Firms Rankings.
At Weremczuk Bobel & Partners, our objective is to build client relationships based on mutual trust and personal involvement. Our Clients appreciate this approach and maintain long-term cooperation with our firm and recommend us to their business partners.
Weremczuk Bobel & Partners is a member of the network of independent law firms with a global reach, thanks to which it can provide its clients with legal support also in all European jurisdictions, in North America, South America, Africa, Australia, China and the Middle East.
Personal involvement of the partners in working directly with the Client is an essential element of our style. This
Our lawyers provide their services in Polish, English, German or French.
UK
Wermczuk Bobel & Partners Office in Poznan: Limanowskiego 29/3 60-744 Poznan Tel (+48 61) 8 510 700 Fax (+48 61) 8 510 800 poznan@wbwlegal.pl Office in Warsaw: Pl. Dabrowskiego 1/315 00-057 Warszawa tel (+48 22) 211 12 79 fax (+48 22) 211 12 89 warszawa@wbwlegal.pl www.wbwlegal.pl
WINNER
J INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Wesleyan Assurance Society is a mutual life assurer founded in 1841. Since 2005, Wesleyan has developed a unique business model providing tailored financial services and products to select professional groups doctors, dentists, teachers and lawyers. Each customer group is served by a dedicated sales team who work only within that segment and thus build-up specialist knowledge of their professional customers including their career structure, lifestyle and external issues affecting them. High performing Despite the difficult economic conditions in recent years, Wesleyan has continued growing the business in line with its long-term strategy but with a close eye on operational costs. This has yielded some impressive results and in 2011 new business sales grew by 21% to £42.5m (Annual Premium Equivalent) and total premium income was £333m. In fact, Wesleyan has shown year-on-year new business growth with sales increasing by 54% (Annual Premium Equivalent) since 2008. Wesleyan has also maintained its financial strength and is the only life office to have achieved ten-out-of-ten for seven consecutive years in the respected Cazalet Consulting With Profits Ratings Survey. The Society had £4.8bn assets under management as at the end of 2011.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Wesleyan has a proven track record of strong investment performance and its flagship with profits fund has shown an 84.2% gross cumulative investment return over the past ten years. Against this background of strong investment performance, Wesleyan is able to deliver market leading payouts to its with profits customers.In 2012 payouts on a 25 year endowment policy for example are 33.4% better than average, based on internal research. Customer Confidence Wesleyan employs over 1,100 people both at its Head Office in Birmingham, where its customer contact centres are located, and as part of its national salesforce. Independent research shows that customers rate the Society highly. The ABI Customer Impact Survey revealed that Wesleyan’s customers are significantly more likely to recommend it to others when compared to the industry average, which stands at -9 while Wesleyan’s score is +16. Wesleyan remains committed to driving the business forward in a prudent and sustainable way to benefit members, customers and staff.
Colmore Circus, Birmingham, B4 6AR. T: 0800 092 1990 Samantha Porter E: martina.morris@wesleyan.co.uk T: 0121 200 9260 www.wesleyan.co.uk
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LUXEMBOURG
WINNER
J SHARIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Since 1923, WILDGEN, Partners in Law has been at the heart of law practice in Luxembourg. It is today one of the best known and well-respected law firms in Luxembourg, possessing a strong track record and continuing to offer sound technical expertise. For decades now, the firm has served clients as a full-service corporate, financial, tax, and business law firm. Islamic finance has been developed for some decades in Muslim countries but has been introduced more recently in other financial centres of the world, and in particular in Europe. True to its reputation as a country being wide open to the world, Luxembourg has been the laboratory of Islamic finance in Europe and Wildgen’s Islamic Finance practice has grown rapidly since then. Wildgen’s awarded team, headed by Partner Samia Rabia, benefits from a Luxembourg quite unique position in Islamic Finance with the joint expertise of teams specialised in Tax, Investment Funds, Insurance & Reinsurance team and a dedicated Islamic finance team. Wildgen’s Islamic finance qualified lawyers possess the experience in providing advices on a wide range of Sharia compliant products and structures, and are often involved in high sophisticated projects. They have a particular expertise assisting clients in relation to the issuance of all types of listed and non listed Sukuk,
and the setting up of Sharia compliant regulated and unregulated funds, such as UCITS, SIFs, SICARs, SOPARFIs, SPFs and Securitisation Vehicles. They advise both Islamic and traditional banking and financial institutions, as well as corporate entities and high-net worth individuals. Wildgen law firm has a number of valuable clients from Middle-East and Asia. Samia Rabia, who specialises also in corporate law and investment funds, has a perfect knowledge of the market, of the Sharia compliant structures and products which can be set up in Luxembourg and of the recent and future developments foreseen under the Luxembourg law. She has excellent relationship with renowned and recognised Islamic Finance practitioners and experts throughout the world. Legal and regulatory framework, efficient and adapted investment vehicles for Islamic Finance, attractive tax framework, innovation, and last but not least, commitment and support of the Luxembourg authorities, have made Luxembourg a European Islamic Finance hub. Relying on a world-class repertoire of servicing companies among which Wildgen law firm, Luxembourg appears to have a bright future in the area of Islamic finance.
Samia Rabia Partner | Wildgen, Partners in Law 69, boulevard de la Pétrusse - L-2320 Luxembourg T.: +352 40 49 60 1 - F: +352 40 44 09 E.: lawyers@wildgen.lu www.wildgen.lu
WINNER
IRELAND J INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR William Fry offer unrivalled expertise and commercial experience across the full breadth of business law. We are one of the largest firms and firmly established in the top tier for many decades. Our clients include many of the leading global and domestic companies operating in Ireland, Irish government bodies, financial institutions and entrepreneurs. We back this reputation with a results-focused and innovative team of more than 270 high calibre lawyers and tax professionals and 110 support staff, who have worked on the highest profile transactions and legal challenges of recent years. One of the key factors of the service provided by us is the depth of experience and level of expertise we can bring to bear for the benefit of clients. Our highly rated insolvency team regularly acts on the most significant insolvency cases in the Irish market. The team provides a comprehensive service on all aspects of insolvency, corporate recovery and personal bankruptcy. Our specialist team advises leading Irish and International Insolvency practitioners (liquidators, receivers, examiners, administrators and trustees) financial institutions, investors, creditors, directors and shareholders in restructuring or business termination events. The team has been involved in the majority of Ireland’s recent high profile insolvencies, including the Joint Administration of Nortel Networks Ireland Limited and the National Asset Management Agency (‘NAMA’) on
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its enforcement action against Treasury Holdings and the ongoing associated court challenge. We are also acting in the receiverships of companies in the Treasury Holdings Group and the eircom examinership. We use our experience to design and implement innovative commercial solutions in this complex field. While we act in all sectors we have specific experience in financial services, property-based, retail, technology, aviation and manufacturing businesses. We also have particular expertise in the conduct of complex insolvency assignments with cross-border dimensions. What our clients say about us: The practice ticks all right boxes for clients who say it offers timely, accurate and innovative advice. “We worked with them for quite some time on a fairly complex translation and we found them to be very good, responsive and turned things around quickly and very good technically”. IFLR1000, - Restructuring and Insolvency William Fry has ‘immense technical strength’ and ‘a pragmatic and commercial approach’. Legal 500 EMEA, - Insolvency & Corporate Restructuring Michael Quinn and Fergus Doorly are “technically knowledgeable and very practical”. Legal 500 EMEA, - Insolvency & Corporate Restructuring “Barry Cahir is considered to be an accomplished insolvency partner.” Chambers Global, - Restructuring/Insolvency
Recent Awards: Law Firm of the Year 2012 (Irish Law Awards) Excellence in Corporate Law Services and Solutions 2011 (Public Sector Journal)
William Fry Dublin, New York, Mountain View, CA http://www.williamfry.ie Tel: +353 1 6395000
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
SWEDEN
WINNER
J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
As one of the oldest law firms in Sweden, Wistrand has acquired formidable expertise in business law. Since the firm was founded in 1915, it has focused on providing quality legal advice to Swedish and international clients. The firm has more than 180 employees in offices in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Commitment, dynamics and expertise makes Wistrand one of Sweden’s leading full-service law firms with vast experience of advising major and mid-sized companies and organizations across a broad spectrum of industries.
Wistrand Advokatbyrå
Wistrand’s lawyers work in practice and industry sector groups allowing the firm to maintain top-class skills and industry knowledge. Wistrand is top ranked by leading international legal services directories in several practice areas including restructuring/insolvency, dispute resolution, energy and environment, insurance and shipping.
P.O. Box 7543
AUSTRIA
WINNER
JÖRGEN EKLUND ADVOKAT/PARTNER E-mail: jorgen.eklund@wistrand.se SE-103 93 Stockholm Sweden Tel +46 8 50 72 00 00 Fax +46 8 50 73 00 00 www.wistrand.se
J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WMLaw is a corporate and commercial law firm with a truly international outlook. WM Law was established in 2005 and has succeeded in establishing itself among the top players in Austria. With a headcount of about twenty fee earners, WMLaw is a mid-sized firm for Austrian standards. WMLaw focuses on high end and high value cases and projects. Due to the international approach of WMLaw, a considerable portion of the firm´s work is provided to clients all over the world. Most engagements cover the the following major practice areas of WMLaw: - International Arbitration and Business Litigation - Corporate and M&A - Austrian and EU Competition and Antitrust Law - Foundations and Trusts - Infrastructure Projects (Including PPP-Projects) - Real Estate - IP and IT-Law Over the past years WMLaw has established a strong presence due to its comprehensive expertise in the following industry sectors: - Energy - Media and Entertaiment - Life-Science - Information Technology - Construction and real estate
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
“In line with the international approach of WMLaw, all lawyers of the firm have top qualifications, skills and know-how to provide the best legal service available to our clients. We understand that the actual challenge in today´s legal environment is not the high quality of work, which is presumed as a must by all clients, but instead the delivery of outstanding service quality. We are therefore constantly innovating ways and means to improve our service levels”, say founding partners Katharina Müller and Johannes Willheim. The way the firm provide services is geared at offering customized solutions to non-standard problems. The lawyers at WMLaw are able to do so due to the many years being active in the firm’s major practice areas, but also as a consequence their special expertise in particular industry sectors. Even when working for large multinational corporations, the focus is on individuals and individual issues which require personal attention to be adequately and efficiently dealt with and resolved. The solid track record of WMLaw shows that clients appreciate the way the firm’s teams work and handle their legal matters.
WILLHEIM MÜLLER RECHTSANWÄLTE Rockhgasse 6, A 1010 Wien T +43 (1) 535 8008 F +43 (1) 535 8008 50 E j.willheim@wmlaw.at http://www.wmlaw.at
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ISRAEL
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Afik Turgeman”, since its inception in 2007 grants legal and business advise in a wide array of fields to business clients in Israeli and internationally. Afik Turgeman was chosen as the only Israel member of the esteemed organization, the Euro-American Lawyers Group (www.EALG.com). The Firm’s Departments: M&A and Commercial Department- Focuses on full and personal escort to businesses. Corporate law, businesses negotiations, international investments, complex business transactions, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, commercial agreements, governmental corporations, banking and finance, structured finance and “over-the-counter” financial derivatives, high-tech, license and distribution agreements and public tenders.
Afik Turgeman, Attorneys and Notaries Doron Afik, Esq., Advocate and Notary Public Shlomi Turgeman, Advocate
Additionally, the firm specializes in Antirust and Securities, internal compliance programs, criminal law (“white collar” and economic crimes), commercial and general litigation, with specialty in shareholders disputes, tenders and public law (constitutional law & administrative law), real estate and intellectual property.
3 Daniel Frisch St., 25th Floor, Tel Aviv 64731, Israel
NIGERIA
WINNER
atlaw@at-law.co.il Tel: +972-3-6090609 www.at-law.co.il
J COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Bayo Ojo & Company has existed since 1985 and is recognised both locally and internationally as a dynamic law firm with an unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism and delivery of services with skills of distinction and innovative approach to meet the needs of different clients. The firm consists of three partners, eleven associates and qualified support staff all of whom are grouped in broadly based departments. The partners are responsible for the overall policy formulation of the firm which are implemented through the managing partner. The company handles all kinds of dispute resolution including the various forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation particularly in the corporate, commercial, industrial, construction and financial disciplines. The firm’s approach to resolution of any dispute, whether it is determined by negotiation, mediation or arbitration, is to reach an acceptable and advantageous solution as soon as possible. Chief Bayo Ojo, a senior advocate of Nigeria is the founder and principal partner of Bayo Ojo and Company. He graduated from the University of Lagos in June 1977 where he obtained his LL.B and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1978. He started his law practice before obtaining his LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London in 1982. He also obtained a Certificate in Legal Drafting from the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London and a diploma in International Commercial Arbitration
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from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London. He is a fellow of the same institute, a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and a Chartered Arbitrator. Chief Bayo Ojo is a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, past Chairman of the Nigerian branch of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, past Chairman of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (19992004), and former member of the International Law Commission of the United Nations in Geneva. He is also a member of the ICSID panel, Washington DC, member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Hague and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London. Chief Bayo Ojo has extensive experience in all aspects of Corporate and Commercial law in the course of his career and he has advised on several major transactions including joint ventures acquisition and mergers, oil and Gas, significant law reforms. He has been appointed receiver and liquidator over several companies and is also a leading member of Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN). He has also acted as counsel, sole arbitrator and presiding arbitrator in quite a number of domestic and international arbitrations. He is a member of the International Bar Association, Association of Swiss Arbitrators, London Court of International Arbitration and an Associate member of the American Bar Association.
ITF House, 4th Floor 6 AdetokunboAdemola Crescent, Wuse II, FCT Abuja, Nigeria T: +234 8191432366; +23416215077 F: +234 1 2800763 info@bayoojoandco.org www.bayoojoandco.org
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
TURKEY J PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Çukur & Yılmaz, established in 1993, offers a full range of legal services across a broad spectrum of local and international legal matters, providing legal representation both to enterprises operated within Turkish jurisdiction and to institutions and companies and individuals with a multinational scope of activities, particularly on corporate, business and civil law issues. Çukur & Yılmaz renders legal consulting and representation services to its clientele on many practice areas.
Commercial Contracts, International Trade, Employment, Labour & Human Resources, Real Estate & Construction, Power & Renewables, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure Projects & Project Finance, Mining & Natural Resources, Competition, Anti-trust & European Union, IP, Trademark, Patent & Design, Insurance, Governmental & Regulatory, Information Technology, Media & Telecoms, Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Arbitration, Mediation, Insolvency & Debt Recovery, Tax, Private Client Services.
The address of Istanbul Office: İnönü Caddesi 18/3 Gümüşsu Palas 34437 Taksim İstanbul/TURKEY Communication: +90.212.243 43 31 Fax : +90.212. 243 38 99 The address of Izmir Office: Talatpaşa Bulvarı 11/3 35220 Alsancak İzmir/Turkey Communication: +90.232.465 07 07 Fax : +90. 232. 465 02 36
Through our offices in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Adana, Çukur & Yılmaz is capable of rendering its full-service
The address of Ankara Office: Cinnah Caddesi Farabi Sokak 30/4 06690 Çankaya Ankara/TURKEY
practices in all geographic regions of Turkey. Legal team of Çukur & Yılmaz is made up of more than 40 lawyers,
Communication: +90.312. 467 71 71 Fax : +90.312. 426 53 33
consultants and tax lawyers in four offices which makes our law firm one of the largest international practitioners
The address of Adana Office: Ziyapaşa Bulvarı No:9/2 Seyhan Adana/TURKEY
in Turkey. Turkish, English, Italian, German and French are the main
Communication: +90.322. 402 00 35 Fax: +90.322. 402 00 34
practice languages of our team. The areas of expertise are; Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Joint Venture, Capital Markets, Business Formation
E. Mail :info@cukuryilmaz.av.tr
& Investment Management, Banking & Finance,
http://www.cukuryilmaz.av.tr
TURKEY
WINNER
J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Davutoglu Attorneys at Law is a full service corporate law firm, providing legal services to corporations, banks and business ventures. The practice mostly revolves around international transactions. Davutoglu has a team of lawyers from complementary backgrounds. The team is capable of rendering legal services in Turkish, English and French.
As a natural result of Cem’s expertise in Banking and Capital Markets and his reputation among Turkish and international banks, the firm advises various major banks on operational, banking and capital markets regulatory issues. Since 2008, Davutoglu has developed a private equity practice and worked on the acquisitions of Tekin Acar and Mavi, and
The two partners of Davutoglu have previously worked
the disposal of majority stake in Roma Plastik by reputable
together at the Istanbul office of White & Case LLP.
private equity firms. The M&A practice of the firm also
Cem Davutoglu holds an LL.M degree in Banking and
includes the recent sale of 100% shares in Doganer Alcı
Financial Law from Boston University. Cem has left White
to Saint-Gobain. The firm is also active in commercial
& Case in 2008 to establish Davutoglu. Cem has over
litigation and represents Red Bull in legal disputes arising
15 years of experience in corporate law matters, and he
out of labor and distributor relationships.
is extensively competent in M&A’s, Capital Markets and Banking Law.
Davutoglu is a steadily growing corporate law firm which aspires to be a committed partner to its clients by delivering
Eda Cemali has studied law in University of Geneva,
prompt, efficient solution-oriented legal services. The firm
Switzerland and has a Corporate LL.M degree from New
has been honored twice by the ACQ Global Award, first in
York University. She is also qualified in New York. After
2010 for New Law Firm in Turkey and second in 2012 for
5 years of experience she has joined Davutoglu in 2009.
Full Service Law Firm. Davutoglu trusts that its strong and
Eda has experience in IPOs, M&A’s, Banking Finance and
diversified experience in international business will enable
Entertainment Law.
the firm to achieve its aspirations.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
www.davutoglu.av.tr
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ZIMBABWE
WINNER
J IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Our intellectual property services include the following: Our Firm, which was registered in 2006, was an established to meet the requirements for local, regional and international institutions, companies and organizations in a diversified range of legal fields but with a bias towards International Commercial Law. We are also working on strategic partnerships and networks with organizations in various countries in Africa and other continents to ensure that our clients have someone at their service wherever they are. We, therefore, make every effort to not only provide legal services but also the support services necessary to facilitate the satisfaction and success of our Clients and partners. We have a very competent and dedicated team that is committed to the pursuit of excellence in the service of our clients. Our vision To become the leading global commercial law practice from Africa, the clients’ preferred choice, offering world class service at affordable rates to local, regional as well as international clients at personal, corporate and institutional levels. Our Mission The Firm’s mission is to deliver legal services in a unique way through the pursuit of excellence, effectiveness and efficiency, that is, to deliver legal services to emerging and mature markets professionally, promptly and in a costefficient manner. Our Values Accountability, Efficiency, Integrity, Innovativeness, Unmatched excellence
Trade marks: Searches, Registration, Assignments, Licences, Changes, Litigation Copyright: Opinions, Agreement, Assignment, Licensing, Litigation Domain names: Searches, Registration, Dispute resolution Patents: Searches, Registration, Assignment, Licensing, Changes, Litigation Designs: Searches, Registration, Assignment, Licensing, Changes, Litigation Geographical Indications Searches, Registration, Assignment, Licensing, Changes, Litigation Software: Development agreements, Service and maintenance agreements Licensing agreements, Assignment agreements Litigation Websites: Terms and Conditions agreements, Copyright opinions, Domain name registrations, Domain name disputes Litigation: Unlawful competition, Opinions, Litigation Data protection: Non-disclosure agreements, non-competition agreements, Opinions Litigation
Entertainment law, Music agreements, Film agreements Performer’s agreements, Litigation Commercialisation of IP IP due diligence, IP audits, Franchising, Company / PBC Registrations, Intellectual Property Agreements, Intellectual Property policies Litigation: Trade mark infringement / oppositions / expungement Copyright infringement, Patent infringement / expungement, Design infringement / expungement, Domain name dispute resolution, PBC / Company name objections, Advertising disputes, Unlawful competition, Defamation, Breach of contract Agreements: Software agreements, Internet / Website agreements, Distribution / Manufacturing agreements, IP Licence / Assignment agreements, Film / Music agreements, Performer agreements, Non-disclosure agreements, Advertising agreements, Franchising agreements, Escrow agreements, Settlement / Co-existence agreements, Other commercial agreements
LEBANON
PHYSICAL ADDRESS 4th Floor CONSTRUCTION HOUSE 110 L. Takawira Street Cnr. N. Mandela Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe POSTAL ADDRESS Box a1036 Avondale Harare Land:- +263 4 756969 +263 4 761379 +263 4 2912002 Fax:-
+263 4 761380
Cell:
+263 913 420 660
Nkomo@zimattorneys.com dnmlegal@gmail.com donsankomo@gmail.com www.zimattorneys.com
WINNER
J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Abou Jaoude & Associates (AJA) has established itself as a leading legal practice mirroring the very best in the industry and maintains its position and market reputation as the single largest multi-practice law firm in Lebanon. AJA has earned its leading standing with a practice centered on high value corporate, M&A, banking, finance, telecoms, real estate, tax and restructuring transactions. The Firm handles major local and cross-border deals and is renowned for advising on complex transactions of first impression in the region. As a dominant market advisor in banking and finance, AJA advised on the acquisition of a listed bank in Europe and the first-of-its kind conversion of a financial company into an investment bank and on transactions involving a range of traditional and newer asset classes by pushing the boundaries of traditional finance into structured finance and investment banking. AJA also advised on a multi-million acquisition of telecom licenses with a group consolidation across Africa and the pioneer launch of a television station through the private placement of shares. AJA often acts as lead counsel on various landmark construction and project development transactions, most recently advising on a multi-million one-of-a-kind real estate development project.
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The Firm has acquired and maintains an ever-growing local, regional and international client base, with more than half of its corporate clients having strong international presence in the MENA and Gulf regions, the UK, Europe and the U.S. Fulfilling its reputation in delivering highly efficient services, the Firm is led by a talented team of 9-partners and 35 expert attorneys who are dedicated to achieving excellence in every task undertaken and tackle any challenge using fast, groundbreaking and innovative solutions. AJA works closely with a number of correspondents in various jurisdictions and is a member of the Geneva Group International (GGI) and International Law Referral (ILR) global multidisciplinary networks, allowing the Firm to offer businesses in need of legal assistance in any country easy access to global advice. The Firm has reaped several prestigious awards and is recognized as a market leader by reputable global legal directories including Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm Carlos Abou Jaoude, Managing Partner c.aboujaoude@ajalawfirm.com www.ajalawfirm.com
Address: OMT Bldg 266 Sami El Solh Ave P.O.Box 116-5079 Beirut Museum 1106-2010 Beirut – Lebanon Telephone: + 961 1 395555 Fax: +961 1 384064
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
FOUR
SOUTH AFRICA
WINNER
J LITIGATION / DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
KHL’s vision is to be the country’s top litigation and
over 25% of the world’s population. Its main focus is on
dispute resolution firm, with strong and lasting client
upholding the rule of law within Commonwealth countries.
relationships, combined with success, that ensure our clients turn to us without hesitation to provide and deliver expert legal advice that gives them strategic advantage.
KHL is a Level 4 BBBEE contributor. We are dedicated to developing appropriate professional skills within South Africa while contributing to the economic and social prosperity of our country. Employing 80 staff, including
We’re a committed firm of innovative, thinking lawyers
partners, we are based in the prestigious Forum Building
that looks to bring a combination of innovation and
in the heart of Sandton and have a branch in Cape Town.
sound technical advice to all our work while maintaining
Other regional requirements are addressed through
total integrity. We strive to understand our clients’
long-standing relationships with correspondent firms in all
businesses so we can execute strategies that best benefit
major centres in Southern Africa. We’re passionate about
their businesses today and into the future. To support
our country and its development. We understand that we
our legal skills, we’ve implemented world-class business
have a responsibility to put our legal skills to use for the
practices and IT systems, ensuring our thinking strategy
benefit of those in disadvantaged communities.
is backed up by sound operational strategy.
Globally, we form part of Alfa International, the oldest global
Knowles Husain Lindsay Inc 4th Floor The Forum 2 Maude Street Sandton, 2196 P.O. Box 782687 Sandton, 2146
Our legal standing is borne out by founding partner,
network of independent law firms, with 145 member firms.
Docex 42 Sandton Square
Mohamed Junaid Husain, having previously been
This gives our clients access to unsurpassed legal expertise
appointed as President of the Commonwealth Lawyers
across continents, across time zones and whenever they
T: +27 11 669 6000 F: +27 11 669 6299
Association, the first South African to hold this position.
require. Of course, due to our deep client relationships, we
The CLA, which is headquartered in London, represents
ensure we remain part of the team.
lawyers associations in 53 countries, representing just
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
T: +27 11 669 6065 F: 0866 353 219 (Direct) www.khl.co.za
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SOUTH AFRICA J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
J M&A ADVISORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CLIENT CARELAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENS BUSINESSDAYBrief82x 90Feb12 2/7/12 9:24 AM Page 1 C
Composite ETHIOPIA
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WINNER
J LEAD ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Ernst & Young Ethiopia is proud to be voted as “Lead Advisory Firm of the Year” by ACQ finance magazine. This win is one more confirmation of our ability to deliver world-class results to our clients. We have acted as lead advisers on numerous recent high profile transactions such as Diageo’s successful
Ernst & Young
acquisition of Meta Abo Beer S.C. for USD225 million,
Bole Road – Mega Building 11th Floor
the repositioning of Ethiopian Airlines which has since
P.O. Box 24875 Code 1000
become the second biggest airline in Sub-Saharan
Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
Africa and more profitable than all African airlines
Tel +251-11-550-4933
combined and the sell side advisory of Virgin Nigeria Airways.
Zemedeneh Negatu
At present we are advising international clients from the
Head of Transaction Advisory
oil rich Middle East, China and India the industrialized
Eastern Africa and
economies on several cross border acquisitions
Managing Partner for Ethiopia
in various sectors including natural resources,
Ernst & Young
manufacturing and agro-industry.
E: zemedeneh.negatu@et.ey.com
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
NIGERIA J BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
G. Elias & Co. was founded in 1994. It is a full-service business law firm with a clear focus on quality and commitment to practicing law to the very highest standards, and avoids non-organic growth. It has an international outlook and an outstanding record of carrying out critical, innovative and complex work to the highest standards. It is active on the ‘cutting edge’ of Nigerian law and legal practice, particularly in the fields of sales of business, infrastructure financings denominated in hard currencies and tax and shipping disputes. The firm offers a wide range of services to business enterprises (whether controlled by private sector or by public sector actors) in respect of transactions, advisory work, regulatory work, litigation and arbitration. In each of these areas the firm handles corporate, financial, commercial (including shipping and petroleum), taxation, intellectual property, telecommunications and information technology law assignment. The firm has clients of many nationalities and every size in these and other sectors. They range from foremost global multinational enterprises to a number of home-grown, ambitious fledglings. Traditionally, the
firm’s diverse clients have included upstream oil companies, financial institutions, producers of branded consumer goods and services and information technology and telecommunications companies. The firm’s paramount aim is absolutely always to offer its clients service of the very highest quality. It emphasizes technical proficiency, attention to detail and creativity in developing practical solutions to client’s problems. It is known for its sensitivity to clients’ business needs and concerns and promptness in responding to and executing their request in dealing with business law assignments of every complexity, magnitude and novelty. The firm is also known for anticipating client’s requests and exceeding client’s expectations. The firm has and maintains numerous contacts in Nigeria business and government circles, and with law firms abroad. Large, complex, critical, and novel transactions and disputes feature regularly in the firm’s practice. The firm’s lawyers have handled several complex, novel and important project financings, syndicated landings and securities offerings.
NIGERIA
Address: NCR Building, 6 Broad Street, Lagos, Nigeria Telephone: +234 1 2806970 Fax: +234 1 2806972 Email: gelias@gelias.com Website: www.gelias.com Contact Person: Fred Onuobia
WINNER
J IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
G.O. Sodipo & Co provides pragmatic, cost effective and innovation solutions especially to the most intricate and near impossible situations. We put the commercial
Enforcement E-Commerce
interests of our clients first.
Legislative Advocacy
Services provided include:
Media
Registration
Entertainment
Prosecution
Sports
Counselling Litigation Anti-Counterfeiting Piracy
Prof. Bankole Sodipo Ph.D (London) b.sodipo@gosodipo.com +2348023198641
Franchising
Mr. Femi Fajolu, f.fajolu@gosodipo. com +2348023410304
Licensing
27/29 King George V Road, Onikan, Lagos (7th Floor)
Regulatory
www.gosodipo.com
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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MAURITIUS J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Erriah Chambers was set up in response to the demand for Mauritius-based lawyers with international exposure and specialized expertise in the fields of International tax law, International trusts law, International Business laws, and all aspect of offshore business activities. The Chambers specialises in International Trust, International Finance, Banking Law, Shipping Law, Aircraft Finance and Leasing, Project Finance, Corporate & Commercial Law, Litigation and cross border insolvency, tracing and debts recovery, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, arrest of foreign vessels, drafting of transactional documents. ERRIAH CHAMBERS acts as legal adviser and legal consultant to various banks in Mauritius and internationally. More than 80% of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practice involves advising international clients, multinational enterprises, international law firms, the top ten international accountant firms, management companies, domestic and international banks. The Chambers is also involved in setting up of various investment funds with very complexed structures in India, various jurisdictions in Africa, and China etc. The Chambers provides litigation services, advice and legal opinions on any aspect of the laws of Mauritius, international tax planning, domestic taxation, import and export services, all cross-border transaction, hotel industry and construction law, international investments, international trusts law.
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Erriah Chambers is headed by Dev Erriah and consists of a team of nine barristers, two paralegals and has associateship with many foreign law firms.
The firm has until now won 4 Awards: 1. Acquisition Legal Awards 2011- Erriah Chambers- Mauritian Corporate Law Firm of the Year; 2. World Finance Legal Awards 2012- Erriah Chambers- Best Tax Firm, Mauritius; 3. World Finance Awards 2012- Dev Erriah, Erriah- Chambers, Best Tax Consultant, Mauritius; and 4. Finance Monthly Global Awards 2012- Erriah Chambers- International Tax Law Firm of the Year, Mauritius.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
Individual Profile Dev Erriah graduated in the UK and holds LLM in international tax law, Company law, law of International Finance and International Trusts from the University of London. Dev Erriah worked for a number of years in England and did his pupilage with Philip Baker QC at Gray’s Inn Tax Chambers. Dev Erriah was the first Chairman of STEP Mauritius (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) respectively. He is also a member of the International Bar Association and forms part of Committees N (TAX) and E (Banking).
Finance:, International Finance and Banking, International Tax Planning, international and domestic taxation,international investments, Investment Fund including Private Equity and Venture Capital, Structured Finance, securities, Project Finance, Aircraft finance and leasing. Litigation: International Arbitration & CrossBorder litigation, International litigation such as international bankruptcy, enforcement of international creditor’s claim,enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards,arrest of foreign vessels, money laundering and due diligence in Mauritius and at international level. Key clients: The list of key clients hereunder is not exhaustive, but only recent ones are included:
Dev Erriah
Areas of practice: Corporate & Commercial: Mergers & Acquisition, International Business Law, capital markets practices, regulatory compliance, and competition, setting up of offshore companies, offshore fund and Collective Investment Scheme, advising on international banking and privatization, shipping law, hotel industry, international trust and trust structuring, implementation of international transactions, negotiation, drafting of transactional documents and review of all legal documentation inclusive of trusts deeds, corporate constitutive documents, legal opinions and adivice, credit facility documents etc.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
State Bank of India (Mauritius)Ltd & SBI India; Meghraj Group; Deutsche Bank; Alchemy Capital Management Pvt. Ltd.; Capvent Management Ltd; State Bank of Mauritius; Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy; KPMG Corporate Finance; HSBC private Bank ( Suisse, Singapore and International); Standard Chartered Bank, Norton Rose International; Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale; Air Asia Ltd; Calyon; BNP Paribas; Freshfields; DVB Bank; Kingdom Hotel Investment (KHI including Four Season Hotel & Resorts, Movenpick); Ritz Carlton - Marriott International, Inc; Vacances Plus Limited; European Investment Bank; Investec Bank Limited (Mauritius, UK & South Africa),; Barclays Bank Plc; Standard Bank Mauritius and South Africa, Société Générale, Prudential Fund Management; Compagnie Française d’Assurance pour la Commerce Exterieur (“COFACE”); Expert Credit Agency (“ECA”); Nedbank (South Africa); Avolon Aerospace AOE 29 Limited; Citibank; Eulher; Global Board of Trade (GBOT); White & Case LLP; SJ Berwin; Clyde & Co; Eversheds; Allen & Arthur Robinson; Hogan & Lovells; The Saggar Group which owns Le Meridien, Grand Mauritian and St Regis managed by Starwood; Yes Bank (India); Simmonds & Simmonds; Nordic Aviation Capital with Deutsche Bank and KfW Bankengruppe.
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SOUTH AFRICA
WINNER
J COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Glyn Marais Incorporated was established in 1990 and has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The firm has ten partners and a total contingent of lawyers of around twenty. Most of our partners are rated by Chambers and Partners and the other leading international directories of lawyers.
Our practice spans the areas of corporate law (including all types of public and private transactions), banking and finance, tax, property, employment, dispute resolution and environmental law. The firm is the South African member of the SNR Denton Africa network, the oldest and largest network of African law firms which spans all sub-regions of Africa. In Southern Africa, it includes firms from eight of
Our size and low gearing enables us to focus on
the fifteen members of the Southern African Development
industries we understand and transactions which, by
Community (SADC), being Angola, Botswana, Mauritius,
JOHANNESBURG
virtue of their size or complexity, require experienced
Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
2ND FLOOR, THE PLACE
lawyers. We have been involved in some of the highest profile transactions in South Africa over the recent past, the most recent of which was the acquisition of the V&A Waterfront by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund.
Our membership of the SNR Denton Africa network enables us to act for clients on all types of corporate and commercial transactions with a cross-border dimension
1 SANDTON DRIVE GAUTENG +27 (0) 11 286 3700
in Africa. To date, it has enabled us to advise clients on some of the most visible and successful forays into Africa
CAPE TOWN
Our clients include large financial institutions, listed
by South African companies. These include the acquisition
ULUNDI HOUSE
and unlisted companies. They are mostly active in the
of large and small operations, entry into joint ventures and
UNIT 674
financial services, property, media and communications
commercial arrangements of varying nature in countries as
PORTSWOOD RIDGE
and natural resources sectors.
diverse as Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia.
+27 (0) 21 417 3300
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
INTERNATIONAL J CHANGE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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CHANNEL ISLANDS
WINNER
J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Babbé have an exceptional dispute resolution team. Forceful and effective, we work across the full range of commercial activity, but with a particular focus on finance related matters. We have represented clients in some of the largest and most complex cases ever to have taken place in Guernsey. We are widely acknowledged to be among the foremost Guernsey law firms in fields including contentious trust litigation, commercial fraud, insolvency, and professional indemnity. Due to the nature of Guernsey’s status as an offshore jurisdiction we have developed significant expertise in matters that have an international dimension. In addition to acting in the court of Guernsey, our lawyers also provide a wide range of services in support of overseas litigation, often acting as the local agent for leading international law firms. Experience you can trust We have successfully taken a preliminary issue to the Privy Council in an action where we act for a local corporate trustee defending a claim for breach of trust arising out of the trust’s investment strategy. This £65 million pound claim involves legal issues at the heart of Guernsey trusts law and the Privy Council has now upheld our arguments. We won an appeal to the Guernsey Court of Appeal on behalf of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), enabling it to be joined as a party to a Hastings-Bass application. This was the first such joinder anywhere in the world.
We are involved in several major funds litigation cases, variously on behalf of investors and on behalf of the fund, including giving expert evidence of Guernsey law in foreign proceedings. We successfully acted on behalf of a major Trust Company, recently obtaining judgment for in excess of €3million from a fiduciary agent. We also obtained a worldwide freezing order in support of the judgment and the first ever order in Guernsey for interest on costs. We recently acted in a shareholder dispute arising out of a major onshore joint venture conducted through a Guernsey corporate vehicle. Having demonstrated the strength of our client’s case in emergency injunctive proceedings, we were then able to obtain third party commercial funding for an unfair prejudice action. We achieved a satisfactory settlement of the dispute within 5 weeks. We are acting for construction professionals in a multi-million pound dispute concerning a major mixed use development. This is one of a number of cases in which we are involved pioneering the use of e-disclosure in Guernsey. We obtained a freezing injunction as part of a worldwide claim arising out of allegations of the fraudulent use of voyage and time charter parties for an Eastern European tanker fleet. Ian Swan, a partner at Babbé and head of the Dispute Resolution team said, “Our success is down to the quality of our lawyers and the strength in depth we now have”.
INTERNATIONAL
Babbé P O Box 69 18-20 Smith Street St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 4BL Contact: Ian Swan Tel: +44 (0) 1481 746176 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 712245 Email: i.swan@babbelegal.com Web: www.babbelegal.com
WINNER
J INDEPENDENT M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Clairfield International is an international corporate finance partnership that provides advisory services to clients ranging from family businesses to large multinational corporations and private equity funds. Clairfield International has over 250 professionals in 16 countries throughout Europe, the Americas, Australia, and India. The keys to Clairfield’s success lie in the involvement of senior partners in the entire transaction process, its direct access to local and global companies from on-theground staff, and its integrated international teams. Clairfield also supports sector groups composed of industry experts from Clairfield’s worldwide offices who share research on sector trends and offer support on joint projects. Clairfield has seven sector groups: healthcare; natural resources, cleantech & energy; technology, media & telecommunications; food & agribusiness; consumer goods; business & financial services; and industrials. In 2011 Clairfield International closed 105 transactions in 2011 with a total value over USD 4.6 billion. Crossborder deals in 2011 included the sale of Burkhardt + Weber, a German machine tools company, to the Brazilian
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listed company Romi. Brazil was also involved in two sales advised by Clairfield to French companies in the healthcare and rail sectors. Among crossborder deals involving the UK, the sale of Opella in the sanitary manufacturing space to the US Fluidmaster stands out as an example of a mid-size local company taking advantage of strategic partners to expand overseas. These transactions led to Clairfield’s impressive showing in prestigious international rankings. Thomson Reuters’ Small Cap M&A Review places Clairfield International 13th in worldwide transactions and 11th in Europe, one of the only independent firms to garner such a high rank. Clairfield also ranked high in both small cap and midmarket league tables in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, India, Benelux, and Eastern Europe. Clairfield International ranked in the top 5 in Benelux and Eastern Europe. 2012 is also off to a strong start with transactions such as the Czech company DT Výhybkárna a strojírna’s acquisition of the Italian Bari Fonderie Meridionali in the railway structure space; Polish utility Enea’s acquisition of Bardy wind farm; and the sale of Shop Service Center’s non-food activities to Nedac Sorbo, in Holland.
Directors: Jacqueline Curzon, Brian O’Hare, Albert Schander, Maarten Vijverberg International Business Manager: Kim Rizvi E-mail: krizvi@clairfield.com Website: www.clairfield.com Tel: (34) 93 487 0330
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
INTERNATIONAL
WINNER
J OVERALL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
For more than 15 years IntraLinks® has been serving the M&A community with the industry’s leading virtual data room, IntraLinks DealspaceSM. Today, IntraLinks continues our history of innovation to give deal professionals the tools they need to help them manage the full M&A lifecycle - to get more deals done, faster. IntraLinks Dealspace helps speed strategic transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, capital raises, and corporate restructurings. With IntraLinks Dealspace your team can control the deal process from sourcing through to closing. Manage and exchange key deal information such as teasers, non-disclosure agreements, information memoranda, and due diligence information. With IntraLinks Dealspace’s built-in Q&A module you can manage and prioritize bidder questions to ensure they are answered in order of importance and increase deal team productivity with automatic routing of questions to subject matter experts. IntraLinks Dealspace also supports sourcing of new deal opportunities within the IntraLinks Community. With IntraLinks Dealspace, your deal information is available anywhere, anytime, regardless of time zones or geographies. IntraLinks Dealspace can be accessed from popular mobile devices,
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
including the BlackBerry®, iPad® and iPhone® to enable deal participants to always stay in touch and ensure rapid deal progress. IntraLinks is a leading, global technology provider of easy-to-use, enterprise strength, cloud-based collaboration solutions. IntraLinks solutions are intended to empower global companies with the freedom and flexibility to share content and collaborate with businesses partners to meet their business needs without losing control over key information. Through the IntraLinks platform, companies, partners, and third parties can share sensitive documents and work together in a secure, auditable, and compliant manner through the firewall. More than 2 million professionals at 800 of the Fortune 1000 companies depend on IntraLinks’ 15 years of experience. With a track record of enabling high-stakes transactions and business collaborations valued at more than $19 trillion, professionals at the 50 largest global banks and 25 largest law firms use IntraLinks. In the last 12 months, 9 out of the 15 largest Private Equity funds to reach a close were raised on IntraLinks. IntraLinks is headquartered in New York City and operates twenty offices on four continents.
For more information, visit www.intralinks.com or contact us on info@intralinks.com
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OFFSHORE
WINNER
J FUND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Headquartered in Guernsey, the Legis Group has been helping institutional and private clients for over 30 years. For institutional clients we establish and administer multijurisdictional corporate, trust and fund structures. We also provide a range of bespoke services to private clients. Legis Vision The vision for the Legis Group has three components: • Client Focus – We aim to be the service provider of choice, where proactive, dedicated client service is standard • Excellence in execution – We will meet and exceed our customer and regulatory needs – maintaining the highest standards, reputation and performance • Employee engagement – We will ensure that our people are engaged and have access to the tools, information and training they need to perform their jobs, develop their careers and meet the exacting needs of our clients. Why Legis? • Focus –We specialise in servicing the unique needs of investors with offshore structures – corporations, investment managers, institutional investors and private clients – backed by a ‘what more can we do?’ philosophy • Experience – We have over 30 years’ experience in servicing complex offshore structures and a professionally qualified team • Technology – We recognise the fundamental role of technology in the servicing of complex offshore structures. We commit approximately 15% of our operating expense budget to technology.
Legis Fund Services provides comprehensive administration services to funds and their management companies. Headquartered in Guernsey, we provide services to funds and other investment vehicles domiciled in a wide variety of offshore locations. Services • • • • • •
Fund establishment and support Multi-currency valuation, accounting and general administration Shareholder registration and dealing Corporate secretarial Regulatory compliance monitoring Listing services
Fund Structures Serviced • • • • • • • •
‘Traditional’ – equity, bond, money market Funds of funds Private equity/venture capital Partnerships/limited partnerships Property Distressed debt Structured products Hedge Funds
INTERNATIONAL
Patricia White Managing Director, Legis Fund Services Limited Legis Group PO Box 91 Legis House 11 New Street St. Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3EG T: +44 (0)1481 726034 E: patricia.white@legisgroup.com W: www.legisgroup.com
WINNER
J EQUITY BACKED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
ODIGEO was formed in 2011 by the combination of Go Voyages, eDreams, Opodo and Travellink, to become one of the leading on-line travel agencies worldwide and the largest eCommerce company in Europe. The group offers a broad range of travel related products and services covering scheduled flights, low cost airlines, charter flights, hotels, cruises, car rental, travel insurance, packages…. The group owns and operates a strong portofolio of consumer brands such as Go Voyages, eDreams, Opodo and Travellink. Through it’s main brands which are well known and trusted by millions of travelers across Europe, quality of services, user-friendly website experience, the strong heritage and know-how of each company, the group leveraged and expects to continue to leverage it’s strength in flight travel.
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All companies have a strong growth track-record and have shown remarkable resilience by achieving double digit growth rates during the recent downturn. ODIGEO currently operates and offers its services in a total of 28 countries across Europe and beyond including Australia, India, Latin America, Canada and the US. The group also provides advertisers and affiliates with a highly effective global and yet locally customized platform to connect with their markets. In 2012 ODIGEO jointly served more than 12 million customers and generated over €4 Billion in Gross Bookings. AXA Private Equity, Permira Funds are the principal shareholders of the group alongside, members of its management.
Nicolas Brumelot Deputy CEO & CFO nicolas.brumelot@odigeo.com T. +33 1 53 404 511 F. +33 1 53 404 503
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
INTERNATIONAL
WINNER
J LITIGATION CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR
The Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC at 33 Chancery Lane specialises in all areas from fraud, insider dealing, large-scale corruption, civil actions and commercial wrongdoing with all that it entails. 33 Chancery Lane is an internationally renowned set of Barristers’ Chambers who specialise in advocacy and advice across a spectrum of needs including regulatory and civil actions, criminal trials and emergency advice. Chambers prides itself in providing approachable, responsive and supportive cradle-to-grave litigation strategies. Members of Chambers appear in all matters where high calibre professional representation is needed, including tribunals, arbitrations, mediation, appeals or at first instance in this jurisdiction and throughout the common law world. Chambers provides the skills and experience essential for domestic and international litigation involving commercial and financial wrongdoing of every type. Chambers provides specialist expertise in all areas of suspected commercial wrongdoing including civil fraud, asset recovery and financial crime.
The cases in which Chambers is involved are many and varied. Some examples are: Representing utility company in multimillion pound confiscation proceedings relating to misleading selling practices; Representing Serious Fraud Office in bribery proceedings against a chemical firm; Advising and representing listed Oil Company in Trinidad and Tobago in an action for Oppression and a prosecution for fraud of former Chief Executive; Representing a former Cabinet Minister of Commonwealth country charged with corruption; Representing a Channel Island investment firm in relation to refusal of consent to permit transactions; Prosecuting a major Caribbean Island investigation into bribery and corruption relating to land development; and Advising multinational on money laundering issues. Chambers is involved worldwide in litigation as well as assisting in the training of prosecutors and the judiciary. A selection of the countries in which we have had involvement over the past 12 months are UK, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Northern Ireland, USA, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, India, Australia, Dubai, Spain and Egypt.
INTERNATIONAL
33 CHANCERY LANE
Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC 33 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1EN Tel: +44 (0)20 7440 9950 Fax: +44 (0)20 7430 2818 clerks@33cllaw.com www.33cllaw.com
WINNER
J BUY-SIDE ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
Woodbridge Europe, founded in 2006, is a unique M&A firm centrally located in the Netherlands. Woodbridge Europe is a partnership between the U.S. based M&A advisory firm Woodbridge Group Inc, and the Netherlands and French based European Business Development Group EuroDev B.V. We provide high quality buy-side advisory services to companies and Private Equity Groups, managing deals with a transaction value of € 5 million- € 50 million. World class buy side advisory We target companies fitting your investment criteria who are willing to sell but have not yet brought their company to market. With our practical Business Development expertise and contacts in a large variety of industrial and consumer goods industries in Europe we understand our clients’ needs and select targets from a financial as well as a business perspective. And, if our clients are interested in acquiring a US business, our offices in the US will conduct a comprehensive search
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
there. We conduct a unique personal acquisition search where we add value by performing tailor made acquisition searches based on our client’s requirements. This enables us to find the perfect match in our clients’ specific market. Unique marketing driven sell side process By combining the creative and efficient use of technology with years of investment banking experience and expertise, we conducts large-scale M&A sell-side mandates that extend “cross border”, achieve superior results for our lower middle market sell-side clients in the form of more offers, better terms and greater overall value. Our strategy is to create a competitive bidding process for our client’s business and bring multiple buyers to the negotiation table. This approach drives up the selling price of our client’s company as buyers compete - and on top of this gives our clients multiple transaction options to choose from.
Woodbridge Europe Dirk-Jan Vorgers, Vice President Windmolen 22 7609 NN Almelo The Netherlands Tel: +31 548659035 Mob: +31 612386746 www.woodbridgegrp.eu dirk@woodbridgegrp.eu
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WINNER
INTERNATIONAL J ADMINISTRATION SERVICES ADVISORY OF THE YEAR (CORPORATE & FINANCIAL MARKETS) Alter Domus is a leading independent provider of professional administration services for multinational corporations and alternative investment funds. Headquartered in Luxembourg with origins in a Big Four accountancy practice, Alter Domus has 15 offices and desks across four continents. Our professional staff offers deep expertise in corporate and management services, consolidation, fund administration, and financial reporting services. With a strong commitment to providing comprehensive and integrated services to our clients with global business interests, we support the accounting, tax, regulatory and compliance requirements of legal structures established by our clients in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Alter Domus’ expertise in the unique tax and corporate structures in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate, and our commitment to establishing and maintaining pro-active relationships with our clients, have made us the professional services firm of choice for many of the world’s largest multinationals, private clients, private equity, and real estate funds. We are proud to serve 12 of 20 largest private equity firms in the world and 10 of the 30 largest real estate firms in the world.
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By offering the bespoke service of a boutique firm along with the comprehensive resources of a large firm, we give our clients the best of both worlds and enable them to more efficiently meet their strategic objectives. To that end, each Alter Domus client is assigned a single point of contact who is familiar with all aspects of their account to coordinate all activities across every jurisdiction in which Alter Domus is providing services. Within our industry sector Alter Domus is a leader in the field of technology. We offer clients access to custom-designed IT platforms that facilitate secure document sharing on a 24/7 basis with internal and external business partners. These platforms are tailored to the particular needs of private equity, real estate, mezzanine/debt, fund of funds, and other alternative assets classes. Alter Domus has offices in Belgium, the People’s Republic of China, Cyprus, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jersey, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, The Netherlands, New York City, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Alter Domus Headquarters 5 rue Guillaume Kroll L-1882 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Visit www.alterdomus.com for more information.
Contact.lu@alterdomus.com
T: + 352 48 18 28 1
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
LUXEMBOURG J REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
a leading, independent Luxembourg law firm with a committed team of over 50 people providing personalised legal services
PRACTICE AREAS BONN & SCHMITT is a full service commercial law firm that practices all aspects of business law, with special expertise in: Corporate
Corporate Law Mergers & Acquisitions Insolvency and Restructuring
Tax
Corporate and International Tax Advisory Indirect Taxes and VAT Tax Litigation
Banking, Finance and Regulation
Our global client base stretches through Europe, to Russia, the U.S., South America, South Africa and Asia.
Banking and Finance Structured Finance and Securitisation Capital Markets, Securities Law Insurance
Investment Management
We are the trusted legal partner of leading international financial institutions, industrial corporations, national governments as well as media companies, pharmaceutical groups and food and beverage groups listed on the Forbes The Global 2000 List.
Asset Management and Services Investment Funds
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Commercial Litigation Finance and Securities Litigation Employment and Benefits IP and IT
Our attorneys are experienced practitioners in the Luxembourg legal environment and present a unique combination of expertise allowing us to deliver unrivalled legal solutions in one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading financial centres. BONN & SCHMITT has established strong working relationships with leading law firms throughout Europe and in the international community with whom we interact closely and collaboratively to provide our clients with innovative and integrated solutions to multi-jurisdictional matters.
The firm regularly advises Luxembourg state, local and regulatory authorities on a wide range of legal matters. BONN & SCHMITT â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s lawyers are registered with the Luxembourg Bar and many are members of several international legal organisations, including the International Bar Association, the Union Internationale des Avocats and the International Fiscal Association. BONN & SCHMITT is the editor of the Luxembourg Law Digest for the Martindale Hubbell Directory.
ACQB&S GLOBAL AWARDS 2012 annALFI-jan2012.indd 1
For more information, please browse through our website (www.bonnschmitt. net ) or contact us at mail@bonnschmitt.net. BONN & SCHMITT 22-24 Rives de Clausen L-2165 Luxembourg BP 522 L-2015 Luxembourg Tel.: (+352) 27 855 Fax: (+352) 27 855 855 E-Mail: mail@bonnschmitt.net www.bonnschmitt.net
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EDITORS AWARD
WINNER
J ABL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR (INSPIRED CASHFLOW)
HITACHI CAPITAL INVOICE FINANCE LAUNCH NEW INSPIRED CASHFLOW PRODUCT TO HELP SMES At Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, we recently
0.95% of the invoice value (depending on turnover).
conducted research with over 1000 SMEs to get to the
There are absolutely no set up fees, hidden fees or other
heart of the UK credit matter and determine views on
costs whatsoever. We have also fixed the fee for a 12
finance in 2012. It’s interesting to see from this research,
month period so as inflation rises, companies can be
that nearly 70% of SMEs didn’t realise that money can
assured that their finance rates won’t be impacted.
be accessed through invoice finance products. Many companies already have credit to ease cash flow sitting on their balance sheet waiting to be unlocked. Inspired Cashflow an inspired option for SMEs? In response to the ever increasing recent market conditions and market intelligence, Hitachi Capital
However, many people think the process is lengthy and complicated but this isn’t the case. A business raises an invoice, Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance gives the company 85% of this value immediately, minus the fee (from 0.95%). On payment of the invoice, the remaining 15% is given to the client.
Invoice Finance has faced this challenge head on and
With an ever changing economic landscape, SMEs
launched a new innovative and first to market product.
are sometimes wary of agreeing to lengthy contracts
Inspired Cashflow -launched to tackle the pre-conceived
common with some factoring companies, but at Hitachi
issues towards invoice finance and to help businesses
Capital Invoice Finance we offer an initial six month trial
grow.
period followed by a 3 month rolling contract period.
Inspired Cashflow is a simple concept which is easy to understand and manage for any business – especially those that may have been wary of using such a finance
We make it easy to apply and simple to leave, meaning our clients can be totally satisfied and flexible with their finance arrangement
facility in the past. It is available for just one fee from
For more information please visit www.inspiredcashflow.co.uk , call the team on 0808 163 4597 or tweet us @The_In_Voice
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
EDITORS AWARD
WINNER
J INDUSTRY BODY OF THE YEAR
GUERNSEY - A POPULAR CHOICE By Fiona Le Poidevin, Chief Executive, Guernsey Finance
As a leading international finance centre, Guernsey has continued to demonstrate its resilience in the face of the worldwide economic downturn. While some jurisdictions struggle to react to the changing global economic landscape, the key indicators suggest that Guernsey remains a popular location for doing business. For example, Appleby’s Offshore-i report, which provides data and insight on the M&A market offshore, found that up to the end of June 2012 Guernsey had experienced an increase in deal volume, up 12% from the preceding three months and up 24% from the same period last year. The Island is particularly dominant in financial services where it saw 40 deals in the sector, with the jurisdiction the recipient of one dollar in every five spent on offshore financial services assets. Another indicator is the Island’s net asset value of investment funds under management and administration reaching more than £271 billion ($440 billion) at the end of June 2012 – up 20 percent on the same time two years ago. Private equity and venture capital have also experienced particularly strong growth, reaching more than £80 billion ($130 billion) at the end of June 2012. Indeed, Guernsey’s expertise in the private equity space was confirmed by a Private Equity News and State Street survey, in which 61 percent of chief financial officers who responded said the Island was their preferred destination for private equity outsourcing. Another independent survey published earlier this year by www. FundDomiciles.com also highlighted the Island’s enviable position, as Guernsey was found to be the most popular fund domicile among a sample of UK-based alternative investment fund managers. The Island’s reputation as a leading private equity fund domicile is highlighted by the fact that promoters of Guernsey-based funds include Apax, Better Capital, Cinven, Coller Capital, EQT, Permira and Terra Firma. Coller Capital recently made headlines when it announced the final closing of its latest Guernsey fund, Coller International Partners VI, with commitments of $5.5bn – a substantial fundraising amount in the current climate.
ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
Why Guernsey? The growth of Guernsey’s private equity industry can be put down to a range of attractive factors. Guernsey administrators and custodians provide services to nonGuernsey funds, but a large part of their business relates to Guernsey open and closed-ended funds, which are now promoted and sponsored by leading institutions in more than 55 financial centres globally. These can be established through a range of flexible investment vehicles such as unit trusts, limited companies, the Guernsey-pioneered Protected Cell Companies (PCCs) and Incorporated Cell Companies (ICCs) and limited partnerships.
equity structure from Guernsey is Better Capital. It was founded by Jon Moulton, who has a property on the Island. Better Capital is a closed-ended investment company which has been established in the form of a PCC. It has two cells, the Better Capital 2009 cell and the Better Capital 2012 cell, which invest in portfolios of distressed businesses. It is the first time a closed-ended PCC has had two cells listed on the Main Market of the LSE. Guernsey is also fully engaged regarding the EU’s AIFMD. It is anticipated that in both the immediate and long-term, Guernsey will continue to be able to service structures with a connection to Europe, while the Island’s position outside the EU will enable it to offer an appropriate regime for funds not touching that marketplace. In doing so, Guernsey will ensure that it continues to be a leading international centre for private equity.
There is also a broad range of administrators in the Island, many with specific bespoke IT solutions for alternative assets. These include specialised private equity administrators such as Alter Domus, Augentius, Aztec, International Administration Group (IAG) and Ipes, as well as globally recognised names such as JP Morgan, HSBC, Northern Trust, RBC and State Street who can also act as custodians. Guernsey also has strength in banking, wealth management and risk management, as well as a network of investment, legal, tax, audit, accounting and actuarial advisers, including multi-jurisdictional law firms and global accountancy practices. In addition, Guernsey has a reputation for its robust yet pragmatic approach to regulation. The Guernsey Financial Services Commission is known for its opendoor approach, whilst also ensuring the Island continues to be recognised as a leader in global regulation and co-operation. Another of the Island’s strengths is the ability for Guernsey vehicles to list not just on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) but exchanges in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Australia, Toronto and Johannesburg, among others, as well as the local Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX), which now has more than 4,300 securities listed. Data direct from the LSE to the end of December 2011 shows that Guernsey remains home to more non-UK entities listed on its markets than any other jurisdiction globally. A prominent example of a LSE-listed, private
PO Box 655, North Plantation, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3PN Phone: +44 (0) 1481 720071 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 720091 Email: info@guernseyfinance.com Web: www.guernseyfinance.com
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EDITORS AWARD
WINNER
J INDUSTRY BODY OF THE YEAR
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ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
WINNER
ACQ
WINNER
NOW LIVE... ACQ GLOBAL AWARDS 2012
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