M&A awards 2012

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One of our main goals is to strive for great deals for our investors. Here we can bring in our expertise, know-how and global networks of partners.

Dr. Rolf Lanz, Lead Partner at CGS Management giesinger gloor lanz & co.

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The team was delighted. We have been very fortunate to gain recognition in most years since inception…but it is always a thrill to be recognized in this way given the high quality of the competition in Australia.

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Tim Sims , Founder and Managing Director, Pacific Equity Partners

Chemistry, capital and continuity are the roads to success in the Mittelstand-Market.

Max W. Römer, Founding Partner, Quadriga Capital

sponsored by alternative assets. intelligent data.

www.ACQUISITION-INTL.com

FORWARD Welcome to the Acquisition International M&A Awards 2012 WELCOME TO THEACQUISITION INTERNATIONALM&AAWARDS 2012. IT HAS BEEN OUR GREAT PLEASURE TO COMPILE THIS YEAR’S LIST TO RECOGNIZE THE TALENT, INGENUITY AND DOWN-RIGHT HARD WORK OF ALL OF OUR WINNERS. IN WHAT IS A COMPETITIVE MARKET, THEY ARE LIVING PROOF THAT GOOD BUSINESS CAN STILL BE DONE, AND WE FULLY EXPECT THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE INTO NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND. Over the boom to bust years, these firms have rallied well, proved resilient and are now really the outstanding shining stars. They are superb examples of excellence.

Key to their success has been, more than ever, the ability to adapt and act creatively in business. Old practices no longer cut the mustard; flexibility is the name of the game now. The firms we present to you act quick and smart, with dexterity and agility So read on for the winners. You’ll find out exactly who to turn to when you require a service, and also get insights into the working practices of the best of the best.

So, read on, take note, and see what makes an Acquisition International award winner.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Winners List Afghanistan Rosenstock Legal

Afghan M&A Law Firm of the Year

Croatia Wolf Theiss

Overall Law Firm of the Year: Croatia

Albania E. I. HAJDINI

Albanian Commercial Law Firm of the Year

Cyprus InterQuality

Cypriot Auditors of the Year

Argentina Estudio Beccar Varela Salaberren & López Sansón Brons & Salas

Argentinian M&A Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Cross Border Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year

Denmark Axcel Management Kromann Reumert Accura Advokatpartnerselskab

Danish Private Equity Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Denmark Danish M&A Law Firm of the Year

Ecuador Paz Horowitz Robalino Garces

Anti-corruption Law Firm of the Year: Ecuador

Egypt NOUR & TAHA LAW FIRM Shalakany Law Office

Egyptian Franchise Law Firm of the Year Egyptian Corporate Law Firm of the Year

El Salvador Arias & Muñoz

M&A Law Firm of the Year: El Salvador

Estonia Casus Glikman & Partnerid PricewaterhouseCoopers Raidta Lejins & Norcous Law firm SORAINEN

Estonian Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Estonian Litigation Firm of the Year Audit & Advisory Firm of the Year: Estonia Overall Law Firm of the Year: Estonia Domestic Law Firm of the Year: Estonia

Australia Clayton Utz Queensland Bar Chambers Truman Hoyle Minter Ellison Corrs Chambers Westgarth Henry Davis York Katherine Pavlidis Johnson, Mediator Middletons Piper Alderman Maddocks Awford Legal Pacific Equity Partners Austria BLS Rechtsanwälte Deloitte Mag. Martin Platte, LL.M. (London) Willheim Müller Graf & Pitkowitz Rechtsanwälte GmbH Saxinger Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH Belarus Vlasova Mikhel & Partners Law Firm Belgium Altius FratiniVergano - European Lawyers Tiberghien ING

Australian Full Service Law Firm of the Year Australian Mining & Energy Barrister of the Year Australian IT Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Australia Australian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Australian Public M&A Law Firm of the Year Australian Corporate Mediator of the Year Australian Vendor Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year Australian Legal Adviser of the year: Beach Energy/Adelaide Energy Australian Employment Law Firm of the Year Page 22 Australian Aviation Law Firm of the Year Australian Private Equity Firm of the Year Page 10 Austrian Insurance Law Firm of the Year Austrian Risk Management Firm of the Year Austrian Mediator of the Year Austrian Vertical Agreement Expert of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Austria Environmental Law Firm of the Year: Austria

Finland Peltonen LMR Attorneys Ltd Kalliolaw Asianajotoimisto Oy - Attorneys at Law Attorneys-at-Law Juridia Ltd Page 33

Belarusian M&A Law Firm of the Year

AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM Liedekerke.Wolters.Waelbroeck.Kirkpatrick

Belgian Construction Law Firm of the Year Belgian Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year Cross Border Tax Advisory Firm of the Year: Belgium Belgian Acquisition & Leveraged Finance Provider of the Year Belgian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Belgian Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year

Bolivia Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ.

Overall Law Firm of the Year: Bolivia

Initiative and Finance Kallista Energy

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Brazil Levy & Salomão Advogados Aoki Advogados Associados Levy & Salomao Advogados Campos Mello Advogados Ernst & Young LLP KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados

Brazilian Banking & Securities Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Corporate Disputes Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Cross Border Law Firm of the Year International Tax Advisory Firm of the Year: Brazil Brazilian Wealth Management Advisory Firm of the Year Brazilian Shipping Law Firm of the Year Promare Brazilian Employment Law Firm of the Year Primos e Primos Advocacia Page 35 Brazilian Procedural Law Firm of the Year Stüssi-Neves Advogados Brazilian Anticorruption Legislation Firm of the Year KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados Machado Associados Advogados e Consultores Brazilian Corporate Law Firm of the Year British Virgin Islands THORNTON SMITH Bulgaria Borislav Boyanov & Co Andrey Delchev & Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria

BVI Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Bulgarian Financial Markets Law Firm of the Year Bulgarian Commercial Contracts Law Firm of the Year

Burma Ma Khin Kyi Law Office

Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: Burma

Cambodia Leopard Capital Ltd.

Private Equity Firm of the Year: Cambodia

Canada Enviro-Lynx Investigations CIBC World Markets McMillan LLP McCullough O’Connor Irwin LLP

Fraud Investigators of the Year: Canada Canadian Project Finance Bank of the Year Canadian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Canadian Boutique Corporate Firm of the Year

Cayman Islands PricewaterhouseCoopers Solomon Harris Mourant Ozannes

France Marc Chaudet Avocats K&L GATES LLP McDermott Will & Emery AARPI ICC International Court of Arbitration

Tax Advisory Firm of the Year: Cayman Islands Independent Law Firm of the Year: Cayman Islands Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Cayman Islands

Granrut Avocats Granrut Avocats Oloryn Partners Castaldi Mourre & Partners Advention Business Partners PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance SAS Loyens & Loeff N.V. Germany Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Norton Rose

EU Competition Law Firm of the Year: Finland Overall Law Firm of the Year: Finland Corporate Financing Law Firm of the Year: Finland French Private Business Law Firm of the Year French Real Estate M&A Law Firm of the Year NYSE Euronext Paris Law Firm of the Year best arbitral institution for the resolution of aerospace disputes SME Investment Firm of the Year: France Environmental Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year: France French IT Law Firm of the Year French Trademarks Advisory Firm of the Year French LBO Advisory Firm of the Year French Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year Page 16 French Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year Overall Financial Advisory Firm of the Year: France Page 31 French Investment Management Law Firm of the Year

BridgehouseLaw Munich Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Rowedder Zimmermann Hass Quadriga Capital

German Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Recommended Legal Adviser - Smardt Chiller Group/OPK Klimatechnik AG Public Sector Law Firm of the Year: Germany Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year: Germany German Buyout Firm of the Year German Property Law Firm of the Year Germany Property Fund Adviser of the Year German Merger Control Firm of the Year M&A HR Adviser of the Year: Germany German Contract Law Firm of the Year Recommended Tax Adviser - d&b auditechnik GmbH MBO Cross Border Dispute Advisory Firm of the Year: Germany German Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year Page 33 German Equity Investment Firm of the Year Page 8

Ghana Andah and Andah Freann Financial Services Limited

Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year: Ghana Financial Services Firm of the Year: Ghana

Gibraltar Fiduciary Fund Administration Limited Hassans Benady Cohen & Co, Chartered Accountants

Fund Administrator of the Year: Gibraltar Overall Law Firm of the Year: Gibraltar Gibraltar: Chartered Accountants of the Year

Greece Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners Sarantitis Law Firm Lambadarios Law Firm PotamitisVekris Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners

Greek Competition Law Firm of the Year Greek Corporate Law Firm of the Year Greek Advisory Team of the Year Kerneos/Elmin Overall Law Firm of the Year: Greece Greek Competition Law Firm of the Year

Guernsey RBS International

Corporate Bank of the Year: Guernsey

WilmerHale Marsh GmbH The Riverside Company Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH LaSalle Investment Management (UK) Buntscheck Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Kliemt & Vollstädt BMH BRAEUTIGAM & PARTNER Rölfs WP Partner AG

Hong Kong Religare Capital Markets

China PricewaterhouseCoopers DLA Piper NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited Rouse

Overall Financial Advisory Firm of the Year: China Chinese Employment Law Firm of the Year Mid-Sized Asset Management Firm of the Year: China Page 20 Chinese Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year

Colombia Barrios, Vélez, Gutiérrez Abogados

IT Due Diligence Provider of the Year: Colombia

Congo (Democratic Rep) YAV & ASSOCIATES

Wilkinson & Grist Compass Management Consultants & Co. Stephenson Harwood

DRC M&A Law Firm of the Year

Magicpow.com

Hong Kong Deal of the Year: Fortis Global Healthcare Holdings/Dental Corporation Corporate Litigation Firm of the Year: Hong Kong Private Equity Law Firm of the Year: Hong Kong Syndicated Lending Law Firm of the Year: Hong Kong Mediation Law Firm of the Year: Hong Kong Anti-Corruption Consultants of the Year: Hong Kong Regulatory & Compliance Law Firm of the Year: Hong Kong Business Consultants of the Year: Hong Kong

Costa Rica Quirós Abogados Central Law

M&A Law Firm of the Year: Costa Rica

Hungary Oppenheim

Competition Law Firm of the Year: Hungary

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Clifford Chance Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Deacons

M&A AWARDS 2012

Winners List

Mauritius AfrAsia Bank Limited

Bank of the Year: Mauritius

Mexico JA Treviño Abogados Chévez Ruíz Zamarripa y Cía Casares Castelazo Frías Tenorio Zárate

Mexican Construction Law Firm of the Year Mexican Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year Mexican Competition/Antitrust Law Firm of the Year

Moldova ACI Partners Law Office

Moldovan Law Firm of the Year

Indian Deal of The Year Risk Managers of the Year: India Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year: India Corporate Litigation Law Firm of the Year: India Private Equity Law Firm of the Year: India

Morocco NERO BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM

Moroccan Employment Law Firm of the Year

Nepal Pradhan & Associates

Nepalese M&A Law Firm of the Year

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: India M&A Law Firm of the Year: India Private Funds Law Firm of the Year: India

New Zealand Bell Gully

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia M&A Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year: Indonesia Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia

Bell Gully Create IP Buddle Findlay Lowndes Associates

Competition/Antitrust Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand Project Finance Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand Patents Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand Securities Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand

Nicaragua GUY JOSE BENDAÑA-GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS

Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: Nicaragua

Cseri & Partners Law Firm Déri & Lovrecz Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm

Due Diligence Advisory Firm of the Year: Hungary Overall Law Firm of the Year: Hungary Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Hungary

Iceland CATO law firm JURIS Law Office LOGOS Legal Services

Corporate Law Firm of the year: Iceland Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Iceland M&A Law Firm of the Year: Iceland

India MX Capital Riskpro Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd BMR Advisors Kanga & Co Chadha & Co., Advocates and Legal Consultants AZB & Partners AZB & Partners AZB & Partners Indonesia KarimSyah Law Firm Oentoeng Suria & Partners MUC Consulting Group PT Prima Wahana Caraka / PwC Indonesia Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Ireland Company Bureau Formations Ltd R.I.S.C. International (Ireland) Beauchamps Solicitors ByrneWallace William Fry

Business Formation Advisory Firm of the Year: Ireland Irish Corporate Defence Management Advisory Firm of the Year Irish Alternative Energy Law Firm of the Year Irish Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Irish International Trade Law Firm of the Year

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Bell Gully

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Nigeria G Elias & Co Nnenna Ejekam Associates Page 36

Kentuadei Adefe Norway Advokatfirmaet Hjort Bing Hodneland advokatselskap DA Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Nigerian Project Finance Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Banking Law Firm of the Year

CapMan Group

Norwegian Employment Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Internet & E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Corporate Financier of the Year Norwegian Project Manager of the Year Norwegian Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Competition/Antitrust Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Equity Provider of the Year

Italian Private Placement Transactions Advisory of the Year Italian Pensions Law Firm of the Year Italian Pensions Law Firm of the Year Italian Mediation Boutique of the Year Italian Corporate Finance House of the Year Italian Pharmaceuticals Law Firm of the Year

Pakistan Bharucha & Co.

Pakistani TMT Law Firm of the Year

Panama Pardini & Associates

Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year: Panama

Peru Barrios and Fuentes, Abogados

Peruvian Banking Law Firm of the Year

Japanese Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Japanese Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Page 26

Jersey EFG Securities Services

Poland Ernst & Young LLP Corporate Finance Sp. z o.o.

PwC BIEDECKI

Polish Business Valuations Provider of the Year Polish Corporate Financier of the Year Polish Private Equity Law Firm of the Year

Fund Administrator of the Year: Jersey

Kazakhstan Michael Wilson & Partners, Ltd.

Full Service Law Firm of the Year: Kazakhstan

Kenya AfricInvest East Africa

Portugal Luis Miguel Amaral - Advogados/Lawyers Abreu Advogados Abrantes Advogados Caiado Guerreiro & Associados

Portuguese Maritime Law Firm of the Year Portuguese Environmental Law Firm of the Year Portuguese Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Portuguese Banking Law Firm of the Year Page 24

Kenyan Asset Management Specialists of the Year

Korea Shin & Kim

Korean Mediators of the Year

Qatar Al Tamimi & Company Al Tamimi & Company

M&A Law Firm of the Year: Qatar M&A Due Diligence Firm of the Year: Qatar

Kuwait Burgan Bank

Deal of the Year: Kuwait

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Lebanon Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm Airut Law Offices Aziz Torbey Law Firm

Lebanese High Value M&A Law Firm of the Year Lebanese Banking Law Firm of the Year Lebanese Commercial Law Firm of the Year

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Romania Adi Gavrilã Mediation Firm Transfer Pricing Services Ernst & Young LLP Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Stratula Mocanu & Asociatii

Romanian Mediation Services Specialists of the Year Romanian Transfer Pricing Firm Of The Year Romanian Corporate Financier of the Year Page 17 Romanian Overall Law Firm of the Year Page 29 Romanian Boutique Law Firm of the Year

Libya Consultancy House

Russia Squire Sanders

Russian Mining Law Firm of the Year

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Libyan Accountancy Firm of the Year

Lithuania Tark Grunte Sutkiene Motieka & Audzevičius BaltCap Management

Senegal SCP Geni Sankale & Kebe

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Senegal

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Lithuanian M&A Law Firm of the Year Lithuanian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Page 29 Lithuanian Equity Provider of the Year

Serbia Andric Law Office Virtu Partners

Serbian Overall Law Firm of the Year Serbian M&A Advisory Firm of the Year

Luxembourg Bonn & Schmitt Alter Domus

Banking Law Firm of the Year: Luxembourg Fund Administration Specialists of the Year

Macau Rato, Ling, Vong, Lei & Cortés

Singapore Herbert Smith Allen & Overy LLP Velten Partners LLP

Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year: Singapore

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Macau

Malaysia Taxand Malaysia Sdn Bhd Matrix 21 Resources Sdn Bhd

Malaysian Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Malaysian Financial Consultants of the Year

Malta Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Maltese Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year

South Africa Trade Law Chambers Maitland Thirty3degrees Financial Services Marlow Capital marcusBrewster Knife Capital Adams & Adams

South African Chambers of the Year South African Fund Administrator of the Year South African Corporate Financier of the Year South African Fundraiser of the Year South African Financial PR Firm of the Year South African Venture Capitalist of the Year South African Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year

Isle of Man Valorem Management Limited Knox House Trust Limited

Israel S Horowitz & Co Gornitzky & Co PwC Israel Tal Ron, Drihem & Co. Shenhav, Konforti, Shavit & Co. Italy Fredericks Michael & Co Ashurst Tonucci & Partners ADR Center Marco Polo Advisor Osborne Clarke Japan Atsumi & Sakai ISHIOROSHI & Associates Attorneys at Law & Patent

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Distressed Debt Advisory Firm of the Year: Isle of Man Trust & Corporate Services Provider of the Year: Isle love Man

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS Pareto Project Finance AS Infima Føyen Advokatfirma DA

Israeli Media Law Firm of the Year Israeli Telecoms Law Firm of the Year Israeli Tax Advisory Firm of the Year Israeli Commercial Law Firm of the Year Israeli M&A Law Firm of the Year

Advokatfirmaet Selmer DA

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M&A AWARDS 2012

Winners List IBA Global Pty Ltd MJF Group

Ramsay Webber Inc Knowles Husain Lindsay Inc Adams & Adams NLA PricewaterhouseCoopers Bernadt Vukic Potash & Getz Attorneys Spain Next Corporate Impulsa Capital Blas de Lezo Abogados Deloitte Abogados y Asesores Tributarios Fornesa, Prada y Fernández Abogados Sri Lanka Jayantha Pathirana the Principal of Path & Co Consultancy Sweden Aon M&A Solutions

South African International Business Consultant of the Year South African Strategic Due Diligence Providers of the Year South African Mid-Sized Law Firm of the Year South African Corporate Litigation Law Firm of the Year South African Franchise Law Firm of the Year South African Boutique M&A Advisory Firm of the Year South African Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year South African Boutique Law Firm of the Year

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Spanish Mid-Market Corporate Financier of the Year Spanish Financial Adviser of the Year to MidSized Companies Spanish Maritime Law Firm of the Year Spanish Financial Due Diligence Firm of the Year Spanish Corporate Litigation Law Firm of the Year Sri Lankan Arbitrators of the Year

Advokatfirman Lindahl KB Nord & Co Hannes Snellman MAQS Law Firm Advokatfirman Vinge KB Bird & Bird Advokat KB

Swedish Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year Swedish Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year Swedish TMT M&A Law Firm of the Year Swedish Competition/Antitrust Law Firm of the Year Swedish Energy M&A Law Firm of the Year Swedish Employment Law Firm of the Year Swedish Commercial Law Firm of the Year

Switzerland meyerlustenberger | lachenal E. Blum & Co. AG Walder Wyss Ltd. Suter Howald Attorneys at Law Arkos Capital S.A. CMS von Erlach Henrici AG CGS Management Diener Advisory GmbH GHR Rechtsanwälte board advisors AG Co-Handelszentrum GmbH Lombard Network

Swiss Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Swiss Trademarks Law Firm of the Year Swiss Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Swiss Mid Sized Law Firm of the Year Swiss Asset Management Firm of the Year Swiss Insurance Law Firm of the Year Swiss Industrial Investor of the Year Page 8 Swiss Accountancy Firm of the Year Swiss Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Swiss Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year Swiss Commercial Due Diligence Provider of the Year Swiss Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year Page 18

Syria Oussi Law firm

Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Syria

Taiwan LCS & Partners the UK XXIV Old Buildings Osborne Clarke PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Overtons Costs Consultants Olswang Parker Bullen LLP Salisbury PriceWaterhouseCoopers Clayton Euro Risk Capital Dynamics Leeds Day Solomon Taylor and Shaw Dains Rothschild Bird & Bird OC&C Stategy Ford & Warren Leeds George Davies Solicitors LLP Clyde & Co LLP Merrill DataSite Wilson Partners Limited InLaw LLP Hullbrook Climate Risk Management Limited DC Advisory Partners JLT Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP Taylor Wessing Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Reddie & Grose LLP Milsted Langdon LLP Colin David Russ LLP Simmons & Simmons Cordea Savills Investment Management Ltd Abingworth LLP Outer Temple Chambers Tooks Chambers Gunner Cooke LLP Traprain Consultants Ltd. Speechly Bircham LLP Decisis Limited CB Richard Ellis

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Taiwanese Competition/Antitrust Law Firm of the Year UK Commercial Barrister of the Year UK Leading Dealmaker - Compre Holdings BIMBO UK Corporate Insolvency Advisory Firm of the Year UK Cost Litigation Firm of the Year Overall Property Law Firm of the Year: UK UK Copyright Law Firm of the Year UK Leading Deal Maker - Graphite Capital Management LLP/National Fostering Agency Ltd Europe’s Due Diligence Provider of the Year Emerging Market Private Equity Firm of the Year: UK Freehold & Leasehold Property M&A Law Firm of the Year UK Corporate Immigration Law Firm of the Year UK Leading Deal Maker - Equip/Lowe Alpine UK Leading Deal Maker - Emitel/Montagu Private Equity UK Aerospace Law Firm of the Year UK Private Equity Due Diligence Provider of the Year Regional Property Litigation Law Firm of the Year - North UK Collective Consultation Law Firm of the Year Cross Border Mediator of the Year UK Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year UK Growth Finance Advisory Firm of the Year UK IT Due Diligence Provider of the Year Leading UK Dealmaker: LDC/Angel Springs UK Climate Change Risk Management Firm of the Year UK Leading Deal Maker - Cinven/CPA Global UK Regional Risk Management Company of the Year: Midlands UK Estate Planning Law Firm of the Year UK General Company Law Firm of the Year UK White Collar Litigation Law Firm of the Year Post-Registration Trademark Law Firm of the Year: UK UK Business Turnaround Firm of the Year Professional Negligence Mediator of the Year UK Project Finance Law Firm of the Year UK Portfolio Management Firm of the Year UK Life Science Investment Firm of the Year Commercial Fraud QC of the Year: UK UK Administrative Law Firm of the Year Regional Law Firm of the Year - Midlands Scottish Oil & Gas Disputes Firm of the Year UK Joint Ventures Law Firm of the Year UK Independent Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year UK Fixed Charge Receivership Firm of the Year

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP JAMES LOVE LEGAL

UK Corporate Insolvency Advisory Firm of the Year Scottish Commercial Law Firm of the Year UK Healthcare Barrister of the Year UK Insurance & Reinsurance Dispute Resolution Consultancy Firm of the Year UK Tax Advisory Firm of the Year UK Asset Recovery Barrister of the Year Regional Law Firm of the Year - South UK Leading Deal Maker UK Technology Venture Capital Firm of the Year UK Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year UK Medical Regulation QC of the Year Regional Shipping & Maritime Mediation of the Year - South UK Competition Law Firm of the Year UK Computer Software & Copyright Law Firm of the Year UK Public Law Barrister of the Year UK ABL Law Firm of the Year UK Maritime Insurance Law Firm of the Year UK Salvage Disputes Litigator of the Year UK Clinical Negligence QC of the Year Financial Communications Firm of the Year UK Energy Private Equity Firm of the Year UK Corporate Financier of the Year Overall Project Finance Firm of the Year: UK UK Digital Media Investment Bank of the Year UK IP Valuation Firm of the Year UK Sustainable Finance Adviser of the Year UK Insolvency Barrister of the Year UK Leading Deal Maker - Cinven/CPA Global UK Accelerated M&A Advisory Firm of the Year UK Corporate Recovery Firm of the Year UK Commercial Litigation Firm of the Year UK M&A Bank of the Year UK Construction Dispute Resolution Consultants of the Year UK Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence Page 36 Provider of the Year UK TMT Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year UK IP Disputes Law Firm of the Year

Barclays FircoSoft Bargate Murray Lyceum Capital Gregory Rowcliffe Milners Norton Rose Conflict Resolutions Scotland Ltd

UK Asset Based Lender of the Year UK Watch List Filtering Solutions Provider of the Year UK Shipping Contracts Law Firm of the Year UK Mid Market Private Equity Firm of the Year Anglo German Law Firm of the Year UK Safety Law Firm of the Year Scottish Mediation Firm of the Year

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace Aberdeen Outer Temple Chambers Belvedere Mead Ltd. BDO LLP Matrix Chambers Morrisons Solicitors LLP Grant Thornton UK LLP Add Partners Travers Smith LLP Philippa Whipple QC Horn & Co. Redeker Sellner Dahs Avidity IP Civitas Law Addleshaw Goddard Waltons & Morse LLP Stone Chambers No5 Chambers Leander African Frontier Capital Partners LLP Pentech Ventures LLP Ernst & Young LLP Batley Capital Ltd. Coller IP Management Ltd Earth Capital Partners LLP Mark Watson-Gandy DC Advisory Partners Spectrum Corporate Finance Howes Percival LLP Berry Smith Barclays ATLAS Commercial Consultants Ltd URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited

USA Taylor-DeJongh Desert Sky Communications Pinnacle Equity Solutions, Inc. Acquisition Advisors, LLC Alvarez & Marsal Marakon Robinson & Cole Vazquez, Sierra & Garcia, S.C Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Evercore Partners Bridge Ventures, LLC Nixon Peabody LLP Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP Hunt & Associates, PC Economists Inc Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider LLP Vedder Price Pinnacle Strategies Caplin & Drysdale Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP DLA Piper LLP Vinson & Elkins LLP Murtha Cullina LLP Inside Information Inc. Edwards Financial Services Dahlman Rose & Co., LLC BW Law Group LLC EDG Partners Radlo IP Law Group Pepper Hamilton LLP Ernst & Young LLP The McLean Group Marlin & Associates V-Rooms Virtual Data Rooms Ladas & Parry LLP Proskauer Hamilton Robinson LLC Peters Advisors Golub Capital Conduit Consulting LLC Clayton Euro Risk Vinson & Elkins LLP Vinson & Elkins LLP Continental Hutabarat Halim & Rekan Baker & McKenzie Minter Ellison Rudd Watts

USA Oil & Gas Investment Banking Firm of the Year USA Financial PR Firm of the Year USA Exit Strategy Firm of the Year -Massachusetts USA Mid Sized M&A Advisory Firm of the Year USA Leading Dealmaker- Harvest Partners/ Document Technologies Inc Due Diligence Firm of the Year - New York USA Recapitalization Law Firm of the Year USA Leading Dealmaker-Guerrero/Coatapec Property USA Leading Dealmaker - Astrium/Vizada USA Transport Corporate Advisory Firm of the Year Post Acquisition Firm of the Year- Florida USA Franchise Law Firm of the Year USA Derivatives Law Firm of the Year USA Leading Dealmaker- McCoy Sales Corp/ Fluid Connector Products Inc Antitrust Firm of the Year -Washington, D.C USA Middle Market Law Firm of the Year IT Due Diligence Provider of the Year - New York USA Land Use and Public Incentives Law Firm of the Year USA Project Management Consultantancy Firm of the Year Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year - Washington DC USA Emerging Markets Competition Law Firm of the Year USA Technology Law Firm of the Year Environmental Litigation law Firm of the Year - Texas USA Chemical Regulation Law Firm of the Year USA Competitor Analysis Consultancy Firm of the Year USA Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Florida Shipping Finance Provider of the Year USA Multi-Party Litigation Law Firm of the Year Private Equity Firm of the Year - Georgia Patent Law Firm of the Year - California USA Securities Law Firm of the Year USA Leading Dealmaker - Pfizer/Excaliard Pharmaceuticals USA Middle Market Investment Bank of the Year USA TMT Advisory Firm of the Year Overall Data Room Provider of the Year Trademarks Law Firm of the Year - New York USA Hospitality Law Firm of the Year USA Small Cap Private Equity Firm of the Year Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - New York USA Debt Financing Agent of the Year Post Acquisition Firm of the Year-California USA Lending Due Diligence Provider of the Year USA Energy Law Firm of the Year USA Reorganization Law Firm of the Year Overall Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: South East Asia South East Asian Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand

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M&A AWARDS 2012

Swiss Industrial Investor of the Year

CGS Manage

Dr. Rolf Lanz is the Lead Partner at CGS Management giesinger gloor lanz & co. and is responsible for investor relations and fundraising. Rob Hearne from Acquisition International had the pleasure of discussing with the renowned Head to congratulate him on his firm’s reception of the Swiss Industrial Investor of the Year Award. CGS Management is headquartered in Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerland and invests in small and mid-sized European companies. They pursue a Buy & Build strategy, targeting industries where the CGS Management Partners previously gained extensive operational experience. Their first fund started in 1999. Since then, they have proven on many occasions their ability to form and develop successful industrial groups along their unique Buy & Build strategy. Value creation through their consistent Buy & Build approach has helped them to achieve synergetic operational benefits and risk mitigation.

Their industrial background gives them an excellent understanding of the strategic and operational opportunities and risks involved in the businesses they invest in.

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We began the interview by asking Rolf how he felt about the level of recognition our readers have bestowed on him.

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We are very delighted about the recognition to be the Swiss Industrial Investor of the Year. It is recognition of our long standing industrial approach and focus. In addition it shows that our Buy & Build strategy is the right focus to be successful in the market.

Our readers have recognized the firm’s astute business in the transactional market, which have seen hard times due to the current economic situation.

We were intrigued to know how the firm had coped in the areas of deal generation and project management.

Lanz responded, “In general our deals are sourced from our proprietary network. That is one reason why we are not experiencing an empty deal pipeline. Due to our practical approach, which is the construction of an industry group, a so-called “cluster”, we invest in all trade cycle phases, thus avoiding a high exposure in only one economic cycle (recession or economic boom). This leads to a diversification of investment risk over the time axis and means, implicitly, that the CGS funds also can benefit from downturns. Furthermore economic theory holds that bigger businesses have a smaller entrepreneurial risk than smaller firms. Consequently, building clusters per se should lead to a reduction of entrepreneurial risk.

Then, we usually acquire the industrial leader, or one of the leading firms in the industry. These companies have a lower risk of economic failure than it’s peers and emerge generally stronger from downturns. In conclusion we did not see the necessity to adapt our strategy or project management.”

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On the question of how the company had set themselves apart over the last twelve months, Lanz was confident. “The operational focus is our key success factor. The last years have clearly shown the limitations of a certain type of private equity model that strives to create value primarily through the use of financial leverage and special financing structures and instruments. With the much higher scrutiny banks nowadays apply to credit request, this era is over as is one typical PE business model of it. This is all the more true as another traditional value lever, multiple arbitrage, is no longer a reliable factor in the recently volatile condition of the financial markets. As a consequence, some Private Equity funds have adjusted their strategy to put the primary focus on Buy & Build concepts and the value-creation through operational improvements.

Although this is a very comprehensible step, it may be difficult for some of those funds to successfully implement a Buy & Build strategy given that it requires in-depth industrial knowledge and practical experience, something that many of the fund managers do not necessarily have. In contrast, CGS has applied its Buy & Build approach since the inception of its first fund in 1999 and has not only successfully put its industrial know-how to work, but has also gained additional experience in the practical application of its entrepreneurial concept.

Furthermore we strongly believe that the successful realization of a Buy & Build strategy is not possible without a powerful team of people who have longstanding “hand-on” experience, ideally on executive level, in the selected industries.”

In what is an increasingly global market, CGS Management has approached with a unique method. “We have early on realized that the market is becoming more global and just a European focus or approach is not enough. Through our international industrial background we have established a global and diversified network of partners that understand our strategy and approach to build mid-sized industrial groups. With this set up we are convinced to have addressed the changed environment early on and are ready for the future.”

The firm has also been expanding beyond what was a purely European client base. “Until now our investors were all Europe based. But due to the fact that the CGS funds showed and are showing top quartile

performance now compared to its market benchmark as well as successful first exit CGS II’s fund, we got increased attention of overseas investors.

Our operational focus, the Buy & Build strategy and the Swiss Franc denominated fund is attracting many new potential overseas investors.”

Rolf also offered his insights into the current state of the M&A market and mused on how it might develop over the coming years. “The volume of potential transactions has not quite reached the peak back in 2007/8. However, the qualitiy of the transactions on our side remained unchanged, since most of our transactions are sourced through our global network of partners. You will find succession planning in the industry regardless of the current economic situation. Therefore our transaction volume has been fairly stable and did not correlate with the markets’ downturn. We are convinced that it will remain stable over the next couple of years.”

Looking ahead to the future, Lanz commented on what he thought was the biggest single determinant of how successful your company will be over the next 12 months, “Despite the fact that we strive to create value primarily by direct influence on the businesses we invest in, we are not immune to the vagaries of the macroeconomic environment under which our existing and potential businesses operate. We therefore consider the careful selection, and limitation, of the geography and the industries in which the companies operate a critical success

M&A AWARDS 2012

ment giesinger gloor lanz & co.

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One of our main goals is to strive for great deals for our investors. Here we can bring in our expertise, know-how and global networks of partners. If our strategy helps us to hold this award next year, it is a direct result of our team effort.

factor. Based on our industrial background we have an excellent understanding of the business we invest in and believe to be successful in our environment. Having said that, macroeconomic stability is no longer the key characteristic of Western economies; it rather becomes an increasingly worrying factor for common investors. On this backdrop our industry becomes an even more interesting asset class as it offers better control of entrepreneurial and financial risks through active ownership of underlying assets. So keeping our core ideas within the Buy & Build strategy is our key to success.”

Delivering the high quality service at CGS Management is a happy and motivated group of professionals. About team culture, Lanz said, “We all know that the composition of the team members is a key ingredient to nurture a great team culture and a healthy work environment. Pulling in the same direction and having a platform where everyone can bring in their competence is inspiring and rewarding, as we can see. Winning this award was a team effort.”

This team effort, we expect, will continue over the next year, making the Firm favourites to receive the award next year. Lanz was adamant that the company will not rest on its laurels, “One of our main goals is to strive for great deals for our investors.

Here we can bring in our expertise, know-how and global network of partners. If our strategy helps us to hold this award next year, it is a direct result of our team effort.”

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As we are all aware, the global market is in a very precarious position. CSG Management best places it’s services through an operational approach. “We are convinced through our operational approach that we are generating more business opportunities in the current market environment compared to others. Important for us is to continue to focus on our strategy and continue to observe closely the market conditions and movement.”

Lanz is optimistic about the state of his business in three years time. “The Private Equity industry will, in our opinion, experience more growth from both sides. From the fundraising perspective, new potential investors will allocate more money into alternative investments as the average performance of Private Equity investments is outperforming the stock markets. But also from the deal side, more companies are seeking money from Private Equity companies because of the financial support, which is nowadays difficult to get from the banks and the IPO market, which has slowed down. However a demand for strategic support combined with growth financing to internationalize the companies is increasing. The global Private Equity market is going to grow in the future, since emerging markets will participate on a much greater scale that they have done in the past. There will be a broader market base, but the classical Private Equity markets will remain strong.”

Lanz also kindly offered his advice for other firms looking to equal CGS Management’s achievements. Having led the pack for the past year, Lanz explained the key to their success, “Your investors have to come first. In addition most likely our wellbalanced team members’ industry knowledge, not only our long term Private Equity understanding, but as well your specific know-how in the industry that we invest, and to strive for excellence for our investors, helps us to be successful in the Private Equity world.”

We at AI are confident that CSG Management can continue to lead the field in this highly competitive industry, setting the benchmark over the coming years.

Huobstrasse 14 P.O. Box 355 CH-8808 Pfäffikon SZ t: +41 55 416 16 40 f: +41 55 416 16 41

M&A AWARDS 2012

Australian Private Equity Firm of the Year

“The team was delighted. We have been very fortunate to gain recognition in most years since inception…but it is always a thrill to be recognized in this way given the high quality of the competition in Australia.”

Indeed, the competition was stiff for this award, which makes the firm’s ascendency all the more commendable. The award recognizes successes in the transactional market in what have been sticky times for the world economy. Like all of the best firms, Pacific Equity Partners have adapted accordingly in terms of deal generation and project management.

Sims acknowledges a tough deal climate. “Yes the deal environment has been challenging. To be fair, in many ways, Australasia as a region has had a more positive backdrop as ‘a developed new world economy’. There is a strong logic that this will continue into the foreseeable future.

Having said that, during 2008/09 we saw huge swings in some of the fundamental business drivers such as public market multiples, exchange rates, interest rates and consumer spending levels. These variables swung in both directions over a 15 month period by as much as a 60% of the maximum range that we had seen over the previous 30 years. It was hard to pick a winning position in the face of such huge swings in both directions.

In retrospect the investment processes held up pretty well. The challenge was the sheer amplitude of the swings, which were far outside the anticipated parameters of any reasonable investment case.

In the vast majority of cases our businesses were well enough positioned to weather the storm but it will be a long time before we go back to retail.”

The firm is focussed on investment in Australia and New Zealand, but frequently takes domestic companies global. Sims noted, “We specialize in mid-market LBOs in all spaces except Property and Primary resources where the risks tend to be idiosyncratic. Over the last 15 years deals have been spread equally across Public to Private, Corporate Carve outs, purchases from Private Entrepreneurs and Buy outs of Overseas Subsidiaries. Since 2oo5, the Firm has deployed $600-700M of equity

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investment per annum. At this point the Firm has not made any Secondary Purchases from other PE Firms.”

The team have investments in a number of firms such as leading domestic tissue manufacturer SCA Australia, alternative energy provider Energy Developments, leading cinema chain Hoyts, number one credit information provider Veda, leading NZ biscuit manufacturer Griffin’s, world’s best early warning smoke detection company Xtralis and Link Market Services, a major international player in the share registry business.

Sustaining the firm’s position in the market has been a team characterized by high morale and openness. We asked Sims how much this award reflected the emphasis PEP places on team culture.

He responded, “We have been together a long time and have a large team. On average, the top ten professionals in the Firm have worked together for nearly 20 years. Clearly we value long term relationships but we have also sought to celebrate diversity underpinned by common disciplines and common methodologies. This creates different perspectives on the same issues and often strong debate; somehow we have succeeded in creating an environment where intense debate is almost never personal. This I think is the key ingredient of the Firm that makes it enjoyable to be a member of the team and that ultimately forms the successes that we have seen.”

This experienced team are experts in managing the stresses and strains which can occur during the months of hard work it takes closing deals in the transactional market. About the question of stress, Sims mused, “This is a great question. Some of the team have been at this kind of business for more than thirty years. Humour and laughter are no doubt key ingredients; it is hard for any one person to take themselves too seriously around our office. The most important thing seems to be to separate doing your level best as a team from the actual outcomes that may flow from that and then to share responsibility openly and honestly if things go wrong. For all of the team, family is important and for some of us faith provides an important context in which to deal with both success and failure.”

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The award for Australian Private Equity Firm of the Year goes to the superb firm Pacific Equity Partners. Tim Sims is a Founder and Managing Director of the Firm. Tim is a well respected figure in the region and has more than twenty years of consulting experience in Europe, the US, Asia, Africa and Australasia. He was previously a founding partner of the LEK Partnership and Managing Partner of Bain and Company’s businesses across a number of regions. Tim has been advising CEOs and management in Australia/New Zealand since 1987 on issues relating to strategy, M&A and operating improvements. He has also served on a number of government committees and led national strategy projects. Tim received an MA from Oxford University where he was a Mitsui European Scholar and an MPA from Harvard where he was a Kennedy Scholar.

AI was delighted to catch up with Mr. Sims recently, beginning the interview with how Sims felt upon reception of this prestigious award.

The team was delighted.

We have been very fortunate to gain recognition in most years since inception… but it is always a thrill to be recognized in this way given the high quality of the competition in Australia.

In addition to the already outlined very considerable experience of Tim Sims, the team boasts other renowned experts. Take, for instance, the co-founders of the firm, and equally highly respected, Simon Pillar, Paul McCullagh and Rickard Gardell. Gardell has fourteen years of consulting experience in Europe, Asia and Australasia prior to founding PEP in 1998. He has also advised CEOs and management on issues relating to strategy, M&A and operating improvements in Australasia since 1987. Pillar, prior to founding PEP, was a partner with consulting firm Bain & Company having spent ten years with Bain and The LEK Partnership in Los Angeles, Singapore and Sydney. McCullagh previously operated as Managing Director of Salomon Brothers Australia. He has twenty-five years of investment banking experience in the US, Asia, and Australasia.

Paul was also previously head of Australasia for Prudential Securities. He has been active in Australasia since 1986 and has a wide range of transaction experience including IPO, M&A, public and private debt and equity raisings for a wide range of industries and arranger/packager of LBO transactions.

Other experienced figures are David Grayce, who has worked previously for Bain Capital and Bain & Company in the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia. And Sam Kong, who has been at PEP for well over a decade, prior to which he was at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he advised clients in the financial services, retail, shipping and manufacturing industries as well as

M&A AWARDS 2012

Pacific Equity Partners

being involved in several mergers and acquisitions in the Greater China region. Given the breadth and depth of experience, it is inevitable that the debates relating to best courses of action are rigorous and all-encompassing, leading to the consistent doubling of raw profits in companies that have been acquired over the last 15 years.

The company has a distinct flavour in its approach to serving clients. The main characteristic is intellectual honesty, as Sims explained, “We try to engage on the basis of ‘intellectual honesty’ in all that we do. Risk management requires honesty in the assessment of risk, honesty in the management of risk and honesty in the facing and dealing with difficulties; above and beyond the basic investment skills and networks this is the most important quality for superior performance over time.”

We at AI predict that the team will be strong favourites for the award next year. Sims was keen to highlight that the team would not rest on their laurels.

“There is a sense in which the Firm has become a machine which rarely sleeps. The most important quality is the repeating determination to get better at what we do and to improve both ourselves and our processes. Whether or not in any given year this is sufficient to win this coveted award will also involve no doubt some measure of luck. We sincerely hope that next year’s events provide the basis for further recognition.”

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With the global market still looking precarious, Pacific Equity Partners are aware of how to best place their services and businesses at the moment. Sims kindly summarized, “We are very fortunate in the differentiated position of the Australasian market for the foreseeable future and in the competitive structure of the market. But there are challenges ahead… more than ever hard won experience and investment discipline will be crucial differentiators of performance.”

Certainly, the experience of the firm is a strong card to play in all sectors, and clients testify that this is a major factor in their opting for the services that Sims’ team offers. But the firm is also always willing to improve their team by bringing in new talent.

Over the next few years, Sims expects to see some changes, as he reflected, “We have always run an apprenticeship process and so continue to hire young analysts into starting positions. To be effective this requires discipline in culling for quality and managing intergenerational movement over the long term. We remain a single product firm but continue to monitor a number of interesting adjacent spaces where the skill set could be applied to benefit from unusual price /risk dynamics.”

Sims is generous towards the competition, attributing to them a grateful thank you for always keeping the team at the cutting edge in the field. He reflected, “I would offer our competitors a word of thanks. There is no doubt that it is easier to be an

effective competitor in the presence of other quality players. Australians are fierce competitors but it is a tradition with a difference….it is always good to remember John Landy going back to help the fallen Ron Clarke in the mile event at the Australian National Championships in 1956, he then turns to chase the field and goes on to win the event; competition with a difference…. It was no accident that as the first domestic competitor in the market our fund document became the basis for the second quality player to get established.”

So, clients can continue to expect the very best service from not only Pacific Equity Partners but also numerous other players in the field. We at AI look forward to a highly competitive chase for next year’s desired prize.

Pacific Equity Partners Level 31, 126 Phillip Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Australia t: +61 2 8238 2600 f: +61 2 8238 2690 e: information@pep.com.au

M&A AWARDS 2012

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M&A AWARDS 2012

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M&A AWARDS 2012

INDIAN DEAL OF THE YEAR: — MX Capital l Merzi Sodawaterwala, Founder and Managing Director of MX Capital, told Acquisition International about the firm’s delight at receiving the Indian Deal of the Year award.

Gateway of India, Mumbai / India

appropriate solution. We take pride in our solutions orientated approach and offer the right advice to our clients irrespective of the same not resulting in an immediate transaction for us. We provide valuable strategic inputs and fresh perspectives to build superior business value for our clients. We provide strategic advisory services to assist clients in choosing the best financing option in congruence with their strategic goal.”

Commenting on the process of finding the right set of investors for a private equity fund raising, Mr Sodawaterwala explained that there are 400+ private equity/venture capital investors in India today.

While there is a lot of competition amongst investors for a good investment opportunity, he noted that it’s crucial to carefully select, approach and negotiate with the right set of investors.

“This award further gives us the reassurance that we are following the right solutions oriented approach by ensuring that we not only give the right advice to our client but also ensure that the counter party and other stake holders in the transaction collectively consent at every stage of the transaction for the deal process to be smoothly executed,” began Mr Sodawaterwala.

“The fact that we were nominated for this award by Praj (the Buyer) while we were representing Neela (the Seller) is a testimony to our approach.”

Commenting on the current difficult deal-making environment, Mr Sodawaterwala explained that for any partnership/engagement to be successful it is imperative to ensure “meeting of the minds” between the parties involved in a deal.

“We prefer to spend quality time with our clients to understand their culture, philosophy, aspirations and collectively list down the objectives before engaging on any transaction. Our entrepreneurial mind set and diversified industry exposure coupled with an ability to think out-of-the-box helps us build a good understanding of the client’s business and objectives.

We leverage our rich experience and strong network to find the right partner and recommend solutions which best fit our client requirements.”

Mr Sodawaterwala acknowledged that investment banking in India is a very competitive environment, noting that bankers often fall head over heels to justify their existence and retain their jobs by undercutting fees and showcasing unrealistic valuations to clients in their quest to win assignments which never go through.

“We really don’t feel that we face any competition in deals we decide to take up as we only take up such assignments where the management is realistic in their expectations and we are comfortable with the

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management background and underlying business model. In fact, most of our assignments are created during the course of our interaction with clients who are not active in the market for any transaction and engage us purely based on the value they see in our advice. We are often the only advisor being considered for the assignment based on mutually acceptable terms which are finalised across the table without much negotiation.”

“Our deep understanding of the culture, investment philosophy and preferences of the private equity/ venture capital investors built through continuous interaction helps facilitate the most appropriate investor – company fit. We represent our clients through the entire deal process and help pre-empt potential bottlenecks and creatively facilitate a common ground to effect deal closure with minimal lead time.”

In an increasingly global M&A services market, Mr Sodawaterwala is convinced that a local presence is not sufficient and adequate to serve clients that act in a global arena.

Mr Sodawaterwala explained that the team has acquired rich insights witnessing the conduct of investors, acquirers and clients over the entire life cycle of the investment or acquisition.

“Globalisation is one of the key drivers of mergers and acquisitions. We have a network of close to 50 plus reputed investment banks across the globe which is continually increasing and we leverage the same for our cross-border M&A transactions wherein we represent our client and the global investment bank represents the counter party. Given the tremendous growth potential in India and tough economic conditions in Eurozone, we are increasingly seeing a lot of interest from major European players across industries to acquire or form a joint venture with Indian players. We have been directly approached and are currently representing a few of them for their India entry strategy / acquisitions / joint ventures in India.”

“We leverage the same throughout the deal process with uncompromising commitment to client interest, utmost honesty, integrity and objectivity to achieve our client goals. As an entrepreneurial organisation, we draw the highest level of commitment from each member of the team and go the extra mile beyond being an advisor or an intermediary, to becoming our client’s confidante and which is what keeps us happy.”

Mr Sodawaterwala strongly believes that it is foolish to follow a “one size fits all” approach in investment banking, noting that each industry has different dynamics; each company has different challenges; and each management has different aspirations.

“It is imperative to carefully understand the industry dynamics, business challenges and management vision and aspirations before recommending an

Company: MX Capital Private Limited Name: Merzi Sodawaterwala Email: info@mxcapital.in Web: www.mxcapital.in Address: Level 9, Platina C59 G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400 051 Telephone: +91 22 3953 0558 / +91 22 6700 0558

M&A AWARDS 2012

UK Shipping Contracts Law Firm of the Year

Bargate Murray The winners of this year’s UK Shipping Contracts Law Firm of the Year are Bargate Murray. Rob Hearne had the pleasure of speaking with Quentin Bargate, a highly respected Senior Partner at the firm. He began the interview by congratulating Quentin on the commendation awarded to the firm.

This has led to a wide network of clients both at home and abroad. These relationships have been nurtured by the interesting and diverse make-up of the firm.

And rightly so, the readership at AI is acutely aware of his team’s roaring successes in the transactional market in what have been very difficult economic times. Adaption has certainly been crucial to their continuing success. We probed Quentin on how he has adapted in deal generation and project management.

Bargate contends, “our client base is global – from Russia and Eastern Europe, through EU countries, Asia and the Middle East as well of course as the US and UK.

“We have always offered top quality service and value for money. Much of our work is in the Superyacht market, which has been surprisingly resilient. In the present market conditions we have had to ensure we communicate our strengths to our market more effectively than ever before and to streamline our workflow. For example, our clients are provided with clear and unambiguous information about each and every step we take on their behalf. One of our clients has gone so far as to use our invoice template as a model for their other suppliers – quite a testimonial for a law firm!”

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The market is becoming increasingly competitive, yet Bargate Murray has, over the last twelve months, really set itself apart from its counterparts. This, Bargate, explains, is due to the background of the partners being from top City law firms.

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Our USP has been and continues to be top City quality or better at a considerably lower price point. It is a compelling proposition.

Compelling is certainly a word we too would put forward. The company has really rallied well in the ever increasingly global market of M&A services. “We enjoy excellent working relationships through our network of overseas partners. If a project requires crossborder advice and assistance, as many do, we can manage the team and deliver the work product. International project management is second nature to the lawyers at Bargate Murray.”

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We speak our clients’ language – often literally as well as metaphorically. For example, our Director of Business Development is of Russian/Ukrainian origin and she speaks Russian, Ukrainian and Polish, which are key markets for us. Further, Our Aviation partner is of Belgian decent with family connections in Romania and Eastern Europe.”

With the Eurozone dominating markets recently, the firm has proved to be resilient. “We have strong connections with some Eurozone countries, particularly Greece. Clearly we need to mindful of clients ability to pay for services, but in general we have not had any particular issues in that regard.

We also offer a strong dispute resolution practice that complements our transactional work. Essentially we are problem solvers – whether that involves deals or disputes. With reference to the volume of deals done in comparison to the peak of the market in 2007/8, we have seen work picking up gradually in what is a sluggish market.”

Key to the success of Bargate Murray is the strong commitment they have to their staff.

We asked them about their unique emphasis on team culture as well as the elements of it that they would attribute to helping them receive the award.

“We aim for an inclusive culture, not a “top down” approach, so everyone has a say in how the business is run. Everyone contributes to the Bargate Murray Facebook page and we often have informal gatherings.

Importantly, personal success is rewarded though a generous bonus system for work introduced, but it goes much deeper than money. Non-lawyer members of the firm are able to benefit as well as lawyers.”

Another characteristic of the firm is their dynamic working practices. We fully expect them to be strong contenders for the award next year. Bargate is clear about their desire to never rest on their laurels.

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“It is certainly gratifying to receive recognition for your work from the prestigious readership of Acquisition International. We are very proud of the award.”

We will keep doing what we are already striving to do, which is more business, but not at the expense of the personal service and friendly culture we are renowned for. We are also exploring new markets and new business relationships.

And, with a precarious global market the firm is keenly aware of how to best place its services and businesses in the current market.

“While Bargate Murray offer great value for money, we are not interested in trying to win new business based solely on price.

We differentiate our services by reference to knowledge, track record, personal testimonials from happy clients and of course, great service. Our strapline is “Business Matters”, a play on words but we really mean it.”

As for the future, Quentin is confident. “We aim to continue to expand, with greater emphasis on AIM work, new business start-ups, aviation work and other project and M+A work in shipping and international business.

China is a market we are looking at closely.

We aim to continue to lead the pack. Be nimble and adventurous, that’s what we say.

Now is not the time to re-trench!”

Bargate Murray Solicitors Quentin Bargate Senior Partner w: www.bargatemurray.com t: (switchboard): +44 (0) 20 7375 1393 f: +44 (0) 20 7392 9529 e: (general office) info@bargatemurray.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

Deal of the Year: Kuwait

Burgan Bank Eduardo Eguren is Chief Executive Officer of Burgan Bank, Kuwait. The firm has recently been nominated to receive the Deal of the Year: Kuwait award, as voted by Acquisition International readers and here, we quiz Eguren on what it feels like to be a winner!

“Although the transaction is not yet closed as it is pending regulatory approvals, the winning confirms what analysts have been describing the deal as a “Shrewd Acquisition”.

Our team is flattered and excited about the winning since the deal represents an achievement of a strategic objective.”

A happy team is clearly a productive team.

How much emphasis do you place on team culture at Burgan Bank?

“Our team is very proud of the deal and of the projects we have in the pipelines. Our team is charged and committed to continue delivering in high standards.”

How has Burgan Bank set itself apart in the past 12 months?

“We have been affected as every bank by the financial crises in 2008-2010, we have set clear and focused objectives in Q3 2010 to: l Reduce and control credit cost l Restore profitability and re-ignite growth l Explore inorganic opportunities We have accomplished all the objectives.

Despite the sluggish economy, we have managed to reduce the credit cost significantly (from KD 71.8 million in 2010 to KD 29.1 million at the end of 2011), restored profitability (net income from KD4.7 million in 2010 to KD50.6 million at the end of 2011, Return on equity from 1.4% in 2010 to 12% at end of 2011 and Return on net asset value from 2.7% in 2010 to 21.1% at end of 2011). And last but not least, pinning down attractive inorganic opportunity such as the signing of the Share purchase agreement to acquire 99.26% of Eurobank Tekfen in Turkey in a price that is in line with capital needed for a Greenfield license in Turkey.”

In an increasingly competitive market what is the one thing that sums up what Burgan Bank is about?

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“Our Strategy is clear & focused. Our business model is working and resilient to even less favorable economic conditions. We are very focused on execution. Our mission is based on three pillars: 1) Achieve superior returns to our shareholders with a balanced approach toward risk and returns. 2) Earn and harness relationships with customers that are based on trust to support them at every stage of their life or business cycle. 3) Build the best team in the industry by transforming the group as the bank of choice.

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How did it feel when Burgan Bank won the Deal of the Year: Kuwait award?

The market is recognising our customer focus & our quality of services have improved significantly. There are no more flattering comments than customers expressing their satisfaction and even recommending you.

How far reaching is Burgan Bank’s client base and how does it work to engage prospective clients from overseas?

“We are a Kuwaiti bank that has started regional expansion few years ago. We started to target clients operating regionally providing them with banking solutions through our regional reach. Recently, we have been awarded as “Best Corporate Bank” and “Best Private Bank” from voting polls attended by clients. This loyalty has been recognized and we aim at keeping and harnessing this trust and loyalty as part of our core elements of our business model. We like to think of ourselves as the bank that walk the talk.”

good pace and with profitability. In 2011, we grew 3X faster than economy, won market share and without changing our risk sidelines or cutting pricing.”

Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work. Have you, as a firm or personally, developed any strategies to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management?

“You can only close a deal in satisfactory conditions if you have the ability to judge when to continue with the deal or drop it.

Our team believes in striking deals that are win-win. Our Board guiding principles help us to deliver quality in execution. Therefore, results are great.”

How do you see Burgan Bank in 3 years’ time?

Will it have changed shape?

“We are positive that in 3 years, we should have started already an expansionary cycle and therefore, the changes of performing well is much easier since we are already ready for it.”

The Eurozone has dominated world markets recently. What has been the impact on the firm and how has it responded?

“Since 2010, we have been looking at the Eurozone with high concern. In early 2011, we decided to minimize our exposure to the Eurozone especially to financial institutions.

Our fears were confirmed and our actions prevented us from a major setback. The spellover impact of the Eurozone into our region is translated in lower investment & tourism. Additionally the contagion effect in the US stock market lowers economic activities worldwide. However, we continue growing at

Burgan Tower, Al-Sharaq, Abdullah Al Ahmed Street P.O. Box 5389 Al Safat 12170, State of Kuwait Investor Relations Tel. +965 22988400 e: info@burgan.com t: +965 1804080 w: www.burgan.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

French Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year

Castaldi Mourre & Partners Steven Sprague and Gaspare Dori are both Partners at Castaldi Mourre & Partners, with Sprague specialising in Energy and Natural Resources and Dori in Mergers & Acquisitions. AI had the pleasure of speaking with the dynamic duo after our readers voted the firm the French Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year. Robert Hearne began the discussion by asking what work over the last 12 months set them apart from their competitors.

Dori continued, “Any evolution in the market will be heavily influenced by the developments in the sovereign debt and Euro crisis and the attitude of European banks to finance investments. However, the leverage rates might never be as high as they were during the private equity “boom” years.”

Castaldi Mourre & Partners have been able to effectively negotiate the global nature of the current M&A market by virtue of a highly talented team which is multijurisdictional in operation, multilingual in relationships, and multicultural in its make-up. Dori explained, “We travel worldwide to offer a service that fits into our client’s needs rather than imposing our own needs.”

We at AI find that common to every successful firm is a happy and productive team. This is certainly true of Castaldi Mourre and Partners.

They place a firm emphasis on team culture.

We questioned the pair on what elements of their team culture enabled them to stand out from their peers.

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Steven Sprague continued,

The quality of service and reactivity to the needs and objectives of our clients has helped keep us on top of this global market.

It is no secret that the Eurozone has dominated world markets recently. We wondered how the firm has been impacted by this and how they have responded.

Sprague maintained, “We have sought to meet our clients changing needs and the issues they are facing. Just to give an example, we have set up a restructuring cross-border team to work both on transactional M&A and commercial matters and on contentious matters.”

During our discussion, what was most evident was the upbeat and optimistic tone of the company in the face of demanding economic conditions. In reference to the current decrease in activity in the M&A market, Sprague explained to us, “The size of the transactions has generally decreased, but we have found an advantage since most of the deals our firm works in are middle and small sized deals. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for equity investors, so that an increasing number of deals are customized to take into account the needs of that type of investor rather than those financial institutions.”

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Sprague said, “A successful team is one that works together. Notwithstanding distance or differing fields of expertize. We put great emphasis on the wellbeing of the team and ensuring that everyone is and feels themselves to be a valued part of the work group.”

Further, we were curious to know how the firm differentiated themselves. Dori referred to one thing that always remains as the lasting impression in someone’s mind as being, “Straight talk.

Straight thinking. We don’t sit on the fence.”

This has been the ethos of the company since it began, ably assisting both new and longstanding clients in the area of merger and acquisition operations as well as in respect to the assignment of industry assets, mainly in the context of Franco-Italian investments.

They advise their clients throughout the entire process: preliminary discussions, confidentiality undertakings, term-sheet presentations, letters of intent, due diligence, share purchase agreements, representations and warranties, closing and post-closing agreements.

Beyond the legal aspects of each merger and acquisition operation, their services are constantly aware of the economical and financial dimension of the proposed investment, in order to provide clients with a fully secure legal environment. This is supported adeptly by teams in Corporate Law and Competition Law, as well as in Tax Law and Labour Law, in order to deal with each specific aspect of a file.

This, we bet, will mean that they are in superb shape to succeed in the future.

Sprague explained, “The legal market is changing fast. We expect it to become increasingly specialized and yet increasingly flexible. We are working strongly to face this twofold challenge.”

Acutely aware of the increasing pressure on fees, the company, Sprague argued, are driving an initiative to maximize customer’s value for money in the future, entering into partnerships with them rather than acting as mere service providers as they had been in the past.

This is echoed by Dori who asserted that all at Castaldi Mourre and Partners are “keen to ensure that we become even more responsive to our clients’ needs and goals and keep an eye on competitiveness and flexibility of service provision.”

Expansion is high on the agenda with regards to their future efforts. Dori explained, “We will become even more international and less tied to traditional office work environments.”

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Gaspare Dori commented, “As a company, we place a high value on innovation and responsiveness. We are pleased that all our hard work in these areas has paid off to the extent that we are specially recognized by the knowledgeable readers of this reputable magazine.

Enthusiasm for the upcoming years is high, and both partners expect that the firm will continue to excel in this area of law.

We will maintain a clear and consistent client service strategy and recruit more staff to meet the need for specialisation and flexibility. We are doing everything we can to remain at the head of the pack.

CM &P

73, Boulevard Haussmann 75008 PARIS t: +33 (0) 1 40 73 16 40 f: +33 (0) 1 40 73 16 44 e: paris@castaldimourre.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

Romanian Corporate Finance Firm of the Year

Ernst & Young AI is pleased to award Ernst & Young with this year’s Romanian Corporate Finance Firm of the Year. Acquisition International spoke to Cornelia Bumbacea, a partner of the firm about matters of negotiating the global terrain of M&A, the Eurozone crisis, their unique exploratory outlook in their business and the team spirit which sustains their competitive zeal.

next two years, as we gradually realize a state of economic stabilisation.”

When asked about what it is that has led our readers to single out her firm for praise, Bumbacea is quick to acknowledge experience and the reputation that has been born out of this. “We are known for having a strong client focus and a wealth of transaction experience. Ernst & Young has a 20 year history in the Romanian market and this has definitely played a part in our being recognized by the magazine. The TAS (Transaction Advisory Services) practice was set up in 2003 as a standalone department within the firm. During the last 12 months we tried to capitalize on this achievement and further strengthen our TAS practice in Romania.

We have been involved in numerous major transactions during the past 20 years involving both private and state owned companies.”

The consistently high performance of the firm across such a diverse set of activities was bound to lead to the recognition they are now enjoying.

But how do they stay focused and ahead in the increasingly global M&A market? Bumbacea attributes this to the firm’s extensively wide geographic coverage which is “complemented by skilled networking and experienced transaction professionals who are matching needs with opportunities. We adapt and tailor our services to offer what the market requires and stay competitive on price offering.”

The firm has also managed to dodge the current crisis in the Eurozone. “The Eurozone debt crisis kept indeed the headlines lately

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but we have not seen a drop in business so far directly linked to it.” This, she maintains, contributes to the buoyant mood amongst her team which strengthens relations with private equity clients and trade clients. “We have good long term relationships with Private Equity clients focusing on the Romanian market, as we have worked together on many deals and have become familiar with each other’s work styles and demands.

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Bumbacea has been the Head of the Transaction Advisory Services for the past nine years, offering professional services of a corporate finance nature, including but not limited to; M&A advice; valuation; due diligence; restructuring and debt advisory.

Our projects with strategic buyers are more on a one-off basis except for few entities such as Lactalis, Enel, CME, who have done more than one acquisition in the Romanian market.

They have different objectives when acquiring a company and their focus is somehow different.

But how does this situation compare with the M&A market peak in 2007 / 2008? In realistic tones, Bumbacea explains that “leverage in M&A has changed since the market peak.

If before crisis deals used to have a leverage of up to 80%, now the most optimistic cases would be below 40%. Further, the M&A volume at present is far from the one reached in 2007/8, either speaking of numbers of transactions or market value of transactions.

Disclosures seem to have shrieked as well as the average sizes of deals.”

But, she maintains, there is much cause for optimism. “Businesses”, Bumbacea contends, “have internalized the new market conditions. They are volatile indeed, but companies are acting with high levels of dexterity and flexibility to meet these conditions. We fully expect that this trend will continue over the

Indeed, no business is more dexterous and agile in its business conduct than her own firm.

Contributing to this is excellent team spirit.

Bumbacea heads a team which is dynamic, well informed and highly committed to professional development. In her own words, “team spirit is key to our success and motivation. For this to happen, we try to keep at very high levels team dialogue, effective knowledge sharing between team members & training, as well as support in reaching career path targets.” We at AI feel delighted to recognise such a competent and morally upstanding team of professionals.

As for the future, Ernst & Young aims to continue to meet client needs and seek out new business opportunities with the same purpose and vigour for which they are so renowned for. Bumbacea is confident that her team will remain at the cutting edge of provision. She explains, “changing players and market positions are happening every day but we remain prepared given the depth of our relationships with our business partners. Things are evolving rapidly and we need to adapt and innovate. Our service offering (corporate finance, M&A, transaction support, valuation, business modeling, restructuring) will become more specialized as client needs diversify and become more sophisticated.”

Pressed on how she would summarize the values which run through all their hard work, Bumbacea recites the company motto: Quality in everything we do.

Premium Plaza building, 15th Floor 63-69 Dr. lacob Felix Street Sector 1, Bucuresti, 011-033, Romania t: +40 21 402 4000 f: + 40 21 310 7193 e: office@ro.ey.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

Swiss Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year

Lombard Network Acquisition International speaks to the proud winners of the Swiss Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year, the Lombard Network Group. Robert Hearne caught up with its esteemed and dynamic CEO, Chairman and Founder Federico Foscale to discuss matters of the company’s ethos, values and priorities in the ever changing current economic climate.

In business since 2006, when Foscale began Lombard Newtork Group with his wife Carolel, the Group has grown year after year and is now held in high regard throughout Europe.

“We are an independent holding operating mainly as corporate finance advisor for SMEs, and also as investor in public and private equities. The main companies of the Group are LN Consulting Sagl, LN Marchant SA, based in Lugano, with representative offices in London. The Group has also an Italian company called Lombard Finance s.r.l. with office in Milan . We deal with the analysis of the financial needs of companies seeking equity capital and debt. Further, we advise our clients on operations such as IPOs, M&A, restructuring and debt consolidation.”

Regarding the area of Due Diligence for which the firm has attracted such praise from our readers in the past year, the company works across Italy and Switzerland. Adaptability has been central to their success.

“In just a couple of months the world has changed. We focused more on Debt Advisory and less in M&A. Whilst M&A transactions were reduced in number, they increased in their quality.”

We are as familiar to our clients as a passionate family business with the quality of an investment bank.

This mix of passion and professionalism is bolstered by a real devotion to the client.

“We strongly believe the main asset of our company to be the client. During these years we were able to get their loyalty thanks to our effort and transparency. There are many players in M&A and corporate finance, but the thing that makes the difference is when the client trusts its advisor.”

As mentioned, the firm works internationally, essential for an increasingly global M&A

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“We are planning other openings, because local presence is the key in this job for developing networks and connections.

In order to deliver an excellent service M&A players need to be connected with financial and strategic investors from all over the world. That’s why we are focusing on cross border transactions although we have a strong knowledge of Swiss and Italian market with specific focus on SMEs. We are basically a pan- European corporate finance firm, specializing in Italian and Swiss SMEs, but we are quickly growing into the UK markets in the UK, Germany and Spain despite the difficulties over there.”

And the one word that Foscale uses to sum up this endeavour: “Glocal. I love that term!”

The Eurozone has dominated world markets recently. What has been the impact on your business and how have you responded?

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Foscale is also complementary of his expert team. “Our team is highly motivated and educated. They work more likely to partners than employees. Each analyst is in charge of his clients and we arrange a daily meeting.

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market. With offices in London, Milan and a Headquarters in Switzerland, the firm is looking to expand further to meet client demand.

“We had to introduce in the market new kind of advisory services in addition to the traditional M&A service. In particular, for SMEs, we proposed an integrated consulting service branded “Temporary CFO”: we provide in a continuous way both Debt Advisory and Equity Advisory paying attention also to the relations with banks and shareholders acting as Financial PR. In fact we provide reports to all the stakeholders. This combination of advisory and information communication about the business gives us the “status” of CFO in outsourcing. This is a great service for SMEs, especially in such a difficult economic and financial environment.”

When engaged by a client do you see significantly different approaches between private equity clients and trade clients?

“The range of our clients is wide: we have start up, late stage private equities or listed companies. For each client we need to understand who is the best counterpart. With some we talk to Private Equity Funds, in others to Financial Brokers, and in many cases to Family Offices or Banks. Each of the above

categories has its business model and each company is managed by people with different experiences and mentality. Whilst there are some guidelines, each deal is a story in itself.”

The firm is also strong in relation to debt finance, another area requiring personalisation of service and versatility in action, since the availability of it differs from country to country.

“We have a strong Debt Department and we are recognized to be expert in this field. It is more difficult to arrange Leverage Finance for deals (acquisition) but after the deals are made where there is a successful M&A with an increase of capital from third parties investors, the Banks are happy to value the issue of Debt for commercial purpose and investments.”

In comparison to the peak market of 2007/8, the volume of Mergers & Acquisitions is very low. As Foscale explains, “We believe many companies will have to merge together in order to create synergies (commercial, internationalization, system integration) and many SMEs, especially those managed by single, and sometimes old entrepreneurs without strong management, will be sold to their biggest and best organised peers.”

As to the fundamental principle underlying business practice at the firm, Foscale speaks in the affirmative: “Transparency. We are clear and honest. If I do not believe in a deal I do not suggest it to my client. Yet if I consider the transaction to be an excellent deal I am always happy to advise the client and in some case our investment company (LN Merchant SA) is also able to “risk” with the client and work as close partners.”

Via Lucino 3, CH 6932 Breganzona t: +41 91 220 70 00 (CH line) t: +39 02 320 623 086 (IT line) t: +44 207 872 54 04 (UK) t: +39 02 620 32 066 (Italy)

M&A AWARDS 2012

South African Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year

Newman Lowther & Associates Jan Newman and Ben Lowther are Co-founders and Directors of NLA, which was recently awarded South African Boutique Investment Banking Advisory Firm of the Year, as voted by Acquisition International’s award panel.

South African advisory firm NLA appears to have carved a credible position in South Africa’s competitive M&A landscape since its founding in 2006, and was involved in two award-winning transactions in 2011. NLA co. advised Japan-based Kansai Paint (with Nomura) on its unsolicited acquisition of Freeworld Coatings (M&A Advisor International 2011 M&A Deal of the Year ($100-500m)), and Actis, the emerging market private equity firm, on its acquisition of Tracker (with RMB and the Mineworkers Investment Corporation) (Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year 2011).

We believe that innovation sets us apart from the competition. In a market with scarce M&A deal flow, NLA strives to maintain an innovative approach in the application of its business, whether originating new & unique deal opportunities or tirelessly seeking the best options for clients in the course of executing a mandate.

These achievements in what is turning out to be a very challenging period in the M&A industry were highly regarded by the Acquisition International award panel.

The firm was clearly delighted by the news that it had clinched the award for South African Boutique Advising Firm of the Year, as Lowther states: “We are pleased to have to receive this award, particularly given that NLA is a relative new-comer in South Africa, not withstanding the experience of its individual team members. Importantly we appreciate the fact that the hard work of our highly dedicated team has been recognised by industry peers.”

Jan explains his views on what has helped set NLA apart from the competition in South Africa, particularly in the last 12 months.

“NLA has continued to focus on the needs and ambitions of its clients in these challenging times, bearing in mind that NLA’s independence may be seen as an attractive quality for certain clients seeking advice,” he states.

“However, we recognise our good fortune to be involved in a couple of challenging and high-profile transactions in 2011. This has enabled NLA to demonstrate its capabilities and expertise more widely.

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We like to think out of the box to achieve the ambitions of our client, and we believe that our clients appreciate this approach, which is demonstrated in our track record and repeat business.”

The award is most certainly recognition of the firm and its team’s hard work and Ben comments on what he feels makes a productive team: “We believe that our partnership philosophy is critical to NLA’s business, and has contributed to achieving this award.

In this regard, partnership extends to externally to our clients, as well as to Nomura, NLA’s global investment banking partner, and internally, where teamwork and shared responsibility stand out as core characteristics that enables each member of NLA’s team to contribute valuable input and intelligent ideas on projects for the benefit of clients.”

Some friendly advice to offer to other firm’s who may wish to learn from NLA’s recent experiences.

“In a competitive industry where high quality execution capabilities are expected of all M&A advisory firms, innovation (in deal generation & execution) is a clear way to stand apart.

We believe that innovation is one of NLA’s strengths, although this clearly complements hard work and a bit of good fortune.”

Jan Newman / Ben Lowther 1st floor Kildare House, The Oval, 1 Oakdale Rd, Newlands 7700, Cape Town, South Africa e: jan.newman@nla.za.com / ben.lowther@nla.za.com w: www.nla.za.com t: +27 (21) 673 7000

M&A AWARDS 2012

Mid-Sized Asset Management Firm of the Year: China

NYGT (Hong Kong) Ltd Kenneth Cheung is Managing Partner of NYGT Group, a role which includes the development of new demographics and business opportunities for the firm. Here, Dr Cheung speaks to Acquisition International about how it feels to be awarded Mid-Sized Asset Management Firm of the Year: China. what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award?

“I learnt from one of former bosses that a good employee is a happy employee. By providing resources to our staff, helping them to grow with the company and also achieving personal goals at the same time would be the formula to a productive team.”

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The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment?

The business spans eight 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 NYGT’s, professionalism and teamwork are key. This is why NYGT recognises that clients and intermediaries take comfort from knowing that they can easily reach senior people and decisionmakers within the organisation who are able to understand their needs and objectives.

The 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 service. Technical excellence underpins how NYGT delivers its services and its teams are dedicated to offering practical financial solutions.

been very difficult economic conditions. How has the firm adapted to stay ahead in such tricky times?

“We have been lucky that our system which had been running smoothly in the past continues to work well for us. We believe that this demonstrates that what we had been doing is right for our Group and could stand the test of time.”

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Since its foundation more than a century ago, NYGT has been managing the financial affairs of private clients and their business interests. The firm’s primary aim is to help our clients achieve their financial ambitions, both corporate and personal. Clients are varied and include private individuals, mid-large businesses and professional practices.

“The current global market is very intense, with respect to access to information and capital. However, many participants are taking a very conservative stand, and trying to wait out the current financial storm. However, we do see this as an opportunity, given the right formula.

NYGT Group actually had one of the best years in the corporate history this year, and we do see opportunities arise from crisis.

How far reaching is NYGT’s client base and how do you attract overseas prospective clients to engage with you?

“Everybody at NYGT is simply thrilled to learn such news.”

“As we have offices around the world, I would say that our client base is very diversified, and we do keep them informed on the current market trend, emerging markets and sectors, and how these factors would and should affect their decision making process.”

This award is recognition of NYGT’s success in the transactional market in what have

A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and

How did it feel when NYGT Group won?

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I believe that by keeping what we had been doing for the past, ensuring that our clients are fully aware of the market situation that is vital to them, and thinking out of the box would be enable us to be successful for the years lying ahead of us.

The market is full of information, some being true while others are pure speculations.

Understanding the intentions behind the information would help our clients better understand the market and the trend, together with an unbiased analysis.”

How do you see your business in 3 years’ time?

How will NYGT have changed shape?

“I believe that the market would be still haunted by the ripple effect of the subprime and Eurozone crisis. The market and its players would demand more first-hand insight, extensive analysis and advice, and a full scale of service to go along. It would be a more challenging market, but yet more satisfying in all aspects.”

Kenneth Cheung, PhD MBA (Honors), BBA Address: PO Box 792, General Post Office, Central, Hong Kong e: kenneth.cheung@nygt.org w: http://www.nygtgroup.org t: +852 2511 9056

M&A AWARDS 2012

Lebanese High Value M&A Law Firm of the Year

- Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm l Carlos Abou Jaoude is the Managing Partner at Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm, the esteemd winners of this year’s Lebanese High Value M&A Law Firm of the Year. Acquisition had the good fortune of meeting with Carlos to discuss the award.

The firm were very pleased to receive the award. As Carlos explained, “We were very honoured to win in this category. It is a true testament of our firm’s commitment to delivering quality services with added-value in an aim of always exceeding its clients’ expectations.”

On the matter of how he had differentiated his company in the past twelve months, Carlos listed some achievements, “The Firm’s recent representative work includes counselling on the merger of two large commercial banks, and on various major acquisitions, namely the acquisition of a listed bank in Europe, the acquisition by several telecom consortiums of controlling equity stakes in mobile operators in Africa, the acquisition of an equity stake in a listed UK based financial services firm, the acquisition of a real estate company through

the issuance of hybrid financial instruments for the development of a first-of-its-kind wellness resort in the Middle East region, and a ground-breaking multi-bank private placement initiative to finance the launch of a TV station.”

business graduate degrees from prominent Lebanese, French and American universities and are licensed to practice in Beirut and Paris, with many of the Firm’s attorneys having had experience working in international law firms abroad.”

Carlos also offered his insights into their large client base. “The Firm has acquired and maintains the biggest client base in the market with more than 1,000 clients who contribute vitally to the country’s economic growth and have a major market share of private placements, real estate project developments and debt restructurings. Our clients are primarily corporate entities, including local and international commercial and investment banks, governmental agencies, investors and entrepreneurs, insurance companies, service providers, real estate developers and charitable organizations.”

This experienced team has navigated the firm through these tough economic times. Carlos was adamant that he and his team would not take anything for granted, “We plan to continue honing our skills to maintain the added-value for which the firm is renowned, that is an-depth specialization and a sharp understanding of the commercial as well as the legal aspect of clients’ businesses, and the ability to tackle any challenge using fast and innovative solutions.”

Managing this large workload is a competent and productive team. Carlos kindly provided details of his team, “Abou Jaoude & Associates (AJA) has established itself as the single largest multi-practice law firm in Lebanon, led by a talented team of 9-partners and 35 expert attorneys. AJA’s attorneys hold law and

OMT Bldg 266 Sami El Solh Ave. P.O. Box: 116-5079 Beirut - Lebanon t:961.1.395555 f:961.1.384064 w: www.ajalawfirm.com

This constant search for excellence will no doubt make the company firm favourites to scoop next year’s prize.

Belgian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year

- Afschrift Law Firm l Runaway winners of the Belgian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year are AFSCHRIFT Law Firm. A highly competent team, headed by Thierry Afschrift, the firm has gone from strength to strength this past year. It was the pleasure of AI’s Rob Hearne to engage in discussion with Thierry on the illustrious prize.

Firstly, we enquired after some information on the firm’s specialisms. “We specialize in domestic and international tax law and law relating to white collar crime. The firm advises all types of taxpayers, natural or legal persons, in order to organize at the best their personal, real property or professional patrimony in due respect of the law and their personal situation.

ny. Further, its remit is broad. “Our law firm defends all types of taxpayers in all types of dispute concerning taxes: corporate tax, individual income tax, taxation of non-residents, VAT, inheritance tax, registration duties and customs duties. The firm defends taxpayers by representing them in their disputes with tax authorities and before the courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Arbitration and the Council of State.”

As specialists, we mainly help clients to perform transactions including the setting up of international financial packages that minimize tax costs while remaining legally compliant.”

Thierry was adamant in his zeal that the company would not rest on its laurels. “AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM has always tried hard to provide state-of-the-art tax legal services to its clients, while respecting the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics. The firm maintains continuously in-depth and up-to date knowledge, as our clients move in an ever-changing world in crisis, while complying with an important number of laws and regulations, and all of this in an increasingly competitive business environment.” Customers, then, can continue to expect the very highest service.

Mix this with a unique rigour in the advice given to customers and becoming clear are the reasons for the dizzying success of the compa-

The firm has firmly differentiated itself in its field. About this, Thierry commented that his firm “chooses deliberately the “boutique”

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status as it dedicates its entire activity to the sphere of Tax Law and Financial Criminal Law. This situation allows the firm to gather really specialist lawyers just as it gives the Firm great independence. AFSCHRIFT has often appeared as a “pioneer” in respect of the development of argumentation.”

Further, the firm is a tireless combatant against the ever increasing power of the State.

“People are daily confronted with heavy taxes, both in their personal and professional life: VAT, income taxes, corporate tax, inheritance tax, etc. Taxpayers have in this context a legitimate aim to organize as best they can their personal, real property or professional patrimony in order to reduce that tax burden.” This is what the firm promises, and as we have seen, is more than capable of delivering.

Thierry Afschrift

Afschrift Law Firm Avenue Louise, 208 1050 BRUXELLES BELGIQUE t: +32 2 646 46 36 w: www.afschrift.com f: +32 2 644 38 00

M&A AWARDS 2012

M&A Law Firm of the Year: El Salvador

- Arias & Muñoz

We began our interview by asking her on the biggest challenges facing her company.

“Mostly the cost-benefit aspect and being able to provide benefit for our clients at an efficient cost. As with every new case we are motivated to learn to deal with different perspectives on how to provide our clients alternatives and solutions to the services they require and become effective at the same time. We were very pleased with the award, it is a confirmation that we are going in the right track.”

The right track it is indeed, one characterized by high quality client service, creativity in solution and an exceptional level of response.

This has enabled the firm to build a large and far reaching client base. As Gallardo affirmed, “We facilitate our clients with different ways for them to do business, and in some cases, we are with them since the business start-up

or the local acquisition, which provides us an opportunity to assist them in their legal needs throughout their local operations.”

cient. Further, we are resolute in our determination to enable a healthy balance between work and family.”

Gallardo remained optimistic about debt finance availability.

Our readers were keen to point out that underpinning the firm’s good work is always strong ethical and moral values as well as the highest levels of professionalism. Gallardo added to this, “There is more commitment and a need to be creative in order to stand apart from the competition and create a real difference. This is a major challenge.”

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l The merited winners of M&A Law Firm of the Year El Salvador are Arias & Muñoz. We at Acquisition International had the good fortune of catching up with Partner of the firm, the acclaimed Roberta Gallardo.

There is availability. This would depend on the structure of the project as well as the fiscal efficiency sought.

And what about the main reasons for the success? “It is due to our adaptations, namely that we have adapted in the cost-benefit aspect. We have to prove ourselves more capable, flexible and creative in order to reach the same results. We are pleased with how successfully we have achieved this aim.”

We all know that it takes months of hard work to close deals. The company has managed this highly stressful process in an exemplary way.

“We always involve the number of lawyers that are needed and we assign tasks according to their specialty. Another key aspect is the ability to delegate, in order to be cost effi-

AI fully expects Arias & Muñoz to continue to meet such challenges. Gallardo sees the key to meeting these challenges is recruitment. “We will most likely be recruiting. All will depend on the political and economic situation of our country. But we are confident that we can remain highly responsive to all changes.”

Arias & Muñoz Calle La Mascota #533, Colonia San Benito pbx: +503 2257-0900 f: +503 2257-0901 e: contact.elsalvador@ariaslaw.com w: ariaslaw.com

Awford Legal Awford Legal - Aerospace, Product Liability, Insurance & Re-Insurance, Commercial Litigation, Arbitration, & Alternative Dispute Resolution Mailing Address PO Box 99, Vaucluse NSW 2030, Australia T: +61 2 9337 3017 F: +61 2 9337 1101 M: +61 0448 313131 E: ian@al-law.com W: www.al-law.com

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Australian Aviation Law Firm of the Year

M&A AWARDS 2012

UK Asset Based Lender of the Year

l The highly contested award of UK Asset Based Lender of the Year goes to Barclays. Neil Clinton is the Director of Multinational Corporates within the Trade and Working Capital team and Acquisition International had the good fortune to catch up with Neil to engage him in discussion.

Upon receipt of the award, a delighted Clinton confirmed, “It is a great recognition for not only the Barclays team but also our wider partners such as our introducers and advisors.” Speaking of the firm’s adaptability in the face of a stagnant economic milieu, Clinton continues, “The tougher economic climate has increased concerns that the period between invoicing and payment receipt will extend further, whilst the possibility of clients defaulting will increase. As such, managing the working capital cycle has never been more important to our clients. Flexibility is a key factor for organisations looking for working capital to assist them in organisational growth strategies.”

Central to the heady success of the firm is an openness and willingness to share best prac-

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- Barclays

tice amongst colleagues. This has promoted a service that aims to be

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right first time

for clients. Further, this prevailing tendency towards openness is wed to a streamlined working environment. Clinton kindly gave us his insights, relating in particular to transaction management, “As with all large facility structure requests, our first action is to form a deal team incorporating all internal Department Heads and on many occasions external advisers. This enables us to run the deal on a structured approach with regular updates and established timelines around deliverability. By having regular on-going dialogue with the client and advisors any potential issues should be rectified either before or as soon as they arise, leading to a satisfactory outcome for all parties.”

Clinton is under no illusions as to the challenges ahead due to the precarious global market, expressing a desire for expansion.

“As trade continues to become more global in nature and growth patterns are shifting away from the more developed economies,

our clients are looking outside their traditional markets towards BRIC and emerging economies for growth. To support our clients’ needs Barclays has not only strengthened its UK and European Trade and Working Capital teams but also increased its presence in Middle East, African and Asian markets.”

Looking ahead to the future, Clinton is confident in his firm’s ability to remain responsive to client needs. “Flexibility and listening to what your customers need are important during this time of economic change and uncertainty.

The service features of both ABL and Trade products are key components of this offering. Management and their advisers should always satisfy themselves that a potential ABL provider fully understands the dynamics of the business and obtains sufficient in-depth knowledge of the nature of the underlying assets.”

Neil Clinton Barclays, Churchill Place, London. E14 5HP w: Barclays.com Neil Clinton

Post Acquisition Firm of the Year: California

- Conduit Consulting LLC

How did it feel when your firm won the Post Acquisition Firm of the Year: California?

“I am delighted Acquisition International and Prequin readers recognized Conduit Consulting LLC for our high-quality strategic planning, merger integration, and transitional management services.“ The global market is clearly in a precarious position.

What sets Conduit Consulting LLC apart?

“Unlike most deal and integration advisers, Conduit Consulting LLC professionals not only have extensive buy-side and sell-side experience on a wide variety of cross-border and domestic transactions, but also have considerable and multi-disciplinary hands-on, line management, general management, and project management expertise. This enables us to effectively advise on and support Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Licensing, Product Placement, Outsourcing, and other strategic alliance deals, as well as provide Strategy, General

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Management, and other Corporate Development advisory and support services.”

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l Jillian Alexander is Founder and Managing Director of Conduit Consulting LLC, a Strategy & Corporate Development consultancy based in Santa Monica. The firm was recently awarded Post Acquisition Firm of the Year by Acquisition International readers.

Our experience and expertise affords us to independently and expertly review and assess each client’s situation from various stakeholders’ perspectives, then provide insightful guidance and pragmatic solutions that quickly and effectively get accretive deals done. Often those that others could not close.

“Conduit Consulting LLC’s customized and valueoriented holistic approach expedites producing breakthrough innovations, breakaway strategies, and operational integration which result in catapulting clients toward success.”

How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award?

“Whenever optimizing productivity, increasing profits or realizing desired results within specific time interval is the goal, teamwork is necessary.

Rather than allocating precious time and resources to superficial team-building activities, the Conduit Consulting LLC approach fosters a team-working culture through strategic planning methods, organization design elements, and by cultivating understanding and respect amongst client personnel and various advisors regardless of level within the client organization or advisory team.

Our focus is on each client’s success. That drives team collaboration, which, in turn, facilitates achieving client goals.”

Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work, what strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management?

“When managing a transaction or reorganization, employing Conduit Consulting LLC’s approach quickly diminishes deal fatigue, fear, and interpersonal issues which may occur amongst advisory team and client personnel.

Yet, deals remain intense due to enhanced benefits clients may derived should the transaction and reorganization be completed swiftly. To diffuse likelihood of burnout amongst deal team and clients, we plan the work and structure teams so that milestones and goals can be accomplished within reasonable amounts of time and without frequent disruption to client’s daily operating activities or continual heroic efforts.”

Jillian Alexander

Jillian Alexander, MBA, CM&AA, CHRC Conduit Consulting LLC 2530 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA e: info@conduitconsulting.com w: www.conduitconsulting.com t: +1 310 260 9765

M&A AWARDS 2012

UK Watch List Filtering Solutions Provider of the Year

- FircoSoft

l In a highly competitive category, our readers voted FircoSoft as the UK Watch List Filtering Solutions Provider of the Year. Speaking with the CEO Jean Losco was Acquisition International’s Rob Hearne.

Over the last year, FircoSoft has consolidated its reputation as a highly specialized firm offering its customers a uniquely personalised service. Commenting on his reception of the award, Losco confirmed that “We were very pleased and honoured to learn we received this prestigious award. We view it as the result of our effective and resilient business model, and a very strong and diversified customer base (over 520 customers in 70+ countries). While these are challenging economic conditions, we show a steady profitability and revenue growth due to positive underlying market trends driven by increasing regulations against financial crime.”

Losco has marshalled a great team culture, centred on the value of openness. “We share relevant information showing the way forward and we share both good and bad news

Portuguese irm aw F Banking L ear of the Y

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to help us improve. Ultimately, this makes all employees feel they work for a team they can be fully committed to. Work, to them, is an enjoyable challenge.”

The company is dedicated to improvement, an essential quality for survival in this highly competitive arena. About matters of innovation and expansion, Losco was buoyant, “We will continue to innovate and expand our solutions, adapt to evolving and more stringent regulatory requirements, and partner very closely with our customers to help them keep ahead of risks and regulations.”

This committed ethos is undeniably what has kept FircoSoft as the market leader for watch list filtering, lauded by regulators, analysts and financial institutions around the world since 2003. This wealth of experience no doubt stands them in a strong position in the global market. “Sanctions compliance and the requirement for banks to have controls in place to protect its customers and company are more important now than in any time in the past. Compliance software solutions have switched from a “nice to have” to a “required to have.

Since 9/11 we have seen only increasing and more stringent regulatory requirements impacting financial institutions and providing a market opportunity for software companies that can effectively address these requirements. More and more emphasis is being put on real-time transaction filtering and customer due diligence.”

An impressively confident set of statements from the esteemed head then, but how does he plan on staying ahead of numerous hungry competitors? “We will focus on our core competency, work hard and smart. Experience tells us that the rewards are consistent growth, profitability and satisfied, loyal customers.” We at AI wish them every success to continue to provide such valuable services.

Jean Losco

FircoSoft Ltd St Olaves House, 10 Lloyds Avenue London EC3N 3AJ United Kingdom t: +44 (0)20 7780 6710 f: +44 (0)20 7780 6739 e: info@fircosoft.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

Anglo German Law Firm of the Year

- Gregory Rowcliffe Milners l The high performing German team at GRM, lead by English / German dual qualified Partner Jan Hoppe are the winners of this year’s Anglo German Law Firm of the Year. Rob Hearne at Acquisition International was delighted to discuss business matters with Jan and he heartily congratulated GRM for winning the prized award.

“The firm is delighted to see years of good work in the Anglo German market recognised,” responded Jan Hoppe GRM has set the benchmark this past year. The partners of GRM are under no illusions as to why they have received such praise from the readers of AI. Jan comnmented, “It is due, I think to continuity of relationships, our personal partner-led service and our consistently pro-active approach.

We have a deep understanding, at a plethora of different levels, of what is involved in international business.”

GRM has a wide ranging client base. We were curious as to how this base was maintained. Mr Hoppe commented, “We have obtained our international and particularly our Anglo-German client base through personal recommendation and referral,

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involvement in international networks (e.g. IGAL) and our close links with organizations such as Chambers of Commerce in the UK and abroad, UKTI and London and Partners.”

Mr Hoppe also kindly offered valuable insights regarding the M&A market as compared to 2007 / 2008 levels, “The volume of M&A transactions has decreased significantly in the segment above £5 million. The small transaction segment £500K to £5 million has remained steady with a slight increase in transactions during 2011. The M&A market as a whole is likely to remain sluggish during next two years.”

Given the difficult economic conditions, it is important for companies to adapt accordingly. On adaptation, Mr Hoppe confirmed that, “Obviously one always has to work hard at generating deals but now it is even more important to ensure effective and efficient project and cost management so that the client has a full overview of issues at all times and doesn’t incur unexpected fees.”

“As GRM is a small firm, we operate with relatively compact teams which are all partner-led. This facilitates effective and flexible team management and, most importantly, ensures continuity of client relationships and knowledge and ensures delivery to the clients at economic rates.”

GRM’s experts are widely renowned. “All of our senior partners and advisers are highly trusted and experienced individuals.” He continued, “The fact that we can also meet clients’ needs in the fields of property, litigation, employment law, immigration, private client, family law and more, without them being passed from pillar to post, is a great strength which we know clients appreciate.”

Mr Hoppe is rightly optimistic about GRM’s future, “We position and market ourselves as niche specialists for inward investment into the UK providing our services, where appropriate, through internationally qualified legal staff. We believe GRM will be in an even stronger position in the years ahead than we are now; our strategy is to continue to develop our niche international position still further and we are always interested in recognising where there may be opportunities to enhance our team and the scope of our activities with like minded individuals who share our aims and objectives.”

Jan Hoppe Gregory Rowcliffe Milners 1 Bedford Row London, UNITED KINGDOM t: 020 7242 0631 e: law@grm.co.uk w: www.grm.co.uk

M&A AWARDS 2012

USA Small Cap Private Equity Firm of the Year

- Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners

To begin with, we congratulated him on his award. Oakford responded, “Well, we had a fabulous year last year as we created very large profits for our limited partners. The market is extremely competitive in the US and Europe.”

Indeed, the market is hugely competitive, particularly so given the difficult economic conditions. Oakford, however, has seen this kind of outlook before. “This firm was started in 1984 so we’ve seen a series of downturns, general broad industry declines and recoveries and we’ve seen some industry specific recessions as well. In every one of these downturns comes, of course, opportunity so we’re always looking for opportunity to help companies deal with the downturns.”

This experience means that the firm has great belief in its strategy. Resilient it has been up to this point, and Oakford sees no reason to deviate. “We have stuck to our basic strategy of creating value in our portfolios with improved culture, lean operations and add-on acquisitions. We believe in our core strategies in every market.”

This strategy involves a focus on, as Oakford informed us,

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l The eminent award of USA Small Capital Private Equity Firm of the Year goes to Hamilton Robinson. Charlotte Abbott of Acquisition International caught up with its foremost partner, Scott Oakford, to enjoy a discussion on matters relating to team ethos, business strategy and his expectations for the future.

Always, investment activity in North America first and foremost. And then we address the global market through add-on acquisitions.

The Eurozone troubles have also been shrewdly negotiated by the firm. “It has opened up opportunities for companies here in the United States and North America that are exporting. So we are seeing strength in North American manufacturing businesses with an export orientation. It’s been attractive for us.”

The team forms a strong and agile nexus. On its specific culture, Oakford kindly expanded, “We promote a positive culture not only in the businesses that we invest in but we also promote it right here in our own operating company. We do that by including all the managers in the participation in the profits of the investments and in the ownership of the operating company itself. You can’t communicate enough. We are very active on internal communication, discussion of projects, discussion of the organization and planning for the future of our business.”

To summarize, Oakford is confident that it is their sticking to their core investment strategy which helped them to enormous success in 2011. They fully intend to chart a similar course this year, and we bet they will be strong contenders again for next year’s awards.

Hamilton Robinson

Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners 281 Tresser Boulevard Suite 1000 Stamford, CT 06901 t: (203) 602-0011 w: www.hrco.com

Japanese Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year

- Ishioroshi & Associates

We began our talk by asking him what he feels is the cause of the recognition his team is enjoying. He commented on both deal generation and project management. “We were very happy and proud to be chosen ahead of several other exceptional IP law firms in Japan. Over the past years, we have taken into consideration that our clients’ budget restrictions have become tighter and their expectations higher.

We have, therefore, concentrated on providing more sophisticated legal advice in a more efficient way. Our firm is small and this has enabled us to enhance the quality and expertise of our work rather than on just growth.”

Masaki was also happy to talk of his consummate team. “Our team is our most valuable asset and teamwork is critical to our success.

The experienced lawyers take every oppor-

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tunity to share know-how and expertise with young lawyers spending. This, we believe, keeps the whole team productive.”

As for the strategies used to deal with the stresses of transaction management, Ishioroshi explained the meticulous detail they ascribe each caseload.

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Even if a transaction is big and seemingly overwhelming, it consists of small issues in most cases. Therefore, though always having in mind the goal and the overall purpose of the transaction, we handle each small but important issue promptly and efficiently. Doing so can alleviate stresses of such deal management yet, of course, stress remains in order to close significant transactions.

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l The runaway winners of this year’s Japanese Intellectual Property Law Form of the Year are Ishioroshi & Associates.

Acquisition International had a chance to speak with its founder, Masaki Ishioroshi, to talk matters teamwork, closing deals in challenging economic conditions, and delivering for their customers.

This attention to detail and desire to improve expertise throughout the company are the keys to ensuring future successes at Ishiroshi & Associates. Further, as Masaki highlighted, “Clients

are interested in achieving their business goals, not in legal theory. Corporate lawyers need to have good understanding of their clients’ business. We fully grasp our clients’ business goals and provide tailor-made legal advice for each client concerning intellectual property laws.”

He was also, rightly so, upbeat and keen to discuss the future of his company. “In Japan, the number of lawyers has dramatically and rapidly increased over the recent years. We will seek to continue to differentiate ourselves with an emphasis on expertise and quality.

Even in a high-supply environment, there are not necessarily many lawyers who are able to provide sophisticated legal advice in areas that require high expertise and experience.

We expect to remain the best at what we do, working with higher even levels of sophistication to meet our clients’ specialized needs.”

Masaki ISHIOROSHI 4F Yokohama Higashiguchi bldg. 2-10-13 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City w: ishioroshi.com t: +81-45-444-2455 f: +81-45-444-2441 e: info@ishioroshi.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

Borgartún 26 105 Reykjavík Tel: +354 580 4400 Fax: +354 580 4401

Banking & Finance Law Firm Of The Year Iceland Areas of Expertise

The Firm JURIS offers specialized legal services with emphasis on commercial and financial law.

Banking and Finance Corporate and Commercial IP, IT and Telecom Litigation and Arbitration Energy and Resources Competition and EU/EEA Tax Insolvency and Restructuring

JURIS’ lawyers have expertise in their individual fields where they have acquired extensive experience inter alia through litigation and teaching in local universities.

Trademarks Law Firm of the Year: New York

- Ladas & Parry LLP

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Bryer also credits the Firm’s attorneys and professional staff for its success.

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when clients are trying to plan for the future often years in advance. You can’t control these circumstances and it’s the biggest factor when it comes to creating opportunities.”

We work long hours, so it’s important that we like and respect one another. To have good people working with you is absolutely essential to properly serve clients.

Despite the Firm’s uninterrupted workflow, Bryer admits that the 2008 economic collapse affected the legal industry across the board.

“There are pricing issues on everything now and that is not just specific to us or to our field. A healthy economy is critical, especially

As the economy rebuilds, the firm aims to stay on top.

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When asked how the Firm works to address the global market for M&A services, Bryer confirmed, “We’ve been addressing the global market for 100 years. We’re an international law firm and have a very extensive network of relationships around the world that go back for decades.” Indeed, Bryer credits the Firm’s longstanding relationships for its consistently busy caseload. “We have strong relationships with international corporations and local law firms all over the world. Our work is generated to a large extent by our clients’ commercial transactions, and our clients have been very active.”

Comparing Ladas to other international IP firms, Bryer says, “Our practice group is unique because we focus on M&A, but only with regard to intellectual property rights.

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling IP rights throughout the world and this rich history provides us with credibility in the international legal community. We are able to offer high quality work at exceptional value and our clients can attest to that fact.”

Clients are taking a closer look at the value placed on the work and what they are willing to pay for those services. We are just focusing on continuing to provide excellent service at competitive rates, and with 100 years of experience under our belt, our work speaks for itself.

Dennis S. Prahl, Esq. Ladas & Parry LLP 1040 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10018 t: 212.708.1817 f: 212.246.8959 e: dprahl@ladas.com w: www.ladas.com

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l Ladas & Parry LLP is the deserved winner of this year’s Trademarks Law Firm of the Year Award. Acquisition International correspondent Rob Hearne found time to chat with Mr. Lanning G. Bryer, Partner in the New York office and Director of the Firm’s Mergers, Acquisitions and Licensing Group, about the firm’s activities in these unpredictable economic times, touching on the firm’s expertise and relationships.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Financial Communications Firm of the Year

- Leander PR Ltd.

this by focusing on a small segment of the market. Our focus is on the AIM segment of the LSE and I believe that the advice we provide is always right for our clients.”

Taylor-Wilkinson responded, “We were obviously delighted to win the award, especially since we are a small and fairly young financial PR company, competing against a number of far more established and larger agencies.”

Of their client base, Taylor-Wilkinson confirmed, “Leander advises companies from all over the world; we currently work on retainer with clients from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, as well as the UK. All have either a UK stock market listings, or a focus on attracting UK shareholders. This is what we offer – a direct route to the UK shareholder market.”

Small in size the company may be, but that hasn’t stopped it from providing clients with a consistently high service over the last twelve months, which has seen the company grow to become a standout performer in a highly competitive field.

“Leander specialises in advising the smaller end of the market and we don’t try to compete outside this. Experience has taught me that companies need expert advice and we provide

We at AI can confirm the appropriateness of services provided to their clients, as proven by the enthusiasm of our readers. This expert provision has contributed to a far-reaching clientele base which is a credit to the firm.

Taylor-Wilkinson also spoke on how the firm has managed to negotiate the terrain currently dominated by the Eurozone. “We have moved more towards a “performance based remuneration” model, whereby fees are no longer solely based around a monthly or annual retainer, but take into account the value of

the PR programme’s results; in share price performance, a rising trend in stock liquidity, or in media profile generated through the interviews and column inches achieved per month.”

We expect that the company will continue to look after small businesses and offer the best financial communications advice. They have proven themselves to be adept at transaction management, a real strength of the firm.

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l This year, our perceptive readers have voted Leander PR Ltd as the winners of the Financial Communications Firm of the Year. MD, Christian Taylor-Wilkinson kindly found time to speak with AI magazine earlier this month. As usual, we began by congratulating him and his team on winning the award, asking what it meant to him.

We take each deal as it comes and work closely with the client to ensure shareholders are aware of each step of the transaction, Taylor-Wilkinson explained.

Christian Taylor-Wilkinson Managing Director 1 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7EF t: +44 (0) 7795 168 157 e: ctw@leanderPR.com skype: ctaylorw

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia

- Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS) l The winner of this year’s Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia is Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS). A fiercely contested category it was, and it is a credit to Managing Partner Idwan (“Kiki”) Ganie that his adept stewardship has led to this high accolade. AI offers many thanks to the dynamic Managing Partner for taking time out to discuss with us his firm’s unique values and achievements.

Two of, the Firm’s core values are: PARA (Punctual-Accessible-Reliable-Accurate) and FSC (Faster-Simpler-Cheaper).

In a highly competitive market, Ganie’s firm has really stood out this past year. As he was quick to confirm, “We closely interact with our clients to understand their problems, determine their needs, and arrive at legal solutions that make sense and are both cost-effective and sustainable. We strive on addressing the challenges that keep our clients awake at night and approach them with an empathetic view that is driven by a deep interest in their business needs and in the surrounding practicalities of the legal and business landscape that they operate in.”

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This is by no means a new endeavour, but has been gradually refined over the duration of 27 years of service, which has seen the firm rise to secure its position as the premier Indonesian corporate transaction and commercial litigation law firm. The firm is now, as Ganie identified, “Able and always eager to deal with the full range of commercial issues faced by our clients in Indonesia.”

activity in several sectors due to uncertainty over government policy and regulations.

However, transactions have continued due to the growth potential of the Indonesian market, and we expect a surge of activity as regulatory issues are clarified over the coming months and years.”

Regarding the different approaches necessary when dealing with private equity and trade clients, Ganie kindly imparted, “Private equity clients often take a very broad view of the Indonesian market due to the nature of their business models, and as a consequence require a broad range of expertise in order to provide the required services. Trade clients generally have more focused issues, and as such require in-depth expertise on the matters in question.”

This optimism in the face of an uncertain economic picture runs throughout the company, the management of which is characterized by a commitment to personal and professional development. It has propelled the company to the pinnacle of the legal world. “LGS has always stood for unparalleled client focus and an understanding of our clients’ needs.

Our mission statement is: “The Law On Your Side.” To be unparalleled is the benchmark for this company, and we fully expect their mission to continue with increased vigour.

Further, we were enlightened about the domestic M&A market in Indonesia. “Debt financing is increasingly more available in Indonesia due to the recent upgrades of the sovereign debt. Nonetheless, ultimately the availability of such financing and the effects on M&A are driven by the nature of the particular client. There has been a reduction in

Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia t: +62-21 831 5005, 831 5025 f: +62-21 831 5015, 831 5035 e: lubis@lgslaw.co.id / ganie@lgslaw.co.id surowidjojo@lgslaw.co.id

M&A AWARDS 2012

Lithuanian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year

- Motieka & Audzevičius

We congratulated him on his award, to which he responded, “Thank you. We strongly believe that it is a testimony of our in-depth expertise in Dispute Resolution practice and our achievements during the past 12 months.”

The firm has remained resolute in an extremely competitive market. On this subject, Audzevičius mused, “It is all about the quality of the service we provide and customer focus.

We value each of our clients and strive for the best possible outcome for them. The personalized solutions, attention to the client and high level of service are elements that really make the difference in the market.”

This rings true with the analysis of our capable readers, all of whom I am sure are interested to know the steps the firm takes to meet the global market of M&A. Audzevičius explained that, “The key to success is firstly the team.

Hiring the right people and later on investing in your human capital is what allows competing in the global arena. Our specialists have acquired their degrees in leading world class universities such as Oxford, Harvard, Columbia, etc. thus, guaranteeing the high quality of their performance. Moreover, the firm fosters continuous learning process and puts a strong emphasis on internal coaching.”

Couple this commitment to professional development with high levels of international expertise, and it is no surprise the company is proving to be so successful. Audzevičius is unfazed by troubles in the Eurozone, “Actually, we view this as an amazing opportunity for our firm. One of our core strengths is EU Law. This, combined with high level expertise in Dispute Resolution, M&A and Competition Law allows us to provide a high quality service for our clients. Moreover, our experience working with CIS and Russia markets allows acting as a link between Eastern and Western markets.”

We were also fortunate to hear a few wise words regarding how the legal market might change and their plans in the light of this.

Audzevičius remarked,

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Cost efficiency and general efficiency increase are gaining vital importance nowadays. We perfectly understand the need of the firms to optimize their expenses, thus we apply flexible pricing.

Recruiting top performers will be one of the keys to future success.

The recruitment of right people will enable us to strengthen the collaboration with our partners in the Baltics and Russia.

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l Our readers have voted for Motieka & Audzevičius as the Lithuanian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year. AI had the pleasure of meeting its esteemed Partner and Co-Head of Dispute Resolution, Ramūnas Audzevičius to discuss the reasons for the impressive levels of their success, their desire to remain fiercely competitive, and their adaptability in the face of volatile economic conditions.

Ramūnas Audzevičius

Motieka & Audzevicius Gyneju street 4 LT-01109 Vilnius Lithuania t: +370 5 2 000 777 f: +370 5 2 000 888 e: info@ma-law.lt

Romanian Overall Law Firm of the Year

- Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen l Fully deserving the award of Romanian Overall Law Firm of the Year is Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP). Partner Gabriela Cacerea took the time to discuss business with Acquisition International’s Robert Hearne.

To begin with, we requested a little information about the team’s specialists. “We have consolidated over time a team of professionals specialized in all areas of M&A transactions (from complex private acquisitions and privatization processes, to corporate re-structuring and private equity transactions, and transactions IPO, SPOs on capital markets) as well as in the energy market (with a continuous focus on renewable projects) and the insurance sector.”

As for the features of her firm that have led to such high levels of recognition, Cacerea said, “Firstly, we are proud and honoured that our enormous efforts have paid off to the extent that we have exceeded last year’s achievements, when we won the title of Energy Law Firm of the Year. Our firm’s belief is that our

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understanding of each client and his business and the ability to build up long term relationships based on creativity, trust and hard work, have contributed to our continuing successes. We are in competition with ourselves and passionate in our work.”

lective in terms of projects they are interested in. Large scale M&A transactions common in 2007/2008 have been replaced by a hugely active and highly dynamic small and mid-size transaction base.”

This buoyancy runs right through the firm and has meant that the firm is fully established in the global arena. Networking has also been crucial to this expansion, with the firm being a part of several prestigious professional alliances and affiliations covering more than 160 jurisdictions. Further, Cacerea continued, “We continuously develop our good relationship with other professionals and our network within the legal alliances, which helps us meet investors from all types of jurisdictions, active in various industries.”

And finally, we asked how will she and her firm push on in the years ahead? “We will keep doing what we are best at: providing top class legal service with the belief that nothing can stop us from reaching our goals. We hope our carefully maintained and long lasting relationships and commercial acumen will keep us at an advantage. The business climate is one of uncertainty, but we have an in-depth knowledge of all the industries, and we’re always recruiting in search of new talents who share our values and goals.”

Cacerea also kindly offered her expert insights regarding the unpredictability of debt finance and current levels of M&A transactions. “The lack of debt finance is not a local matter but a global one. Each market is trying to react by identifying additional financing resources.

The fact that financing has become more selective has led to investors being more se-

Bucharest Business Park, 1A Bucuresti-Ploiesti National Road, Entrance A, 4th Floor, 1st District, Bucharest 013681, Romania t: +40 21 201 1200 / +40 31 225 3300 f: +40 21 201 1210 / +40 31 225 3310 e: office@nndkp.ro

M&A AWARDS 2012

UK Safety Law Firm of the Year

- Norton Rose LLP

There are number of issues currently facing Health & Safety and Environmental Law Firms, the biggest of which is budget costs.

May noted, “Budget costs in the UK are reducing the resources of the regulatory authorities and placing more emphasis on self-regulation.

At the EU level, there are ever increasing laws in this area which means clients need greater assistance with interpretation.”

The firm exploits to the maximum its ability to act globally in the M&A market, “Our global platform with offices in Asia, the Middle East, Far East and North and South America give us a truly global footprint. The Norton Rose Global brand helps us market effectively overseas and our reputation as specialists helps us to attract high quality work,” May explained.

May has led her Firm through challenging market conditions to emerge as the leading player in the field about the challenging economic milieu, May stated, “We are managing costs very closely and working flexibly with our clients to deliver cost management and focused results.”

Teamwork has undoubtedly been the major factor in their assured performance. On this subject, May reflected, “We operate as a close team and work together on a daily basis with our colleagues and clients. We have regular meetings and know-how sessions and we socialize as a team with all team members included. We all enjoy this area of law and are genuinely interested in it. We enjoy sharing our experiences with clients and colleagues.”

The firm is also working hard to ensure they are firm contenders to win the award next year. “We are working with our international colleagues more closely to build a truly global brand, emphasizing that we are experienced, pragmatic, tenacious and commercial to all potential clients.”

With the legal market changing fast, May is believes that the result will be, “Increased

competition and costs pressure, but many new opportunities. But the Norton Rose Group is well placed to respond to market conditions and we believe a global elite of law firms will emerge which will include ourselves.”

Over the next few years, the firm will change shape, and expand to recruit new members.

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Yes, we will definitely be recruiting. We believe that the team and the firm will see an increased demand for services over the next 3 years and we will need to recruit top quality candidates both internally and externally to meet demand.

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l Caroline May is Partner, Head of Safety and Environment, at Norton Rose LLP, the worthy winners of this years’ UK Safety Law Firm of the Year. Acquisition International was delighted to converse with her about the all-important business matters.

Norton Rose LLP 3 More London Riverside London SE1 2AQ United Kingdom t: +44 20 7283 6000 f: +44 20 7283 6500, DX 85 London w: www.nortonrose.com

Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year: New York

- Peters Advisors LLC l Proud winners of this year’s Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year: New York are Peters Advisors LLC. It was Rob Hearne’s great pleasure to catch up with Founder and Partner Dan Peters to reflect on the key to their successes and ambitions for the future.

Peters began by thanking the readers for the accolade, commenting that it was,

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Satisfying to know that our clients appreciate the approach we take and the outcome of our work.

The firm does not depend upon the transactional market. “Instead,” Peters affirmed, “we are driven by internal restructurings to help our clients manage risk and achieve financial objectives.”

In terms of the team culture which has shaped the success of his company, Peters responded, “Team culture is not really applicable to us – we are a small team of highly experienced

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technical experts who work independently with outside consultants, lawyers, and inhouse personnel. Our ability to work flexibly depending upon client requirements is critical to our success.”

This technical experience is the result of the vast amount of experience in the company, of which Peters is the most seasoned performer.

He is confident that his company will stay at the top of the league next year, explaining that they “will continue to service clients and approach the technical aspect of our profession the same way each year.”

These tried and tested methods include dealing with each client in the most pragmatic fashion possible. “We believe the obtaining the best results for our clients in an efficient manner will ultimately be most rewarding for us.”

With the global market experiencing difficulties and uncertainty at the moment, Peters Advisors LLC looks set to maintain a measured and cultured path. He highlighted that “the combination of experience, expertise and fair pricing –combined with our results-oriented

approach - give us an advantage in any type of marketplace.”

Ever pragmatically minded, Peters understands the value of the work practices that have served him so well in the past, “We will continue to recruit like-minded professionals and expand our business judiciously to serve our clients.”

Further, he advised others to have patience and confidence in their working practices, advocating an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” work strategy. “My advice is to keep doing what you do how you do it – that will ensure continuing success.” Given the plaudits he has received from our readers in the last year, we wouldn’t expect the decorated team to change course now and fully expect them to be strong contenders for next years’ prizes.

Dan Peters Peters Advisors LLC 88 East Main Street Suite 129H Mendham, NJ 07945 t: 973 879 2591 w: www.petersadvisors.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

South African Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year

- PricewaterhouseCoopers l Esteemed winners of the outstanding award of South African Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year are PricewaterhouseCoopers. Congratulating Partner Peter McCrystal on another successful year was Acquisition International’s Rob Hearne.

McCrystal was clear on what the award reflected. “The recognition is due to the quality of the people within the PwC Transaction Services team and their ability to add value to transactions. We are very proud to be recognized.”

We were interested to know what he thinks has so singled out his company over the last twelve months. Peter affirmed, “We have always strived to give our clients a unique experience through being highly responsive to their requests. This is coupled with a thorough understanding of our clients, enabling us to focus on the key drivers of value within their transactions.”

In the face of the events currently troubling the Eurozone, the firm has shown itself to be highly resilient. In acknowledgement of this, McCrystal said, “The Eurozone crisis has had

an obvious impact on liquidity in global debts markets which has seen generally lower activity by private equity clients with debt being more expensive and harder to come by. Corporates have become more conservative in this time of uncertainty, building up in some instances, significant cash balances which we see as an opportunity going forward as they use these funds for new acquisitions.”

Further, McCrystal expanded on his team’s successes in the transactional market in these difficult times economically, referencing in particular deal generation and project management. “We have had to maintain existing relationships with clients through approaches such as understanding their specific concerns and tailoring the scope of our work to address these concerns. This avoids the unnecessary time and cost of a “full scope” due diligence while still addressing the key business drivers and risk areas without compromising on the quality of our input to the deal process.”

Upholding their endeavours is a unique and productive team culture. McCrystal expressed, “We have a very close knit team who work excellently together under pressure. We also have a very active “social club” in the divi-

sion which organizes various events which help build morale and cement strong working relationships within the team.”

The team is also dedicated to innovation and to providing clients with, what McCrystal calls, “The whole experience.” He continued, “This experience is encompassed in all of our dealings with the client and target. It runs through how responsive we are to clients, and of course the quality of our views and impact on the deal process.”

This impressive team will, McCrystal argues, strengthen in the years ahead. “We will extend our focus to the African continent, where superior returns are being realized, consequently attracting the attention of multi-nationals.”

We and our readers can look forward to more stunning performances.

PricewaterhouseCoopers PO Box 818 Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa t: +27 51 503 4100 f: +27 51 503 4399

Overall Financial Advisory Firm of the Year: France

Corporate Finance

- PwC Corporate Finance Fully meriting the award of Overall Financial Advisory Firm of the Year for France is PwC. AI’s Rob Hearne corresponded with partner and Head of PwC Corporate Finance Tarique Shakir-Khalil to discuss the company’s many achievements.

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Our team worked tirelessly and with great ingenuity to adapt to the changing environment and successfully closed 2 - 3 strategically important deals on average each month in 2011 despite these volatile market conditions,

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Shakir-Khalil remarked.

With reference to deal generation and project management, Tarique elaborated three reasons for their success. “First, we have focused on originating deals which have a sound strategic rationale for our clients and a realistic chance of being delivered in the current market. Second, while we are surprised to see many sales processes being run in the

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same way they were in the past, we have been careful to adapt our processes and to carefully market assets to buyers with tailored messages. Third, we have leveraged our international network which has enabled us to connect our French clients with buyers and sellers across the globe. This is borne out by the fact that 50% of our deals by number and 2/3rds by value were cross-border deals in 2011” Underlying the good work is a successful teamwork ethic. “Our team includes home grown M&A professionals as well as professionals recruited from investment banks, specialist M&A boutiques and financing institutions. Our team continually aspires to improve via sharing of market intelligence and best practices.”

The company will not rest on its laurels. As Tarique testified, “Our sector teams have been key over the last 24 months to ensuring the team directs its energies in the right direction by detecting areas where M&A makes sense within an overall strategy. Looking forward, in addition to sharp sector analysis it will be increasingly important to create and capture deal flows matching cross border flows inherent to deliver on international strategies. Our 2012

pipeline reflects this with significant mandates underway to assist French clients with strategic ambitions to tap into the faster growing geographical markets such as Asia and Africa.”

There is a clear intention to continue to take advantage of PwC’s specific insights into market conditions which, most predict, will remain volatile. Shakir-Khalil envisioned many changes for his firm, “In today’s global economy M&A is not a gamble or an option but rather a strategic tool to shape businesses and deliver growth. Private Equity investors and corporates alike realize that successful M&A strategies require increasingly granular analysis and international execution skills.

This increased sophistication will benefit firms able to bring together a diverse range of strategic and technical competences and marry them with deal making capacity.”

Tarique Shakir-Khalil

Tarique Shakir-Khalil Neuilly-sur-Seine 63 Rue De Villiers 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine w: www.pwc.fr t: +33 1 56 57 58 59 f: +33 1 56 57 58 60

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year

- PwC Indonesia l Receiving the most votes for the category of Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year is PwC Indonesia. Congratulating the worthy team on the award was AI’s Rob Hearne, who found time to talk with Ray Headifen, the Tax Leader of the firm.

spective it is all about building relationships, understanding their business and commercial drivers, and looking to bring value to the table. From a team perspective it is about working together from a constructive and productive perspective, and enhancing the experience of our people.”

“We are operating in a precarious global market. But we understand this market. Further, we are keen to showcase the insights we bring to doing business in Indonesia as well as our convictions regarding future trends.

This is not only from a tax perspective but a general commercial perspective as well.”

So how did Headifen feel about this level of recognition? “Humble,” he responded, “that our clients took the time to recognize us.”

The team has put in the months of hard work necessary to closing the all-important deals.

Headifen was adamant that stress management was a source of great strength for the company. “Concentrate on the key deal issues, don’t sweat the small stuff, and celebrate the success. Bring a sense of energy, involvement, and appreciation to the team. That’s very important.”

Over the next few years, Headifen discussed that he envisioned a firm that is “definitely bigger in size with more emphasis on specialisation and deep industry expertise. Recruitment at all levels will be a key to this, local and globally.”

Agility and relationships have certainly been central to their success, enacted by an impressive group of professionals. “We place much emphasis on culture – the PwC experience as we call it. In summary, from a client per-

Eager to never rest on laurels, Headifen always warns against complacency, and put forward his company’s strongest asset – our committed people. “Our people have commitment to continually evolve; commitment to understanding our clients’ business and the industry they operate in; commitment to working as part of their team and commitment to bringing value to the table.” This is what differentiated them from their competitors last year.

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And, his advice for the also rans?

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We highlighted that the award came as recognition of the team’s successes in the transactional market in the face of a tough economy.

“Being more agile in the market place and appreciating that buyers are looking at deals from slightly different angles as compared to the very buoyant market we saw in 2007/2008. Another key point is to continue to invest and build relationships despite the tougher economic conditions.”

Think client, think value, think people, and be practical.

Plaza 89 JI H R Rasuna Said Kav X-7 No. 6 Jakarta 12940 Indonesia t: [62] (21) 521 2901 f: [62] (21) 5290 5555, (21) 5290 5050

South African Mid-Sized Law Firm of the Year

- Ramsay Webber Inc

When asked about how his firm has managed market conditions in recent years, Webber explains that they have been “blessed with clients who have been active in the commercial market over the last number of years.

The current market conditions require active and co-operative support from professionals to their clients which have, in a few instances, resulted in our firm being able to “match make” deals to the benefit of clients of our

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The firm is located firmly on the global playing field and has been the South African Mackrell International representative since 1989. This, Webber confirms, “affords access to over 4 500 lawyers in over 60 countries worldwide,” thus opening up a whole host of internal and external referrals. The company now has relations with major corporate clients from inter alia, India, the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Webber predicts the firm will expand over the next two years despite the downturn in Europe.

At the heart of their desire for expansion is providing the client with value for money.

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The success of our firm is largely dependent on the successes of our clients and we certainly are aware that the better the service we can offer and provide to our clients the more successful our clients will become which, in turn, results in expansion for our firm.

‘‘

“It is indeed an honour for our firm to have won the South African mid-sized law firm of the year and it is always a pleasure to have the efforts of our partners and staff recognised by an independent and prestigious publication like Acquisition International.”

practice and internationally through our association with Mackrell International.”

Marry this to their commitment to a strong cooperative team and flexible working arrangements in a moving market place, and it is easy to see why Ramsay Webber has enjoyed such high levels of success.

The future certainly appears welcoming and exciting for the firm.

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We are fortunate to have a number of highly skilled younger lawyers who we see developing during the next three years to assume a more active role in the management of the firm. This is vital to the long term survival of a firm of our size.

‘‘

l The esteemed winner of the highly prized South African Mid-sized Law Firm of the Year goes to Ramsay Webber Inc. Acquisition International converse with the managing partner of the firm Brian Webber about their services, client base and their ambitious plans for expansion and longevity. Robert Hearne asked him how he felt upon reception of the prize…

Brian Webber 269 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg t: +27 (0) 11 778 0600 f: +27 (0) 11 778 0677 e: bw@ramweb.co.za w: www.ramweb.co.za A member of Mackrell International www.mackrell.net

M&A AWARDS 2012

German Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year

- Rowedder Zimmermann Hass l Dr. Andreas Pents is Partner at Rowedder Zimmermann Hass. The firm is the deserved winners of this year’s German Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year and Acquisition International’s Rob Hearne had the pleasure of catching up with them earlier this month. The team specializes in acquisitions concerning the banking and machinery branches, often working on post transaction disputes as well.

In reference to what Pents felt had stood his company apart this past twelve months, Pents explained, “Rowedder Zimmermann Hass has three main fields of competence: Corporate, IP and Tax/Inheritance. We strengthened our team in these fields and we were privileged to be asked to work for a few new very wellknown companies.”

The firm deals with firms of all sizes from around the world. Pents commented about their client base, “Our clients range from publicly listed multinational and national companies, medium-sized and smaller businesses, management boards, managing directors and supervisory boards as well as

private individuals, associations, federations and foundations in all areas of commercial law. We are privileged to work with some of the most renowned companies, located not only in Europe but also worldwide (mainly US and Asia).”

This relentless in the pursuit of perfection has enhanced their reputation in the market. For the lawyers in the team, work is a pleasure. As Pents detailed, “For our team corporate law is a profession as well as a pleasure. Only if one really likes what he does, great results can be expected.”

Undoubtedly, the variety of work produced is proof of a highly flexible and agile team.

Further, they have achieved good results from this broad portfolio in very tough economic conditions. Pents recognized the economic slowdown, stating, “After the peak of the market in 2007 the number of transactions decreased until 2010. In 2010 the number of transactions increased significantly. From 2011 we noted a decreasing number of high volume transactions due to the European financial crisis.”

This will undoubtedly mean that the firm is well placed to take advantage of a market which, Rents expects, will increase over the next few years. He also expects the number of lawyers to increase.

“Rowedder Zimmermann Hass has made the decision to work as an independent boutique law firm, building up on a strong tradition and not growing extensively. Still, in three years’ time there may be some new attorneys on board.”

The firm is already committed to working towards winning the award again next year.

Pents said, “We continue delivering the best work results possible for our clients, buoyed on by this year’s award. We want our own values to be recognized: Excellent work, reliability and a close relation to our clients built on trust.”

No doubt the new additions to the team will learn from the best. We at AI look forward to witnessing more great work from this firm.

Rowedder Zimmerman Hass e: mail@rowedder.de w: www.rowedder.de t: +49 621 41938-0

Environmental Law Firm of the Year: Austria

- Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH

With roots dating back to 1946, the focus of their efforts has been to provide comprehensive legal advice in all relevant fields of domestic and international business law through highly specialised teams of lawyers. Nussbaumer states that “over the years, the firm has expanded with pace to its current size of around 80 lawyers at commercial centres in Graz, Linz, Wels and Vienna. We also house offices in Bratislava, Brussels, Pilsen, Prague and Budapest.”

The international scope of the company is further bolstered by its membership to the SCWP Schindhelm Services SE, an alliance of European business law firms with offices in Central

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and Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific. With more than 150 lawyers in 18 commercial centres in 11 countries, the alliance members accompany national and international companies in all areas of business law. They have offices in Bratislava, Wroclaw, Brussels, Budapest, Bucharest, Burgas, Graz, Hanover, Istanbul, Linz, Osnabrück, Pilsen, Prague, Shanghai, Sofia, Warsaw, Wels and Vienna. These relations are the result of careful and well-directed networking by the company. Nussbaumer was keen to stress his companies’ abilities in providing clients with “the right combination of local expertise and know-how with a thorough expertise in the supervision and coordination of legal work in many different jurisdictions.”

Nussbaumer tells us that running right through this vast network of connections is a commitment to “delivering creative and pragmatic solutions. Our challenge – and our source of inspiration – lies in offering our clients both prompt and flexible legal services of the very highest standard, along with understandable and easy solutions tailored to the client’s technical and/or commercial needs.”

He continues,

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We are not just experts at law.

We are also experts at identifying a client’s (legal) needs, and at explaining and summarising any legal problems and the respective tailored solutions to our clients. We can thus proudly guarantee our clients the best possible legal advice.

‘‘

l This year’s worthy winners of this year’s Environmental Law Firm of the Year are Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm) of Austria. Rob Hearne of AI had the pleasure of discussing with an experienced Partner of the firm, Markus Nussbaumer. He kindly enlightened us with regards to the impressive history of the firm, its international stature, and the expert team which sustains it.

Undoubtedly, these qualities have propelled his company to the very top of this sector over the past twelve months.

In the future, we fully expect to see the company continue with confidence to strengthen its hugely successful multi-office operation and the intensive cooperation with teams from around the world for which it is renowned and we wish them every success in their mission.

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhem) A-4020 Linz, Europaplatz 7 e: linz@scwp.com w: www.scwp.com t: 0043 732 603030

M&A AWARDS 2012

Geni & Kebe SCP D’avocats

Since its beginning in 1912, GENI & KEBE has provided legal services to a great number of companies, institutions and individuals. As our clients have grown, so have we. Today, we have offices in three main cities of Senegal, which makes us, apart from being the oldest law firm of the country, the largest one, in addition to our wide network of alliances in the African continent.

info@gsklaw.sn www.gsklaw.sn

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Senegal

Russian Mining Law Firm of the Year

- Squire Sanders l Ivan Trifonov is Managing Partner at the Moscow Office of Squire Sanders, along with Partners Sergey Treshchev and Stephen Nelson. Here, they talk to Acquisition International about being voted Russian Mining Law Firm of the Year.

How did it feel when your firm won the Russian Mining Law Firm of the Year?

How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you?

“We have been working in the Natural Resources sector for many years and we are very pleased to receive specific recognition for our expertise. We are delighted to be the winners of this specialist award.”

“Law firms will continue to get larger and more global. We are a trend setter in effecting these changes. This can be seen from the record of growth and diversity for Squire Sanders worldwide.”

What areas of law do you (and your team) specialise in?

How have you set your company apart in the past 12 months?

“We are a full service business law firm. As such we have a strong focus in the Natural Resources sector with a well established track record of dealing with all aspects of this area.

This includes successfully handling M&A , regulatory, licensing and financing issues, as well as dispute resolution matters.”

“Over the years, we have developed strong business relationships in the mining industry.

The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment?

What is the biggest issue facing your specific (part of) legal services? Does this create opportunity for you and your firm?

“The speed and scale of the transactions which we undertake are increasing all the time.

Keeping up with these great opportunities can be a challenge, but it is one we are able to meet given our depth of legal experience, the size of our global platform, and the flexibility provided by our own technology and systems.”

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Our depth of knowledge of the issues facing the mining industry in Russia and markets around the world and our dedication to client service are what sets us apart from others. Fortunately, this approach has kept us in great demand with existing clients and has attracted new ones. This has also allowed us to integrate in a meaningful way with the mining community.”

In an increasingly competitive market what is the one thing that sums up what you are about?

“Confidence. Our clients are extremely confident about our expertise and trust us greatly.

We are confident we can deliver what our clients require.”

“We are driven by our clients. We listen to their requirements and adapt our services to their needs. We are also growing our resources and capabilities in key sectors such as mining all the time. With this flexibility and investment we will continue to achieve the best for our clients despite the changes in the markets.”

Ivan Trifonov/Sergey Treshchev/Stephen Nelson Squire Sanders, Building 2, 4 Romanov pereulok, 125009, Moscow, Russian Federation t: +7 495 258 5250 e: ivan.trifonov@squiresanders.com sergey.treshchev@squiresanders.com stephen.nelson@squiresanders.com w: squiresanders.com

M&A AWARDS 2012

Brazilian Procedural Law Firm of the Year

- Stüssi-Neves Advogados

Neves first enlightened us to the biggest issues his company faces. “We have been involved in the past 35 years in strategic litigation, which involves litigation being used as a tool to achieve success in a specific business development. This normally involves join forces with other law firms and a huge coordination/ preparation work.”

We questioned him on the one thing that sums up what the company is all about. Neves responded, “We constantly seek out new business opportunities and serve clients efficiently. We guarantee good results in the shortest possible time.”

It is certainly these qualities which have propelled his company to the heights it is

currently at. About the global M&A market, Neves commented, “We are very active in this market not only helping clients to buy safely local (Brazil) on-going businesses, avoiding specially tax and labour liabilities, but also creating new legal structures or concepts as a protection to the investment and to face, if necessary, future challenges.”

The company casts its net widely. “Our office has been permanently present in several international associations of lawyers for more than 30 years. We have more than 1000 active clients.”

We were also fortunate to be provided with information relating to the current state of the M&A market. “A boom is expected in relation to Brazilian Oil & Gas Company (Petrobras) to happen in the next 4-6 years. This will provide lots of possibilities for suppliers all over the world. Many of them are positioning themselves establishing JV or staring local operation.”

Their good work is founded upon strong team orientated values, about which Neves stated, “We do have a system in which meritocracy, efficiency and positive results for clients are rewarded.”

This team is adept at closing deals whilst under pressure.

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‘‘

l Guilherme Stüssi-Neves is the august Founder and Managing Partner of Stüssi-Neves Advogados Rio de Janeiro, the proud winners of this year’s Brazilian Procedural Law Firm of the Year Award.

Rob Hearne of Acquisition International had the pleasure of meeting with the esteemed head to discuss the work the firm has done to secure the award.

After so many years and a good and motivated team, stress is part of our life.

We cope very well with it and in fact, we almost miss it when life is to calm.

Of course, he is wary of the dangers of resting on laurels, as he commented, “We have other areas in which we wish to compete, for example, tax recovery. The litigation teams are motivated and ready to excel themselves again. Our law firm hires at least one or two young lawyers – normally our own trainees.

That shall stay the same for the next years.”

So, with further recruitments to come, we at AI expect the firm to be firm contenders for next year’s prize.

Av. Rio Branco, 110 - 24º andar Centro Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 20040-001 t: 21-2509-7234 e: stussirj@stussi-neves.com R. Henrique Monteiro, 90 - 10º andar São Paulo - SP - 05423-020 t: 11-3093-6600 e: stussi.sp@stussinevessp.com.br w: www. stussi-neves.com

Lebanese Commercial Law Firm of the Year

- Aziz Torbey Law Firm l Ramy Torbey is the managing partner of Aziz Torbey Law Firm which recently won the Lebanese Commercial Law Firm of the Year award with Acquisition International magazine.

Ramy explains more about the firm and the areas of law it specializes in.

“The firm deals with: Business Incorporation & Administration, Business Restructuring & Reorganization, M&A, Taxation, Corporate Finance, Banking & Finance, Project Finance, Islamic Finance, Commercial Transactions, Entrepreneurial, Information Technology, Real Estate & Administrative Law, Public Tenders & Energy Law, Insurance & Reinsurance, Labor & Employment, Sports & Entertainment, Intellectual Property, Admiralty & Maritime, Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution and Saudi Practice.”

Ramy outlines the biggest issue facing his firm and his team, but also highlights the opportunities this creates for them all.

“Aziz Torbey Law Firm is based in Lebanon which has always been the door to the Middle East, geographically and naturally, in business, as well as in education, media, and tourism. We

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were able to adapt to the fast changing business environment in the region as well as repeated regional political crisis and build privileged relationships with major businesses in MiddleEastern countries, mainly the Gulf countries, and European countries such as France, Monaco, Luxemburg and Italy. We assist MiddleEastern clients wanting to expand their business to Europe and European clients looking to do business in the Middle-East by providing them with innovative legal solutions tailored to their specific needs in a timely manner.

Obviously the firm is delighted with being awarded such a prestigious accolade,” as Ramy states proudly: “This award is a testament to the commitment Aziz Torbey Law Firm has shown to its clients since 40 years. The award will spur us to continue and find even more innovative ways to better serve our clients’ legal needs as well as extend our contribution to the legal profession with new ways of doing business.”

And he continues to underpin what sets Aziz Torbey aside from the competition.

“We provide high quality professional services in a swift and timely manner, going all the distance with our clients. We carefully study our clients’ business and needs in order

to offer them the most suitable solutions. Our specialization in taxation is an asset to our clients because we provide them with an optimized sphere to grow their businesses locally as well as regionally and internationally.

As a team, we take pride in the multicultural, multilingual and multi-religious team of lawyers in our offices that helps reflect the diverse religious, political and social background of our country Lebanon and provides us with competitive advantage by providing multifaced legal services. We always make sure to build and develop strong bonds between our lawyers and staff and work collaboratively, transcending organizational, functional and geographic boundaries. We make sure that our people get the chance to develop themselves at work on a personal and professional level and preserve a healthy work-life balance.”

Aziz Torbey Law Firm Beirut, Lebanon e: info@torbeylaw.com w: www.torbeylaw.com t: +961-1-486446

M&A AWARDS 2012

UK Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence Provider of the Year

- URS Corporation Limited l The proud winners of the prestigious award of UK Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence Provider of the Year goes to the excellent firm URS. Acquisition International’s Rob Hearne was pleased to meet with its highly able Director, Nicholas Howard, to discuss the company’s scope and practices. We began our interview by requesting an overview of company structure.

“URS is a fully integrated organisation with the capabilities to support the full lifecycle of a project – from conception through to start-up and on-going operations, as well as decommissioning and closure. 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.”

This, as confirmed by our readers, has led to the company’s excellent reputation throughout industry. As to the approach and scope of the firm, Howard summarized, “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 and remediation strategies to reduce or remove financial provisions from the balance sheet, thereby increasing return on investment.”

The firm is renowned for the provision of a highly personalized service. We were intrigued as to how the firm had maintained its reputation as being highly credible. Nicholas responded, “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 industrial experience. This provides realistic and credible likely case costings, which in turn support the development of the transaction financial model.”

The team Nicholas heads is also famed for its high levels of expertize. “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 warranties and indemnities.”

Another factor which has contributed to the widespread recognition URS currently enjoys is the breadth of support in service provision.

“We also provide post-acquisition integration support, permit transfer, environmental site base-lining, management systems consolidation and rectification of material issues identified during the due diligence process.”

Howard was also keen to stress the large support network which sharpens his company’s operations. “We have worked hard to sustain great working relationships with professionals in a number of different fields. Our transaction specialists are supported by URS’ global network of engineers, scientists and business risk management consultants with extensive technical and regulatory expertise.

This has helped to keep us at the very top of UK firms.”

Nicholas Howard UK Transactions Practice Leader URS Corporation Ltd. e: nick.howard@urs.com t: +44 (0) 161 237 6050. w: www.ursglobal.com

Overall Data Room Provider of the Year

- V-Rooms Virtual Data Rooms TM

On receiving the award, Bradbary emphatically said he was

‘‘

‘‘

Delighted! Being recognized by a such a prestigious, international publication such as Acquisition International in the international category was very exciting.

As for the key to their dizzying success, Bradbary cites high customer satisfaction coupled with an application that is easy to use.

V-Rooms™ is held on a par with Amazon and Apple according to NetPromoter, and the firm is keen to continue to be associated alongside such names when it comes to customer satisfaction.

“We are not just a product provider, because a large part of what we offer is customer service.

Our culture is based on a willingness to help. A

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real person answers the V-Rooms phone when you have a problem. We try to avoid someone’s call rolling to voicemail or an automated messaging system at all costs.”

The foundation of our high customer satisfaction is undoubtedly related to the program’s latest feature updates and a new, more modern and intuitive user interface. Bradbary envisions a future for his company in which the functionality of their product will become even more simple and easier to use as well as incorporating more videos and online support.

‘‘

Bradbary shared,

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l Dan Bradbary’s firm V-Rooms™ Virtual Data Rooms received the most votes in this year’s category for Overall Data Room Provider of the Year. Rob Hearne interviewed the successful CEO to get his views on his company’s continuing success.

Online support is especially crucial for our internationally based clients so when they have a problem or question, there will be a set of tools they can access quickly The firm has seen a noticeable increase in global business.. “25 percent of our inquiries are from international companies. For example, a recent inquiry came in from an investment banker located in Paris who was representing a seller in Canada and a buyer

in Hong Kong. Without a virtual data room as a tool, the sheer logistics of this transaction would be insurmountable.”

“We primarily deal with midmarket type accounts. The differing availability of debt from country to country has definitely had an effect on this, but in the mid-market and especially the lower midmarket, we have seen increased activity in seller financing. Mergers and acquisitions are down considerably from the 2007 and 2008 levels, but have had more of a pronounced effect on large deals versus middle market or microcap ones” And finally, we questioned the Founder on how he planned to continue to beat the competition.

“Hey! I can’t give away our secret sauce for success! But I will say take customer feedback seriously. Always look to improve your game.”

Dan Bradbary

Dan Bradbary V-Rooms™ Founder - CEO Virtual Data Rooms Board of Directors Portal e: DBradbary@V-Rooms.com c: (404) 558-3262 t: (800) 731-6379 x701 Connect on LinkedIn

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Abraham & Co.

Solicitors, Advocates & Notary Public

Company: Luqman Legal Email: abdulla@luqmanlegal.com Web: www.luqmanlegal.com Address: 302 Eastern Tower, Sana’a Trade Centre, PO Box 15585, Sana’a, Republic of Yemen Telephone: +967 144 8440 Case Study: The firm focuses on providing quality professional services to large local and international clients in the Middle East and Europe. These include government bodies, large public and private enterprises, multinationals and international organizations. For a list of the firm’s recent clients please email: info@ luqmanlegal.com Luqman Legal, Advocates and Legal Consultants is associated with Al Suwaidi & Company, the UAE based law firm with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ajman It is a member of : l International Trademark Association (INTA) l Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) l Association for the Protection of Industrial Property in the Middle East and North Africa (APPIMAF) regional group of (AIPPI) l Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) l American Bar Association (ABA) l International Bar Association (IBA) l Geneva Group International (GGI) l Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) l Employment Law Alliance (Helping Employers Worldwide) l Ranked member of Chambers and Partners l Associated Lawyers

Company: Akugur Law Firm Name: Partner Mehmet Akugur LL. M. Partner Billur Belgin Tezol LL. M. Email: info@akugurlaw.com Web: www.akugurlaw.com Address: Levent Mah. Cilekli Cad. No.10 Levent-İstanbul/TURKEY Post Code:34330 Telephone: (+90) 0212 286 48 28 Case Study: Akugur Law Firm founded in 2006 by Mehmet Akugur, renders best quality legal and consultancy services through its professional team, its commitment to perfection in client services and with its extending business potential as well as its expertise in the various disciplines of law. For the purpose of the reinforcement of the quality of its services; Akugur Law Firm is providing legal and consultancy services to major international, domestic and multi-national companies on a wide range of legal issues and makes an efficient use of its high ranked expertise particularly on Restructuring Projects, M&A Transactions and Real Estate Law. Within the last five years, Akugur Law Firm advised in M&A transactions having a total value of €7billion in various sectors.

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Company: Abraham & Co. Solicitors, Advocates & Notary Public Email: info@abrahamandco.com Web: www.abrahamandco.com Address: 139B Eti Osa Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Telephone: +234 1 4617684, 4621438 Case Study: Abraham & Co. is a leading Nigerian Commercial law firm with a focus on Taxation, Corporate Finance, Intellectual Property, Oil and Gas, Project Finance and Commercial Litigation.

As leading Practitioners in our field we are committed to adding value to our clients’ businesses by keeping abreast of issues that affect the constantly changing business environment in which our clients operate to enable us to provide sound legal advice.

Our clients include foreign and domestic corporations, high net worth individuals, government corporations and state governments.

We have advised on mergers and acquisition transactions in the banking, insurance and oil and gas sectors. We acted as Solicitors to a local company acquired by a US quoted company in the oil services sector, and advised on the acquisition of an interest in a marginal field by a company based in the Middle East. We have represented companies in effecting corporate re-organizations including management buy-outs and take-over bids. We also manage a broad portfolio of intellectual property rights and provide legal services to foreign investors wishing to do business in Nigeria.

Company: ACCURA Name: Henrik Juul Hansen Email: henrik.juul.hansen@accura.dk Web: www.accura.dk Address: Tuborg Boulevard 1, 2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen, Denmark Telephone: +45 39 45 28 00 Case Study: Henrik Juul Hansen is one of the partners heading ACCURA’s M&A, Private Equity and Capital Markets Teams.

He advises a broad range of Danish and international clients, investment banks, private equity funds and financial institutions in connection with all stages of mergers and acquisitions and the setting up of joint ventures. Also, Henrik has advised clients in connection with a large number of restructurings and reconstructions. Henrik advises clients in connection with bids for listed and unlisted companies, initial public offerings and delistings (public to private). He also advises listed and unlisted companies, including financial institutions, on company and commercial law issues. Moreover, Henrik acts as a chairman/ member of the boards of directors of a number of companies.

Company: Al Tamimi & Company Name: Husam Hourani (Managing Partner) Email: info@tamimi.com Web: www.tamimi.com Address: 6th floor, Building 4 East, Dubai International Financial Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. PO Box 9275 Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 364 1641

Company: Ameriabank CJSC Name: Artak Hanesyan Email: info@ameriabank.am WEB: www.ameriabank.am Address: 9 Gr. Lusavorich Str. 0015, Yerevan, Armenia Telephone: (+374) 10 561111

Case Study: The largest and most dynamic non-affiliated law firm in the Middle East with 10 offices across 6 countries and comprising 195 lawyers.

Case Study: Ameriabank CJSC is a universal bank offer¬ing corporate, retail and investment banking services in a comprehensive package of banking solutions. We carve out paths for improvement of your business and lifestyle, via both tradi¬tional and alternative banking and investment technologies.

Over the years we have advised, and continue to support, government, government-owned entities, local, regional and international companies, banks and financial institutions along with both international and regional law firms.

Our core strength is our people and the diversity of their experience and local knowledge. Our reputation for excellence and regional experience extends beyond our network of offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq. As a firm, our ability to practice local law in each of these jurisdictions – and the ability of each of our licensed litigators to have rights of audience before local courts – is a unique strength that truly sets us apart from our competitors.

But more importantly, our strength comes from our clients’ trust that we will give them the quality of service that they deserve. It’s our business to find creative and commercial legal solutions whilst focusing on making the law work for you.

Ameriabank’s M&A practice takes advantage of local market knowledge, industry practice and professional expertise, gained from over 15 year experience of Ameria Group. Ameriabank is consecutively strengthening its M&A practice, developing new capabilities and adding new focus and specialization, offering full-fledged M&A advisory services, including business valuation, synergy evaluation, Due Diligence, structuring and legal services as well as transaction financing.

Ameriabank remains the largest player in the local M&A market, with deals covering sectors such as commercial real estate, hospitality, media, telecom and IT, as well as mining and is highly recognized for its local reach and involvement in landmark M&A transactions across almost all major sectors in Armenia.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Company: Andrey Delchev & Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria Name: Momchil Jivkov Email: m.jivkov@eurolex.bg Web: www.eurolex.bg Address: 6 N. Gogol str., Sofia 1124, Bulgaria Telephone: + 359 2 40 191 60 Case Study: Eurolex Bulgaria provides legal services in practically all areas of law with very remarkable achievements in the Energy, Real Estate, Media, Corporate and Public-Private sectors. Since its establishment in 1997 the law firm has played a key role in the implementation of numerous projects, financed by institutions such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, EIB, USAID, CIDA and programs such as PHARE, ISPA, SAPARD etc. The company is renowned for its practice in the sectors of Waters and Concessions.

Because of our extensive litigation and arbitration experience more and more clients turn to us for representation with regards to dispute resolution.

The main factor however, which distinguishes us from our competitors is our ability to provide tailored consultations in new fields for Bulgaria as for example the alternative and renewable energy sources, the FIDIC rules (red book, yellow book, silver book) etc.

Company: Arias & Munoz Name: Roberta Gallardo Email: roberta.gallardo@ariaslaw.com Web: www.ariaslaw.com Address: Calle La Mascota #533, Colonia San Benito, San Salvador, El Salvador, C.A. Telephone: +503 2257-0900 Case Study: For 70 years, Arias & Muñoz has been at the forefront of the Central American legal market, showcasing excellence in client service, efficiency in their solutions, and helping their communities. It is a solid and innovative firm that continues to spread its influence throughout the region.

Truly a firm with no boundaries, Arias & Muñoz has 8 fully integrated offices spanning six countries. Being a single unit rather than an alliance of firms, clients benefit from having all their regional matters handled from one office and by one contact.

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Company: Anjarwalla & Khanna Name: Karim Anjarwalla Email: nbi@africalegalnetwork.com Web: www.africalegalnetwork.com Address: PO Box 200-00606, Sarit Centre, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 (0) 20 364 0000 Case Study: Anjarwalla & Khanna (A&K), is the largest corporate law firm in Kenya with a high degree of specialization in and an outstanding reputation for matters relating to corporate and commercial law, private equity transactions, energy and natural resources, finance and capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, banking and regulatory advisory work, telecommunications, insurance, banking, infrastructure projects, project financing, privatisation law, public procurement law, property development and conveyancing and intellectual property.

A&K is ranked first in Kenya by various legal guides, including Chambers Global, IFLR, Legal 500, PLC Which Lawyer and Euromoney Guide to the World’s Leading Project Finance Lawyers.

As a part of ALN, which has offices in Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and access to 500+ lawyers based in and across Africa, A&K offers an unparalleled depth and breadth of legal advice in key African investment destinations.

Company: Bangladesgh Export Import Company Ltd Email: upright@dhaka.net Address: Plot - 19, Road - 35, Gulshan Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Telephone: +88 09609 000 999, +88 02 881 5559 Case Study: Bangladesh Export Import Company Ltd., Bangladesh Online Division is the leading Internet Service Provider in the country. Since its lunch from August 1998, BOL has been able to set an example of excellence with its subscribers with the help of updated technology and dedicated support service.

Each of our activities must benefit and add value to the common wealth of our society. We firmly believe that, in the final analysis we are accountable to each of the constituents with whom we interact; namely: our employees, our customers and our fellow citizens.

BOL is the leader in providing internet services, software & systems integration services. We ensure that our customers are successful by understanding and being responsive to their needs, as well as working collaboratively with them to provide one-stop faster, cost-competitive and scalable services that create competitive advantages in the world of electronic communication.

Company: Aon M&A Solutions Name: Karl Roquet, Practice Leader – Sweden, Aon M&A Solutions / Lars Olheden, Project Manager Sweden, Aon M&A Solutions Email: karl.roquet@aon.se Web: www.aonamas.com Address: Primusgatan 20 | Box 12820 | SE-112 97 Stockholm, Sweden Telephone: d +46 8 697 41 54 | m +46 708 68 50 91 Case Study: Aon M&A Solutions (AMAS) provide risk management and human capital consulting to clients undertaking acquisitions, mergers, divestitures or organic growth strategies. The team comprises 350+ private equity and M&A specialists working across 34 countries and four continents.

AMAS have developed a suite of services designed to systematically identify opportunities and strategies, optimise performance and reduce operational. Our services includes risk-and insurance due diligence, transaction liability insurances, investigative due diligence and portfolio optimization.

Aon is the only transaction partner that is able to leverage the resources of the #1 rated risk broker, reinsurance intermediary and global human resource consulting and outsourcing provider. We assemble expert teams of attorneys, consultants, actuaries, brokers, risk managers quickly – with your specific needs front and center

Company: Baroudy Law Name: Nasser Baroudy Email: info@baroudylaw.com Web: www.baroudylaw.com Address: Cairo: 36 Sherif St, Down Town- 11511 Hurghada : 207 Schools St, hadaba Telephone: (+ 2011) 444 66220 Case Study: We understand the importance of solidarity and grouping as the best way to enter the new millennium.

Our group is organized, specialized, and united.

We combine and have the academic knowledge, and implementation, experience, which make our group a unique law office capable of tackling any kind of legal cases with great professionalism.

We always begin to put ourselves in the customer side to see what he deems then offer him our point of view based on our long experience of the Egyptian laws, society and economic life to come finally to an appropriate proposal.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory Company: Beacon Investigative Solutions Name: Mike Orchard Email: morchard@beaconinvestigation.com Web: www.beaconinvestigation.com Address: 2720 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219 Telephone: 614-642-0060 Case Study: Mike Orchard, president and CEO of Beacon International Group Inc., has successfully completed hundreds of complex and sensitive investigations for Fortune 500 companies.

Mr. Orchard began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff in 1979, and has a wide range of investigative experience with criminal and civil matters. After nearly a decade as a Deputy Sheriff, he began his private investigation career in 1991 as the founder of Alpha Investigations in Indianapolis and later continued with Phenix Investigations Inc. In addition, as the law enforcement liaison to the Indiana State Police, Mr. Orchard consulted on large-scale undercover drug investigations for the private sector. Separately, Mr. Orchard served as a commercial pilot for AirborneExpress (DHL) and his last assignment was flying internationally as a captain on the B767 based in Osaka, Japan in 2008.

Founded in 2009, Beacon International Group Inc. d/b/a Beacon Investigative Solutions represents the culmination of nearly 30 years of civil, criminal, corporate, and private investigation experience.

The majority of Beacon’s lead investigators have prior experience in local, state, or federal law enforcement positions, followed by extensive experience in investigative work within corporate, insurance, or litigation cases. Many of our investigators are former FBI Special Agents that now work for us in the private sector, so you can trust that our private investigators are among the most experienced in the business.

Company: BONN STEICHEN & PARTNERS Name: Pierre-Alexandre DEGEHET Email: padegehet@bsp.lu Web: www.bsp.lu Address: 2, rue Peternelchen, Building C2, L-2370 Howald, Luxembourg Telephone: +352 260251 Case Study: Bonn Steichen & Partners is a Luxembourg law firm with an international focus committed to providing the highest quality legal services. With in excess of 60 professionals we offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Luxembourg law and represent a wide range of clients from a variety of industry sectors in Luxembourg and abroad.

Excellence is the standard we set for ourselves and we have created an environment where everyone is determined to deliver such standard, while sharing knowledge, experience and time. In today’s dynamic and challenging business environment, we recognise the necessity to be innovative and adaptive to change in order to provide our clients with tailor-made solutions. Our common goal: creating value for our clients.

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Company: Better Capital LLP Name: Mark Aldridge, CEO Email: mark@bettercapital.co.uk Web: www.bettercapital.co.uk Address: 39-41 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR Telephone: 0207 440 0840 Case Study: Better Capital comprises a small number of experienced and proven turnaround investment professionals. It is actively seeking investment opportunities in businesses which require restructuring, both operationally and financially.

The Better Capital Funds focus on providing investment capital for the acquisition and operational turnaround of underperforming businesses.

Typically, the Funds will invest in businesses with turnover of up to £500 million, requiring investment of up to £50 million and having significant operations in the UK or Ireland.

Company: Bluemoon Investigations Name: Will Clayton Email: centrallondon@bluemooninvestigations.co.uk Web: www.bluemooninvestigations.co.uk Address: 180 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HF Telephone: 0207 993 4080 Case Study: Bluemoon Investigations are National & International Private Investigators who offer investigative support and logistics to Commerce, Industry, the Legal Profession and the General Public. Having been operating for over 30 years, and with a network of offices throughout the UK are able to assist clients with all manner of investigative matters including, but not limited to: Surveillance - Internal Fraud & Theft - Copyright Infringement - Counter Espionage - Anti-Counterfeiting - IT Forensics - Graphology - Polygraphy - Background Information - Asset Tracking

Company: Capital Solutions Group Ltd Name: Debbie Rowley Email: DebbieR@csg-lease.co.uk Web: www.csg-lease.co.uk Address: Bayheath House, Fairway, Petts Wood, BR5 1EG Telephone: (+44) (0) 0844 800 9927

Company: Brebners Name: Martin Widdowson CF and John Craig CF Email: martin.widdowson@brebners.com john.craig@brebners.com Web: www.brebners.com Address: The Quadrangle, 180 Wardour Street, London W1F 8LB Telephone: 020 7734 2255 Case Study: We are a medium sized all aspects, accountancy practice specialising in advising SMEs on corporate and tax matters. We are experienced in corporate work including due diligence, M & A work, listings and admissions on AIM and PLUS and IPO’s. We both hold the ICAEW CF qualification and are also responsible individuals within our audit department servicing the audit and general needs of our firm’s clients. Our firm also has a very highly regarded tax department to aid the audit and assurance department in transaction work.

Case Study: CSG is an award winning Managed Service and asset finance provider, offering a unique range of contemporary financing solutions to vendors, businesses and the Public Sector in the UK and Western Europe.

CSG brings a pragmatic approach to the financing of Capital Expenditure for all our clients that is based in the changed environment of the post-recession and meets the similarly changed needs of our clients. This innovative approach has enabled CSG to devise and roll out dedicated financing programmes in support of vendors competing in the green technologies space.

By using a consultative process CSG is able to manage expenditure in traditionally difficult areas from IT to software and office refurbishment to telecoms. In each area we will bring a level of innovation rarely seen in this industry which delivers real world benefits to vendors and customers alike.

Now in out tenth year and with a combined management talent base of over 50 years experience, our success whilst helping our customers succeed has seen CSG placed three times consecutively in the Virgin Sunday Times Fast Track 100 listing of the fastest growing private companies, whilst our now board director, Bill Tadden was voted Non Executive Director of the Year (Private company) for 2009 in recognition of his assistance in CSG’s success.

We are confident that our experience, imagination, and most of all, our desire to deliver what you, the customer, needs will bring the benefits you are looking for.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Company: Corpus Legal Practitioners Name: Charles Mkokweza - Managing Partner Mabvuto Sakala - Partner, Sharon Sakuwaha - Partner Sydney Chisenga - Partner Email: corpus@corpus.co.zm Address: Elunda Office Park, Elunda II, Ground Floor, Stand No. 4645, Addis Ababa Roundabout, Rhodespark, Lusaka, Zambia. P O Box 32115, 10101.

Lusaka, Zambia Telephone: +260 211 372300 / + 260 211 372301 / + 260 211 372304 Case Study: Our business strategy is underpinned by our aspiration to be the region’s premier law practice. We aim to achieve this by striving to match the world’s best practices and by continuously improving the way in which we work, through investment in process optimistic training and technology. We strive to create a work environment that primes our people to meet client’s legal and commercial needs by offering practical, timely and incisive advice.

Each team member at Corpus is drilled to merge our mission and our business approach when interpreting and acting on client instructions by adhering to the following three principal guidelines: • • •

The service provision must match global standard; The service must be commercially intelligent to address the impact of any existing policy, law on the commercial objectives of the client; and The advice must be kept current

Company: Ernst & Young Name: Emad Ragheb Email: : emad.ragheb@eg.ey.com Web: : www.ey.com/me Address: Ring Road,Zone #10A - Rama Tower, P.O. Box 20 Kattameya, Cairo, Egypt Telephone: +202 27260260 Case Study: Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization.

The MENA practice of Ernst & Young has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 85 years, we have evolved to meet the legal and commercial developments of the region. Across MENA, we have over 4,200 people united across 20 offices and 15 Arab countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality.

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Company: Enter Pricing Name: Juan ignacio Fraschini Email: jfraschini@enterpricing.com Web: www.enterpricing.com Address: Sinclair 3139, 3B (C1425FRE) Buenos Aires, Argentina Telephone: 54 (11) 4776 8200

Company: Ecosource Limited Name: David Jackson Email: davidj@ecosource.co.uk Web: www.ecosource.co.uk Address: 150 Minories, London. EC3N 1LS Telephone: 0844 800 9931 Case Study: Ecosource uniquely offers UK businesses and the Public Sector a full suite of retro-fit eco-technologies which save money and carbon emissions. Importantly, each solution is wrapped in a specialist financing programme which ensures that each solution is cash positive from the outset; avoids CAPEX restrictions and is compliant with current legislation.

Company: Eskom Holdings SOC Limited Email: khanyi.makhaya@eskom.co.za lerato.mashinini@eskom.co.za Web: www.eskom.co.za Address: Megawatt Park Maxwell Drive Sunninghill Sandton Johannesburg 2000 Telephone: Switchboard +27 11 800 8111 Case Study: The Group is South Africa’s national, vertically-integrated electricity utility and is engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and retailing of electricity to industrial, mining, commercial, agricultural and residential customers, as well as redistributors.

The Government, through the Department of Public Enterprises, is the shareholder. The Group supplies approximately 95% of South Africa’s electricity (with the remainder being produced by local authorities and certain large customers for their own consumption) and approximately 45% of the total electricity consumed on the African continent. The Group directly provides electricity to approximately 45% of all end-users in South Africa and to redistributors (including municipalities) who, in turn, resell and supply the other 55%.

In 2005, the Group initiated a programme to increase its generation, transmission and distribution capacity.

Overall, the committed capital expansion programme is planned to achieve additional capacity of 17 000 MW by 2018. The Group plans to fund the programme with shareholder loans, shareholder equity, external debt and its operating cash flow and revenue. Active participation in financial markets assists in managing risk related to foreign exchange, commodities and interest rates.

Case Study: EnterPricing is an International Tax Firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EnterPricing is the qualitative response to increased tax authorities scrutiny and higher corporate governance standards.

EnterPricing provides partner-level international tax, customs and transfer pricing services with a multi-disciplinary approach, access to a global network, and small firm responsiveness to multinational businesses, law and accounting firms and other professional advisors.

EnterPricing has established relationships with top tax and transfer pricing consultants in all Latin American and in most major countries.

EnterPricing is focused on international tax and transfer pricing planning, documentation and controversy and its domestic tax, customs and legal ramifications.

The EnterPricing professionals are a select group of business-oriented economists, lawyers and accountants that have unique international tax experience.

EnterPricing / Rybnik & Co. is a member of the City and Province of Buenos Aires Accountants Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina

Company: Eurofast Global Name: Panayiotis Diallinas Email: info@eurofast.eu panayiotis.diallinas@eurofast.eu Web: www.eurofast.eu Address: Cypress Center, Chytron Street 5, 1302 Lefkosia, Cyprus Telephone: + 357 22 699 222 Case Study: Eurofast is a boutique professional services Group operating in South East Europe and East Mediterranean through fully fledged offices in Lefkosia, Athens, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Bucharest, Belgrade, Podgorica, Tirana, Skopje, Zagreb, Pristina, Banja Luca, Sarajevo, Cairo, Alexandria, Kiev Moscow and Tbilisi. Our professional services include accounting and payroll services, transaction advisory, compliance reporting and cross border structuring. Eurofast employs over 225 people in South East Europe and East Mediterranean. It is managed by a team of professionals capable of efficiently addressing all client needs in one single meeting, using one single language for all the countries in the Region.

We are dedicated to delivering independent, added value and proactive services to our clients, with the aim not only to satisfy them, but to delight them. With local teams ranging from 10-60 professionals, we enforce our mission and philosophy in every one of our offices.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory Company: Forchak IP & Legal Advisory Name: Valentine Forchak Email: forchaklawfirm@yahoo.fr Web: www.forchaklaws.com Address: Third Floor, Victoria Custom Credit Union House “VICCCUL” Building, Apt. 15-16, Carr Str., behind Police barracks, New Town, P.O. BOX 370 Limbe, Republic Of Cameroon Telephone: (+237) 3304 9702 | (+237) 7757 25 75 | (+237) 9921 38 46 | (+237) 9650 99 40 Case Study: FORCHAK LAW FIRM is a firm of Barristers, Solicitors & Notaries Public with principal office in Limbe in the South West Province of the Republic of Cameroon.

It is a bi-jural Law Firm within the context of the country’s constitution, which is traceable from its cultural background having two legal systems to wit French Civil Law and English Common Law applicable in each jurisdiction of the country.

We handle cases and offer legal advice in both languages that is in English and French. The law firm which is licensed to operate in a multi-jurisdictional area extending to countries that are members of the CEMAC, OHADA and OAPI Convention and Treaties, have the special advantage and ability to represent and assist clients generally in Africa and the World at large.

Company: Gray’s Inn Barrister Name: Dev Erriah Email: deverriah@intnet.mu Address: Erriah Chambers, 2nd Floor, Les Jamalacs Building, Vieux Conseil Street, Port Louis, Mauritius Telephone: +230 208 2220 Case Study: Erriah Chambers is the only Chambers in Mauritius which specialises in international tax law, international trusts law, international business laws and all aspect of offshore business activities. The Chambers was set up in response to the demand for Mauritius-based lawyers with international exposure and specialised expertise in the fields of international trusts, international finance, corporate and cross border insolvency, tracing and debts recovery. Erriah Chambers acts as legal adviser and legal consultant to various banks in Mauritius and internationally. More than 80% of the Chamber’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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Company: George Walton Payne & Co Name: Hon George Payne Email: gwp@gwpco.com.bb Web: http://www.gwpco.com.bb/ Address: Suite 205-207 Dowell House Cr. Roebuck & Palmetto Sts. Bridgetown, Barbados W. I. Telephone: 1 (246) 426-0417 Case Study: The firm, founded on August 1, 1978, has a general business practice with emphasis on corporate and commercial law, international business and financial services, bankruptcy, taxation, creation and registration of securities, civil litigation, intellectual property, real estate, admiralty law, labour law, estate and succession law and personal injuries negotiation and settlement.

The firm has substantial experience in the creation and perfection of Securities in Barbados and is the contributor of the chapter on Barbados in the UK publication, “Offshore Jurisdictions and Banker’s Security”. This practitioners’ text is published by F T Law and Tax of London and is edited by David Harvey formerly of the prestigious U K firm, Mishcon de Reya.

While placing particular emphasis on the above areas, George Walton Payne & Co. provides a full range of legal services. The firm has clients in several countries covering all practice areas and in addition to English, communicates in Spanish and French.

Company: Hammarström Puhakka Partners, Attorneys Ltd Name: Vesa Silaskivi / Björn Nykvist Email: vesa.silaskivi@hpplaw.fi bjorn.nykvist@hpplaw.fi Web: www.hpplaw.com Address: Bulevardi 1 A, FI-00100 Helsinki, Finland Telephone: +358 9 474 21 Case Study: Hammarström Puhakka Partners is a leading Finnish corporate law firm with significant experience of advising domestic and international clients on M&A, joint venture, asset purchases and related business outsourcing. HPP is experienced in acting as Finnish counsel on multi-jurisdictional deals and regularly advises investors from outside Finland on their acquisition strategy in relation to Finnish targets. The firm advises on deals across a wide range of sectors but has particular experience in mining and natural resources, telecoms, technology, software, manufacturing and industrial, energy and renewable energy, logistics and pharmaceutical. The firm also has a marketleading competition team who handle all necessary notifications and competition aspects of large transactions.

Company: Golden Gate Business Name: Anatole Klepatsky Email: aklepatsky@ggb.com.ua Web: www.ggb.com.ua Address: 19-A, Kudryavska str., Kyiv, 04053, Ukraine Telephone: +380 (44) 201 20-20 Case Study: Golden Gate Business provides high quality financial advice and execution expertise in M&A transactions and principal investments.

The firm works with dedication and seniorlevel commitment to help clients to achieve their strategic objectives and enhance value of their businesses. We have more than a decade of experience in M&A consulting with successfully completed projects at the total amount of over USD 1,5 bn. Understanding of interests of international buyers and expectations of local entrepreneurs allows us to attract investments in Ukraine from world leading companies such as PepsiCo, Lion Capital, Lafarge, Heidelberg, Horizon Capital and many others.

Company: Harmans Name: Matthew Harman, Mary Collins, John Moss, Stephen Greenslade, Steve Jones, Jim Knight, Gary Knight, Mat Knight Email: enquiries@harmanscosts.com Web: www.harmanscosts.com Address: Ardenham Lane House, Ardenham Lane, Aylesbury, BUCKS HP19 8AA; also in London and Chelmsford Telephone: 01296 390000 Case Study: Harmans is a progressive firm of Costs Lawyers with over 40 years experience in dealing with all legal costs issues. With 12 Costs Lawyers and a number of Associate Costs Draftsmen, Harmans are able to ensure a fast, professional and dedicated advice service, whether to the largest corporation or the enterprising individual.

Harmans can provide first class Advocacy on Detailed Assessment and any other Costs Hearings anywhere in England and Wales.

As a result of continued expansion Harmans now have offices in London, Aylesbury and Chelmsford

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Company: Heussen Name: Mr. Stan Ph. Robbers Email: info@heussen-law.nl Web: www.heussen-law.nl Address: De Entree 51 1101 BH Amsterdam Telephone: 0031 20 312 2800 Case Study: HEUSSEN is an independent law firm in the Netherlands with its offices in Amsterdam. The firm is associated with HEUSSEN Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH an independent German law firm, and with the Italian law firm, HEUSSEN Italia Studio Legale e Tributario.

HEUSSEN has a strong international focus. All of Heussen’s lawyers have significant track records of cross-border transactions next to their vast domestic experience. Its client base comprises mostly large and medium sized international companies.

HEUSSEN strongly believes in a multi-disciplinary and multi-competency approach. Due to the vast experience in working with other professional service providers, Heussen’s attorneys and civil law notaries not only understand the language of other disciplines, but also realize that combining the strengths of all relevant professionals at the early stages of advising clients is highly efficient and beneficial.

Company: The Investigation Bureau of London Limited Name: Andrew Rossi – Director Email: : info@iblondon.com Web: www.iblondon.com Address: 26, York Street, London, W1U 6PZ Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7748 0789 +44 (0) 7961 912 678 ( 24 hours ) Case Study: Our difference to many other investigative organisations is that our core experience, background and expertise is commercial and private investigations .

Genuine 25 years experience in a results orientated enviroment Specialists in Surveillance, Counter Surveillance, Complex Investigations, Due Diligence and Background Checks Detectives, Tracing, Asset tracking, Corporate Intelligence, Background Checks, Business Research, Qualitative Due Diligence, Investment and Hedge Fund Due Diligence, Investigative Due Diligence

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Company: Heritage International Fund Managers (Malta) Limited Name: Rhea Gordon Email: rhea.gordon@heritage.co.gg Web: www.heritage.co.gg Address: Block A, Ground Floor, Aviation Park, Civil Aviation Avenue, Luqa LQA 9023, Malta Telephone: : +356 22 489 161 Case Study: Heritage Fund Administration Group is an independent provider of client-focused, comprehensive, third-party fund administration with $50bn under administration. Whether providing accounting, company secretarial, compliance, deal execution, investor relations, cash management or all of the above services, Heritage works in partnership with its clients to provide a value added service with dedicated attention from a multi-specialist qualified team pursuant to an agreed framework designed to suit each client’s individual needs.

Heritage benefits from offices in Malta, Guernsey and the UK. This strategic positioning allows it to achieve global reach and to capitalise on its team’s thorough understanding of each of the European, Channel Islands, Onshore UK and International fund industries.

Company: Jackson, Etti & Edu Name: Adekunle Soyibo Email: kunlesoyibo@jacksonettiandedu.com Web: www.jacksonettiandedu.com Address: 3-5 Sinari Daranijo Street, Off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Telephone: +234 [1] 2806989, +234 [1] 4626841 Case Study: JACKSON, ETTI & EDU, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, has been rendering legal service and advice for over a decade to a broad spectrum of local and international clients on diverse corporate and commercial matters.

The firm, is a product of the integration of two highly reputable law firms, NORMA JACKSON-STEELE & CO. and ETTI, EDU & CO. It started as a medium sized law firm, to emerge as one of the leading firms in the country today with a total staff strength of 100, including 27 lawyers and 3 consultants, one of whom assists the Firm with government related issues.

The integration of the two firms has produced a unique and formidable firm that has successfully blended years of experience with a dynamic and innovative approach in the provision of qualitative legal services in the handling of substantial and complex corporate and commercial transactions.

JACKSON, ETTI & EDU has four full-fledged and functional offices strategically located. One in Victoria Island (the corporate and financial centre), one in Ikeja, Abuja and Ghana.

Company: Hoda Vasi Chowdhury & Co – Chartered Accountants Name: A K Chowdhury Email: akchowdhury@hodavasi.com Web: www.hodavasi.com Address: Touche Tohmatsu, BTMC Bhaban (Levels 7 & 8), 7-9 Kawran Bazar C/A, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh Telephone: 88-02: 8121114, 8189323-24, 9120090 & 9140094 Case Study: Hoda Vasi Chowdhury (HVC) is one of the leading and oldest professional services firms in Bangladesh. For about 50 years, HVC has provided high-quality financial, taxation and management services to a diverse and successful client base operating across various industry and business segment. It started its practice in this vision in 1962 under the name and style “A F Ferguson & Co”, a Scottish firm.

Since then, as an innovative and highly professional public accounting and consulting firm, HVC serves as trusted auditor and valued advisor to over 1,000 clients by delivering objective, clear and practical advice to help our clients grow and succeed in their chosen field.

We’re proud of our firm’s strong and established reputation, a reputation that is built on a long history of integrity, independence and trust.

Company: Jackson, Etti and Edu Name: Fola Olusanya Email: folaolusanya@jacksonettiandedu.com Web: www.jacksonettiandedu.com Address: RCO Court, 3-5, Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Telephone: (234) 01 462 6841; (234) 01 7736361 (D/L) Case Study: Our Mergers & Acquisitions Practice is renowned for structuring and closing complex local and cross-border deals. Our approach is encapsulated by the resolve towards delivering results regardless of the complexity of the transaction. We advise on all forms of corporate restructuring including sale of assets, shares, divestments, takeovers, spin-offs, mergers and acquisitions, privatizations, joint ventures, cross-border acquisitions, private equity investment and venture capital. Our practice spans virtually all sectors of the Nigeria economy, representing local and international clients, government and institutions alike on big ticket transactions.

Our Merger & Acquisition Practice is internationally ranked by foremost legal directories as a leading reference point for mergers and acquisitions in Nigeria. We pride ourselves in assisting our client create synergies, achieve seamless integrations while protecting stakeholder value.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory Company: Jokinen & Associates Name: Janne Jokinen Email: info@jokinenassociates.fi Web: www.jokinenassociates.fi Address: Asianajaja, varatuomari Advokat, vicehäradshövding Advocate, Trained on the Bench Jokinen & Associates Fredrikinkatu 28 B 17, 00120 Helsinki Telephone: (+358)-9-645 544

Company: Kauttu Attorneys Name: Tuomo Kauttu Email: tuomo@kauttu.fi Web: www.kauttu.fi Address: Aleksanterinkatu 17, P.O.Box 800, 00101 Helsinki, Finland Telephone: +358 10 229 1244

Case Study: We are consistently active in the day-to-day transactions of the Finnish business community, both locally and abroad.

Case Study: Kauttu Attorneys is a business law firm, helping both emerging and established businesses to navigate the Nordic corporate landscape, as well as assisting with overseas matters.

The structure of the Firm has been created with the objective of offering personalised legal services of the highest professional standards.

We advise and represent businesses at all stages of their growth, from start-ups and emerging growth companies, to multinational public corporations. Our practice focuses on all forms of business ownership in a broad spectrum of markets and industries, including technology, energy, manufacturing and transportation.

Service - We commit to delivering demonstrable value to our clients.We take a broad, businessled view to all client issues.We seek new and innovative solutions to client and market issues.

Quality - We strive to achieve the highest quality in everything we do. We meet our professional obligations and take responsibility for our decisions.

The principles that drive us: strong and supportive relationships with our communities and clients and commitments to diversity and continuing education.

Company: Krishnamurthy & Co. / K Law Name: Naina Krishna Murthy Email: mail@klaw.in Web: www.klaw.in Address: Mumbai : 96, Free Press House, 215, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 021 Bangalore : NO 715, I Main, Indranagar, I Stage Bangalore 560 038 Telephone: Mumbai : +91 22 67492595/96 Bangalore : +91 80 25283685/90 Case Study: Established in 1999, Krishnamurthy & Co. (K Law) is a boutique law firm and provides a wide spectrum of sophisticated legal services in business sectors. The primary areas of practice of the firm is corporate commercial, capital markets, intellectual property, media and entertainment, real estate and dispute resolution. K Law currently has offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. K Law currently has a team of approximately 65 lawyers across all offices with 4 Partners and three Associate Partners. K Law takes pride in its winning combination of a professional, experienced, dedicated and dynamic team.

Along with its distinguished clients, K Law continues to expand in stature sharing mutual trust and respect.

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Our main practice areas are commercial transactions; corporate law; mergers and acquisitions; technology and IPR; finance and venture capital; international taxation.

We are able to serve clients throughout the Northern European region through a network of law firms in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries. Beyond this, we have established professional relationships with law firms across Europe, in North America, and in Asia.

Being a boutique law firm, we aim to assist clients by delivering the quality of professional service expected from large firms, but with greater flexibility, efficiency and responsiveness.

Company: Kalliolaw Asianajotoimisto Oy – Attorney at Law Name: Jukka Kallio, Managing Partner Email: forename.surname@kalliolaw.fi Web: www.kalliolaw.fi Address: Eteläranta 12, FI-00130 Helsinki, Finland Telephone: +358 9 6812 930 Case Study: Kalliolaw is a law firm that specializes in serving VC’s and growing companies with international operations. We are strongly committed to our clients’ objectives and we want to make sure the clients get deals done – even in challenging time frames.

Our wide-ranging expertise and experience focuses on the following sectors: M&A, capital markets, information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, corporate law, human resources, mining, IP, finance, e-commerce and information security.

We are deeply involved in cooperation with our international cooperation partners, professionals and dedicated attorneys all over the world.

We serve our clients in English, Swedish, German, French and Finnish.

Company: KienhuisHoving Name: Matthijs van Rozen Email: matthijs.vanrozen@kienhuishoving.nl Web: www.kienhuishoving.nl Address: Pantheon 25, 7521 PR Enschede, the Netherlands Telephone: 00 31 53 480 42 00 Case Study: Matthijs van Rozen is a Dutch civil-law notary (notaris) specialized in corporate law.

His activities include the incorporation and structures of Dutch companies and nonprofit organizations, share transfers, mergers and acquisitions and general advice on corporate law, both in national and international settings.

KienhuisHoving is one of the largest law firms with both lawyers and civil-law notaries in the east of the Netherlands, located in the university town of Enschede in the Twente region, just a few kilometers from the German border. Amongst various practice areas the firm has a well known German Desk. Matthijs joined KienhuisHoving in 1999.

Company: Landwell & Associés, Law firm, member of the international PwC Network Name: Anne-Valérie Attias-Assouline, Bernard Borrely, Alain Chedal, Cécile Debin, Xavier Etienne, Virginie Louvel-Loreal, Nicolas Granier, Catherine Olive, Fabien Radisic, Xavier Rollet Email: paula-mae.de.liege@fr.landwellglobal.com Web: www.landwell.fr Address: Crystal Park – 61 rue de Villiers – 92208 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex - France Telephone: +33 (0)1 56 57 10 79 Case Study: In France Landwell & Associés is the law firm member of the PwC international network which spans over 158 countries and each member share the same common values. Our international reach coupled with a strong local presence allows us to develop pertinent solutions to our clients’ specific needs.

With over 500 lawyers and professionals in Paris and other regions in France we use our multidisciplinary tax and legal expertise and extensive industry knowledge and experience, to successfully carry out national or international projects irrespective of their scale or complexity.

We help our clients set up and adapt business structures, optimise investments and manage growth.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory Company: The Law Office Rasa & Ešenvalds Name: Jānis Ešenvalds / Armands Rasa Email: info@readvokati.lv Web: www.readvokati.lv Address: Kr.Valdemāra 33-35, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia Telephone: +371 67280685

Company: Law Surgery Name: Henry Hendron Email: Henry@lawsurgery.com Web: www.lawsurgery.com Address: Henry Hendron, 4th Floor, 226 The Strand, London, WC2R 1BA Telephone: (020) 7117 6920

Case Study: The Law Office Rasa & Ešenvalds have been formed by joint efforts of two talented and determined lawyers of the rising generation. Armands Rasa and Jānis Ešenvalds have gained ample professional experience from their employment with the leading law offices in Latvia until the time is up to pursue further professional growth by establishing their own law office. The Law Office Rasa & Ešenvalds partners are quite certain that commitment to work by 200 per cent is the key to success, rather than “resting on laurels”. Perfect performance of any task right away is the axiom in The Law Office Rasa & Ešenvalds office.

Case Study: Under relatively new rules, members of the public do not need to go to a solicitor to instruct a Barrister.

Services: l Representation of client’s interests in court l Legal assistance in the field of commercial law, including M&A l Legal attendance of business restructuring processes l Permanent residencial permits l Legal attendance of right in personam l Legal attendance of right in rem l Maritime law, including ship arrest l Legal attendance of labor law-related matters l Other types of legal assistance

Company: Lykourezos Law Offices Name: Alexandros Lykourezos Email: allykourezos@lykourezos.gr Web: www.lykourezoslawoffices.gr Address: 19, Dimokritou street, 106 73 Athens, Greece Telephone: +30 210 3607913-4, +30 210 3603943-4 Case Study: Lykourezos Law Offices recently celebrated a centennial of operation and over the years, it has earned a sterling reputation as one of the most prominent Greek and European legal firms. Committed to providing high quality legal services to many Greek and foreign prominent individuals and major corporations as well as international and local financial institutions, the firm initially focused on criminal law and over the last twenty years it has broadened its practice and has developed a thriving commercial and business practice, providing its clients with top quality expertise in Commercial and Corporate, Banking Law and Financing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Privatization, Energy, Real Estate Investments, Law of Contracts, International Arbitration, Civil Law and Litigation, Telecommunications, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as well as Criminal Law and White Collar Crime. Due to his meticulous preparation, extensive research and skillful presentation in the courtroom, Mr. Lykourezos has earned a reputation in Greece as being one of the most sought after attorneys in the country. His name has become synonymous with the legal profession in Greece and the Greek Press has coined the phrase “Profession Lykourezos”.

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Company: Lockton Companies LLP Name: Philip Dearn Email: philip.dearn@uk.lockton.com Web: www.lockton.com Address: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AG Telephone: 0207 933 2240

Instead, get your legal services straight from an accredited Public Access Barrister; Henry Hendron.

Case Study: Clients across the globe count on Lockton for risk management, insurance and employee benefits. Our experts tailor solutions to the unique needs of each company, organization, and individual just about anywhere. Our long-term relationships with underwriters around the world allow us to structure and negotiate comprehensive coverage at the best price possible.

Henry Hendron is a Barrister regulated by The Bar Standards Board and The Bar Council of England & Wales by whom he has been accredited to undertake direct Public Access work. Henry Hendron via Lawsurgery.com is able to offer you high quality legal advice and the most affordable prices.

Lockton Quick Facts: World’s largest privately owned, independent insurance brokerage firm Associates: 4,450+ people around the world Locations: 60 offices in the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.

Unlike most other public access barristers, Henry has his own private office and personal support team who are dedicated to meeting the needs of his clients, meaning that Henry is able to offer his clients a level of support and service that is almost unrivalled at the bar.

LawSurgery.com brings high quality legal advice at the most affordable prices; Legal advice starts from just £49 for online legal advice. consultations with a barrister (by phone or in person) are only £99,while legal letters written on your behalf are just £120. In addition to this Lawsurgery.com has recently launched its new personal lawyer service, enabling members of the public to have their own dedicated barrister providing unlimited advice and support for only £200 plus VAT per month.

Company: Mkono & Co. Advocates in Association with SNR Denton Name: Hon. Nimrod E. Mkono Email: nimrod.mkono@mkono.com Web: http://www.mkono.com/ Address: 8th Floor Exim Tower, Ghana Avenue, P.O. Box 4369, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Telephone: (+255 22) 211 8789/90/91 Case Study: Mkono & Co. is a leading East-African law firm headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, offering a unique variety of services. The Firm was founded in 1977 by its managing partner, the Honourable Nimrod E. Mkono (M.P.), who has spearheaded the Firm’s remarkable growth to become not only Tanzania’s leading law firm, but also, a prominent and highly regarded corporate, commercial and financial practice in East-Africa. The Firm’s clients include individuals, sovereign governments, parastatals, NGOs, SMEs and large multinationals operating across a broad spectrum of industrial sectors.

The Firm is engaged in global partnerships with leading law firms and boasts a legal team, which includes English solicitors, US and European-qualified lawyers and advocates from High Courts of East African countries.

Lockton Global, our partnership of independent brokers, provides innovative risk management and employee benefit services anywhere in the world.

Our Growth: “When we talk about planning for the next quarter, we’re talking about the next quarter century.”

- David Lockton Our organic growth and client retention rates are the envy of the industry. Since 1966, we have grown from a one-person operation to a global enterprise while maintaining our entrepreneurial spirit.

Our Focus: You. Lockton’s fierce commitment to private ownership means that each associate has a single-minded focus on serving our clients. Our independence from Wall Street keeps us focused on your needs, not the demands of analysts or stock price.

Company: Monze District Land Alliance Name: Eslony Chamvwa Hatimbula Email: hatimbulaeslony@yahoo.com Address: P.O.BOX 660 480, Station Road Telephone: 0213 250 425 Cell: +0977 716 543 Case Study: Services Offered: Capacity building in Agriculture Activities, Crop production, and Leadership

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Company: mth tax limited Name: Morag Horsey Email: morag@mthtax.co.uk Web: www.mthtax.co.uk Address: 2 Mainshill Cottages, Morham, Haddington EH41 4LG Telephone: 01620 82615 Case Study: We are a friendly firm who specialise in looking after the accounting and taxation needs of individuals and small businesses. We’re not your typical boring accountant – we like to get to know our clients and tailor our services to meet their requirements. We will relieving them of the stresses of dealing with the Inland Revenue, ensure that all returns are filed within the deadlines, leaving them to concentrate on growing their business.

With modern technology geographical location is not a problem. We offer a professional, cost effective service without losing the personal touch.

Our services include: l Completion and submission of personal, partnership and corporation tax returns; l Preparation and submission of Annual Accounts l VAT Returns l Payroll

Company: Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Email: office@nndkp.ro Web: www.nndkp.ro Address: 1A Bucureşti-Ploieşti National Road, Bucharest Business Park, Entrance A, 4th Floor, 1st District, Bucharest 013681, Romania Telephone: +4 021 201 12 00 Case Study: NNDKP is positioned on the market as a premium provider of high-quality, full-service, integrated consultancy services for medium and small companies in Romania. NNDKP has a highly specialized and multi-disciplinary team of lawyers and consultants and has become, over the past years, a “one stop shop” for our clients for both legal and tax advice.

NNDKP benefits of consistent recognition from the international legal directories – over the past two years, NNDKP has been the only Romanian law firm ranked first, in all practice areas researched in Romania, by all the prestigious legal publications (Chambers and Partners, The European Legal 500 and IFLR 1000), added to the constant top rankings over the past nine years.

The firm also distinguished on the Romanian legal market through its membership in prestigious international professional alliances and organizations, such as Lex Mundi and World Services Group, as well as the South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal), which it has co-founded in 2003.

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MUC Consulting Group Company: MUC Consulting Group Name: Muhammad Razikun Email: razikun@mucglobal.com Web: www.mucglobal.com Address: MUC Building, Jl. TB Simatupang 15 Jakarta, Indonesia 12530 Telephone: : +6221 788 37 111 Case Study: MUC Consulting Group (MUC) is a business consulting firm which is supported by more than 200 professionals in Jakarta, Surabaya and Balikpapan. Currently MUC is supported by professionals from various fields of expertise.

Some of MUC’s experts own Certificate of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Audit from Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA), and Transfer Pricing Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

MUC commenced its business in 1999 by only providing tax consultancy service. As the company grows, MUC provides various services, among other Assurance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, Customs Transfer Pricing, and Advisory Services to hundreds of client, mainly are multi-national companies.

Company: Nixon Peabody LLC Name: Stefan Boshkov Email: sboshkov@nixonpeabody.com Web: www.nixonpeabody.com Address: 437 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10022 Telephone: (212) 224-6389 Case Study: Nixon Peabody LLP is a full-service law firm that helps clients navigate complex challenges in litigation, real estate, corporate law, and finance. With approximately 700 attorneys throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the firm has the ability to handle matters anywhere in the world, ensuring that clients get the right attorneys, right where they need them.

Our focus is on listening to our clients and working collaboratively to help them achieve their business objectives. We have the experience to anticipate and capture opportunities, prepare for and manage risks, and forecast and overcome obstacles.

Our attorneys are recognized leaders whom clients count on to solve a broad range of complex challenges. We are keenly focused on understanding our clients’ businesses and having deep understanding of the issues driving their industries. We are entrepreneurial, innovative, responsive, and efficient.

At Nixon Peabody, we believe strongly in a commitment to our communities, and we often partner with clients to advance shared values of social responsibility, pro bono service, and diversity. In our practice and operations we emphasize the importance of a sustainable future through the firm’s Legally Green® initiative.

We are proud to accomplish what is best for clients while also doing what is best for our world, the communities in which we live and work, and each other.

Company: M.V. Kini & Co. Name: Ravi Kini, Managing Attorney Email: ravikini@mvkini.com Web: www.mvkini.com Address: Bilquees Mansion, 261/263 D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 001 Telephone: (+91) 22-2261 2527 / 28 / 29 Case Study: M.V. Kini & Co. established in 1978, is one of India’s larger law firms having its head office at Mumbai and branch offices in New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Allahabad, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Nasik.

We have 170+ lawyers offering legal services in Corporate and Commercial Law, International Trade Disputes Litigation, Arbitration, Banking and Financial Services, Capital Markets, Public Infrastructure Contracts, Civil Aviation, IPR and Environmental Law. Our clientele includes Banks, Financial Institutions, Statutory Authorities, Aviation Companies, Construction Companies, Power Distribution Companies, Real Estate Companies, Hotels, IT and Telecom Companies.

Company: Nixon Peabody Name: Stefan R. Boshkov Email: sboshkov@nixonpeabody.com Web: www.nixonpeabody.com Address: 437 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10022 Telephone: 212-940-3068 Case Study: Stefan Boshkov has a broad tax practice including concentrations in corporate mergers, reorganizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and bankruptcy restructurings, foreign inbound and outbound transactions, including tax treaty analysis, corporate distributions and redemptions, partnership and disregarded entity structures, individual taxation including non-ERISA compensation planning, exempt organizations, and consolidated group matters.

Mr. Boshkov is a member of the New York State and American bar associations.

Services: • Corporate & Finance • M&A and Corporate Transactions • Private Equity & Investment Funds • Leveraged Buyouts • Tax • Business Tax • Tax Controversies & Litigation

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

OUSSI Law Firm

Company: Nortons Incorporated Name: Anthony Norton and John Oxenham Email: Anthony@nortonsinc.com; john@ nortonsinc.com Web: www.nortonsinc.com Address: 135 Daisy Street, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa - Postal Code 2196 Telephone: +27 11 666 7560 Case Study: Nortons Inc. is a general regulatory firm offering specialist expertise, personalised service as well as strategic and creative legal advice. The firm has extensive experience across a range of industries ranging from medical and pharmaceutical, aviation, telecommunications, mining (particularly diamonds), general industrial, motor vehicle, publishing, media and hospitals.

Lawyers at Nortons Inc. have previously been involved in some of the largest and most complex, precedent setting regulatory litigation cases in South Africa and the rest of the continent. In addition, the team has extensive experience in corporate fraud and corruption matters Company: PSS International Removals Email: info@p-s-s.co.uk Web: www.pssremovals.com Address: 1-3 Pegasus Road, Croydon, CR9 4PS Telephone: 020 8686 7733 Case Study: PSS International removals are a family run company and we have specialised in international removals for over 30 years. We have successfully assisted thousands of customers move worldwide, so we recognise the importance in ensuring that you receive the best level of care and attention. We are known as the UK’s first choice for moving overseas and we believe in providing a friendly, professional moving service.

At Personal Shipping Services (PSS) we offer a variety of services with competitive prices, so whether you are sending a full or part household, excess baggage or vehicle, removal, we can help you. Our home survey’s and estimates are FREE WITH NO OBLIGATION and we recommend that removal customers arrange their FREE home survey or estimate between 4-6 months prior to leaving the UK. If you are sending a small consignment or baggage shipment, we recommend that you arrange a FREE estimate 3-1 months prior to leaving the UK. You may also be applicable for one of our special offers which is a FREE Airfreight carton/package door to door depending on the type of removal service you choose, please ask one of our friendly move consultants for more details.

If you would like any additional information, were here to help so please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced move consultants.

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Company: Norton Rose Piotr Strawa & Partners LLP Name: Rafał Hajduk, partner Email: rafal.hajduk@nortonrose.com Web: www.nortonrose.com Address: Pl. Pilsudskiego 2, 00-073 Warsaw, Poland Telephone: + 48 22 581 4900 Case Study: Norton Rose Group is a leading international legal practice. We offer a full business law service to many of the world’s pre-eminent financial institutions and corporations from offices in Europe, Asia Pacific, Canada, Africa and the Middle East – and, from 1 January 2012, Latin America and Central Asia.

Knowing how our clients’ businesses work and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world. We are strong in financial institutions, energy, infrastructure, mining and commodities, transport, technology & innovation and pharmaceuticals & life sciences. Working closely with Norton Rose’s offices across the world, Norton Rose Warsaw offers a full range of financial, commercial law and regulatory services, and has a particular strength in energy, infrastructure and project finance.

Company: Paul Ratnayeke Associates Name: J.H.P. Ratnayeke Email: paul@prlaw.lk info@prlaw.lk Address: 59, Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94112697893/4 Case Study: Mr. Paul Ratnayeke is a Senior Corporate Lawyer who is also the precedent partner of Paul Ratnayeke Associates, a leading law firm in Sri Lanka which he founded in 1987 handling all areas of law and international legal consultancy work.

Mr. Ratnayeke is a Solicitor of England and Wales and an Attorney at Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. He holds a bachelors degree in law with honours and has been awarded a Masters Degree in Law by the University of London.

Currently Mr. Ratnayeke holds directorship in several companies including public quoted Companies. He has also been elected/ appointed as Chairman/Deputy Chairman to several of these Companies

Company: Oussi Law Firm Name: Gabriel Oussi Email: go-law@oussico.net Web: www.international-referral.com/ userprofiles/GabrielOussi Address: P.O Box: 2506, Salhiye, Shouhada, No.18, Damascus - Syria Telephone: 00963 11 33500090\1 Case Study: The firm was established in 1968, member in: The Syrian Bar of lawyers, International Association of Lawyers UIA, Association of European Lawyers AEA, the International Criminal Defense Council ICDC, The International Referral, The Arabic Society for the Protection of Industrial Property ASPIP, and the Arab Arbitration Chamber for Eng. & Const. Contracts.

Firm Activities: Administrative Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Financing Law, International Law, Trademark Law, counterfeiting & Infringement Law, Labor Law, Tax Law, Depts Collector, Banking Law, Construction Law, Insurance Law, and Business Consultancies.

The firm offers a full range of legal services and it’s associated with a comprehensive network of distinguished experts and consultants in the field of business management, economic feasibility studies.The firm’s activities are conducted by several professional reputed lawyers dedicated to serve their clients the very best of legal services. Moreover, reliable contacts are maintained with other firms in Syria, Middle East, Europe and USA.

Company: Pett, Franklin & Co. LLP Name: David Pett / William Franklin Email: david.pett@pettfranklin.com william.franklin@pettfranklin.com Web: www.pettfranklin.com Address: Victoria House, 116 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3BD Telephone: +44(0)121 348 7878 Case Study: Pett, Franklin & Co. LLP is an independent, mixed-disciplinary practice recognised in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 and as leaders in our field. We assist public and private companies in designing and operating their employee share schemes. David Pett is the author of “Employee Share Schemes”, the principal text on the subject. Our broad range of skills and expertise means that we can offer advice and support on the accounting and valuation aspects of share schemes. We provide a high-quality yet cost-effective review of share scheme affairs in transactions. Due diligence of share schemes requires specialist knowledge and the potential financial exposure can be substantial. We offer transactional support to companies, and advise other professionals involved in corporate transactions.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory Company: Pradhan & Associates Name: Pramita Shrestha Email: pshrestha@pradhanlaw.com Web: www.pradhanlaw.com Address: 37-9 Gaurav Marg, Maitighar, P.O. Box: 11185, Kathmandu, Nepal Telephone: (+977) 1 425 2272 Case Study: An informed, well-advised and prepared international investor is a successful investor. Our Kathmandu based law firm is well positioned to understand the need for diversification and to assist international investors in legal matters since our professional legal counsels are specialized in cross-border ventures with a special emphasis on transactions with the South Asian region.

Our commitment is to provide the highest standard of professionalism, quality and services in a friendly environment. In order to adhere the highest standard of professionalism, we maintain strict compliance to avoid a slight chance of conflict of interest situation. In order to avoid conflict of interest situation, our firm generally does not represent domestic clients.

With the unstoppable winds of change in mind and a new era of business opportunities ahead of us, we warmly extend to all our clients and colleagues worldwide, our ever ready support and assistance for a successful cycle and our sincere wishes for rewarding years to come.

We pride ourselves in forging of valuable and long lasting relations with our clients and colleagues leaving them the discretion and the freedom to measure the success of our relationship.

Company: PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal CIS B.V. (PwC Legal) Name: Alexey Shinkarenko - Partner, Alexey Khorokhordin - Senior Associate, Elena Van Associate, Artem Moyseenko - Associate, Victoria Arutyunyan - Associate, Maria Pavlyuchenko Associate Email: alexey.shinkarenko@ru.pwc.com Web: www..pwc.ru Address: White Square Office Centre 10 Butyrsky Val Moscow, Russia, 125047 Telephone: + 7 (495) 967 61 52 Case Study: PwC Legal in Russia started its operation in Moscow in 2002 with a new high professional team and afterwards became first Big4 separate legal firm.

Our Corporate and M&A practice has an impressive track record of representing clients in share and asset acquisition and disposal transactions, ranging in size from very large to relatively modest. We have extensive experience in handling the most sophisticated and time- and resource-intensive deals, many of which involve complex and novel structures, and tend to be multi-jurisdictional.

We handle both domestic and cross-border deals, involving friendly and contested transactions, whether structured as a private treaty or an auction sale. We advise and represent clients of all capacities, including corporates, financial institutions, private equity investors and individuals

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Company: Phuoc & Partners Law Firm Name: Nguyen Gia Huy Chuong Email: chuong.nguyen@phuoc-partners.com Web: www.phuoc-partners.com Address: Suite 1602, 16th Floor, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist. 3, HCMC, Vietnam Telephone: +84 8 3823 5895 Case Study: Phuoc & Partners is distinguished from other law firms in Vietnam by offering our clients particularly strong resources in many disciplines. We are a top-tier firm for mergers and acquisitions work in Vietnam in which we operate bringing together international experience and local knowledge. We advise on the full range of deal structures from public takeovers/tender offers through to divestments, auctions, take privates and demergers. We are also able to draw upon deep know-how in other practice areas such as tax, labour, intellectual property, tax, finance, real estate, anti-trust and competition, and dispute resolution to provide integrated support to all types of M&A transactions in Vietnam. We have been recognized in consecutive recent years by The Legal 500, ALB, Tax Directors Handbook, Chambers & Partners.

If you would like further information on how our firm can assist you in addressing Mergers and Acquisitions issues, please contact practice Chair Mr. Nguyen Gia Huy Chuong at chuong.nguyen@ phuoc-partners.com.

Company: Russell Advocaten Name: Reinier W.L. Russell (managing partner) Email: reinier.russell@russell.nl Web: www.russell.nl Address: P.O. Box 87400, 1080 JK Amsterdam, The Netherlands Telephone: +31 20 301 55 55 Case Study: Russell Advocaten is a medium-sized law firm based in Amsterdam, providing legal services mainly for the corporate sector. The scale and the structure of our law firm allow us to give personal attention to each client, resulting in prompt, high-level legal advice. Our services are centred on quality and efficiency. This demands a wellorganized office structure and highly-qualified staff members who render professional advice.

The Netherlands is an appealing place to conduct business. At Russell Advocaten, we have highly skilled specialists to assist you in successfully entering the Dutch market and we render legal support to your day-to-day business operations.

Russell Advocaten is a member of Primerus, a network of independent, top-rated law firms.

We are recommended by Legal 500 and listed in Martindale-Hubbell. Furthermore, our firm has received awards for ‘Best Employment Firm’ and ‘Best Real Estate Firm’ of the Netherlands.

Company: PwC Bermuda Name: George Holmes, Belaid Jheengoor Email: belaid.jheengoor@bm.pwc.com Web: www.pwc.com/bermuda Address: P.O. Box HM1171, Hamilton, HM EX, Bermuda Telephone: +1441 299 7190 Case Study: Our asset management professionals provide a broad range of assurance, tax and advisory services to asset managers, hedge funds, private equity funds and infrastructure funds with multi-jurisdictional structures.

Our Bermuda team’s experience, combined with our strong links with PwC member firms in London and New York, means we are best placed to provide the value and timely advise you require from a trusted business advisor.

Company: Samoa International Finance Authority Name: Erna Vaai Email: offshore@lesamoa.net / intlbusiness@sifa.ws or intlbusiness@sifa.ws Web: www.sifa.ws Address: : P O Box 3265, Level 6, Development Bank of Samoa Building, Apia, SAMOA Telephone: (685) 66400 or 24071 Case Study: The Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) regulates, administers and supervises the conduct of the international finance sector of Samoa. It is an independent statutory corporation with over two decades of experience in the international financial industry. SIFA is responsible for the incorporation and registration of international companies and regulatory authority for international companies, international banks, international insurance companies, international mutual funds and international trust companies. Our laws are founded on English common law governed by a Westminster-styled Parliamentary democracy. SIFA is a member of international regulatory groups like the International Conference of Banking Supervisors (ICBS), Offshore Group of Insurance Supervisors (OGIS), International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and the International Trade & Investment Organisation (ITIO).

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Company: Shalakany Law Office Name: Dr. Khaled El Shalakany Email: kshalakany@shalakany.com Web: http://www.shalakany.com Address: 12 Marashly Street, Zamalek P.O. Box: 11211 Telephone: 202.27288888 Case Study: Since its establishment in 1912, the Firm has achieved a record of success and growth that today makes it the longest established firm and a leading firm in Egypt and the Middle East. The Firm is a “fullservice” firm that offers a broad range of legal services to its clients.

Company: South Square, Gray’s Inn Name: Felicity Toube QC Email: felicitytoube@southsquare.com Web: www.southsquare.com Address: 3-4 South Square, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5HP, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7696 9900

Company: South Square, Gray’s Inn Name: Glen Davis QC, MCIArb Email: glendavis@southsquare.com Web: www.southsquare.com Address: 3-4 South Square, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5HP, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7696 9900

Case Study: Felicity Toube QC specialises in commercial and insolvency law; in particular cross-border issues including asset tracing. In addition to England and Wales, Felicity appears in the courts of (or advises in relation to the law of) the Channel Islands and many countries throughout the Commonwealth. She has particular experience of cross border issues with the USA. She is the editor of “Toube on International Asset Tracing in Insolvency”. She writes for numerous specialist publications.

Case Study: Glen Davis QC is an English commercial barrister with nearly twenty years’ experience of all aspects of financial and corporate law, often complicated by insolvency. His recent banking and financial services experience has included acting for the UK’s Financial Services Authority in MF Global and taking an interest in sovereign debt. His practice often has an international or cross-border dimension, and he chairs the Africa Committee of COMBAR, the English Commercial Bar Association.

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Advice and advocacy at all levels of tribunal Restructuring, mergers and acquisitions Civil fraud Asset tracing and enforcement Contentious insolvency and commercial disputes Construction of statutes, regulations and contracts (including ISDA standard terms) Duties of directors, trustees and office-holders Cross-border recognition and enforcement

South Square, Gray’s Inn is noted as one of the leading commercial sets of Chambers in London and has an international reputation as the leading set for insolvency and restructuring.

Enquiries: practicemanagers@southsquare.com

Company: South Square, Gray’s Inn Name: John Briggs Email: johnbriggs@southsquare.com Web: www.southsquare.com Address: 3-4 South Square, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5HP, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7696 9900

Company: South Square, Gray’s Inn Name: William Trower QC Email: williamtrower@southsquare.com Web: www.southsquare.com Address: 3-4 South Square, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5HP, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7696 9900

Case Study: John Briggs is an English barrister with over thirty years’ experience of dealing with legal problems and disputes relating to all aspects of insolvency, both personal and corporate, and whether domestic or cross-border.

His major cases include many “high profile” personal insolvencies and he has appeared in over 40 reported cases.

Case Study: William Trower QC is an English barrister with over twenty five years’ experience of many aspects of financial and corporate law, including in particular insolvency and reconstruction work in the insurance and banking industries. His recent experience has included acting for the administrators of the principal English Lehman companies on numerous different matters. His practice often has an international or cross-border dimension and he has appeared in courts in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Hong Kong.

He is a Deputy Registrar of the High Court in Companies and Bankruptcy and is an author or contributor to a number of books and articles, including Muir Hunter on Personal Insolvency (Thomson Sweet & Maxwell) and Sheldon Cross Border Insolvency (3rd Edn - Bloomsbury Professional).

South Square, Gray’s Inn is noted as one of the leading commercial sets of Chambers in London and has an international reputation as the leading set for insolvency and restructuring.

Enquiries: practicemanagers@southsquare.com

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Advice and advocacy at all levels of tribunal Restructuring, schemes of arrangement, mergers and acquisitions Contentious insolvency and commercial disputes Disputes relating to the construction of many adapted standard-form London market contracts (e.g. ISDA and LMA standard terms) Duties of directors, trustees and office-holders Cross-border insolvency disputes Civil fraud, asset tracing and enforcement

South Square, Gray’s Inn is noted as one of the leading commercial sets of Chambers in London and has an international reputation as the leading set for insolvency and restructuring.

Enquiries: practicemanagers@southsquare.com

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Advice and advocacy at all levels of tribunal Restructuring, mergers and acquisitions Contentious insolvency and commercial disputes Construction of statutes, regulations and contracts (including ISDA standard terms) Duties of directors, trustees and office-holders Injunctions and interim relief Cross-border recognition Civil fraud Asset tracing and enforcement

South Square, Gray’s Inn is noted as one of the leading commercial sets of Chambers in London and has an international reputation as the leading set for insolvency and restructuring.

Enquiries: practicemanagers@southsquare.com

Company: Studio Legale Sutti Email: maildesk@sutti.com Web: www.sutti.com Address: Via Montenapoleone 8, 20121 Milan - Italy Telephone: +39 02 76 20 41 Case Study: Studio Legale Sutti, founded in 1953 in Milan, is one of the largest international law firms headquartered in Italy, and offers a full range of legal services to companies and investors, including trade, corporate deals, intellectual property, distribution, dispute resolution, banking, employment and tax, with an emphasis on complex international matters, crisis management and multilingual, timesensitive services. Besides operating three representation offices in London, New York and Tokyo, Studio Legale Sutti has local offices in Milan, Rome, Genoa, Monza, Bergamo, the region of Brescia (Trescore Balneario), that of Pavia-Vigevano (Abbiategrasso), Sofia, Belgrade, Bucharest and Zagreb, and employs lawyers admitted in ten different jurisdictions, patent attorneys and tax advisors (commercialisti).

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory

Company: Taylor-DeJongh Name: Jennifer Hara, VP, Marketing Email: contactTDJ@taylor-dejongh.com Web: www.taylor-dejongh.com Address: 1101 17th Street NW, Ste 1220, Washington, DC 20036 USA Telephone: +1 202 775 0899 Case Study: Taylor-DeJongh (TDJ) is an independent investment banking firm providing strategic, project finance and M&A advisory services for oil & gas, conventional and renewable power, industrial and infrastructure clients globally. For 30 years, the firm has successfully advised on the development, structuring, negotiations and financing of US$70 billion worth of debt and equity investments in more than 100 countries. The firm’s principals bring extensive experience in corporate finance, capital raising, recapitalizations and M&A transactions to clients’ energy and infrastructure businesses worldwide. TaylorDeJongh brings experienced industry sector specialists with proven finance expertise for the management of M&A transactions.

Experience and well-honed skills allow for a faster and better understanding of the clients’ needs and facilitating the successful execution of the deal.

Company: Valfredo Bessa Advogados Name: Marcio Valfredo Bessa E Grazziano M. Figueiredo Ceará Email: vba@valfredobessa.com.br Web: www.valfredobessa.com.br Address: Alameda Santos, 705 - 7 andar - Cjs. 77 e 78 Cep 01419-001 - Sao Paulo SP - Brasil Telephone: 55 11 3283-0660 Case Study: Valfredo Bessa Advogados (VBA) is an office comprised of professionals whit extensive experience in their areas of practice, with the goal of providing services to their clients with a high level of excellence in a personalized and direct involvement of their partners.

VBA operates in the main areas of law, with particular focus on the corporate market and extensive experience in taxation and mergers and acquisition. The main characteristics of its lawyers are their business vision, technical excellence, continual search for knowledge and updating, creativity, and efficiency in serving clients.

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Company: Tokyo Sanno Law Office Name: Nobuto Yamaguchi Email: yandn@gol.com Web: www.ynmlaw.com Address: 13th Floor, Main Tower, Akasaka Twin Towers 17-22, Akasaka 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 Japan Telephone: 81-3-3589-3585 Case Study: Tokyo Sanno Law Office has been serving our clients for over 30 years in association with legal disputes.

Our client base also includes many foreigners from all over the world residing in Japan.

We offer personal, friendly and professional support to not only individuals but also corporations on a wide range of legal issues.

You will receive clear and straightforward advice in a personal, friendly and professional way.

Discover for yourself within the pages of our site how we can help you to achieve your individual and organizational goals.

Browse the range of services we can offer using the menu and if you can’t find what you are looking for, do give us an email! We promise to provide you with the best possible legal services available in our field

Company: VALTEQ Name: Dr. Thomas Herr Email: therr@valteq.de Web: www.valteq.de Address: Alte Leipziger Strasse 4 10117 Berlin, Germany Telephone: +49 30 293632-0 Case Study: Dr. Thomas Herr is Managing Director of VALTEQ, a technical and commercial consulting firm. With a team of 50 employees, VALTEQ supports customers from the financial, real estate, design and construction industries, as well as property users and operators. Finding sustainable and economically-feasible technical solutions for its customers stands at the very core of VALTEQ’s activity. VALTEQ’s spectrum of services encompasses: REVIEW • Technical due diligence • Environmental due diligence • Green Building certification • Environmental compliance MANAGEMENT • Project management and controlling • Technical asset management CONSULTING • Facility management • Project development • Energy and contracting • Corporate real estate • Public-private partnership • Sustainability VALTEQ is active throughout Germany and Europe.

Company: Uteem Chambers Name: Muhammad Uteem Email: info@uteemchamber.com; muteem@intnet.mu Web: www.uteemchambers.com Address: 4th Floor Les Jamalacs Building – Vieux Conseil Street- Port Louis- mauritius Telephone: (230) 2117700 Case Study: UTEEM CHAMBERS is a leading Law Firm in Mauritius which specialises in Banking and Finance, Securities law, Corporate law, International tax and trusts laws as well as all aspects of offshore business activities. Formerly a Barristers’ Chambers, it was set up in response to the demand for Mauritius-based lawyers with international exposure and expertise in the fields of international trusts, international finance, corporate and cross border insolvency.

The Firm is headed by Muhammad Uteem who holds an LLM in international business law, Company law, international finance and trusts law from the University of London and was called to bar at Middle Temple in England after winning the 1st prize at the English Bar examinations. Muhammad Uteem was an associate of US firm Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Robert (now Pilsburry Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP) and worked principally in its Hong Kong and Singapore offices.

Company: Walkers Name: Rob Jackson, Ramesh Maharaj Email: rob.jackson@walkersglobal.com Ramesh.maharaj@walkersglobal.com Web: www.walkersglobal.com Address: Walker House, 87 Mary Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-9000, Cayman Islands Telephone: +1 345 949 0100 Case Study: Walkers’ Corporate team is a recognised leader in the legal arena. Our reputation and wealth of experience has built us a portfolio of clients comprising many of the world’s leading corporations across all industry sectors.

We are focussed on providing highly responsive, commercial solutions across the following areas: • Public and Private Acquisitions and Disposals • Takeovers • Mergers and Consolidations • Equity and Debt Offerings • Private Placements • Corporate Reorganisations and Restructurings • Schemes of Arrangement • Strategic Joint Ventures With 8 global offices, practising the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland and Jersey, Walkers’ Corporate Group is well-positioned to act on the most complex, cross-border corporate and commercial transactions.

M&A AWARDS 2012

Corporate Directory Company: Wies & Hertzog Name: Frank Wies Email: frank.wies@barreau.lu Web: www.w-h.lu Address: 68, rue des Romains L-2444 Luxembourg Telephone: (+352/26) 48 29 25 Case Study: Result of the pooling of complementary skills and experience, our firm is a human-scale structure in the heart of Luxembourg City offers a variety of clients legal services in many areas.

Our goal is to perform missions of advice, assistance and advocacy for both individuals and corporate entities in all spheres of public or private law.

Advice before any proceedings, contracts or other commitment from you to third parties. Knowledge of applicable laws, the latest changes and their interpretations by the Courts is required to decide whether and chances of success of any legal action you propose to achieve.

Assistance in your negotiations and / or transactions by seeking the solution that best fits your situation and, if necessary, to draft the acts by which you undertake, whether in your life (residential leases, credit ... ) or in your business (contracts and commercial transactions ...).

A defense in all courts (civil, criminal, administrative or social), at trial and on appeal, whether as victim or defendant, you are sued in a court or you want to introduce yourself an action.

Company: Yamaguchi, Nagahama & Mizuno Name: Nobuto Yamaguchi Web: www.ynmlaw.com Email: yandn@gol.com Address: Akasaka Twin Towers Main Tower 13th Floor, 17-22 Akazaka 2-chome, Minatoku, Tokyo 107-0052 Japan Telephone: +81 3 3502 3371 Case Study: Tokyo Sanno Law Office has been serving our clients for over 30 years in association with legal disputes.

Our client base also includes many foreigners from all over the world residing in Japan.

We offer personal, friendly and professional support to not only individuals but also corporations on a wide range of legal issues.

Company: Walder Wyss Ltd Name: Urs P. Gnos Email: urs.gnos@walderwyss.com Web: www.walderwyss.com Address: Walder Wyss Ltd. Seefeldstrasse 123, P.O. Box 1236, 8034 Zurich, Switzerland Telephone: +41 44 498 98 98 Case Study: Walder Wyss is one of the leading law firms in Switzerland. Our clients include national and international companies, public-law entities and individuals.

We have specialised in selected business sectors and product groups since our founding and have maintained this focus, systematically expanding our expertise.

Our legal team includes approximately 100 lawyers and tax experts, all of whom are highly qualified multilingual professionals with international experience. Many of our lawyers have industry-specific knowledge gained working for large companies. We can therefore intuitively navigate an organisation’s internal structures and rapidly grasp its specific requirements. Through intensive exchanges with our clients’ teams we have developed a profound understanding of their business processes, enabling us to make specific, solutionbased recommendations.

Company: YKVN Name: Mr. Dzung Vu, Partner Email: dzung.vu@ykvn-law.com Web: www.ykvn-law.com Address: Metropolitan, Suite 1502 235 Dong Khoi Street Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Telephone: (84-8) 3822 3155 Case Study: YKVN is a full service Vietnamese law firm with a diversified national and international practice.

With two closely-integrated offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, YKVN recently opened a new office in Singapore where it continues the expansion of its cross-border practice. YKVN is internationally recognized as a leading law firm in Vietnam.

Discover for yourself within the pages of our site how we can help you to achieve your individual and organizational goals.

As a fully integrated firm, YKVN has committed substantial resources to developing its ability to provide the highest quality of service to its clients throughout Vietnam. The offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore share a consolidated library system and are linked together electronically through email and data transmission facilities, thus allowing our lawyers to do joint research and to share expertise and experience promptly and effectively.

Browse the range of services we can offer using the menu and if you can’t find what you are looking for, do give us an email! We promise to provide you with the best possible legal services available in our field.

YKVN is committed to bring the firm’s wealth of experience and all of our national and international resources to bear on the most complex and demanding business problems in and outside Vietnam.

You will receive clear and straightforward advice in a personal, friendly and professional way.

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Highgrowth Tuset, 20-24, 4º 5ª 08006 Barcelona - Spain Phone +34 93 3630386 Fax +34 93 2183333 Mail info@hg.com.es

Doing Business in

Spain

The Company Highgrowth is an independent financial company which, by means of two clearly differentiated lines of business, invests in innovative companies with growth potential, and offers them support, advice and guidance. These two lines of business are: l Venture Capital. l Financial Consultancy.