M&A Today - Global Awards - 2014 by EMG Publishing

Global Awards 2014

M&A Today

2014 Eurofast Global Ltd Regional Tax Firm of the Year Cyprus

Formosa Transnational Law Firm of the Year M&A Taiwan

Acxit Capital Management GmbH Boutique Merchant Banking Firm of the Year Germany

www.kmhmediagroup.com

Automotive & Industrial Building Materials Financial Services Food & Beverages Healthcare Media Services Real Estate

Experience, Creativity, Success

Technology Telecommunication Transportation & Logistics

www.acxit.com info@acxit.com

Financial Advisory Services

Acxit Capital Management is a merchant banking firm founded in 1999. Services include financial and strategic advisory, capital raising, principal investments and asset management services. Our activities in financial & strategic advisory include strategic and corporate development, restructuring, capital markets, mergers & acquisitions and disposals. We assist listed corporations, family businesses and entrepreneurs, financial sponsors, family offices and institutional investors, both in Europe and internationally. Our international partners include:

Principal Investments

Boutique Merchant Banking Firm of the Year 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Germany

September 2013

Asset Management

has entered into a share purchase agreement with

September 2013

entered into an Investor Agreement with

Services Goldin Fund Pte. Ltd

FRANKFURT

Transaction volume: â&#x201A;Ź3.06bn

Transaction volume: undisclosed

We acted as Financial Advisor to Grohe and selling shareholders TPG and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners

We acted as exclusive Financial Advisor to Gigaset AG

ZURICH

www.kmhmediagroup.com

HONG KONG

2014 PAGE

CONTENTS

Editor’s Introduction

Winner’s Index

Africa

Asia & the Middle East

Europe

North America

South America

Offshore & International

Editor in Chief Richard Baker Advertising Manager David Wakefield KMH Media Patrick House, 5 Maney Corner, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1QL, United Kingdom +44 (0) 845 040 0418

The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources the proprietor’s believe to be correct. However, no legal liability can be accepted for any errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. © KMH Media Limited 2014

Welcome to the M&A Today Global Awards 2014 The M&A Today Awards are recognised as the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most coveted and comprehensive awards programs, taking votes from over 163 countries globally, considered by many as the only awards dedicated to excellence on a truly global basis. By broadening the focus beyond advertising alone, the purpose of the Annual Awards is to lift the perception of creativity above clever headlines and provide the readership with a comprehensive understanding of those firms that are truly leaders within their chosen areas of specialisation. The intellectual and emotional achievement of communication transcends the barriers of distance, language and culture. The Annual Awards programs extend over regional, national and international boundaries and reach out to the readers in an empirical, impartial and comprehensive way. It is a strict requirement for all M&A Today Awards programs to receive no less than 18% in votes from the global readership, currently in excess of 151,000. This policy is applied to further endorse the worthiness of the awards presented and any marketing carried out as a result of the awards process. As with each of the ten editions of M&A Today produced during the year, the M&A Today Global Awards 2014 provides the reader with in-depth analysis and coverage of the ever changing legal and financial landscape across the globe, whilst documenting those firms that are truly leaders within their specific areas of specialisation. In summary, in the current challenging times, the M&A Today Annual Awards programs provide a benchmark of the very best of the best industry leaders, exemplary teams and distinguished organisations based on the simple principles of veracity, accuracy and insight. The M&A Today Global Awards 2014 edition has been divided into seven sections. Furthermore, you will find a full and comprehensive winners index towards the front of the supplement. We would like to extend our congratulations to all of the 2014 Global Awards winners.

Richard Baker Editor in Chief

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INDEX PAGE

AFRICA A B & David

Law Firm of the Year – Construction & Engineering – Africa Law Firm of the Year – Corporate & Finance – Africa Law Firm of the Year – Public Procurement – Africa

Adams & Adams

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - South Africa Law Firm of the Year - Life Sciences - South Africa Law Firm of the Year - Patents and Trademarks - South Africa

Amie Bensouda & Co

Law Firm of the Year - The Gambia

BHEEROO CHAMBERS

Law Firm of the Year - Arbitration and Litigation - Mauritius

Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys

Law Firm of the Year - Competition - South Africa Law Firm of the Year - M&A - South Africa Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Governance - South Africa

Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs

Law Firm of the Year - Energy - South Africa

Ernst & Young LLP

Advisory Firm of the Year - Ethiopia

Erriah Chambers

Tax, International Trusts and Business - Mauritius

FB Attorneys

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and Commercial - Tanzania

Fluxmans Inc

Law Firm of the Year Litigation - South Africa

GENI & KEBE SCP D’ AVOCATS

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and Commercial and M&A - Senegal

Ghellal & Mekerba

Lawyer of the Year - Project Finance - Algeria

Glyn Marais

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial - South Africa

Kosheri, Rashed & Riad Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Egypt

MGRA & Associados, Lda.

Corporate & Finance - Mozambique Tax - Mozambique Real Estate & Intellectual Property - Mozambique Administrative - Mozambique EU - Mozambique

Nabil Farag Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year – Litigation - Egypt Law Firm of the Year – Corporate - Egypt Law Firm of the Year – Shipping & Maritime - Egypt Law Firm of the Year – Banking & Finance - Egypt

Nortons Inc

Law Firm of the Year - Competition - South Africa Law Firm of the Year - Litigation - South Africa

Rubeya & Co - Advocates

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Burundi

Shonubi, Musoke & Co Advocates

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Uganda Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Uganda Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Uganda Law Firm of the Year - Energy - Uganda Law Firm of the Year - Oil & Gas - Uganda Law Firm of the Year - Litigation & Arbitration - Uganda Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Uganda

Spoor & Fisher

Trademarks Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Full Service IP Law Firm of the Year - South Africa

Tabacks

Law Firm of the Year - M&A – South Africa

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Advanz Fidelis Sdn Bhd

Advisory Practice of the Year - Intellectual Property and Patents - Malaysia

Okabe & Yamaguchi

Law Firm of the Year - Shipping & Maritime - Japan

Akugur Law Office

Law Firm of the Year - Restructuring Projects - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Turkey

Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co

IP Law Firm of the Year - Israel

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INDEX PAGE Allen & Gledhill LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Full Service - Singapore Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Singapore

Anand and Anand

Law Firm of the Year - Trademark Prosecution and Intellectual Property - India

AZB Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - India

Barnea & Co

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Israel

Bezen & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Projects - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Energy & Infrastructure - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Mergers & Acquisitions - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Litigation & Arbitration - Turkey

Braddell Brothers LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Litigation & Arbitration - Singapore

Dave & Girish & Co.

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Structured Finance - India

Davutoğlu Attorneys At Law

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Turkey

D H Law Associates

Law Firm of the Year - Foreign Direct Investment - India

Deep & Far

IP Law Firm of the Year - Taiwan

Desai & Diwanji

Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance and M&A - India

Dhall Law Chambers

Competition Law Firm of the Year - India

Doulah & Doulah

Law Firm of the Year - Bangladesh

ELIG Attorneys-at-Law

Law Firm of the Year - Antitrust - Turkey

Enfinium

Best Forex Broker & Forex Execution House - South East Asia

Esin Attorney Partnership

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Turkey

Formosa Transnational

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Taiwan

Gagrats

Law Firm of the Year - Tax - India

GoldenGate

Arbitration Lawyer of the Year - China

Grata Law Firm

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Republic of Kazakhstan

Habib Al Mulla & Company

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - United Arab Emirates

Haley & Co

Law Firm of the Year - Construction - Hong Kong

Harry Elias Partnership LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Family - Singapore

Hutabarat Halim & Rekan

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia

Julius and Creasy

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - Republic of Sri Lanka

Juris Corp

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Foreign Direct Investment - India

KBH Kaanuun

Law Firm of the Year - Telecoms Law - United Arab Emirates

Kennedys

Most Trusted’ Law Firm of the Year - Employment - Hong Kong

Khaitan Sud & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance - India

King & Wood Mallesons

Law Firm of the Year - Antitrust - China Law Firm of the Year - Competition - China

Kosheri, Rashed & Riad Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Egypt

KPMG Malaysia

Private Equity Advisory firm of the Year - Malaysia

KPMG Turkey

Advisory Firm of the Year - Turkey

Lee, Tsai and Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Taiwan

INDEX PAGE

Linkage & Mind LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Kazakhstan

LNT & Partners

Most Trusted’ Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Vietnam

Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo

Law Firm of the Year - Arbitration - Indonesia Law Firm of the Year - Insolvency - Indonesia Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Finance – Indonesia Law Firm of the Year - Banking and Finance - Indonesia Law Firm of the Year - Capital Markets - Indonesia Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Indonesia Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance - Indonesia

Luthi & Co

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - Israel

Mohsin Tayebaly & Co.

Islamic Finance Law Firm of the Year - Pakistan

Muranov, Chernyakov and Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Russia

Nabil Farag Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year – Litigation - Egypt Law Firm of the Year – Corporate - Egypt Law Firm of the Year – Shipping & Maritime - Egypt Law Firm of the Year – Banking & Finance - Egypt

Narasappa, Doraswamy & Raja

Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity – India

NYGT (Hong Kong) Limited

Private Client Advisory Firm of the Year - Hong Kong

O.P. Khaitan & Co.

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and Litigation - India

Oussi Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year - Syria

Pekin & Pekin

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Turkey

Phuoc & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Vietnam

Pollyanna Capital Partners

Firm of the Year - Mergers, Acquisitions & Disposals - Russia Firm of the Year - Debt Financing - Russia

Puno and Puno Law

Law Firm of the Year - Energy - Philippines

Rajani Associates

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial - India Law Firm of the Year - Property - India

Rajinder Narain & Co

Most Trusted’ Law Firm of the Year - Aviation - India

RIAALAW

Law Firm of the Year - Banking and Finance - Pakistan Law Firm of the Year - Competition - Pakistan Law Firm of the Year - Income Tax - Pakistan Law Firm of the Year - Construction - Pakistan Law Firm of the Year - Franchise - Pakistan

R. K. Dewan & Co.

Law Firm of the Year - Trademarks - India

MarQonsult IP

Intellectual Property - Malaysia

Sahra Petroleum Consulting

Advisory Firm of the Year - Oil & Gas - Yemen

Soewito Suhardiman Eddymurthy Kardono

Indonesian Law Firm of the Year for Labour and Employment

Sovereign Corporate Services JLT

Company Formation Agent Firm of the Year - United Arab Emirates

Squire Sanders LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Mining - Russia

Strategic Public Relations Group Limited

Communications Consultancy of the Year - Hong Kong

Tan Swee Im, P.Y. Hoh & Tai

Law Firm of the Year - Construction - Malaysia

ÜNLÜ & Co

Investment Bank of the Year - Turkey

Yehuda Raveh & Co

Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance - Israel

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INDEX PAGE

AUSTRALASIA Champ Private Equity

Private Equity Firm of the Year - Australia

Colin Biggers & Paisley

Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Australia

DLA Piper

Law Firm of the Year - Dispute Resolution - Australia Law Firm of the Year - Insurance - Australia Law Firm of the Year - Risk - Australia

FTI Consulting

Communications Consultancy of the Year - Australia

Grant Thornton New Zealand Ltd

Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - New Zealand Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - New Zealand

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity, Competition and M&A - Australia

Lowndes Associates

Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand

Meredith Connell

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial Property - New Zealand

Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Lawyers

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand

Moulis Legal

Law Firm of the Year - International Trade - Australia

Pacific Equity Partners

Australia - Private Equity Firm of the Year

Russell McVeagh

Law Firm of the Year - Competition - New Zealand

EUROPE 38

Acxit Capital Management GmbH

Boutique Merchant Banking Firm of the Year - Germany

Ad Astra per Aspera

Energy & Natural Resources Law Firm of the Year - Portugal (Clients’ Choice)

A.G. Paphitis & Co. LLC

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Governance - Cyprus

Afschrift Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Tax – Belgium

Akugur Law Office

Law Firm of the Year - Restructuring Projects - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Turkey

Aon M&A Solutions

Firm of the Year - M&A - Sweden

Arcadis

Management and Engineering Consultancy of the Year - The Netherlands

Argos Soditic

Private Equity Firm of the Year – Switzerland Private Equity Firm of the Year – France

Atrium Partners

Advisory Firm of the Year - Financial - Denmark

Awapatent AB

Denmark - Boutique Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year

Babbè

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial Property - Guernsey

df-mp

Law Firm of the Year - Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences - Germany

Babić & Partners

Law Firm of the Year – Competition – Croatia

Studio Professionale Associato a Baker & McKenzie

Law Firm of the Year - Regulatory Communications - Italy

Bencis Capital Partners

Private Equity Firm of the Year – Benelux

Bergamin & Gielink pensioenrechtadvies B.V.

Law Firm of the Year - Pensions - Netherlands

Bezen & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Projects - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Energy & Infrastructure - Turkey

INDEX PAGE Law Firm of the Year - Mergers & Acquisitions - Turkey Law Firm of the Year - Litigation & Arbitration - Turkey Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial Litigation - Austria

Böhret Lindstedt Sehmsdorf & Partner

Law Firm of the Year - Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital - Germany 41 Full Service Law Firm of the Year in Austria

Boller Langhammer Schubert KG Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Luxembourg Bonn & Schmitt Bonn Steichen & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and M&A - Luxembourg Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Luxembourg

Bryan Cave

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - United Kingdom

Cam Trade Marks & IP Services

Law Firm of the Year - Trademarks - United Kingdom

Caiado Guerreiro

Law Firm of the Year - Banking - Portugal

Capita Employee Benefits

Pensions Management - United Kingdom

Carlton Strategy Advisors

Advisory Firm of the Year - Commercial Due Diligence - United Kingdom

GRM Law

Anglo-German Firm of the Year - United Kingdom

Catalyst Corporate Finance

Corporate Finance Advisory firm of the Year - United Kingdom

Cermak a spol.

Czech Republic Patent Law Firm of the Year

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Consumer Products - Europe

CMS DeBacker Luxembourg

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Luxembourg Law Firm of the Year - Corporate & M&A - Luxembourg Law Firm of the Year - Insolvency & Restructuring - Luxembourg Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity - Luxembourg

Coller IP

Intellectual Property Management and Evaluation Firm of the Year - United Kingdom Advisory Firm of the Year - M&A - Italy

Compass Rondelli Advisers Law Firm of the Year - Commercial Litigation- United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year - Debt Recovery - United Kingdom

Connell Associates

Mid-Market Private Equity Firm of the Year – Switzerland Cross Equity Partners AG Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Davutoğlu Attorneys At Law Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - United Kingdom Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Finance - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Capital Markets - Finland

Dittmar & Indrenius

Drakopoulos Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year – Corporate – Greece Law Firm of the Year – M&A – Greece Law Firm of the Year – Intellectual Property – Greece Law Firm of the Year – Corporate – Romania Law Firm of the Year – M&A – Romania Law Firm of the Year – Intellectual Property – Romania Law Firm of the Year – Corporate – Albania Law Firm of the Year – M&A – Albania Law Firm of the Year – Intellectual Property – Albania

DSM Di Stefano Moyse Avocats à la Cour

Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Luxembourg

Duff & Phelps Ltd

Advisory Firm of the Year - Corporate Restructuring - United Kingdom

ELIG Attorneys-at-Law

Law Firm of the Year - Antitrust - Turkey

elkington and fife LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property and Trademarks - United Kingdom

EMC Corporate Finance

SME Advisory Firm of the Year - United Kingdom

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INDEX PAGE Endrös-Baum Associés

Cross-Border Law Firm of the Year - France

Gürlich & Co. Advokátní Kancelář

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial Transactions and Intellectual Property - Czech Republic

Eric Ericsson Advokat AB

Law Firm of the Year - Competition - Sweden

Esin Attorney Partnership

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Turkey

Eurofast Global Ltd

Regional Tax Firm of the Year - Cyprus

Eversheds

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Austria (Clients’ Choice) Mergers & Acquisitions Law Firm of the Year - Latvia

EY Luxembourg

Private Equity Advisory Firm of the Year - Luxembourg

Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner

Law Firm of the Year – Corporate Finance – Germany Law Firm of the Year - Insurance & Reinsurance - Germany Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Germany

Fulcrum Chambers LLP

Chambers of the Year - Anti-Corruption - United Kingdom

Fusion Corporate Finance

Corporate Finance Advisor of the Year - United Kingdom

George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC

Law Firm of the Year – Employment – Cyprus Law Firm of the Year – Real Estate – Cyprus Law Firm of the Year – Banking & Finance – Cyprus Law Firm of the Year – Litigation – Cyprus Law Firm of the Year – Alternative Dispute Resolution – Cyprus

Gill Jennings & Every LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Patent Protection - United Kingdom

GoIndustry DoveBid

Asset Valuation & Appraisal Firm of the Year - United Kingdom

Hermann Rechtsanwälte, Wirtschaftsprüfer, Law Firm of the Year - Insolvency & Restructuring - Germany Steuerberater Graf & Pitkowitz

Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance - Austria Finance Law Firm of the Year

Graham Associates (International) Ltd

Advisory Firm of the Year - Taxation - United Kingdom

Grant Thornton

Advisory Firm of the Year - Taxation - Ireland

Grata Law Firm

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Republic of Kazakhstan

Green Square

Firm of the Year - Corporate Finance - United Kingdom

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Law Firm of the Year – Mergers & Acquisitions – Poland

Hauser Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Arbitration, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance – Austria Law Firm of the Year - Mergers & Acquisitions – Austria Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance – Austria

Havel, Holásek & Partners s.r.o.

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Slovakia

Helvetia Insurance

Company of the Year - Switzerland

Herfurth & Partner

Cross-Border Law Firm of the Year - Germany International Law Firm of the Year - Germany

Heuking Kuehn Luer Wojtek

Law Firm of the Year - Advertising - Germany

Heymann & Partner

Law Firm of the Year – Private Equity – Germany

Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance

ABL Product of the Year - Inspired Cashflow

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Insurance - United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year - Transport - United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year - Energy - United Kingdom

ICON Corporate Finance

Corporate Finance Boutique of the Year - United Kingdom

48 48

INDEX PAGE

NORTH AMERICA

Id Est Lawyers

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - Finance - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Switzerland

ING Belgium NV

Leveraged Finance Provider of the Year and Bank of the Year - Belgium

Inter-Tax Consultants GmbH

Tax Advisory Firm of the Year – Switzerland

Joelson Wilson LLP

Law Firm of the Year – Corporate Finance – United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year – Corporate and Commercial – United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year – M&A – United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year – AIM – United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year – Licensing – United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year – Gaming and Betting – United Kingdom

KallioLaw

Law Firm of the Year - Biotechnology - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Mining - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Finance and Capital Markets - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property Rights - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity - Finland Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Finland Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Finland

KB Associates

Advisory Firm of the Year - Offshore - United Kingdom

Kirk Larsen Ascanius

Law Firm of the Year - Transportation - Denmark

Konecna & Zacha

Law Firm of the Year - Czech Republic

Kotiranta & Co

Law Firm of the Year - Dispute Resolution – Finland

KPMG Advisors

Corporate Finance Accountancy Firm of the Year - Greece

KPMG

Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - Iberia

KPMG Turkey

Advisory Firm of the Year - Turkey

Kubas Kos Gaertner

Client Choice Law Firm of the Year - Poland

Landwell & Associés

Law Firm of the Year - Taxation - France Law Firm of the Year - Business - France Law Firm of the Year - Employment - France

Langham Hall UK LLP

Private Equity Fund Administrator of the Year - United Kingdom

Langham Hall UK LLP

Real Estate Fund Administrator of the Year - United Kingdom

La Torre Morgese Cesàro Rio Studio Legale Associato

International Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Italy

La Torre Morgese Cesàro Rio Studio Legale Associato

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Italy

Law Offices of Grechkivsky

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial - Ukraine

Lawfed Studio Legale E Tributario Brsa

Law Firm of the Year - Arbitration - Italy

Legis Group Limited

Hedge Fund Administrator of the Year – Channel Islands

Leitner Leitner

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Tax - Austria

Leumi ABL

Asset Based Lender of the Year - United Kingdom

Lexence

Law Firm of the Year - M&A – The Netherlands

LexField

Law Firm of the Year – Investments Funds – Luxembourg Law Firm of the Year – Tax – Luxembourg

Linkage & Mind LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Kazakhstan

Litmus Advisory Limited

Firm of the Year - Debt Advisory - United Kingdom

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INDEX PAGE Macesic & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Croatia Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Croatia Law Firm of the Year - Shipping & Maritime - Croatia Law Firm of the Year - Insurance - Croatia Law Firm of the Year - Energy - Croatia Law Firm of the Year - Dispute Resolution - Croatia

Mackrell Turner Garrett Solicitors

Law Firm of the Year - Full Service - United Kingdom Law Firm of the Year – Arbitration – United Kingdom

Mannheimer Swartling

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Sweden

Marriott Harrison

Law Firm of the Year - Venture Capital - United Kingdom

McEvoy Partners

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Ireland

McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Investment Funds - Belgium

meyerlustenberger lachenal

Real Estate Lawyer of the Year - Switzerland

MGRA

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Finance, Tax, Real Estate, Intellectual Property, Employment, Litigation and Insolvency & Restructuring - Portugal

Motieka & Audzevicius

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Lithuania Competition & Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Lithuania

Muranov, Chernyakov and Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Russia

Norton Rose LLP

Safety Law Firm of the Year - United Kingdom

O’Gradys, Solicitors

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate, Commercial, Wealth Management, Property, Litigation Services, Bankruptcy and Taxation - Ireland

Oliver Wyman

Advisory Firm of the Year – Financial Services Industries – United Kingdom

Oppenheim

Competition Law Firm of the Year - Hungary

Cabinet M. Oproiu

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - Romania

Osborne Clarke

Energy and Natural Resources Law Firm of the Year - United Kingdom

Ospelt & Partner Attorneys at Law

Law Firm of the Year - International - Liechtenstein

P+P Pöllath & Partners

Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year - Germany

Pavia E Ansaldo

Law Firm of the Year - Litigation - Italy Law Firm of the Year - Arbitration - Italy

Penev LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Telecoms and Media - Bulgaria

Penkov, Markov & Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Bulgaria Law Firm of the Year - Company - Bulgaria

Pekin & Pekin

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Turkey

Poledna Boss Kurer AG

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - Insolvency - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Switzerland

Pollyanna Capital Partners

Firm of the Year - Mergers, Acquisitions & Disposals - Russia Firm of the Year - Debt Financing - Russia

Prager Dreifuss Ltd

Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland

PwC

Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Germany

Quadriga Capital

Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP

Large Tier - IP Law Firm of the Year - Germany

INDEX PAGE

Cabinet Ratheaux

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate, M&A, Tax and Labour Law - France

Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & partners, o.p., d.o.o.

Full Service Lawyer of the Year - Slovenia - ALEŠ ROJS

Ruben Peeters

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - Belgium

Russell Advocaten

Medium-Sized Law Firm of the Year - M&A - The Netherlands Medium-Sized Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - The Netherlands Medium-Sized Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - The Netherlands

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partner

Law Firm of the Year – Mergers & Acquisitions – Austria Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Austria Law Firm of the Year – Banking & Finance – Austria Law Firm of the Year – Real Estate – Austria Law Firm of the Year – Corporate – Austria Law Firm of the Year - Environmental - Austria Law Firm of the Year – Anti-Corruption - Austria Law Firm of the Year – PPP – Austria

Schalast & Partner

Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Germany Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity - Germany

schmid-ip

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property and Trademarks - Austria

Sensimed AG

Company of the Year - Switzerland

SIA Group

Asset Disposal Firm of the Year - United Kingdom Plant & Property Valuation Firm of the Year - United Kingdom Corporate Insolvency Advisor of the Year - United Kingdom

Sorainen

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Baltic Region

Soteris Pittas & Co LLC

Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Corporate & Commercial - Cyprus

Squire Sanders LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Mining - Russia

SRS Advogados

Law Firm of the Year - Company & Commercial - Portugal

SRS Advogados

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Governance - Portugal

Stelios Americanos & Co

Law Firm of the Year – Banking & Finance – Cyprus Law Firm of the Year – Commercial – Cyprus

Sterling X-AG

VDR Provider of the Year - Global

Szabó Kelemen & Partners Law Office

Corporate Lawyer of the Year - Hungary Dynamic Law Firm of the Year - Hungary

Tavernier Tschanz

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Finance - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Switzerland Law Firm of the Year - Banking - Switzerland

Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Licensing - United Kingdom

Tomov & Tomov

Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria

Transfer Pricing Services

Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Central Europe

Tughans

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Northern Ireland

ÜNLÜ & Co

Investment Bank of the Year - Turkey

Valente Associati Studio Legale Tributario GEB Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Transfer Pricing - Italy Tax Firm of the Year – Italy

Valteq GmbH

Consultancy Firm of the Year - Corporate Finance - Germany Consultancy Firm of the Year - Due Diligence - Germany Consultancy Firm of the Year - Asset Management - Germany

Versus lögmenn

Law Firm of the Year - Criminal - Iceland

Vilau and Mitel

Law Firm of the Year - Romania

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INDEX PAGE VVGB Advocaten

Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Belgium

Welcome Real-time

Niche Solutions Provider of the Year - Retail Banking - Global

Wildgen, Partners in Law

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Luxembourg

Willheim Müller Rechtsanwälte

Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Austria Law Firm of the Year - Competition Intellectual Property - Austria Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Austria

Yehuda Raveh & Co

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Europe Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Europe

Zepos & Yannopoulos

Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year – Greece

NORTH AMERICA Agilith Capital Inc.

Fund Management Firm of the Year - Canada

Arifa

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance – Panama

Arochi, Marroquín & Lindner

Law Firm of the Year - Advertising - Mexico

AT&T

Company of the Year - North America

Baker & McKenzie

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Tax - Mexico

Bennett Jones SLP

Law Firm of the Year - Full Service - Canada

Bennett Jones LLP

Internet & E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year

Bingham McCutchen LLP

Law Firm of the Year -Banking Litigation - North America Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency - North America Law Firm of the Year - Debt Capital Markets - North America Law Firm of the Year - Securitization - North America

Brito Anderson

Mexico - Administrative Law Firm of the Year

Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Product Liability - Canada

Cervantes Sainz

Law Firm of the Year - Employment - Mexico

Chapman Tripp

M&A Law Firm of the Year - North America

Consortium Centro América Abogados

Law Firm of the Year - Due Diligence - El Salvador

Dobrusin Thennisch PC

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - United States of America

Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C.

Trademark Lawyer of the Year - Mexico

Fitzpatrick & Co

Law Firm of the Year - Mediation - Canada

Fund Tax Services

US Alternative Investment Tax Firm of the Year

Goodrich Riquelme Asociados

IP Law Firm of the Year - Mexico

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Law Firm of the Year – Corporate and Securities – North America Law Firm of the Year – Real Estate – North America Law Firm of the Year – Mergers & Acquisitions – Mexico

GTCR LLC

Private Equity Firm of the Year - Information Services & Technology - North America

Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Asset Management - United States of America

J.A. Treviño Abogados

Law Firm of the Year - Financing - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - Mergers & Acquisitions - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - International Business - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Mexico

INDEX PAGE

Jennifer Jones & Partners

Best Communications Firm - Venture Capital - North America Best Communications Firm - Private Equity Industries - North America

Ladas & Parry LLP

US - Patents Law Firm of the Year in New York

Law Office Of NiaLena Caravasos, LLC

US - White Collar Law Firm of the Year in Pennsylvania

Law Office of Paul W. Reidl

Law Firm of the Year - Trademark Law - United States of America

Lisiten Associates Business Brokers

Business Broker of the Year - North America

Maalouf Ashford & Talbot LLP

Law Firm of the Year – Venture Capital – United States of America Law Firm of the Year - M&A - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Asset Management - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Antitrust - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Banking - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Capital Markets - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Cross Border - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Energy - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Shipping & Maritime - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Taxation - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - International Finance - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - Securities - United States of America Law Firm of the Year – Oil & Gas - United States of America Law Firm of the Year - International Arbitration - United States of America Law Firm of the Year – Renewable Energy - United States of America Law Firm of the Year – Private Equity - United States of America

Shook Hardy & Bacon

Lawyer of the Year - Employment - United States of America

McColl Partners

Independent Investment Bank of the Year - North America

McKool Smith

Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - North America

MOI Solicitors | McCullough O’Connor Irwin LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity – Canada

Ogier

Law Firm of the Year - Investment Funds - Cayman Islands

Oscós Abogados

Law Firm of the Year - Insolvency - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - Cross Border - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - Energy - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - Arbitration - Mexico Law Firm of the Year - International Litigation - Mexico

Pardini & Asociados

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate and Litigation - Panama

PC Capital

Firm of the Year - Private Equity - Mexico Firm of the Year - Investment Banking - Mexico

Phalanx Capital Management, LLC

US Multi-Strategy Firm of the Year

Portilla Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar S.C Abogados

Mexico Company Formations Law Firm of the Year

Rivera Gaxiola y Asociados, S.C.

Law Firm of the Year - Civil Litigation - Mexico

Sadis & Goldberg LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Private Funds - North America

Seward & Kissel LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Shipping and Maritime - North America

SorinRand LLP

Law Firm of the Year - Life Sciences - North America

Vazquez, Sierra & Garcia, S.C.

Law Firm of the Year - Mining - Mexico

Wells Fargo & Company

Best Bank of the Year - Insurance Trust - Global

Vazquez, Sierra & Garcia, S.C.

Law Firm of the Year - Mining - Mexico

Wells Fargo & Company

Best Bank of the Year - Insurance Trust - Global

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INDEX PAGE

SOUTH AMERICA Bufete Aguirre Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Bolivia Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Bolivia Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Bolivia Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property - Bolivia Law Firm of the Year - Litigation & Arbitration - Bolivia

Bustamante & Bustamante Law Firm

Ecuador Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador

Dantas, Lee, Brock & Camargo Advogados

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Brazil

David Do Nascimento

Patents Law Firm of the Year - Brazil

Estudio Jurídico Otero

Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Chile Law Firm of the Year - Labour - Chile Law Firm of the Year - Employment - Chile

EY Brazil

Human Capital Advisory Firm of the Year - Brazil

Koury Lopes Advogados

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Tax - Brazil Law Firm of the Year - M&A - Brazil Law Firm of the Year - Regulatory Communications - Brazil

Lobo & de Rizzo Advogados

Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance - Brazil

Quiñones Cruz Ltda

Law Firm of the Year - Tax - Colombia

Rivera Gaxiola, Carrasco y Barrera, S.C.

Law Firm of the Year - Litigation - Mexico

Zancaner Costa, Bastos e Spiewak Advogados

Law Firm of the Year - Life Sciences - Brazil

OFFSHORE & INTERNATIONAL Bedell Group Services Limited

Legal and Fiduciary Services Provider of the Year – Offshore

Campbells

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate - Cayman Islands

Campbells

Law Firm of the Year - Insolvency & Restructuring - Cayman Islands

Edison Investment Research Limited

Advisory Firm of the Year - Investment Research - International

Graf & Pitkowitz

International Banking Firm of the Year

KB Associates

Advisory Firm of the Year - Offshore - United Kingdom

Legis Group Limited

Fund Administrator of the Year – Offshore

Maples and Calder

Law Firm of the Year - Private Equity - Offshore

Walkers

Law Firm of the Year - Litigation & Arbitration - Offshore Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Finance - Offshore Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate - Offshore Law Firm of the Year - Construction - Offshore Law Firm of the Year - Private Funds - Offshore

AFRICA

The continent of Africa has seen much economic activity in recent years thanks to a number of factors including exports, investment and urbanisation. The continent has long been the world’s poorest but this is beginning to change. Predictions for the African economy indicate that it is to grow despite economic problems in other parts of the world. In 2013 the growth rate was 4.9% and figures for 2014 indicate a higher rate of growth. These figures have been helped a great deal by exports. A number of African countries have had recent mineral discoveries which have helped their economies a great deal and this is expected to continue. Minerals including oil and gas will be significant in the growth of a number of African nations as they account for sizeable shares of worldwide

mineral reserves. Investment in Africa continues to grow too, although there is some concern that the continent may yet be affected by problems in European economies. Agriculture on the continent has been affected by conflict and pests so food production has been reduced and some countries will struggle as a result of this. It has been estimated that a number of African nations are becoming ‘middleincome’ countries as a result of good growth levels in recent years. The World Bank defines this status as having more than $1000 per capita income. To date 22 of Africa’s countries have reached this status and it is expected that another 10 will join their ranks within the next 12 years. There are also other countries that can achieve this status if

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they manage to reach growth of 7%. This is a possibility in countries such as Sierra Leone, which has expanded mining a great deal in recent years. The drive towards literacy and numeracy has improved levels of basic education all over the continent and raised the aspirations of the people. Education is seen as a key driver of economic growth as more people use their skills to find work in the developing urban areas. Foreign language skills are an important factor too, as countries seek to increase exports and other business interests with trading partners the world over. Economic growth is strongly linked to urbanisation and more and more African people are moving to the cities. The number of those living in urban areas is expected to increase in line with economic growth. It has been estimated

that Africa will be largely urban by the year 2033. This also means that investment in infrastructure will be needed but there are African nations that are yet to put plans into place for this type of development. There are some dangers to economic growth in Africa. It is thought that the general exploitation of workers will lead to problems and there is also a lack of innovation in some areas which could hold some countries back. There has been talk of creating a large free-trade region in Africa that operates with a single currency - although this is still a long way off.

AFRICA

Ethiopia

Advisory Firm of the Year EY Ethiopia, the premier transaction advisory firm in Eastern Africa, is very honored that we have been selected as “Advisory Firm of the Year” by “Global - 100”, commented Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner and Head of Transaction Advisory Services for Ernst & Young Ethiopia. Zemedeneh further commented by saying “this win further validates our caliber and reputation as a leading provider of sophisticated and complex M&A services to our clients across Africa”. In the past few years EY Ethiopia has advised numerous high profile clients ranging from multinationals such as Diageo plc of the UK on their successful acquisition of Meta Brewery for $225 million to the transformation of Ethiopian Airlines from a relatively small African airline in the mid-nineties to become the second largest and more profitable than all African airlines combined and the first to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In July 2013, EY Ethiopia successfully advised the government of Malawi on the establishment of the new national flag carrier – Malawi Airlines, Ltd, a unique PPP joint venture. Commenting on the positive economic trends in Africa and how his firm is contributing, Zemedeneh said “we have invested heavily in our firm’s transactional capacity in Ethiopia and across Africa and as a result, we are now the “go to firm” for virtually all major transaction advisory projects especially the ones which focus on what we call the “Capital Agenda” whereby we closely work with our clients on raising financing, both debt and equity, structuring deals end to end and much more”.

one of the world’s largest consumer products companies in an acquisition of a well know African based FMCG company. All these transactions require high capacity world-class support which we have been able to provide from our base in Africa”. In addition to the “Global 100” awards, EY Ethiopia has recently won numerous other global awards in recognition of its client focused worldclass services including: “Advisory firm of the Year” and “Deal of the Year”. Furthmore, the firm’s Managing Partner, Zemedeneh Negatu recently won as “Managing Partner of the Year – 2013” from a top UK based global finance and M&A magazine. Zemedeneh was also the winner as “Pioneer Ethiopian-American Diaspora Businessman of Year” in Washington, D.C. in 2012 for the innovative work his firm is doing in Africa and the positive, fact-based transformational thought leadership reports which have been featured by the global media including CNBC, BBC and CNN. Contact: Bole Road, Mega Building 11th Floor, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, P.O. Box 24875 Code 1000 Tel: +251-11-550-4933 Email: Zemedeneh.Negatu@et.ey.com Website: www.ey.com

Mumbai Office (Head Office)

Continuing his comments, Zemedeneh said, “for example we are currently the transaction advisors for one of the world’s largest private equity funds on a major investment in Africa worth over a billion dollars. We are also advising

“ We have invested heavily in our firm ’ s transactional ca pacity in Ethiopia and across Zemedeneh Negatu Branches MUMBAI | PUNE | DELHI | CHENNAI | KOLKATA A frica and as aat:result, we are now the “ go to firm ” for virtually all m ajor transaction advisory projects especially the ones w hich focus on w hat we call the “ Ca pital A genda” .

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AFRICA

Mauritius

Tax, International Trusts and Business ERRIAH CHAMBERS was set up in response to the demand for Mauritius-based lawyers with international exposure and specialized expertise in the fields of International tax law, International trusts law, International Business laws, and all aspect of offshore business activities. The Chambers specialises in International Trust, International Finance, Banking Law, Shipping Law, Aircraft Finance and Leasing, Project Finance, Corporate & Commercial Law, Litigation and cross border insolvency, tracing and debts recovery, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, arrest of foreign vessels, drafting of transactional documents.

Upon application to the Financial Services Commission (“FSC”), it can also hold a Global Business Licence (“GBL”). However, in order to hold a GBL, the application can only be submitted through a licensed management company pursuant to the Financial Services Act 2007.

In 2012, the Parliament of Mauritius has enacted the Foundations Act (the “Act”) whose aim is to allow the incorporation of foundations (“Foundation”) in Mauritius.

Contact: Erriah Chambers 2nd Floor Jamalacs Building Vieux Conseil Street Port-Louis Mauritius

A Foundation is a wealth management vehicle that is of particular appeal to countries which are not very familiar with the concept of trusts. It has some hybrid features of both a trust and a company. The Act provides that a Foundation can be incorporated in Mauritius for such purposes as may be provided in its charter (“Charter”) and can be established through a will. Furthermore, it may be charitable or non-charitable (or both) to benefit a person or a class of persons. It is attractive to High Net Worth Individuals (“HNWI”) from civil law jurisdictions who may find in it an ideal platform for succession planning and private wealth management. It can elect to have a legal personality through registration with the Registrar of Companies (acting also as Registrar ofFoundations) and can accordingly have full capacity to transact and enter legal proceedings in its own name. The latter feature is one of the main characteristics that distinguish a Foundation from a trust for example. In a Foundation, ownership of the assets is transferred to the Foundation itself by the founder in order to achieve the purposes and objects of the foundation.

A Foundation acts through its council which is charged with the administration of the Foundation’s assets and the fulfillment of its objectives. For Foundations established through a will, there must be one founder who shall also be the testator.

Tel: +230 208 2220 Direct: +230 208 3220 Mobile: +230 254 5116 Fax: +230 212 6967 Email: E-mail:deverriah@intnet.mu Office Email: eclaw@orange.mu

The Chambers specialises in International Trust, International Finance, Banking Law, Shipping Law, Aircraft Finance and Leasing, Project Finance, Corporate &Commercial Law, Litigation and cross border insolvency, tracing and debtsrecovery, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, arrest offoreign vessels, drafting of transactional documents.

AFRICA

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AFRICA Law Firm of the Year - Corporate

Egypt

KOSHERI, RASHED & RIAD www.krr-law.com Kosheri, Rashed & Riad is one of the leading Law Firms in Egypt in the field of Corporate Law, Banking, Capital Markets, Merger and Acquisition and Arbitration. K, R and R has numerous international clients such as Caterpillar, Four Seasons, BP, TUI, AAbu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, Standard Bank, Bank of America, Time Warner, Servier, Samsung, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Daimler AGâ&#x20AC;Śetc. K, R and R has represented and currently represents numerous international clients in the field of Merger and Acquisition such as Cotecna Inspection S.A., Moon Capital, Saudi Telecommunication Company, Flag Corporation, Al Rowad and Philips. K, R and R was currently involved in the possible acquisition of the Eastern Tobacco Company which is the cigarette monopoly in Egypt. The value of this deal is expected to be around eight billion Egyptian Pounds. Dr. El Kosheri, the Senior Partner of Kosheri, Rashed & Riad, was the Vice Chairman of the ICC Court of Arbitration from 1998 until 2009 and currently Dr. El Kosheri is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Cairo Regional Arbitration Centre in addition to being member of its Board of Trustees of the of the Cairo Regional Arbitration Centre and a member of ICCA. Dr. Kosheri has written numerous articles about arbitration.

Dr. Tarek F. Riad, the Managing Partner of Kosheri, Rashed & Riad was involved in drafting numerous Egyptian Commercial Laws such as the Companies Law, the Telecommunications Law, the Investment Law and the Special Economic Court Law in his capacity as a member of the Economic Committee of the Supreme Policy Council, and it might be worth noting that Dr. Riad chaired the two committees responsible for drafting the Special Economic Court Law as well as the Companies Law. Dr. Riad has an L.L.B from Cairo Law School (1980) and an L.L.M (1982) and SJD (1985) from Harvard Law School and in addition to being a member of the Egyptian Bar since 1982 and New York Bar since 1985. Dr. Riad is a member of the Board of Trustees and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Dubai International Arbitration Centre in addition to being member of the International Chamber of Commerce World Business Law Institute Scientific Council, an alternate member of the ICC Court of Arbitration, member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and member of the ICCA. Dr. Riad has written numerous publications including two books entitled The Applicable Law in Transnational Arbitration and the Egyptian Companies Law, in addition to many articles about arbitration and litigation in Egypt in addition to the legal aspects of doing business in Egypt.

In May 2011, Dr. Riad was appointed as a member of the Consultative Council responsible for preparing drafts laws for the Egyptian Council of Ministries. Dr. Riad was the special legal advisor to the speaker of the Egyptian Parliament from 1992 till 2000, among Dr. Riadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibilities in this regard was review of Investment Laws and related Regulations. Dr. Riad was appointed as Alternate Member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (2012 to present). Kosheri, Rashed and Riad was involved on behalf of one of its Clients, Cotecna Inspection S.A., with regard to rehabilitating the custom and admission of products procedures at the port of Alexandria and Damietta. Finally, K, R and R was chosen by Corporate INTL Legal Awards as Arbitration Law Firm of the Year in Egypt in 2014, it was chosen by Global Law Experts Legal Awards as the Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year in Egypt in 2014.Also , K, R and R was chosen M&A International Global Legal Awards as Corporate Law Firm of the Year in Egypt in 2014 and it was chosen by ACQ Global Awards as Commercial Law Firm of the year in Egypt 2013.

LEGAL CONSULTANTS & ATTORNEYS AT LAW 16 A, Maamal El Sokkar St., Garden City, Cairo 11451, Egypt Telephone: + (20 2) 27954795 (5 lines) + (20 2) 27959228 + (20 2) 27952096

Fax: + (20 2) 27958521 Email: tarek.riad@kkr-law.com mailbox@krr-law.com

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Asia Asia comprises no less than 46 nations and a population of 4.2 billion, making it one of the largest areas geographically in the world economy. This is now one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing regions economically. China has become the largest individual economy in the continent and now sits at number two in the world rankings. However, it should be noted that there are vast differences between the various states. China, Japan, Russia and India are the largest economies but there are also plenty of smaller states that have poorly developed infrastructure and exhibit comparatively small output. Minerals and metals are one of the main industries in Asia. Russia, in particular, is rich in zinc, gold, iron and lead, among others. Agricultural produce is also a key player. Rice is a staple product and

is produced throughout the region, particularly in countries such as China, Vietnam, India and Cambodia. Wheat is another product that has been boosted the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. Countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are also strong in manufacturing. Many of the electrical goods, toys and cars that are sold in the west originated in Asia and many people will recognise names such as Samsung, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Toshiba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all companies based in Asia. It is also common for companies based in Europe to make use of reduced labour costs and other overheads in Asia. Clothing manufacturers in particular are known for moving production to the other side of the world and this will continue for as long as costs are low there.

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The Middle East The Middle East comprises nations such as UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Syria, among many others. While minerals have been the mainstay of the economy for a long time there have been efforts to promote other industries. Tourism, for example, is picking up in the Middle East, with countries such as Dubai relaxing the strict regulations imposed by some of its neighbours to encourage holiday makers to visit. In addition, there are large financial and commercial centres throughout the region. The economy of the Middle East has relied for a long time on minerals such as oil and gas. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE have very little taxation on individuals as much of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth comes from these industries. Recent price rises in the cost of oil may have caused problems

in other parts of the world but these nations have benefitted a great deal. Investment in infrastructure has increased and industries such as construction are developing as a result. The region is seen as having great potential and there have been many luxury hotels and residential developments in areas such as Dubai as well as a number of businesses choosing to expand their operations in the area. Growth in both regions is expected to continue as they were not as affected by the downturn as the US or Europe and investment will continue to be strong there.

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Advisory Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property & Patents

Malaysia

Japan Law Firm of the Year - Shipping & Maritime OKABE & YAMAGUCHI provides legal services in a multitude of fields including maritime and international affairs, not only in Japan but also on a global scale. We also handle legal matters related to finance and commercial logistics. As part of our provision of the above legal services, we also provide seminar and study group assistance for clients in order to support their corporate legal affairs. This support includes the following. Marine Law, Aviation- related Law, Insurancerelated Law, Corporate Law Bills and Checks Law, Bank Transactions- related Law, other. OKABE YAMAGUCHI was nominated as one of the best maritime law offices in Japan in Legal 500.

Partners: Shuji Yamaguchi, Takehiko Tozuka, Teruyuki Sago, Hiroki Okabe, Teishi Aizawa

Associates: Katsuya Tsuda Yutaka Akatsuka Shinichi Takano

Marine Consultant: Masato Tanigawa

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Contact: Eiha Shinkawa 5th Floor, 1-5-17, Shinkawa, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 104-0033 Tel: +81-3555-7931 Fax: +81-3555-7934 Email: hoklawj@olo.gr.jp Website: www.olo.gr.jp

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

India

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate AZB & Partners is one of the prominent law firms in India. Our aim is to provide clear, concise and practical advice based on an in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and commercial environment within which our clients operate and a full understanding of their overallbusiness objectives. The legal services rendered by us cover the corporate, commercial, regulatory, financial and tax planning aspects of modern businesses. We have been involved in advising in the field of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and general corporate, regulatory practice and securities laws, private equity, capital markets, funds practice, banking and finance, microfinance, derivatives, infrastructure and project finance, real estate, media and entertainment, information technology and business process outsourcing, employment, insurance, intellectual property, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, taxation, aviation, competition law, and litigation and arbitration. The Firm has received wide national and international acclaim within the legal sphere, some of which include the ‘Best Indian Law Firm Golden Award, 2013’ by The International Legal Alliance Summit & Awards; the ‘Best Overall Law Firm – India’ as well as ‘Firm for the Year’ for 13 practice areas at India Business Law Journal’s Indian Law Firms Awards, 2013; the ‘Law Firm of the Year’ by Lawyers World - Global Leading Firms - Top Tier Rankings – 2013; the ‘Best Private Equity Law Firm Award’ by Legal Era Awards, 2013; the ‘Law Firm of the Year’ - Private Equity / Venture Capital by VC Circle Awards 2013; the ‘Law Firm of the Year – Asia’ for Project Finance & ‘Best Law Firm of the Year – India’, for Litigation & Arbitration, Banking & Finance, M&A, Insolvency & Restructuring and Real Estate at Intercontinental Finance Magazine’s Continent Awards, 2013; the ‘Leading Adviser’ and ‘Law Firm of the Year, India’ for M&A and Litigation by Acquisition International magazine’s Legal Awards, 2013. The firm has been rated as a Band 1 firm in Corporate / M&A, Banking and Finance, Private Equity and TMT by Chambers Asia Pacific and Chambers Global 2013; the firm has also been ranked as a ‘Tier 1 Firm’ for Corporate / M&A, Projects & Energy, Real Estate, Tax and TMT by The Legal 500, 2013.

Contact: Express Towers, 23rd floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021, India Tel: +91 22 6639 6880 Fax: +91 22 6639 6888 Email: mumbai@azbpartners.com AZB House, Plot No. A8, Sector 4 Noida 201301, India Tel: +91 120 4179999 Fax: +91 120 4179900 Email: delhi@azbpartners.com Unitech Cyber Park, 602 Tower-B, 6th floor, Sector 39, Gurgaon 122001, India Tel: +91 124 4200296 Fax: +91 124 4038310 Email: gurgaon@azbpartners.com AZB House, 67/4 – 4th Cross, Lavelle Road, Bangalore 560001, India Tel: +91 80 4240 0500 Fax: +91 80 2221 3947 Email: bangalore@azbpartners.com Onyx Towers, 1101/B, 11th Floor, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune 411001, India Tel: +91 20 6725 6666 Fax: +91 20 6725 6600 Email: pune@azbpartners.com Amble Side, 2nd floor, 8 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600006, India Tel: +91 44 4356 1453 Fax: +91 44 4356 1853 Email: chennai@azbpartners.com

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Law Firm of the Year - Banking & Structured Finance

Mona Bhide is based in Mumbai, India and is a Managing Partner of Dave & Girish & Co, a law firmfocusing on International Finance and Corporate laws. Ms. Bhide is presently in charge of international finance, corporate law, securities and private equity transactions, structured finance, securitisation, swaps, project finance, derivatives, mergers and acquisitions, and restructuring. During Ms. Bhide’s stay in Chicago, Ms. Bhide worked with the American Bar Foundation in the field of investment banking, conflicts and globalization of the legal profession, and also worked with the internation allaw firm Sedwick, Deetert Moran and Arnold. Ms. Bhide has participated in and chaired numerous professional seminars and conferences on banking, corporate law, mergers and amalgamations and securitisation and written numerous articles for legal journals and professional publications. Ms. Bhide has helped the firm’s clients to structure some of the most significant securitisation and lending transactions.

India

Main Areas of Practice: Banking, Corporate finance, Joint Ventures, Securities Laws, Capital Markets, Offshore Bond Issue, Property Conveyancing and Leasing, Mining and Oil exploration, construction contracts, Mutual Funds, Project Finance, Litigations, Structured Financing, Derivatives, Computer Software and Hardware Contracts, Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediations, Due Diligence, Company Formations,External Commercial Borrowings, Mergers andAcquisition including Corporate Restructuring,Structuring and Security Documentation,Securitization and Microfinance, Bank Restructuring. Contact: Mona Bhide - Managing Partner 1st Floor, Sethna Building, 55, Maharshi Karve Road, Marine Lines, Mumbai –400 002, India Tel: +91-22-22062132 Fax: +91-22-2208 5620 Email: mona@davegirish.com Website: www.davegirish.com

Graduated: 1987 Bombay University (B.Com, LL.B) and obtained Master’s in Law (LL.M) Degree in 2000-2001 from Northwestern University, School of Law, Chicago. Papers/Publications: •India Chapter: Securitisation 2012 •The International Comparative Legal Guide to Securitisation 2012 •PLC Cross-Border Finance Handbook 2011/12 India Chapter questions and answers on financing in India Number of Partners: 5 Number of Lawyers: 15 Languages: English, Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi

Mona Bride

Ms. Bhide has participated in and chaired numerous professional seminars and conferences on banking, corporate law, mergers and amalgamations and securitisation and written numerous articles for legal journals and professional publications.

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ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

Taiwan

台北市中山北路三段27號13樓 13th Fl., 27 Sec. 3, Chung San N. Rd., Taipei 104, Taiwan, R.O.C. 886-2-25856688 www.deepnfar.com.tw

886-2-25989900/25978989 Email: email@deepnfar.com.tw

本所有如璞玉或玉礦，值得您永續無盡開採，資以發掘或確保您之權益。 We are just like an uncut jade or gem mine. If you use us, you shall soon feel like discovering treasures and/or justifying your rights. 深邃胸懷、淵博知識與精進不懈，始見榮耀之肇。

Deep In Mind, Knowledge and Efforts, Far Goal In.

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

DESAI & DIWANJI

India

Law Firm of the Year - Project Finance and M&A The Firm Founded on 1 April 1935, Desai & Diwanji is one of India’sleading law firms, helping clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise. With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurgaon, Desai & Diwanji is also amongst India’s largest law firms. The firm focuses on the core areas of commercial activity: Corporate and M&A; capital markets; banking, finance & insurance; project finance; energy, natural resources andinfrastructure; aviation; admiralty & maritime; technology, media & telecommunications; life sciences & pharmaceuticals; outsourcing; real estate & construction; litigation & dispute resolution. We also have cross-practice groups formed to respond tothe needs of our clients and the market and which comprise lawyers drawn together from a range of sector-wide issues.

Practice Areas Desai & Diwanji provides flexible support for day-to-daybusiness needs as well as for specific transactions. Withspecialised knowledge of both the legal framework as well as the specific business requirements of various industry sectors, our team of lawyers work on some of the most challenging, complex and stimulating transactions in India.

The firm is structured around the following practice areas: • Mergers and Acquisitions • Equity Capital Markets • Banking, Finance and Insurance • Project Finance • Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure • Aviation • Admiralty and Maritime • Technology, Media and Telecommunications • Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals • Employment, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation • Outsourcing • Real Estate and Construction • Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency

Our Clients We are privileged to work with an impressive array of highcalibre corporations, financial institutions, funds, and governments. Our continuing success relies on our building and sustaining the trust of our clients. We aim to build longterm relationships with them – relationships that over time take the form of a real partnership.

DESAI & DIWANJI - Flexible support for day-to-day business needs as well as for specific transactions. With specialised knowledge of the legal framework and business requirements of varied industry sectors, our lawyers work on the most challenging, complex and stimulating transactions in India.

Practice areas: Mergers and Acquisitions / Equity Capital Markets / Banking, Finance and Insurance / Project Finance / Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure / Aviation / Admiralty and Maritime / Technology, Media and Telecommunications / Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals / Employment, Employee Beneﬁts and Executive Compensation / Outsourcing / Real Estate and Construction / Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency

Vishwang Desai Desai & Diwanji Lentin Chambers Dalal Street, FortMumbai - 400 001 Tel: +91 (22) 3984 1000 / 2265 1682 Fax: +91 (22) 2265 8245 Email: vydesai@desaidiwanji.com Web: www.desaidiwanji.com

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ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Turkey

Antitrust ELIG aims at providing its clients with high-quality legal service in an efficient and business-minded manner. We focus onthe interests of our clients, andstrive for finding flexible legalsolutions that fit the ever changing needs of our clients in their international and domestic operations. The firm has a legal team of 40 lawyers. While we take pride in being able to assist clients in almost all fields of law, the main focus of the practice consists of corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, competition law, white collar irregularities & compliance, banking and finance, litigation, energy, oil and gas law, internet law, administrative law, realestate law, and intellectual property law. As an independent Turkish law firm, ELIG collaborates with many international law firms on various projects. In 2012, ELIG was involved in more than 45 clearances of merger notifications, more than 20 defence projects in investigations, and over 8 appeals at the High State Court; together with

approximately 40 antitrust education seminars provided to the employees of clients. Gönenç Gürkaynak is the head of the Regulatory & Compliance department at ELIG, Attorneys-at-Law in Istanbul/Turkey. This department consists of 14 associates supervised by Mr Gürkaynak. In addition to an unparalleled experience in merger controlissues, ELIG has a vast experience in defending companies before the Turkish Competition Authority in all phases of an antitrust investigation. The firm has in-depth knowledge of representing defendants and complainants in complex antitrust investigations concerning all forms of abuse of dominant position allegations and all forms of restrictive horizontal and vertical arrangements, including price-fixing, retail price maintenance, refusal to supply, territorial restrictions and concerted practice allegations.

While we take pride in being able to assist clients in almost all fields of law, the main focus of the practice consists of corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, competition law, white collar irregularities & compliance, banking and finance, litigation, energy, oil and gas law, internet law, administrative law, real estate law, and intellectual property law.

Furthermore, in addition to asignificant antitrust litigation expertise, the firm has considerable expertise in administrative law, and is therefore well equipped to represent clients before the HighState Court, both on the merits of a case, and for injunctive relief. ELIG also advises clientson a day-to-day basis concerning business transactions that almost always contain antitrust law issues, including distributorship, licensing, franchising, and toll manufacturing. Contact: ELIG Attorneys-at-Law Citlenbik Sok. No.12 Yildiz Mahallesi 34349 Besiktas – Istanbul Turkey Tel: +90 212 327 1724 Fax: +90 212 327 1725 Email: gonenc.gurkaynak@elig.com Website: www.elig.com

Mr. Gonenc Gurkaynak

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Taiwan

M&A - Taiwan

M&A and Corporate Laws Practice Group:

Chun-Yih Cheng (chun-yih.cheng@taiwanlaw.com)

Delphine Chen (delphine.chen@taiwanlaw.com)

Samrong Hwang (samrong.hwang@taiwanlaw.com)

Hwai-Li Hsu (hwaili.hsu@taiwanlaw.com)

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ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate

Egypt

LEGAL CONSULTANTS & ATTORNEYS AT LAW 16 A, Maamal El Sokkar St., Garden City, Cairo 11451, Egypt Telephone: + (20 2) 27954795 (5 lines) + (20 2) 27959228 + (20 2) 27952096

Fax: + (20 2) 27958521 Email: tarek.riad@kkr-law.com mailbox@krr-law.com

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

India Law Firm of the Year - Trademarks

R. K. DEWAN & CO. www.rkdewan.com

Mumbai Office (Head Office)

R. K. Dewan & Co. Podar Chambers, S. A. Brelvi Road, Post Box No. 711, Fort, Mumbai - 400001

Branches at:

MUMBAI

PUNE

DELHI

CHENNAI

T: (91)(22) 2266 1662 | (91)(22) 6177 5300 | (91)(22) 2266 3002 F: (91)(22) 2265 0159 E: dewan@rkdewanmail.com | niti_dewan@rkdewanmail.com

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KOLKATA

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Malaysia Intellectual Property Our Firm MarQonsult® was established inFebruary 2002 as an Intellectual Property (IP) consultancy firm and subsequently incorporated in 2005 under our current name, MarQonsult IP. Our firm is locatedin Petaling Jaya, a city adjoining Kuala Lumpur, and is about a 15minute train (LRT) ride from the Malaysia IP Office, MyIPO. We provide timely, personalized and specialized consultation and assistance to businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to manage and protect their intellectual property rights, as well as to profit from their intangible assets. Our niche lies in our ability to recognize and adapt to our clients' business needs in a competitive environment. Our skilled expertise is delivered from both commercial and legal perspectives thereby helping clients make informed decisions across a wider range of issues, aswell as avoid common pitfalls inthe registration, exploitation, enforcement and maintenance of their intellectual property rights in Malaysia and regionally. MarQonsultIP is synonymous witheffective delivery of services marked by our: •Quick Response Time •In-depth client counseling •Affordability and Adaptability •Commercially viable IPStrategies •Result-oriented approach Our firm counsels local and international businesses, institutions and organizations. Our loyal base of clients testifies to our commitment to personalised service, reliability in our delivery, and affordable pricing. Awards: Global Law Experts Recommended Firm (IP law -Malaysia); 2011 Finance Monthly Law Award (IP - Malaysia) Affiliations: Federation Internationale Des Conseils En Propriete Industrielle

(FICPI ), Association Internationale Pour La Protection De La Propriete Intellectuelle (AIPPI), Asian Patent Attorneys’ Association (APAA), International Trademark Association (INTA), ASEAN Intellectual Property Association (ASEAN-IPA) Our Founder- Clara C.F. YIP Holds a Law and Economics degree from Auckland University (New Zealand) and is a Registered Patent, Trade Mark and Industrial Design Agent in Malaysia. She was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the HighCourt of New Zealand in 1993 and was called to the Malayan Bar in 1994. Languages: English and Malay (proficient) Cantonese, Mandarin and French (conversant). Experience:19 years in a wide range of IP work including patent, design, trademark filing and prosecution; copyright; opposition; ownership disputes; trade dress; passing-off; IP protection strategies, IP due diligence, IP transactions; cancellation and invalidation proceedings, enforcement. Voted Asialaw’s Leading Lawyer inIntellectual Property in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Contributor to INTA’s online publication on Trademark Cancellations (Malaysia) and author of “Protecting Trademarks from Dilution in Malaysia”, IP Focus Asia, Informa Law. IP in Malaysia Malaysia has been a WTO member since 1 January 1995 and is a signatory to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Malaysia is also a contracting state of the Patent Cooperation Treaty which enables applicants to seek patent protection in Malaysia by filing an "international" patent application. Malaysia has specific IP legislation to protect inventions, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical

indications, plant varieties, copyright and IC layout-designs. In addition, goodwill in a trademark, trade name and get-up, confidential information and trade secrets are protected by common law. 2013 has thus far been a very dynamic year for IP in Malaysia as we have witnessed and will continue to witness, some major changes which will greatly impact IP right holders and influence IP strategies. The implementation of such changes signals Malaysia’s move towards greater harmonization of its IP laws with that of the international community, simplification of its IP registration procedures and shortening time frames to registration. Services Clearance searches Application, Prosecution, Management & Maintenance of IP Client counseling and opinions Advising on registrability, and patentability Conducting IP audits, Evaluating 3rd party rights Developing IP protection & defensive strategies Copyright Commercialisation of IP Intellectual Property Disputes Contact: B706, Level 7, Block B Kelana Square, Jalan SS7/26 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: 603-788 20 456, 788 03 457 Fax: 603-788 20 457 Email: clara @marqonsult.com Website: www.marqonsult.com

EUROPE

The economy in Europe has always been helped a great deal by the formation of the European Union. This has allowed trade barriers to be removed and makes it easier for countries to do business with each other. While this has made things easier in some respects it can be difficult to get member states to agree on policies, meaning some issues get held up by intractable negotiations between countries. Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy has been struggling a great deal in recent years following problems with the single currency. There are 17 European nations currently part of the single currency and a number of these are struggling economically. Greece, Spain and Italy are among those that have experienced a prolonged economic slump over the last couple of years and the Eurozone is currently working hard to prevent the single currency from

collapsing. Several countries are being bailed out by the European Union and this includes countries that are not part of the single currency but whose survival is imperative to stabilise the economic region. The positive steps that have been taken have helped to give more confidence in the future of the European economy although the situation remains unstable. Greece and Spain have unemployment of more than 25% (end of 2013). Compare this with Germany at the same time with unemployment of less than 6%. Europe as a whole had an unemployment rate of around 10.5%, which is slightly higher than average levels around the world. Individual nations also have their own internal issues. Greece, for example, has had problems with taxation and poor government for a number of years

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and while these issues are now being addressed the impact has been hard on the ordinary people, leading to protests and violence. A positive factor is that deficits are beginning to shrink with some improvements being seen in Spain and Portugal as well as Ireland. Current risks to growth in Europe include the high levels of public debt although steps are being taken to deal with this. Debt levels are the highest in the world (taken from figures produced in 2011) although this is as a collective group rather than based on individual nations.

EU states trading with each other. Goods for exportation include vehicles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuels, wood and paper products, alcohol and plastics, among others. The European nations also have the highest level of imports in the world (as a collective group). Goods that are regularly imported include motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, gemstones, textiles, aircraft, ships and plastics. This includes trade within European nations as well as other countries around the world. Imports are particularly high from Asian countries.

The main industries in Europe include service industries that account for almost 75%, manufacturing at less than 25% and the remaining industry is agriculture with less than 2%. The level of exports is the highest in the world and this includes

EUROPE

Germany

Boutique Merchant Banking Firm of the Year

Automotive & Industrial Building Materials Financial Services Food & Beverages Healthcare Media Services Real Estate

Experience, Creativity, Success

Technology Telecommunication Transportation & Logistics

www.acxit.com info@acxit.com

Financial Advisory Services

Principal Investments

Boutique Merchant Banking Firm of the Year 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Germany

September 2013

Asset Management Services

entered into an Investor Agreement with

has entered into a share purchase agreement with

Goldin Fund Pte. Ltd

FRANKFURT

Transaction volume: â&#x201A;Ź3.06bn

Transaction volume: undisclosed

We acted as Financial Advisor to Grohe and selling shareholders TPG and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners

We acted as exclusive Financial Advisor to Gigaset AG

ZURICH

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HONG KONG

EUROPE

Cyprus

Corporate Governance

Belgium Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Tax AFSCHRIFT (Listed 3 times in www.worldfinance100.com and 3 times recipient of the Belgian legal awards) is a multi-awarded 24 lawyers boutique law firm established in Brussels, Antwerp, Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid and Tel Aviv. The firm provides personalized consultancy services on the fields of direct and indirect taxation, especially (international) tax optimization and (corporate, estate and real estate) planning, while defending taxpayers in tax and white collar crime cases before the courts. Managing partner and founder Thierry Afschrift, professor to the Free University of Brussels, deputy judge to the Court of appeal and referred as “Best Tax Lawyer-Belgium 2009” (World Finance Magazine), is admitted to the Brussels, Antwerp and Madrid Bar, while being member of Luxembourg, Geneva and Hong Kong bars. AFSCHRIFT is a niche tax boutique: its lawyers, most of which teach at the University, practice almost exclusively tax cases and services are highly personalized; the firm acts as a counsel for several Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourgian banks and financial institutions, as well as for wealthy individuals. BRUSSELS Avenue Louise 208 B-1050 Brussels T. +32 2 646 46 36

ANTWERP

GENEVA

Frankrijklei 33 (WTC) B-2018 Antwerp T. +32 3 612 01 06

Rue du Rhône 65 CH-1211 Geneva 3 T. +41 79 544 80 78 T. +41 22 737 10 00

LUXEMBOURG 8, rue 1900 L-2157 Luxembourg T. +352 2684 54 16

MADRID

TEL AVIV

Monte Esquinza 36,2˚ E-28010 Madrid T. +34 64 752 53 94

Moshe Aviv Tower/33rd fl. 7 Jaboyinsky St. IL-52520 Ramat-Gan T. +972 3 542 01 00

EUROPE

Law Firm of the Year - Commercial Property

Law Firm of the Year - Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

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Guernsey

Germany

EUROPE

Germany

Law Firm of the Year - Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital Consider the whole … observe every detail. We are a firm of lawyers, auditors and tax consultants. More than thirty professionals provide consulting services on all legal, business and tax issues for medium-sized enterprises, private equity funds and venture capitalists. Our client portfolio also includes wealthy private individuals, non-profit and public institutions.

Contact: Böhret • Lindstedt • Sehmsdorf & Partner Maxstr. 8, 01067 Dresden Tel: +49 351 866 85 0 Website: www.boehret-lindstedt-sehmsdorf.de

Our activities as corporate consultants are as complex as the challenges that our clients face every day as an entrepreneur. Based on sound theory and proven in practice, the detailed knowledge of lawyers, auditors and tax consultants is combined into an interdisciplinary competence team, thus making it possible to consider every issue as a whole. The sound experience of more than 15 years enables us to provide flexible and innovative solutions to the given tasks. The integrated consultancy approach gives us the capacity to cover M&A and financing transactions or to conduct a corporate reconstruction and due diligence process.

Jörg Bochmann Email: j.bochmann@boehret-lindstedt-sehmsdorf.de

Knowing both sides, companies and financial institutions, we are able to build bridges and, although being focused on our client’s needs, keep his business partner’s requirements in mind. Our goal is making the deal possible. Besides the common services such as audits, assistance with financial statements according to German-GAAP and IFRS, national and international taxation a major part of our work is related to M&A, such as:

Matthias Seeboth Email: m.seeboth@boehret-lindstedt-sehmsdorf.de

• business valuations according to legal requirements or as a basis for transactions • due diligence audits • corporate reconstruction • structuring transactions reflecting legal, accounting and tax issues • vendor due diligence To cover this scope of work, we employ all together thirteen certified auditors, lawyers and certified tax consultants. To serve our clients on international tasks we are actively using our membership with Lawyers Corporation and PrimeGlobal, both worldwide associations of independent firms.

Dr. Christian Sehmsdorf Email: chr.sehmsdorf@boehret-lindstedt-sehmsdorf.de

EUROPE

United Kingdom Advisory Firm of the Year - Commercial Due Diligence The M&A Today Awards 2014 has recognised a select number of leading firms working in an advisory capacity within the corporate finance transactions services sector from a poll of its readership. Commenting on Carlton Strategy Advisors’ award of ’ ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR - COMMERCIAL DUE DILIGENCE UK’, David McClelland, director, said, “CSA is a boutique business strategy and commercial due diligence consulting firm and we are therefore very pleased to see that our project work over the year has gained such recognition.” CSA’s focus is on the lower-mid market, where we aim to identify areas where we can add value to client transactions across the range of private equity investment and corporate bank lending. We are very much director led and seek always to provide our clients with our clear opinion about the sector dynamics, strategy and competitive positioning of a potential portfolio business that drive the target company’s trading performance and thus shape deal attractiveness.

Our sector forte is on technical specification markets and most often in circumstances where a company might claim to hold a leadership position in a particular trading segment or field of specialism. This type of business can be highly attractive to investors and lenders because of the high barriers to market entry that can help to protect volumes of trade and aid recurring revenues from repeat customers to which an investment or lending model may be favourably disposed, subject to confirmatory due diligence. CSA’s specialist approach to due diligence is differentiated by being process driven. No more so than because we are very often asked to look at a highly diverse range of business types and industry sectors. In the last 12 months, CSA has engaged with clients across: spent nuclear fuel, nanotechnology and medical diagnostics in addition to oilfield services, aircraft electronics and business software. Commenting on CSA’s project flow, David McClelland said, “We see strength returning to the deal environment in 2014.

More importantly, we are pleased to see a high level of returning private equity and corporate banking clients in the pattern of our project work, which bodes well for a positive future.”

Contact Carlton Strategy Advisors Limited Carlton Mews Arterberry Road London SW20 8AG E: info@carlton-advisors.co.uk T: +44 (0) 208 947 5108 W: www.carlton-advisors.co.uk

David McClelland, Director

United Kingdom

Anglo-German Firm of the Year GRM Law is a modern legal practice with an established presence situated in central London, providing expert legal advice to its clients. The firm provides comprehensive legal services in practice areas covering corporate commercial (including M&A, finance and insolvency and restructuring, employment and immigration) litigation (including mediation and alternative dispute resolution), property and private client. The firm has a large international practice with variety of country desks for jurisdictions such Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Italy, France, Korea and China. It has specialised over many years in advising overseas companies and individuals on in bound investment into the UK. The German desk is an important part of the firms’ international expertise and offering. The desk is headed by Greg Davidian a dual qualified solicitor and Rechtsanwalt with extensive international experience.

The client profile includes large international companies and financial institutions, mid sized and smaller companies as well as entrepreneurs. Advice is regularly provided to clients with established businesses in the UK as well as those with new inbound investment initiatives. The German desk has also, through its network of professional contacts in Germany, the capability to assist clients in obtaining legal advice and guidance on their business matters in Germany.

Contact: Greg Davidian GRM Law 1 Bedford Row London WC1R 4BZ Tel: +44 (0)207 242 0631 Fax: +44 (0)207 242 6652 Email: g.davidian@grm.co.uk Website: www.grm.co.uk

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EUROPE

Luxembourg Law Firm of the Year - Real Estate

Extensive track record of advising on complex Real Estate Transactions

DSM Di Stefano Moyse Avocats Ă la Cour has established itself as aleading player amongst independent law firms in the Luxembourg market, with a solid track record of excellence in each of its key sectors. The firm is a proven expert in working on high- end deals, combining exceptional business acumen with legal expertise. The partners are supported by a multinational and multilingual team that is highly experienced in dealing with issues involving all kinds of aspects of international and European law. As managing partner at DSM, Mario Di Stefano fields a powerful team of lawyers specializing in Real Estate, M&A, corporate law, taxation, corporate finance and dispute resolution. After a successful career within the trust industry Mario Di Stefano launched his legal practice in 1996. His strength and depth of knowledge of the Luxembourg jurisdiction is recognized by clients and peers alike. Mario speaks English, French, German, Italian and Luxembourgish. During the last years the firm has assisted international clients in the field of industry, banking and retail industry with acquisition, instructuring their real estate acquisitions and their European holding operations.

Mario Di Stefano has an extensive track record of advising on complex real estate transactions. Founded upon innovative solutions and commercial excellence, the Real Estate team consistently provides advice on transactions and follow up, handling the entire process from planning, structuring, development, contracting, financing to exit strategy. DSM has become a significant player for projects both within Luxembourg and across Europe, providing multilingual contractual support and becoming the Luxembourg firm of choice by a range of developers, institutional investors and high net worth individuals. DSM assists its clients with all aspects related to real estate transactions including acquisition of real estate properties through share deals or asset deals: due diligence, drafting and negotiation of acquisition contracts and covenants; assistance in the setting up of joint ventures; drafting and negotiation of joint venture agreements and ancillary documents; assistance with the incorporation of corporate vehicles within the structuring of real estate projects; advice and assistance with respect to project development, inparticular with respect to public law requirements for zoning and

planning, licensing and agreements with local authorities and other public bodies; drafting and assistance with the negotiation of contracts pertaining to the implementation of a real estate project (contracts with service providers, in particular construction contracts); drafting and assistance with the negotiation of contracts pertaining to the exit in real estate projects, whether through share deal orasset deal; assistance and representation in dispute resolution in real estate /construction litigation, before the national jurisdictions of Luxembourg, as well as in other jurisdictions and in arbitration proceedings. Contact: Mario Di Stefano 2a, boulevard Joseph II L-1840 Luxembourg Tel: +352 262562 1 Email: mdistefano@dsmlegal.com

Mario Di Stefano

EUROPE

Turkey

Mr. Gonenc Gurkaynak

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EUROPE

France Cross-Border Law Firm of the Year EBA Endrös-Baum Associés deals with the questions, plans, problems, projects and visions of international enterprises and companies with interests in France, providing services in a prompt, efficient, purposeful and pragmatic manner, at a reasonable cost. The Franco-German firm intervenes, both as a consultancy and as a litigation firm, in the practice areas of industrial risk, plant construction, industrial product liability and safety, and the related insurance law. Its clients are international industrial groups as well as international insurance companies. International companies operating in cross-border business between French, German and English speaking countries often encounter communication difficulties. These may arise from language differences, different cultures or sometimes from substantial differences in law. Detailed knowledge of the foreign legal system and an understanding of linguistic and cultural differences are necessary for efficient dealings and well-organised international negotiations with cross border counterparts. This applies also to intra-company communication between parent and subsidiary.

and liability. This enables the client to conduct business transactions and legal proceedings as free of legal risks as possible or in full knowledge of the risks involved. The firm also practises in corporate law and gives advice and assistance on company formations and mergers, as well as acquisitions and sales of companies, in close cooperation with accountants and auditors. EBA Endrös-Baum Associés has longstanding experience in expertise proceedings involving French court-appointed experts and European party-appointed experts. The firm works at the interfaces between law and technology, language and culture, offering its clients assistance in several languages as well as prompt local assistance. EBA Endrös-Baum Associés cooperates closely with commercial law firms all over Europe, mainly in German, French and English, but also in Danish, Russian, Portuguese and Hebrew.

Contact

Practice areas EBA Endrös-Baum Associés gives advice and assistance in the field of supply contracts, construction law and plant construction, and provides contract coordination as well as claim handling, from the stage of entering into contracts with public or private clients, through to subcontracts, including questions of insurance

Dr Florian Endrös, Partner T: +33 (0) 1 53 85 81 81 / +49 (0) 89 2420785-0 E: eba@eba-avocats.com W: www.eba-avocats.com

Czech Republic Law Firm of the Year – Commercial Transactions and Intellectual Property The law office GÜRLICH & Co was founded on 1st February 2002. All members of the firm are experienced lawyers possessing outstanding professional expertise in various branches of law. Currently, the firm consists of many lawyers who are supported by a qualified office staff. Besides, on a case to case basis, we would invite for cooperation many other external specialists and free-lance lawyers. This law firm is fully capable of offering legal services to both individuals and legal entities in almost all fields of civil and commercial law, all over the territory of the Czech Republic. We are capable of providing legal services in the Czech and English languages.

In the event of cross-border transactions and litigation, this office hires its cooperating international law offices as well as external foreign lawyers. Still, this Law Firm remains a purely Czech legal office free of any financial or other influence exerted by foreign and/or local nationals. This allows the firm to provide its services in compliance with law, professionally and independently.

Contact: GÜRLICH & CO Politických vězňů 19, 110 00 Prague, Czech republic Tel: +420222101591 Fax: +420222101590 Email: info@akrg.cz Website: www.akrg.cz

Scope of Legal Services: Commercial Transactions Civil Law Intellectual Property Corporate Law and Business Law, Public Procurement Labour Law Real Estate Litigation Insolvency Richard Gürlich, attorney at law

EUROPE Regional Tax Firm of the Year

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Cyprus

EUROPE

Luxembourg

Advisory Firm of the Year - Private Equity

Private Equity at EY Luxembourg EY Luxembourg has the largest specialized and dedicated Private Equity practice as well as the broadest range of services in the industry among local audit and advisory firms. More than 150 professionals purely dedicated to Private Equity assist our clients in the areas of transaction tax, fund tax structuring, financial advisory accounting services, advisory, audit and valuation services. We have the highest market share in the audit of Luxembourg Private Equity structures with e.g., 51% of all SICARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by volume, and are one of the leading local transaction tax experts. Our Private Equity advisory team has led the most significant Private Equity advisory engagements in the local market and abroad. In the context of the Alternative Investment Fund Manager Directive (AIFMD), our advisory team assists Private Equity houses, custodians and administrators in a strategic as well as operational review of their business platform in order to align their organization, products and distributions with new requirements.

Olivier Coekelbergs Partner Private Equity leader EY Luxembourg Tel: +352 42 124 8424 Email: olivier.coekelbergs@lu.ey.com

Our Luxembourg client base includes both the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Private Equity houses as well as small or medium sized players. Our clients come from every part in the world and are active all along the range of Private Equity. EY Luxembourg is a key supporter of the Private Equity industry both in Luxembourg and abroad. The EY Private Equity Practice has been instrumental in the design of the SICAR law and is one of the founding members of the LPEA, which represents and promotes Private Equity and venture capital locally as well as globally. EY Luxembourg has actively supported Private Equity industry associations such as ALFI, EVCA and LPEA in their contribution to the implementation of the AIFM Directive. It is our long standing experience with, our exclusive dedication to and our passion for Private Equity that makes the difference of working with EY. The Luxembourg Private Equity practice looks forward to further working with service providers and Private Equity houses, locally and abroad.

Alain Kinsch Managing Partner EY Luxembourg EMEIA Private Equity Fund Leader Tel: +352 42 124 8355 Email: alain.kinsch@lu.ey.com Website: www.ey.com/luxembourg

EUROPE

Asset Valuation & Appraisal Firm of the Year

Law Firm of the Year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Insolvency & Restructuring

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United Kingdom

Germany

EUROPE

Real Estate & Private Equity Fund Administrator of the Year

United Kingdom

Real Estate & Private Equity Fund Administrator of the Year

United Kingdom

EUROPE

Asset Based Lender of the Year

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property

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United Kingdom

Romania

EUROPE

Private Equity Firm of the Year

Germany

The Private Equity Partner for the “Mittelstand” Quadriga Capital is the leading private equity ﬁrm specialising in the acquisition of mid-market companies in Germany and neighbouring countries. Using experience gained from investing in more than 80 businesses over the last 25 years, the Quadriga Capital team works with highly qualiﬁed and ambitious managers and renowned industrialists to create sustainable growth and long term value. In recent years, Quadriga Capital Private Equity Funds have invested in market leading companies including AMEOS, Jack Wolfskin, LEWA, AHT, and many others, leading their transformation from good companies to truly great, globally recognised businesses.

“The team aims to stand for continuity, sustainability, and commitment to take care of our portfolio companies and the people involved.“ Philipp Jacobi / Partner

entrepreneurial • sustainable • personal Hamburger Allee 4 • 60486 Frankfurt am Main • Phone +49 (0)69 795 000-0 Telefax +49 (0)69 795 000-60 • E-Mail: contact@quadriga-capital.de • www.quadriga-capital.de

EUROPE

Law Firm of the Year 2014 - Corporate, M&A, Tax and Labour Law

France

Why Choose Ratheaux... Vacation • Anticipation Evolution • Stratégie

[ Do you want pragmatic solutions? ] Practicing corporate law since 1920, we have the experience of solutions that fit your true needs. We have represented companies of all sizes within the Rhone-Alps region, the Paris area and throughout France and you will have the benefit of innovative and technical solutions to achieve your goals and objectives without unnecessary costs and delays

Moyen • Compétence Concertation • Action Cohérence • Implication Orientation • Maîtrise Opportunité • Avenir Initiative • Pragmatisme Esprit d’équipe Vacation • Anticipation Evolution • Stratégie Moyen • Compétence Concertation • Action

Cabinet Ratheaux, Lyon and Paris Founded in 1920, Cabinet Ratheaux has, over the years, taken part in the creation and development of a considerable number of large corporations and still continues to help its clients in their National and International development. Head office in Lyon, branch office in Paris, member of the Consulegis worldwide legal network. Cabinet Ratheaux has strong expertise in the field of business law covering company, tax and labour law, law of contract, economic law, securities and regulation law, venture capital law, Intellectual property law and acts either as a legal advisor or takes care of litigation matters. The companies which have chosen Cabinet Ratheaux come from large retail, industrial chemical, metallurgical, plastics and the pharmaceutical industries, as well as automobile manufacturing suppliers, IT and software services or venture-capital companies. Cabinet Ratheaux also regularly advises a variety of national and International groups. Cabinet Ratheaux is recognized as one of the leading business law firms in France: Awarded 2014 Law Firm of the year-Corporate, M&A, Tax and Labour law France by M&A Today Global, 2012 French Law Firm of the year by Intercontinental Finance, awarded Best Lawyers 2014 in France by US Best Lawyers review in partnership with LES ECHOS.

Diverse expertise We are a medium-sized law firm managed by 10 partners with complementary abilities in corporate, tax, labour, intellectual property (patents and trademarks), and competition law. A team of experts is devoted to you and our 50 attorneys and associates listen and take the time to fully understand the facts of each file. Their goal is to resolve each matter in a timely fashion and our partners have direct and active involvement in all cases and are readily available to speak to you directly.

Cohérence • Implication Orientation • Maîtrise Opportunité • Avenir Initiative • Pragmatisme Esprit d’équipe

International business matters We advise clients directly in English on a wide range of international matters, including employee repatriation and expatriation, sub-manufacturing agreements, joint ventures, distribution networks, outsourcing, supply contracts, tax optimization and we are experts in international conventions. We also have the benefit of access to a worldwide 1.800 member attorney network which allows us to control foreign law points while negotiating and drafting your agreements in English, or to channel to them any legal needs. We will accompany you abroad or work in connection with one of our foreign network member for finalization of a deal, setting up of a foreign company and securing out-sourcing agreements.

[ CITÉ INTERNATIONALE ]

www.ratheaux.fr

34, quai Charles de Gaulle • 69463 LYON Cedex 06 Tél: 33(0)4 72 61 75 75 • Fax: 33(0)4 78 60 00 09 • Email: ratheaux@ratheaux.fr

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EUROPE

Austria

Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property and Trademarks

Firm Profile schmid-ip is a Vienna based IP boutique law firm with a focus on trademarks and intellectual property law and litigation. „When I founded schmid-ip in 2007, I had seven years of working experience in three excellent law firms of all sizes, four years of which I had worked exclusively in the field of IP. My idea was to create a boutique law firm with a clear trademarks and IP focus – rendering services at a ‘big law firm’ level but with a personal approach, and tailored individually for the clients' needs,“ says founder Dr. Katharina Schmid. At schmid-ip, we believe that quality matters more than size. IP law is a field of law that’s particularly apt for boutique law firm structures: Clients often don’t require (nor wish to pay for) a number of lawyers to serve their needs, but only "the one" lawyer who knows and understands their business and the (case) law and will help them solving their legal issues swiftly and cost-effectively. This is what schmid-ip is meant to be for our clients. Of course, there are also cases that require a larger team, and we want to ensure the best service and continuity for our clients in handling their matters. Therefore, schmid-ip is not acting alone, but cooperating with a qualified network of local cooperation partners in the same office, so we can also work in larger teams whenever required. What we do - in a nutshell – is actually what our firm’s slogan says: „schmid-ip - trademarks and more IP, advertising competition and internet law“: To be more precise, in the field of „Trademarks“, schmid-ip provides the full service range from prosecution to litigation. The firm’s services include the handling of trademark portofolios, the registration, prosecution, enforcement and renewals of trademarks before the Austrian Patent Office, OHIM and the WIPO; trademark watching services, oppositions, invalidation and revocation actions against Austrian and Community trade marks; and litigation and anti-counterfeiting lawsuits. In the area of IP other than trade marks, the firm’s specialities comprise industrial designs, copyright and software protection, as well as domain names and conflicts. Furthermore, Dr. Katharina Schmid is the co-author of a legal commentary on Austrian Unfair Competition law (appeared as 2nd edition in 2012) and a number of publications in the field of trademarks. She regularly advises in the field of advertising and unfair competition law. schmid-ip‘s [IP] work of course also comprises a great deal of contract negotiations and

contract drafting, e.g. of trademark coexistence and delimitation agreements, or software and license agreements. We should also note that, over the years, internet law, e-commerce and data protection law have become another important focus of ours, and our IP clients often require advice particularly in these fields, too.

Client Structure We are proud to receive a lot of high profile work both from our local clients in Austria as well as from international companies and multinationals, mostly as international referrals. We also act as local Agent directly for a couple of international clients. Both the international work experience of Dr. Katharina Schmid and our enrollment in international IP associations [membership with INTA, LES and GRUR and regular attendance of meetings and conferences] certainly help in maintaining and growing our network and understanding international clients better. In the recent past, the firm’s biggest successes included an amicable settlement of a multi-jurisdictional conflict between an Austrian boutique hotel chain and the owners of a luxury hotel brand, taking over responsibilty of the trademark portfolio of an Austrian retailing and service company, the negotiation of an IT and software outsourcing contract on behalf of a telecommunications service provider, or successfully defending a client’s mark for traditional furniture in a complex revocation action. Receiving the award, makes us proud and happy. We would like to say many thanks to all our supporters! We appreciate that our IP boutique law firm is also noticed on an international level, and even in the context of mergers and acquisitions. This also shows that IP law is getting ever more important.

Contact: schmid-ip Mariahilferstrasse 20 1070 Vienna Austria Tel: +43 (0) 1 521 75-0 Fax: +43 (0) 1 890 05 17 Email: office@schmid-ip.at Website: www.schmid-ip.at

Dr. Katharina Schmid Rechtsanwältin | Attorney at Law

EUROPE

United Kingdom

Asset Ingenuity to the Power of 3 SIA Group is delighted to have won no less than 3 prestigious M&A Today Global Awards in 2014 for Plant & Property Valuation Firm, Asset Disposal Firm and Corporate Restructuring Firm of the Year. We apply our 3 brand pillars, ‘Innovative’, ‘Incisive’ and ‘Informed’ to every asset valuation, advisory and disposal assignment. We align our services to the desired outcomes of lenders, private equity houses, restructuring professionals and corporates. Helping you gain a competitive advantage from the thought leaders in asset sales and valuations. Find out more: Contact Paul Craig on +44 (0)207 498 4900 or email paul.craig@sia-group.co.uk or Simon Morgan (Brighton) +44 (0)1273 621317, email simon.morgan@sia-group.co.uk

www.sia-group.co.uk

www.kmhmediagroup.com

EUROPE

Cyprus

Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Corporate & Commercial SOTERIS PITTAS & CO LLC is a boutique law firm, in size only, focusing on the areas of law related to business activity, and dedicated to providing its clients with highly personalized legal representation for complex commercial & corporate contentious matters. The lawyers and associates of the firm, with their combined skills-set and knowledge, can provide comprehensive legal solutions according to the clients’ particular business needs, requirements and objectives, always with the personal touch characteristic of a boutique law firm. Headed by Soteris Pittas, who has over 25 years of experience in commercial & corporate litigation, the firm is committed to representing clients at all stages of disputes, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, in order to secure the right compensation and legal vindication. The Firm has close links and strong associations with reputable law firms, private equity managers, and investment companies in Russia and Ukraine. Recent major cases assigned to Firm include: • •

•

Handling on behalf of the Russian Investment Group A1, for the enforcement of rights acquired by A1 over the 50% of the shares in the Russian publisher AST Group and obtaining ex parte interim relief ($50 million). Handling on behalf of a Cypriot Company owned by a large Russian energy company in objecting and defending a tax claim raised by German authorities against the Cyprus company of more than Euro 1.2 billion and advising on, inter alia, the principles applicable for ascertaining the place of effective management or the place of central management and control of a company under Cyprus law (€1.2 billion). Handling on behalf of a Luxembourg Fund for the enforcement and registration of an ICC arbitral award amounting to €17.500.000 in Cyprus, and obtaining ex parte freezing order and the ex parte appointment of an interim equitable receiver over assets beneficially owned by debtor. Handling on behalf of a Cypriot minority shareholder of the Ukrainian FRUNZE GROUP of Companies in an action filed in Cyprus to recover losses sustained due to abuse of rights by the Cypriot majority shareholders of the Ukrainian Companies, obtaining ex parte freezing orders, and succeeding to dismiss jurisdictional objections raised by the local defendants ($150 million).

P.O.Box 53415 CY - 3302 Limassol Cyprus

Tel. +357 25 028460 Fax +357 25 028461 Email: info@pittaslegal.com

w w w. p i t t a s l e g a l . c o m

VDR Provider of the Year

Global

NORTH AMERICA

The geographic area of North America also covers Central America and the Caribbean nations as well as the USA and Canada. This amounts to some 528 million people in total and there are two very different sides to the economy. The USA and Canada are highly developed and very wealthy, while Central American countries and those in the Caribbean are not as developed and much poorer as a result. Somewhere in the middle of this is Mexico. Mexico has the status of an NIC (newly industrialised country) and is now part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as well as being a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It should be noted that the USA has the largest economy of all of these countries and is in fact the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest national economy. Figures produced for 2013 show that the USA had a GDP per capita of $53,000 with

the services sector accounting for more than three-quarters of this. Industry and manufacturing is a further 22% and the rest is agriculture. The situation in Canada is that the GDP per capita is just below $46,500 with a similar divide in industries. Mexico still has a long way to go to catch up with a GDP per capita of $1,000 and this is largely due to much of its industry still being in the process of modernisation - although investment is in place and growth is expected to continue. The NAFTA agreement has allowed trade between Canada, the USA and Mexico to increase in recent years. Mexico in particular has managed to treble its trade with both countries. Exports from Canada are largely destined for the US, with its neighbour accounting for around 85% of all Canadian exports.

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All three countries are also part of the AsiaPacific Economic Co-operation group. The aim here has been to encourage trade and industry in connection with countries around the Pacific region while at the same time cutting tariffs in order to assist developing nations. There is also the Central American Free Trade Agreement which has been developed with the United States and covers countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. At the present time Canada and Mexico are not members but the aim is to improve trade within the member states.

the services sector is the largest, employing the vast majority of people. After a decline in all economies in the region, the countries are all beginning to see growth again and the current forecast is for this to continue, albeit slowly. The situation in Europe is still having an effect on other economies although markets have been strengthened by the positive steps that are being taken to resolve the situation.

Within the Central American and Caribbean countries the main focus in the economy is agriculture, although this also applies to some of the Canadian provinces. Manufacturing is a growing industry and the US is one of the largest nations for manufacturing in the world. In all geographic areas of North America,

NORTH AMERICA

Law Firm of the Year - Corporate Tax

Mexico

Mexican Supreme Court issues precedent on deduction of pro rata expenses paid abroad By: Luis Carbajo M and Luis Balderrama Baker & McKenzie

each type of transaction; and c) the method applied to determine that the price or consideration was at arm’s length (pursuant to Article 86 of the repealed MITL and Article 76(IX) of the Income Tax Law currently in force).

At its March 19, 2014 session, the Second Chamber of the Mexican Supreme Court (“Supreme Court”) resolved an amparo action that analyzed the constitutionality of Article 32(XVIII) of the Mexican Income Tax Law (MITL) in effect through 2013, which prohibited the deduction of pro rata expenses paid abroad. The ruling constitutes an important precedent for transnational companies that distribute their costs under a pro rata approach, as the Supreme Court judgment found that the absolute prohibition contained in the article was unjustified, since the transfer pricing rules require taxpayers to adjust their transactions with related parties residing abroad to arm’s length values. Furthermore, the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines also allow the use of “cost contribution agreements" (pro rata expenses), defined as arrangements whereby associated enterprises companies distribute their costs, provided that they meet the arm’s length principle.

• Have documentation demonstrating: a) the type of transaction carried out; b) the contractual terms; c) the transfer pricing method selected and applied; and d) comparable transactions or companies for each type of transaction.

The Supreme Court found that the MITL provided legal mechanisms to verify pro rata expenses and audit related-party transactions, making it unnecessary to prohibit the deduction of pro rata expenses paid abroad, when the expenses are strictly indispensable for the taxpayer’s activity. The Supreme Court found that, although the absolute prohibition contained in Article 32(XVIII) of the MITL is unjustified, this does not mean that it is unconstitutional, since, in order to deduce pro rata expenses paid abroad, the following requirements must be met: • The expense must be strictly indispensable. • There must be a reasonable relationship between the expense incurred and the benefit received or expected to be received.

• Have documentation demonstrating that the pro rata expense was taken on the basis of objective tax and accounting elements, and not arbitrarily or randomly by the taxpayer. To do this, it must be considered that all pro rata transactions must prove to have a business reason pursuant to the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines. If the pro rata expense incurred abroad fails to meet any of the above requirements, the tax authority may validly disallow the expense. Conclusion The aforesaid precedent acknowledges the need to allow companies to deduct the payment of pro rata expenses made abroad, provided that such expenses meet the above requirements. This accords greater legal certainty to taxpayers that make this kind of payment, since the tax authority will have to verify whether these requirements are met before disallowing the deduction outright simply for being a pro rata expense paid abroad. Baker & McKenzie can help you verify whether the payment of pro rata expenses paid abroad meet the requirements described above and recommend corrective measures, if needed, so that your company can sustain and justify any such deduction. We can also assist you if the tax authorities are already conducting an audit and questioning such expenses accordingly. If a tax deficiency is asserted by reason of the disallowance of pro rata payments, we can also assist you with an appropriate defense before the competent courts.

• The taxpayer must demonstrate that the price or consideration agreed upon by the related parties falls within the range of prices that would have been used by unrelated parties in comparable transactions (the arm’s length principle). The Supreme Court further found that taxpayers that pay pro rata expenses abroad must also: • Provide the tax authority with accurate information on transactions undertaken abroad with related parties, such as: a) the related parties’ taxpayer data; b) the activities carried out in the transaction by each party and, as applicable, the assets used and the risks assumed for

Luis Carbajo M

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Luis Balderrama

NORTH AMERICA

Mexico Employment CERVANTES SAINZ is a full service law firm with an extensive array of creative problem-solving techniques for optimum, lasting outcomes.

international clients’ unique needs,” explained Alejandro Nila partner of Cervantes Sainz, S.C.

“We represent clients in a broad spectrum of transactional, banking and finance, administrative, corporate, insolvency and restructuring regulatory, labour, real estate, commercial, dispute resolutions, and litigious matter, among others. Our clients range from some of the world’s largest companies to individuals and small businesses.

Our labour practice group has been recognized by various publications, such as Chambers. Mr Nila has broad experience in labour matter. He provides advice to clients and represents them before federal and local labour authorities. His experience includes litigation and legal planning in a wide range of labour issues including union matters. The firm represents local, national and international clients that range from some of the world’s largest companies-including publicly and privately held companies and their owners, directors and officers-, to individuals and small businesses.

Our labour and employment practice combines respected legal wisdom and business skills to provide advice tailored to our domestic and

The values and philosophy that drive us, and the special attributes that make us stand apart from others, are: we emphasise high

Cervantes Sainz offers services in a variety of areas of the law, which overlap and complement a mixture of client industries.

Firm of the Year – Brands - Mexico

responsiveness to clients by providing prompt, personal service, and by developing an intimate knowledge of each client’s need and objectives; we are dedicated to providing creative solutions and fresh approaches to sophisticated transactions and complex litigation; we have developed a “one-firm” culture – a spirit of teamwork and cross-utilisation and support among practice areas throughout the firm; we represent our clients with courage in hostile and sometimes individually threatening environments; we experts a sense of personal accountability for every decision judgment, and action on behalf of our clients. Contact: Alejandro Nila - Labour & Employment Practice Group Tel: (52) (55) 9178-5040 Email: anila@cervantessainz.com Website: www.cervantessainz.com

Mexico

NORTH AMERICA

United States of America Law Firm of the Year – Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year – M&A Law Firm of the Year – Private Equity Law Firm of the Year – Asset Management Law Firm of the Year – Antitrust Law Firm of the Year – Banking Law Firm of the Year – Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year – Corporate Law Firm of the Year – Cross Border Law Firm of the Year – Energy Law Firm of the Year – Project Finance Law Firm of the Year – Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year – Taxation Law Firm of the Year – International Finance Law Firm of the Year – Securities Law Firm of the Year – Oil & Gas

Maalouf Ashford & Talbot is among the world’s leading international financial services law firms with offices in New York City, London, Moscow, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Riyadh, São Paulo and Beirut, with affiliated offices in over 30 different countries worldwide. John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of the Firm, has been ranked as one of the Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers in the United States for the past nine consecutive years by the U.S. Lawyer Rankings (2006 – 2014 Editions) due to his commitment to excellence and outstanding client service. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot’s lawyers are internationally recognized as leading experts in the areas of International Finance Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Energy Law, Private Equity Law, Project Finance Law, Asset Finance Law, Banking Law, Capital Markets Law, Corporate Law, Cross Border Law, Shipping & Maritime Law, Antitrust Law, Sharia Law, and Tax Law.

Law Firm of the Year – International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year – Renewable Energy

Lawyer of the Year - Employment

In addition, Mr. Maalouf is an internationally recognized expert on matters involving China business law and co-author of the book "Inside the Minds: Best Practices for Mergers & Acquisitions in China", published by Thomson West, the world's most respected name in legal publishing. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot was among the first U.S. law firms in China, and the firm’s legal agreements and documents have become the industry standard used by other law firms today. John J. Maalouf is also a recognized expert in the field of international initial public offerings (IPO’s) and is a leader in taking companies public on numerous international stock exchanges, including the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. John J. Maalouf Senior Partner Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP 500 Fifth Avenue, 14th Fl. New York, New York 10110 John.maalouf@maaloufashford.com Telephone: 212.789.8717 Facsimile: 212.789.8718 www.maaloufashford.com

United States of America

William C. Martucci Mr. Martucci, who holds an LL.M. in employment law from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. practices globally in complex class action (employment discrimination and wage & hour) and EEOC litigation. Chambers notes “Bill Martucci is worth having on any dream team for employment litigation and policy issues. Star player Bill Martucci operates in a league of his own when it comes to employment law.” “He is singled out for his deep knowledge, together with his ‘tremendous people skills’ and ‘very good trial presence.’” His jury work has been featured in The National Law Journal. He is listed in the Euromoney Guide to the World’s Leading Labour and Employment Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America for Business and Employment Litigation. He teaches multinational business policy and the global workplace at Georgetown. Bill was highlighted in the debut edition of Chambers USA as one of the highest-rated corporate litigation lawyers. According to Chambers, the SHB national employment practice group has been “lauded for its class action work and its effective advice to employers on federal compliancy issues. Bill Martucci is highly esteemed as an employment litigator.” The Chambers analysis notes: “Bill Martucci garners the admiration and respect of peers and clients for his ‘tenacious’ litigation skills and ‘breadth of knowledge’ on employment policy issues. His ability to ‘effectively’ communicate an employer’s point of view to a jury has impressed many interviewees, who also point to his success in establishing a client base that contains a number of Fortune 500 names.”

William C. Martucci Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP 1155 F Street NW Washington, DC 20004 202.783.8400 wmartucci@shb.com www.shb.com

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NORTH AMERICA

United States of America US Multi-Strategy Firm of the Year Firm Profile Phalanx Capital Management was founded by Christopher McGuire in April 2005. Prior to launching the award-winning Asian-focused fund, he worked in the finance industry for 20 years, on both the buy and sell side. The past 18 years of Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; career have been trading in the Asia and Japan markets. Using his gained knowledge of the markets and extensive relationships in Asia, Chris launched Phalanx Capital Management, LLC. One of the primary reasons Chris has been able to successfully build Phalanx from humble beginnings is his extensive business relationships in Asia. These relationships are built on mutual respect and integrity that Chris has always displayed with his partners. Integrity is the cornerstone of Phalanx, as is displayed by the trading teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discipline in the selection and execution of strategies, the transparency of data distributed to investors and prospects in the monthly report, the operational excellence of the back office practices, and in the decision to partner with the best service providers in the industry so the main focus of our business remains returning consistent year on year profits for our investors. When starting Phalanx Capital 9 years ago, Chris set out to change how traditional convertible bond and volatility arbitrage had been managed by others up until that point. Phalanx has pioneered the enhancement of traditional convertible arbitrage with volatility and credit strategies, the combination of which we believe can provide superior risk adjusted returns throughout all market cycles, regardless of market direction. Our belief is that hedge funds should be able to produce positive returns in all market cycles. Phalanx endeavors to provide consistent, uncorrelated, absolute return regardless of the dynamics in the market. Phalanx has an investment team of three traders and two analysts, lead by Chris McGuire, each with intimate knowledge of the Asian markets, as well as comparable trading experience. The team has traded one portfolio together for 5 years, which brings the distinct advantage of cohesiveness and familiarity, and offers the experience and analytical skills that allows them to identify and profit from anomalies in the convertible markets. Chris and John Parrilli work overnight in the main office in Chicago with analyst, Bruce Zhao; John Holmes trades the US markets from the Chicago office; and Masa Hoshi provides trade ideas and portfolio analysis from our Hong Kong location.

of our strategy is to profit from cheap or mispriced implied volatility opportunities imbedded in convertible securities and listed and OTC equity derivatives in Japan and broader Asian capital markets. Our target markets tend to have far greater volatility and are generally less crowded and efficient than average. This leads to significant and persistent pricing dislocations and more repeatable investment opportunities. Phalanx prides itself on finding these unloved or unwatched securities that may have fallen out of favor with the market as a whole. Our traders have been successful in isolating these opportunities and reacting quickly when market pricing has been out of line with our expectation of true value. Phalanx is an award winning fund, with a 7 year track record of absolute returns, uncorrelated to the global markets. Our advantages lie within our experienced trading team that understands the nuances of the Asian markets, our unique investment mandate that enhances traditional convertible bond arbitrage with credit and volatility strategies, and our ability to quickly deploy capital to the strategy with the greatest risk-reward profile. In order for the focus of the business to remain on our expertise of Investment Management, we have partnered with the industriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best, allowing for fluid and transparent operational processes. Integrity is the cornerstone of our business and we endeavor to deliver that honesty and veracity to our investors in everything that we do.

Contact: Phalanx Capital Management LLC 300 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1650-A Chicago, IL 60606 USA Tel: +1 (312) 930-2282/2266 Email: Investor@phalanxcm.com

Christopher McGuire

Over the years, Phalanx has developed several different systems in which the traders screen the universe for mispriced volatility and convertibles. The traders work together to generate and research investment ideas. The most promising of these ideas are examined by the team in order to be deemed a viable investment. The premise

SOUTH AMERICA

South America comprises 12 nations and a total of 382 million people. The economic landscape of each of these nations is very different and they are all developing at a different rate, although tourism and manufacturing are both key industries continent-wide. Since the 1990s, countries such as Argentina, Peru and Venezuela have managed to achieve economic growth each year, while growth in countries such as Brazil has been at a much slower rate even though Brazil has one of the highest levels of exports in the region. The GDP of Brazil was one of the highest in 2013, while Suriname was one of the lowest. However, when these figures are looked at per capita, the highest is actually Argentina with $17,376. Chile follows along with Uruguay and Venezuela. Brazil is actually fifth in the list of countries per capita and Bolivia is at the

bottom of the list with $4843. The gross national income (GNI) for 2013 also puts Argentina at the top of the list with Guyana at the bottom. External debt is one of the factors that affect a nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy and for some time Brazil have had more debt than any of the other nations in the region. In 2009 it was considered to be almost double that of Argentina, the next country on the South American list. The regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest external debt was that of Suriname. Economic growth tables in 2013 only put Brazil at 2.8%, matching with Venezuela but far lower than any of the other countries, which average around 6%. However, in terms of unemployment Brazil is not one of the highest. At 5.4% it is estimated to have the lowest rate of unemployment in the South American region while Argentina is just below

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8% and countries such as Guyana and Colombia have rates that top 10%. Industries within the region include agriculture. Products such as cocoa and coffee are major exports for many of the South American countries. Manufacturing is also becoming an important part of economic growth for many of the nations. Brazil has the distinction of being the largest manufacturing country in the region covering a wide range of products. Imports and exports are proving to be essential for the countries in the region at the moment. Member states of the Mercosul agreement have benefitted from the increase in trade as a result.

helped along by a number of tax breaks and other incentives that are intended to drive production - particularly in industries such as development of machinery, food and beverages and vehicle production. One of the issues with continued growth is the lack of infrastructure in some areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that commentators have argued is leading to poverty black spots in the region. Investment is being made and improvements can already be seen - although a programme of urbanisation is key to addressing this going forward.

It has been estimated that manufacturing is going to be fairly strong in 2014 and that this trend is set to continue. Overall, the continent is expected to see growth of 4% over the next 12 months. This will be

SOUTH AMERICA

Full Service Law Firm of the Year

Brazil DANTAS, LEE, BROCK & CAMARGO ADVOGADOS is a multidisciplinary law firm active in areas such as Consumer & Retail, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Banking & Finance, Oil & Gas, Insurance, Heavy Industry, Production & Manufacturing, Technology & E-commerce and Sports Law.

DLBCA was founded in 1993 and is one of the 10 largest firms in Brazil with 500 professionals and 1,800 correspondents lawyers all over Brazil. In 2013 celebrated 10 years of high level of legal services and achievements. The firm is known for its innovation, technology, skilled management and high performance.

Dantas, Lee, Brock & Camargo Advogados Av. Juscelino Kubitschek, 28 6th, 7th and 10th floors 04543-000 - São Paulo - Brazil contato@dlbca.com.br T +55 11 2149 5423 F +55 11 3167 3805

DLBCA is a “joint venture” of professionals with skills developed in law firms and companies enhanced by association of former justices of Court of Law and professors of Law School. A law firm focused on providing full and effective legal support and, together with clients, reaching results pursuit under the best “cost X benefit” relationship, in a full compliance with ethical principles. Based on what clients really need from a law firm, as a business partner and besides and effective legal support – DLBCA has developed the “4Data “ system to build permanent and web online interaction with clients through customized work flow to provide accurate, transparent and reliable information, always with risk evaluation, resulting in solid reports.

www.dlbca.com.br

2013 10 AN O S

Brazil Human Capital Advisory Firm of the Year Human Capital - Drive organizational success through human capital In today’s globally integrated, tightly regulated and increasingly competitive business environment, one critical success factor stands out: people. Our Human Capital services offer a “ total picture” perspective, integrating global mobility, workplace effectiveness and talent and reward. Through our comprehensive approach, we can help you make the most of your investment in your people. Mobility Services - How well are you managing your mobile workforce? Our Mobility Services help our clients manage the complex compliance, reporting and risks inherent in deploying a globally mobile workforce. We offer a suite of mobility services that can help make your global mobility program more strategic: • Global mobility tax and advisory • Global immigration • Assignment services

• International social security • Business traveler services Talent and Reward - Align your talent to your business strategy Our Talent and Reward services help clients address the range of issues that are associated with reward strategies, talent programs and maintaining workforce effectiveness. To reach its potential, your organization must continuously improve its performance — and sustain that improvement. We can help you optimize these particular business areas: • Remuneration • Pensions and benefits • Talent management • HR transactions (due diligence, transaction integration and divestitures) • HR compliance and risk • Global employment tax services

HR Performance Improvement Manage your organization’s assets effectively with human resources. Today there is increased pressure on HR departments to be more efficient by leveraging the organization’ s talents, driving profitability and creating meaningful change — all amid budget cuts and hiring freezes. We can help your company develop and implement programs specifically designed around these areas of HR performance improvement: • HR strategy • HR and payroll risk • HR and payroll transformation • HR and payroll service delivery and sourcing Contact: EY Brazil Tatiana Ponte - Partner Tel: + 55 11 2573 3773 Email: tatiana.ponte@br.ey.com Web: www.ey.com.br

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SOUTH AMERICA

Civil Litigation

Alonso Rivera Gaxiola is a Mexican lawyer with over twenty years of experience, specialized in commercial, corporate, civil and administrative litigation, bankruptcy, international insolvency and restructuring, as well as international and domestic arbitration. He is the founder and senior partner of Rivera Gaxiola, Carrasco y Barrera, S.C. During his career Alonso has dealt with the most complex cases and has faced major tasks and challenges. Alonso mainly deals with insolvency and restructuring cases and shareholders disputes. Given the complexity and sophistication of international trade and commercial transactions and relations, financial restructuring often involves more than one legal system and culture which require Alonso to exercise both great knowledge and skills, as well as a major creativeness. When dealing with shareholders disputes the most important challenge of Alonso is trying to avoid the negative effect in the company’s course of business and operations while shareholders overcome its differences and courts adjudicate its corresponding rights. The cases he attends on regular basis often require complex strategies aiming for solutions that work for his clients goals and objectives.

Mexico

Firm Description Rivera Gaxiola, Carrasco y Barrera, S.C. is a law firm dedicated to litigation, made up of professionals who have the highest level of responsibility and care for its clients. Our main office is located in Mexico City and we have an office in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Our firm has practice throughout Mexico, through our own staff, and by strategic alliances with the most prestigious local firms. Rivera Gaxiola, Carrasco y Barrera is a law firm made up by attorneys committed to meeting the expectations of each of our clients. Each year, several judges, magistrates and arbitrators rule in favor of the clients represented by Rivera Gaxiola, Carrasco y Barrera. This is why clients are confident to let us represent them with their most important issues.

Contact: HEADQUARTERS Boulevard Manuel Ávila Camacho 32, 11th floor Torre Esmeralda III, Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, CP 11000 Distrito Federal, México. Tel: +52 55 1084 1230 MONTERREY OFFICE Avenida Batallón de San Patricio 111, 27th floor, 2701 Torre Comercial América, Colonia Valle Oriente, CP 66269 Garza García, Nuevo León, México. Tel: +52 81 5030 7583 Email: arivera@rgcyb.com Website: www.rgcyb.com

The services we render to our clients include: civil and commercial litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, financial restructurings, shareholder disputes, administrative litigation, national and international commercial arbitration, telecommunications, aviation and maritime law. Our attorneys are specialists in evaluating conflict from its early stages, designing resolution strategies, and taking the necessary steps to meet the final objective.

Alonso Rivera Gaxiola Founder and Senior Partner arivera@rgcyb.com

“Alonso mainly deals with insolvency and restructuring cases and shareholders disputes. Given the complexity and sophistication of international trade and commercial transactions and relations, financial restructuring often involves more than one legal system and culture which require Alonso to exercise both great knowledge and skills, as well as a major creativeness.”

OFFSHORE & INTERNATIONAL

Offshore It has been said that the development of an offshore economy has come about as a direct result of globalisation. Financial regulations and tax are not as strict as they are onshore and this is partly because of countries getting more closely aligned with each other. Many people want to put their money where it is free from as much taxation as possible and ‘offshore’ has become its own geographical area. Offshore activity is something of a loss to governments as both businesses and people are not paying taxes to them. However, there are benefits to these ‘tax havens’ for smaller countries as it can help them to compete against larger nations. It has been estimated that there are more than 70 tax havens in the world at the moment and many of these are smaller countries with weaker economies.

Offering these offshore services is a way of continuing their own economic development. The Swiss banking system was a forerunner of the tax haven, offering companies and individuals a place to put their money where they did not need to worry about taxes and governments obtaining details of their financial transactions. Investing offshore is now a mainstay of international business and while there are plans for more regulation in order to prevent it being a channel for criminal activities, the offshore economy will continue to grow as more people and businesses seek to maximise their income by avoiding taxation in their own country.

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International The global economy has suffered somewhat in recent years with issues in the United States and Europe. However, other parts of the world have managed to keep things a little steadier and there has been noticeable growth in Asia, the Middle East and South America. Despite problems the US still has the largest economy in the world, followed by China and Japan then a number of European nations, including the UK. The global economy has been aided a great deal by nations working together to iron out problems and improve trade. Trade agreements are in place in a number of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regions and the European Union is still going strong despite problems with the single currency. Manufacturing is set to be a big factor in growth for many nations, particularly

developing nations in South America and Asia. Exports for China and other Asian nations will continue to grow and these economies should not see too many problems. There are still some countries struggling to find their feet following the world-wide recession and this has had a knock-on effect on development in some areas. Despite this, the world could be said to be in the grip of fractional recovery as countries begin to deal with their problems and confidence returns to the markets. Economists are still keen to sound a note of warning however as some European nations are still exhibiting sluggish economic activity and high levels of debt.

M&A Today

A KMH Media Publication