Chambers Global (2024)
Christopher & Lee Ong - Malaysia
Banking & Finance – Band 2
Ranked Lawyer: Adrian Chee (Band 1), Jack Chor (Band 3), Jennifer Lee (Band 4)
What the team is known for
Christopher & Lee Ong has an established and experienced legal team in Kuala Lumpur that handles a comprehensive range of finance matters on behalf of both Malaysian and international banks. The team often advises energy companies on project financing, while also handling syndicated loans, real estate finance and refinancing. The firm handles deals in the energy, hospitality and construction sectors and is conversant in both conventional and Islamic finance.
Strengths
"Christopher & Lee Ong can draw upon their experience and a wide variety of partners to come up with creative yet legally sound solutions."
Work highlights
Christopher & Lee Ong as Malaysian counsel assisted seven of Nufarm's Malaysian subsidiaries with Nufarm's entry into a five-year AUD800 million revolving asset-based facility.
Notable practitioners
Adrian Chee is a leading practitioner in Kuala Lumpur with particular strength in DCM and Islamic finance work, often advising on high-yield bonds and sukuk programmes.
Jack Chor rises in the ranking table this year. He is a partner who especially advises clients on project financing deals in Malaysia, acting for both lenders and borrowers. He is active on cross-border financing involving power projects and industrial facilities.
Jennifer Lee is a well-known lawyer in Kuala Lumpur's banking and finance market, regularly advising on DCM matters. She often acts for leading Malaysian banks on Islamic and conventional financing.
Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Adrian Chee (Band 3), Kuok Yew Chen (Band 3), Yon See Ting (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Christopher & Lee Ong has a well-regarded team of corporate lawyers in Kuala Lumpur, advising clients on a broad range of transactional and regulatory issues in Malaysia. The firm acts for domestic and international clients on public and private M&A, private equity deals and corporate restructuring, including cross-border transactions, for which it leverages its regional network. The team is especially active in the healthcare, manufacturing, technology and retail sectors. Digi, Starlight Asset, ISEC and Esteel Enterprise are examples of the team's clientele.
Strengths
"There was solid and dedicated support from their partners on the project."
"The team are very committed to handling the work given and are expert in giving advice for complex matters even in a short period of time."
Work highlights
Christopher & Lee Ong advised Starlight Asset, an SPV controlled by CVC Asia Pacific, in relation to its acquisition of a 68.35% stake in Affin Hwang Asset Management for MYR1.54 billion.
Notable practitioners
Adrian Chee is one of Malaysia's pre-eminent lawyers for IPOs and other ECM transactions. He is also active on large acquisitions and disposals in the TMT sector. "He is a highly competent lawyer specialising in debt capital markets."
Yon See Ting is a partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Kuala Lumpur. She advances in the rankings this year thanks to strong market recognition. She has a robust practice advising conglomerates on joint ventures and M&A. "She is highly committed and dedicated."
Kuok Yew Chen is a well-regarded partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Malaysia who receives impressive market recognition. He is experienced in handling large cross-border mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, particularly in the telecoms sector. "He demonstrates a high level of sophistication and strong commercial awareness." "He has strong communication skills and has wide knowledge in most areas of law."
Raymond Tong is based in Singapore and is well versed in Malaysian capital markets transactions. He frequently assists local banks and corporates with IPOs and other equity issuances. "He has always assisted us with various deals and is a key market player who understands the region and the requests of his clients, whether acting for banks or issuers."
Corporate & Finance (Expertise Based Abroad) - Singapore
Ranked Lawyer: Raymond Tong
Raymond Tong is based in Singapore and is well versed in Malaysian capital markets transactions. He frequently assists local banks and corporates with IPOs and other equity issuances.
Strengths
"He has always assisted us with various deals and is a key market player who understands the region and the requests of his clients, whether acting for banks or issuers."