Hall Of Fame

Corporate and M&A in Sri Lanka

D. L. & F. De Saram

The corporate and M&A offering at D. L. & F. De Saram has impressive capabilities in handling complex high-value and high-profile transactions, often spanning multiple jurisdictions. Managing partner Savantha De Saram heads up the team alongside Aloka Nandasena, who is well-regarded for her ‘astute understanding of the law, industry and regulatory trends’. Hansi AbayaratneInshira Hanifa and associate Ushara Ratnayake are standout names in the practice, as is consultant counsel Ramesh Perera.

Responsables de la pratique:

Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena


Autres avocats clés:

Hansi Abayaratne; Inshira Hanifa; Ushura Ratnayake; Ramesh Perera


Les références

‘Good quality and delivery.’

‘D.L. & F. De Saram focuses on providing bespoke and innovative solutions to the commercial needs of their clients.’

”The firm has an extremely competent legal team, and has developed a reputation for providing punctual and cutting-edge legal advice.’

Principaux clients

Bharti Airtel Limited


CG Capital Partners Global Pte. Ltd


ODF Pte. Ltd


Permira


Soundmouse Limited


Hg Capital


Kanrich Finance Limited


D P Logistics (Private) Limited


Wilbur Ellis Holdings, Inc.


Sojitz Corporation


GlaxoSmithKline plc


MullenLowe (Private) Limited


Rentokil Initial, UK


Aman Group


Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Private) Limited


Fortis Healthcare International Pte Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Bharti Airtel Limited on the transfer of a 100% stake in its local subsidiary Airtel Lanka (Private) Limited to Dialog Axiata, in consideration of being issued shares of Dialog.
  • Advising CG Capital Partners Global Pte. Ltd on the proposed acquisition of Culture Financial Holdings Ltd of Cayman Islands from TPG.
  • Advised ODF Pte. Ltd on the setting up of a duty-free mall in the Colombo International Financial Centre within the area of Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone, being one of the first projects of its kind within the CPC SEZ.

F. J. & G. De Saram

F. J. & G. De Saram‘s team is well regarded for its strength in advising on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters. Ayomi Aluwihare has a strong track record in handling the gamut of corporate and commercial work, and Anjali Fernando is particularly experienced in assisting with joint ventures and projects involving the mining, hospitality and leisure sectors. Buwaneka Basnayake regularly acts for local clients in this arena. M&A and employment expert Shehara Varia, data protection specialist Shanaka Gunasekara and Himali Mudadeniya are also key names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ayomi Aluwihare; Shehara Varia; Anjali Fernando; Himali Mudadeniya; Buwaneka Basnayake; Shanaka Gunasekara


Les références

‘Thinks outside the box, and always willing to assist to make the deal a success.’

‘Shehara Varia has strong attention to detail and is meticulous in her work.’

‘The team has a very strong understanding of local law and regulatory requirements. Capital markets is a particular strength.’

Principaux clients

Asia Development Bank


Reliance Retail Ventures Limited


Colombo Stock Exchange


Dialog Axiata PLC


Hela Clothing Group of Companies


Eversheds (UK)


Trilegal


DLA Piper (Singapore)


Pearson Lanka (Private) Limited


Jun He


TMI Associates


The Colombo Port City Economic Commission


ING Hubs Sri Lanka


Sunshine Holdings PLC


Melsta Technologies(Pvt)Ltd


Unilever Sri Lanka Limited


Ekaterra Ceylon (Private) Limited


EY GBS (India) LLP


Jetwing Hotels Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a client with identifying, designing and developing a policy plan and strategy for the Colombo Port City to develop a leading economic zone both within the region and globally.
  • Advised a company on the acquisition of a solar power sector entity.
  • Advised the client on the set up of nature trails in Sri Lanka via a legal memorandum.

Julius & Creasy

Corporate law specialists Amila Fernando and Anandhiy Gunawardhana co-head the practice at Julius & Creasy. The team has a particularly strong reputation for advising on the gamut of corporate and M&A matters, in both domestic and international contexts. The group's workload includes assisting with the regulatory and due diligence aspects of key transactions, fundraising matters, and agreements. The department is also noted for its expertise in handling transactions involving insurance and reinsurance companies. Shane Silva is well versed in advising on corporate restructurings. Diluka Rodrigo is another key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amila Fernando; Anandhiy Gunawardhana


Autres avocats clés:

Diluka Rodrigo; Shane Silva


Principaux clients

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd


Curtin University


Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC


Sika Lanka (Private) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd on its investment in John Keells Holdings PLC by way of a private placement.
  • Advised Curtin University on a possible rebranding of its services in Sri Lanka via the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.
  • Advised the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC on a multi-million debenture issuance.

Tiruchelvam Associates

The ‘precise and professional’ corporate and M&A team at Tiruchelvam Associates is well known for its strength in handling prominent, high-value commercial agreements, often multi-jurisdictional in nature. The group is also well versed in advising on joint venture agreements, restructurings and investments, large-scale project development matters, and share sales and purchases. At the practice’s helm are corporate and real estate specialist Asanka AbeysekeraLaila Nasry, a key contact for commercial transactions, and Nirosha Peiris.

Responsables de la pratique:

Asanka Abeysekera; Laila Nasry; Nirosha Peiris


Autres avocats clés:

Adheeba Ilyas


Les références

‘The team from Tiruchelvam Associates have always conducted themselves in a very professional manner.’

‘Nirosha Peiris has been available for any advice we may need. Her professionalism has been excellent.’

‘The team has shown their extensive knowledge in company law and regulations and ability to deliver quality services.’

Principaux clients

Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC


Labpath Solutions (Private) Limited


Tourism Industry Skills Council


Helios Ventures


Sarvodaya Group


Global Payments Asia-Pacific Limited/ Global Payments Inc.


Novo Nordisk A/S


Galadari Brothers LLC


Heineken Lanka Limited


Cisco Systems Management B.V.


Booking.com


Applexus Technologies Inc.


Dahnay Logistics Private Limited


Fujiwara Co. Ltd


Fujisun (Pvt) Ltd


Bloomberg


Japan Gateway (Private) Limited


Liaison office of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.|in Colombo


Medecins Sans Frontieres (Msf)|South Asia (Guarantee) Limited


RWB Chartered Accountants, UK


Care Station


A H International Lanka (Pvt) Ltd


Thirugnanam Mohan


Business Enterprise and Employment Support for Women in South Asia Network Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Labpath Solutions (Private) Limited with the importation and distribution of a medical device, including the drafting of the distribution and sub-distribution agreements.
  • Advised the Tourism Industry Skills Council on the Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2023.
  • Advised Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC on all corporate legal and governance matters regarding a proposed project with a multinational hospitality entity.

Varners

The practice at Varners has a strong reputation for its experience in assisting such clients as the Colombo Port City Economic Commission with a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including large-scale transactions. The client base spans a range of sectors, including construction, hospitality, energy, and shipping. Key areas of work for the group include the restructuring of corporate entities, M&A mandates, due diligence, takeovers, and large-scale project finance matters at both domestic and international level. The vastly experienced Raj Selvaskandan and Mahinda Haradasa are the practice leads. Senior associate Krishanth Rajasooriyar is a key name.

Responsables de la pratique:

Raj Selvaskandan; Mahinda Haradasa


Autres avocats clés:

Krishanth Rajasooriyar


Les références

‘Prompt responses and attention to detail.’

‘Always provides feedback in a prompt manner.’

‘Varners provides a very professional and a complete legal service when it comes to M&A. They also go the extra mile to provide additional advice on negotiations with their prior experience and knowledge of the optimal structure and strategies. This has been extremely helpful to us.’

Principaux clients

BCD Travels


HerCapital


Xiaomi


LAUGFS Holdings Limited


LAUGFS Gas PLC


Sino Lanka Hotels


Colombo Port City Economic Commission


Bank of China


Heritage Partners

Heritage Partners‘ corporate and commercial practice has particular strengths in advising on the acquisition of high-value assets, restructuring loans and businesses, and joint ventures. Cross-jurisdictional work is a prominent area of instruction for the group, which acts for clients in a range of sectors including education, technology, hospitality, and mining. Practice head Arittha R. Wikramanayake is a highly regarded practitioner in the corporate arena. Savini Tissera has noteworthy expertise in transactional matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Arittha R. Wikramanayake


Autres avocats clés:

Savini Tissera


Les références

‘A team of commercial solution providers who use their knowledge of different asset classes in a diligent, timely and succinct way.’

‘Wide experience and local, as well as international, knowledge.’

‘Their industry-specific knowledge and expertise is useful.’

Principaux clients

Colombo Stock Exchange


CIC Holdings PLC


JAT Holdings PLC


Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC


MAS Capital (Private) Limited


Janashakthi Limited


BOV Capital PTE LTD.


nVentures Growth Fund PTE LTD.


Bluestone Capital (Private) Limited


Lankan Angel Network


Ideal Automobile (Private) Limited


The Kandy Hotels 1938 PLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Janashakthi Limited on the proposed sale and divestiture of a 33% stake in First Capital Holdings PLC to People’s Leasing and Finance PLC for LKR 4.9bn.
  • Advised a client on the sale of a 25% stake in a company for LKR3.4bn.
  • Advised MAS Capital (Private) Limited on its acquisition of assets of Bam Knitting (Private) Limited via a joint venture.

Nithya Partners

The practice at Nithya Partners is well known for advising clients from the banking, financial services and consumer goods sectors, among others, on the full array of corporate work. Regulatory matters, corporate restructurings and transfers of ownership are prominent in the team's workload. The group's corporate expertise also dovetails with its strength in assisting clients with shareholders' rights issues, IPOs, and acquisitions of shares. Naomal Goonewardena heads up the cohort alongside M&A expert Nirusha Ratnatunga.

Responsables de la pratique:

Naomal Goonewardena; Nirusha Ratnatunga


Les références

‘Naomal Goonewardena has a strong dual legal and accounting background.’

‘A professional and knowledgeable team.’

‘Their exceptional commercial knowledge gives Nithya Partners an edge over other firms.’

Principaux clients

Diesel & Motor Engineering Company PLC


CT CLSA Holdings (Private) Limited


New Anthoney’s Farms (Private) Limited


Sunshine Holdings PLC


Ironwood Investments (Private) Limited


DFCC Bank PLC


LB Finance PLC


UB Finance PLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted DFCC Bank PLC with a rights issuance valued at LKR6bn.
  • Assisted Bartleet Capital (Private) Limited and Bartleet Transcapital Limited with an amalgamation.
  • Advised investment manager CT CLSA Holdings Limited on its acquisition of Guardian Acuity Asset Management (Private) Limited, another licensed investment manager.

Sudath Perera Associates

Sudath Perera Associates‘knowledgeable, proactive and responsive’ corporate and M&A team has particular strength in handling significant mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, the cohort advises on large-scale corporate restructurings and reorganisations and joint venture agreements, often involving multiple jurisdictions. The ‘consummate professional’ Dushyantha Perera leads the practice, a key member of which is Hafsa Ifthikar, who is particularly experienced handling compliance and regulatory work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dushyantha Perera


Autres avocats clés:

Hafsa Ifthikar


Les références

‘They are problem-solvers.’

‘Dushyantha Perera is a consummate professional – he has, time and time again, demonstrated his legal knowledge and commercial awareness. He identifies issues quickly and presents solutions promptly.’

Principaux clients

3M


Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC


Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd


Fonterra Brands Lanka (Private) Limited


Unifeeder FZCO


Nippon Paints Sri Lanka


Finlays


Samsung India Electronics Private Limited


JK Apparel Ltd


Takeda Pharmaceuticals


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Direct Source Seafood USA, as Sri Lankan legal counsel, on its strategic partnership with Taprobane Seafoods Sri Lanka for the production, marketing and sale of Sri Lankan seafood in the US.
  • Advised JK Apparel Manufacturing Ltd on a corporate restructuring and asset divestiture exercise relating to its various apparel manufacturing and export operations in Sri Lanka.
  • Advised Lankalia (Pvt) Ltd on its acquisition of a 80% stake in Peacock Beach Hotel & Spa, in a transaction valued at over LKR1.25bn.

LegalBase

LegalBase‘s ‘sharp and proactive’ corporate and M&A team is led by the ‘outstanding’ Ali Tyebkhan. The practice is well versed in handling instructions from national and international clients across a wide range of sectors, as well as advising on the day-to-day contractual and due diligence side of corporate and commercial work. Legal director Natasha Burhan is a key figure in the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ali Tyebkhan


Autres avocats clés:

Natasha Burhan


Les références

‘LegalBase is excellent. The team has deep domain knowledge and expertise.’

‘They are particularly strong and effective in handling complex and sophisticated matters. This is coupled with practicality and their commercial, forward-thinking solutions to any issues we have to deal with.’

‘The team is formed of highly skilled professionals with deep experience in the multiple practice areas we require.’

Principaux clients

Edible Arrangements


M Advocates


ADG


The Smarty Train Limited


Marvel Limited


Avasam Limited


GMG Middle East Services


Role Models


Seamlessly Limited


Dilmah


K10 Apprenticeships Limited


Broker Back Office Limited


Eswaran Brothers


Mithril Asset Management


Chryso


George Petch International UK


W Food Group Pty Ltd


Printsource


Ebusiness Guru Limited


Takeaway Packaging Supplies Ltd


Bake N More Factory LLC


Sea House Food Stuff LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing ongoing assistance to ADG in connection with a number of corporate and transactional matters.
  • Assisting GMG with a range of corporate, commercial and M&A matters.
  • Advising K10 on a wide range of day-to-day corporate and commercial work, including contractual arrangements.