Founded in 1889, Drew & Napier is one of the most well-known names in the Singapore legal market and is recognised as one of the “big four” law firms in Singapore. The firm has strengthened its regional capabilities through Drew Network Asia (DNA), alongside Shearn Delamore & Co in Malaysia, Makarim & Taira S in Indonesia, Martinez Vergara Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS) in the Philippines, and Tilleke & Gibbins, which has a presence in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The firm maintains a well-diversified financial and corporate practice, with particular strength in restructuring, where it has a market-leading team.

Highlights 

Recent examples of the firm’s deal work include advising Pfizer Investment Enterprises, a Singapore-incorporated subsidiary of Pfizer, on a landmark multi-tranche bond offering. The issuance of senior unsecured notes, ranging from $3 billion to $6 billion across eight tranches, was fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Pfizer. This transaction represents the fourth-largest US bond sale on record and the largest ever by a Singapore-incorporated issuer.

The firm also advised Helens International on its secondary listing on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange (SGX-ST). While primarily listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE), this transaction was a landmark achievement as the first SGX Mainboard listing to require and secure approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) under the new Trial Administrative Measures. Furthermore, this deal marked the first Mainboard listing of 2024 and is one of only two such listings for the year.

 

Key clients 

ARA-Kenedix SJ Real Estate Fund, Bank J. Safra Sarasin Singapore, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Tuan Sing Holdings, Helens International Holdings, GAO Capital, Harvest Fund Management Company, Goldbell Corporation, SAMART Comtech, EMAS Offshore

 

Testimonials   

Capital markets: Equity

“The team's professionalism, dedication, and deep expertise gave us full confidence in their guidance.”

 

Financial services regulatory

“Technically excellent and really knows the industry.”

“We trust Drew & Napier for their deep regulatory expertise and clear, commercial advice, particularly in emerging fields like digital assets. The team excels by combining technical skill with strategic clarity and responsiveness.”

 

Investment funds

“Provides reliable and detailed advice, grounded in deep knowledge.”

“Service is good, advise is professional.”

“We were consistently impressed by the team's deep subject matter expertise and strong industry reputation, which were evident in their strategic insights and creative problem-solving that significantly enhanced our position. Their client-centric approach was demonstrated through their responsiveness, clear communication, and strong advocacy, ensuring our interests were prioritized and our voice was heard. The team maintained the highest professionalism, fostering a collaborative spirit and leveraging their well-staffed resources to facilitate a successful outcome.”

 

M&A

“Reliable, engaging, professional, reasonable fees.”

“Responsive and steady.”

“Very focused and efficient team.”

 

Private Equity

“The firm consistently delivers sound, on-point legal advice with an excellent turnaround time. This is supported by the breadth and depth of their team, which ensures comprehensive coverage across all our matters.”

“Their knowledge, empathy and commitment to assist us to ensure the objectives are achieved.”

 

Restructuring and insolvency

“The team is particularly skilled in complex, cross-border cases, especially those involving Vietnam and Indonesia. Their comprehensive skill set spans M&A, finance, and dispute resolution, allowing them to handle all facets of a restructuring. Clients value their commercial, client-centric approach, noting their ability to provide clear, practical advice and navigate intricate legal challenges. This combined with their strong regional network, makes them a top choice for Singapore-based corporates facing high-stakes restructurings.”

 

Ron Cheng

“Experienced and professional.”

“He listens, describes possible scenarios then offer solutions, highlighting the pros and cons of each solution.”

“Ron demonstrated strong expertise in investment law and strategic thinking, effectively enhancing our position. Clear communication and responsiveness ensured that our interests were prioritized, while demonstrating professionalism and strong advocacy. Showed creativity in overcoming challenges and finding effective solutions. Strong project management and leadership and worked effectively with our team.”

 

Grace  Chong

“Technically brilliant. Clear commercial advice. Accessible.”

“Grace Chong been a huge asset to us, especially in navigating regulatory grey areas in fintech and tokenisation. These aren’t matters with straightforward answers, and Grace is exceptional at identifying the real risks and offering workable solutions. She understands how regulators think and anticipates concerns before they’re raised. She’s also incredibly clear and strategic when dealing with regulatory engagement, which has made a tangible difference in helping us structure our business in a compliant and commercially viable way.”

“Grace is an outstanding individual not only locally, but also in the APAC and EMEA regions. She has practically come across all kinds of complex issues in crypto and blockchain space because of her broad and prestige clientele, which give me peace of mind whenever I engage Grace on complex local and cross-border matters that can have a huge impact on the company.”

 

Julian  Kwek

“Julian is an intelligent and creative problem-solver who always makes sure to understand his clients' objectives and concerns in developing effective strategies in their complicated cross-border restructuring matters.”

 

Jon Nair

“Technically sound, has the benefit of foreign law firm experience therefore able to be practical and commercial and get the deal across the line.”

 

Mahesh Rai

“An extremely effective advocate.”

“Mahesh is a top disputes lawyer specializing in high-stakes international arbitration and litigation for construction, energy, and infrastructure projects. He is praised for his strategic skill in handling technically complex, multi-million-dollar disputes. Clients value his practical, commercial approach and his ability to simplify intricate issues.”

 

Teng Sen Tan

“Always responsive and responsible with good skills.”

“Great deal leadership to bring the transaction across the line.”

 

Tan Teng Sen

“Reliable, engaging and professional.”