Philippines

Serrano Law was founded by legal expert Elmer B. Serrano in 2022. M&A is the top specialisation of the firm. The corporate team regularly acts as counsel on acquisitions involving both equity purchase and asset sale in the shipping, logistics, real estate, energy and retail sectors.  

Highlights  

The firm advised BDO Unibank, as issuer, and BDO Capital & Investments Corporation, as adviser, on BDO's second ASEAN sustainability bonds issuance. This landmark transaction also represents the bank's largest single issuance to date.  

The firm also advised BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as sole bookrunner, issue manager and underwriter for the proposed follow-on offering of Dito CME Holdings, the parent company of the Philippines' third major telecommunications provider, Dito Telecommunity. This transaction was the only successfully completed follow-on offering in the Philippines in 2024.  

Key clients  

Gratia Capital, RYM Business Management Corporation, BDO Unibank, BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, 2GO Group, SM Investments Corporation, RYM Business Management Corporation, and Unioil Group. 

Testimonials  

Project development  

“Serrano Law demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal and business context of our industry, which allows them to offer strategic, practical, and actionable insights. What particularly sets them apart is the way they collaborate seamlessly with the in-house counsel. Rather than simply providing legal opinions, they offer thoughtful, well-reasoned input that enhances our internal decision-making process.”  

Elmer Serrano  

“His advice often anticipates potential legal and regulatory issues, helping us proactively manage risks.”  

“In-depth knowledge of Philippines M&A legal needs.”