Vietnam

From a small group of lawyers initially working with Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance in 1993, VILAF has developed into an independent law firm with 90 lawyers, including 15 partners in its two offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which is one of the largest teams of English-speaking business lawyers in Vietnam. Duyen Ha Vo is the chairperson, with Ngoc Anh Bui the managing partner of the Hanoi practice. The firm is ranked among the market-leading firms across the board in the financial and corporate space.  

Highlights  

In banking and finance, the firm advised the onshore and offshore lender consortium on the term loan facility for the acquisition of FV Hospital. This transaction represents the largest hospital acquisition in Vietnam's history to date.  

In capital markets, the firm advised Nam Long Group and Techcom Securities on a series of corporate bond issuances. The transactions were strategically structured to provide rate-and-term refinancing for the issuer. This transaction was legally innovative, setting a new benchmark for Vietnam's corporate bond market.  

M&A highlights include advising SCB X Group in the acquisition of 100% charter capital of Home Credit Vietnam, the second largest consumer finance firm in the market, from Czech investment group PPF.  

Key clients  

Korea Development Bank, Vinpearl, Biwase Long An Water, Nam Long Group Corporation, Japan Investment Corporation, SCB X Group, Long Son Petrochemicals, and Nghi Son 2 BOT Company  

Testimonials  

Banking and finance  

“They are responsible and provide commercial and practical solutions.”  

Projects  

“Quick response. Professional advice.”  

“VILAF has a highly professional team with a pro-active and business-oriented approach.”  

Tung Ngo  

“Highly respected by everybody. Very persuasive speech.”  

Phong Nguyen  

“Always provides professional advice.”  

Lam Nguyen  

“Mr. Lam has a solid understanding of the business and a sharp legal mind. He is able to get the right angle to approach an issue. He can as well provide a commercial solution to a legal problem as a legal solution to a commercial problem.”  

Duyen Ha Vo 

“She is very responsible and personally leads crucial discussions.”