Awards & Recognition

MKP has amongst others been recognised by the following international legal publications for our expertise in various core practice areas:

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2020

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2020 listed MKP as a “Leading Firm” in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and commented as follows:

“With an impressive client roster spanning local entrepreneurs and multi-national conglomerates, the corporate and M&A at Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh handles a full range of corporate transactions and benefits from the firm’s complementary strength in equity capital markets. The group is jointly led by Adrian Koh, who has experience across a range of corporate, M&A and capital market transactions, and Philip Koh who focuses primarily of corporate and M&A.”

“Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has a strong equity capital markets practice and is frequently instructed to assist clients with both Malaysia and Hong-Kong based IPOs. Practice head Adrian Koh and Yee Chew Yan are key names to note and both combine capital markets and corporate expertise.”

Adrian Koh was listed as one of the Leading Individuals for Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets. (Click here for further details)

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2019

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2019 listed MKP as a “Leading Firm” in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and commented as follows:

“Managing partner Adrian Koh is the key contact at Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh, which is best known for its equity capital markets expertise. Koh and Yee Chew Yan assisted BGMC International with its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Other clients include OCC Cables, Kingsley Edugroup and Baysis Development.”

“Adrian Koh acted for Denko Industrial on its RM1.19bn purchase of Integrated Manufacturing Solutions, and, along with Yee Chew Yan, advised IOI on the $595m and €297m sale of its 70% stake in Loders Croklaan Group to Koninklijke Bunge. Other clients include Ekovest, Rukun Juang and Malaysian Resources.”

Adrian Koh was also listed as one of the Leading Individuals for Corporate and M&A. (Click here for further details)

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2018

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2018 listed MKP as a “Leading Firm” in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and commented as follows:

“Practice head Adrian Koh receives praise for his pragmatism and knowledge.”

“Work highlights :

• Advising IOI Properties Group on several instructions with an aggregate value of close to RM2bn; and

Assisting NCB Holdings with an unconditional takeover from MMC Port Holdings.”

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2017

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2017 listed MKP as a “Leading Firm” in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and commented as follows:

“Adrian Koh is praised for his “sound business acumen”. His highlights included advising Sunway Construction Group on its RM550m listing on Bursa Malaysia Securities and assisting investment company Mulpha International with a RM533m renounceable two-calls rights issue.”

“The firm has a strong team that provides quick and accurate responses. Knowledgeable and pragmatic practice head Adrian Koh assisted IOI Properties Group with a series of transactions with a value totalling approximately RM2bn, and advised NCB Holdings on an unconditional takeover offer from MMC Port Holdings.”

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2016

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2016 listed MKP as a “Leading Firm” in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and commented as follows:

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2015

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2015 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Firm’ in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and commented as follows:

“Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh’s Adrian Koh leads the team, which focuses particularly on equity-related transactions. It has been advising on a number of high-value rights issuances, including Malaysian Building Society’s RM1.5bn renounceable rights issuance. It also acted for Tropicana Corporation on RM240m private placement”

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2014

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2014 lists MKP as a 'Leading Firm' in both areas of Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets and has commented on our firm as follows:

"Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has been acting on an enviable variety of small to mid-market equity deals, particularly for clients such as Formis Resources and Petra Energy – and recently represented the latter on its RM107m renounceable rights issue."

“Mah–Kamariyah & Philip Koh has an impressive recent body of work, which includes having advised Eng Teknologi on its RM244m sale to TYK Capital. The firm also advised Sunway Technology on its IT services joint venture with Hitachi."  (Click here for details)

LEGAL 500 - Asia Pacific 2013

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Edition 2013 lists MKP as a ‘Leading Firm’ in the area of Corporate and M&A and has commented on our firm as follows:

“Mah–Kamariyah & Philip Koh is ‘one of the best firms in town’, with a ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘client–centric’ team…

 The team includes senior partner Philip Koh and the highly praised Adrian Koh.”  

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2019

The 2019 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a leading firm in Corporate/Commercial: Equity Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A.

Chambers Asia Pacific noted in its 2019 edition the following:

“Established practice, highly proficient in the ECM space and offering extensive expertise in M&A and joint venture transactions. Well equipped to handle company takeovers and equity placements, with particular expertise in the construction sector.”

"They are very efficient and able to consistently deliver within stipulated deadlines," adding: "They are very approachable for general legal advice and we find their extensive knowledge and experience of legal matters to be very helpful.”

“The team understands the needs of our company and is prompt in responding.”

“Work highlights :

• Assisted IOI Properties with the renounceable rights issue of new ordinary shares in its share capital
• Acted for Denko Industrial in connection with its MYR1.19 billion acquisition of Integrated Manufacturing Solutions.”

The 2019 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific also noted the following:

Notable practitioners

Adrian Koh "knows his stuff as far as corporate work is concerned," say impressed sources. He advises on a wide variety of matters, including M&A, IPOs and rights issuances. Clients praise him as a lawyer who "is willing to tap in on his vast experience to go beyond providing general legal advice." (Click here for further details)

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2018

The 2018 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a leading firm in Corporate/M&A and Equity Capital Markets.

Chambers Asia Pacific noted in its 2018 edition the following:

“The firm’s business-savvy approach impresses clients, who reports that the service is excellent and their strength is that the lawyers are commercially minded”.

“Work highlights : Acted for Ekovest Berhad on its sale of 40% equity on a concession holder to Employees Provident Fund, in relation to the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway in Kuala Lumpur.”

Notable practitioners

Adrian Koh earns respect for his diverse corporate practice, with expertise in ECM, M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructuring. Clients describe him as “utterly commercially minded and fast in his service delivery, with the ability to find solutions that meet client expectations”. He played a key role in advising Rohas-Euco Holdings and its shareholders on the sale of all shares in the company to Technic Group.

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2017

The 2017 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a leading firm in Corporate/M&A and Equity Capital Markets.

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2016

The 2016 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a leading firm in the Corporate/Commercial, Equity Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A. Chambers Asia Pacific noted in its 2016 edition the following:

"MKP team is known for its work in the equity capital markets arena, advising significant clients on IPOs and rights issuances. Also instructed on corporate matters such as disposals and acquisitions.”

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2015

The 2015 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a leading firm in the Corporate/Commercial, Equity Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A. Chambers Asia Pacific noted in its 2015 edition the following:

"MKP is best known for its ECM expertise, with experience of having advised on one of the largest listings in the country. Maintains a significant profile in the property, real estate and financial services sectors. Also handles a range of M&A deals and corporate reorganisations.

Work highlights Advised Xidelang Holdings on its MYR85 million rights issue. 

Represented Hitachi System in its joint venture with Sunway Technology, to set up an IT services partnership in South-East Asia, with a particular focus on Malaysia."

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2014

The 2014 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a ranked/recommended firm in the Corporate/M&A practice area. Chambers Asia Pacific noted in its 2014 edition the following:

CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC - 2013

The 2013 edition of Chambers Asia Pacific listed MKP as a ranked/recommended firm in the Corporate/M&A practice area.

Chambers Asia Pacific has noted in its 2013 edition the following :

”This firm is a long-standing player in the field and continues to attract a considerable market share. The team consists of very experienced lawyers with expertise in a wide range of areas, including corporate finance, M&A transactions and capital markets. It is backed by a dedicated corporate litigation team and advises clients ranging from local businesses to international conglomerates.”

IFLR1000 - 2020

The 2020 edition of IFLR1000 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Financial Law Firm’ in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: Equity.

The firm was listed as a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 - 2019

The 2019 edition of IFLR1000 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Financial Law Firm’ in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets and a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 - 2018

The 2018 edition of IFLR1000 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Financial Law Firm’ in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets and a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 - 2017

The 2017 edition of IFLR1000 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Financial Law Firm’ in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets and a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 - 2016

The 2016 edition of IFLR1000 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Financial Law Firm’ in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets and a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 noted in its 2016 edition the following:

"Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has been active in the capital markets in the past 12 months and in one example at the end of 2014 advised on the IPO of Nirvana Asia in Hong Kong. This was the first Malaysian company to have a singular listing and the only foreign company to list in 2014. Adrian Koh, managing partner, was lead partner on the deal.

 Koh also advised on right issues by IOI Properties Group and WCT Holdings. Koh is described by one client as “knowledgeable, responsive, a good team leader and able to meet tight deadlines”.

IFLR1000 - 2015

The 2015 edition of IFLR1000 listed MKP as a ‘Leading Financial Law Firm’ in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets and a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 noted in its 2015 edition the following:

“The firm started 2014 by completing a demerger for IOI Corporation of its property development, investment, and related businesses as well as its subsidiaries. Adrian Koh was lead partner on the deal. Koh also represented Hitachi Systems in entering into a joint venture with Sunway Technology for the purpose of establishing an IT service business together. In recent months, Koh and his team has advised Sunway South Quay in relation to the sale of equity interest in its subsidiary Prosper Revenue to SEA Investment Four.”

IFLR1000 - 2014

The 2014 edition of IFLR1000 lists MKP as a “Leading Financial Law Firm” in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets and a “Notable Firm” in the area of Banking and Finance in Malaysia.

IFLR1000 has noted in its 2014 edition the following:

“Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has been gaining recognition from peers for its strong M&A work. Clients appreciate the responsiveness and acumen of its key partners.

Senior partner Philip Koh, a veteran lawyer who has also held academic and industry positions, provides “very good service,” with “very timely responses,” says a client. Managing partner Adrian Koh has been a partner at the firm since 2002. Experienced in a range of corporate and commercial matters, he has had a key role in building the firm’s property and banking law practices.

Clients praise Adrian Koh for his innovation and “quick turnaround”. One appreciative client singles him out for taking the initiative to suggest “alternative legal clauses or legal solutions to issues which did not cross our minds”. Notably, the firm acted for Packaging Film on its acquisition of Great Wall Plastic Industries and GW Packaging for RM282 million ($87 million), and for property company Dijaya Corporation on its RM950 million acquisition of various companies, partly satisfied in cash and partly via the issuance of redeemable convertible unsecured loan stock in Dijaya. 

Koh has also been acting on a range of capital markets matters. In one recent deal, he represented CIMB Trustee in respect of a ringgit-denominated Islamic medium term note programme of up to RM3.5 billion by Gulf Sukuk I Company. Partner Surialinda Ahmad, whose practice focuses on banking and finance and real estate transactions, joined the firm in 2012. Her recent clients include Maybank, for which she acted on a RM205 million facility granted to property developer Encorp Iskandar Development, and CIMB Bank, which she advised on a RM60 million loan to investment company Wide Synergy.” 

IFLR1000 - 2013

The 2013 edition of IFLR1000 lists MKP as a ‘Notable Firm’ in the area of Mergers and Acquisitions and provides editorial acknowledgement in the area of Banking and Finance.

IFLR1000 has noted in its 2013 edition the following:

“Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh is a full service firm known both for its litigation and corporate capabilities. The firm has a strong market reputation and it is no surprise that it frequently acts for financiers in both conventional and Islamic transactions; the firm has experience in both the grant of conventional term loan facilities as well as complex Islamic transactions involving popular instruments such as ijarah (capital leasing)...

…also has significant expertise in the equity capital markets and the firm is seen acting in private placements, renounceable rights issues, bonus issues, warrants issues and other types of transactions as well as IPOs on Bursa Malaysia…”

ASIALAW PROFILES - 2019

The 2019 edition of Asialaw Profiles listed MKP as a ‘Recommended Firm’ in the areas Banking and Finance, Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets.
The firm was listed as a“Notable Firm” in Real Estate.
“Work highlights :

• Acted as legal counsel for Kingsley Edugroup on the proposed listing of Kingsley Edugroup, a company involved in the provision of pre-school, fundamental, tertiary and professional education, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; and
• Acted for Denko Industrial Corporation in the $292 million acquisition of the entire equity interest in Integrated Manufacturing Solutions.”

The 2019 edition of Asialaw’s “Leading Lawyers” publication listed partners Adrian Koh and Kamraj Nayagam as distinguished practitioners in their respective practice areas in Malaysia. (Click here for further details)

ASIALAW PROFILES - 2018

The 2018 edition of Asialaw Profiles listed MKP as a ‘Recommended Firm’ in the areas of Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Construction and Real Estate, Corporate/M&A and Private Equity.

ASIALAW PROFILES - 2017

The 2017 edition of Asialaw Profiles listed MKP as a ‘Highly Recommended Firm’ in the areas of Corporate/M&A and Capital Markets.

The firm was listed as a “Recommended Firm” in the areas of Banking and Finance and Construction & Real Estate.  

ASIALAW PROFILES - 2016

The 2016 edition of Asialaw Profiles listed MKP as a ‘Highly Recommended Firm’ in the areas of Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Construction & Real Estate, Corporate / M&A and Dispute Resolution.

Asialaw Profiles noted in its 2016 edition the following:

“Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh is known for its equity capital markets and M&A practices. The firm also covers dispute resolution, banking and finance, and real estate.

Senior partner Philip Koh has more than 30 years of experience where he practises on corporate law, investments, M&A, financial services, public law, and commercial and civil litigation. “I would recommend them because they do their work professionally and consistently. Philip Koh in particular is passionate, knowledgeable, and always goes above and beyond his duties,” says a client.

Managing partner Adrian Koh handles a variety of corporate and commercial transactions, from M&A and joint ventures to capital markets work. He is working on the listing of Sunway Construction Group, where he is advising on the internal restructuring of the company and drafting the necessary paperwork in accordance with listing rules and regulations.

The firm is also acting for IJM Land and its subsidiaries in connection with its privatisation by way of a members’ scheme of arrangement under Section 176 of the Companies Act, 1965.

“Both Philip and Adrian are very knowledgeable and professional. They are helpful and approachable, and able to handle delicate matters effectively, notes a client." (Click here for details)

ASIALAW PROFILES - 2015

The 2015 edition of Asialaw Profiles listed MKP as a ‘Highly Recommended Firm’ in the areas of Capital Markets, Corporate / M&A and Dispute Resolution.

Asialaw Profiles noted in its 2015 edition the following:

“Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh is known for its sophisticated corporate M&A and capital markets practices. The firm also has active dispute resolution, banking and finance and real estate practices, with clients praising the firm for its “utmost professionalism, timely deliverables and for always being contactable”.

Commercial litigation lawyer Datuk Ben Chan Chong Choon and Philip Koh, who is the firm’s senior partner with over 30 years of experience, co-head the disputes resolution practice. Yap Boon Hau, an experienced litigator successfully represented a former director of Petra Perdana in a case that went all the way to the High Court of Malaysia on allegations of breach of director’s duties.

The firm’s real estate practice specialises in financing property purchases and the securities related to this financing.

Partner Surialinda Ahmad focuses on banking and finance and real estate transactions. Managing partner Adrian Koh handled Malaysia AICA’s RM56 million purchase of land in Selangor, settled partly via cash and partly via the issuance of shares in the company. While in project finance, he advised Dialog D & P on a US$1.2 billion 24-year term upstream oil and gas venture to provide contractor services required to enhance recoverable offshore reserves.

The capital markets team offers a very hands-on attentive service and works closely with leading investment banks, particularly on equity capital market transactions. One notable transaction saw Adrian Koh handle Malaysian Building Society’s RM1.5 billion renounceable rights issue. In restructuring and insolvency, the firm’s share capital restructuring capabilities is fairly unique within Malaysia.

ASIALAW LEADING LAWYER

The 2014 edition of Asialaw’s “Leading Lawyers” publication listed senior partner Philip Koh and partners Adrian Koh, Datuk Ben Chan and Yap Boon Hau as leading lawyers in Malaysia in their respective practice areas. (Click here for details)

ASIALAW PROFILES - 2013

The 2013 edition of Asialaw Profiles listed MKP as a ‘Highly Recommended Firm’ in the areas of Capital Markets and Dispute Resolution.

Asialaw Profiles noted in its 2013 edition the following:

“…Philip Koh Tong Ngee has a diverse practice, and advises clients on corporate transactions as well as litigation.  A client says, “Philip is very knowledgeable about finance and very commercial. We’ve worked with him several times and have found him very good.”

The firm was involved in the landmark RM4.5 billion merger between Sunway City and Sunway Holdings and the subsequent listing of the merged companies on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. Partners also were involved in the RM700 million merger of Jotech Holdings, AIC Corporation and AutoV Corporation, and the subsequent listing of merged company Globaltec Formation. Other IPOs the firm took part in include those of XiDeLang Holdings and Sentoria Group.

On the debt capital markets front, the firm frequently acts as either the trustees’ counsel or issuer’s counsel on complex shariah-compliant transactions. The firm acted as issuer’s counsel regarding the establishment of a US$1.5 billion medium term note programme by IOI Investment.

MERGERMARKET

December 2013

Listed in their Q1 – Q4 M&A transactions, as the leading Malaysian M&A firm by deal number (ie. number of M&A transactions – with 9 recorded transactions) for South East Asia. (Click here for details)

October 2013

Listed in Mergermarket (an international transaction league table publication) in their Q1 – Q3 M&A Trend Report, as the leading Malaysian M&A firm by deal number (ie. number of M&A transactions – with 7 recorded transactions) for South East Asia. (Click here for details)

ASIAN-MENA COUNSEL

The 2014 edition of Asian-Mena Counsel Magazine and their website (www.inhousecommunity.com) listed MKP as ‘Firm of the Year 2014’.