Can I ask you a quick question?
Like other lawyers, I often receive queries via WhatsApp. While I don’t mind answering “simple/quick questions” when they are straightforward, I often find that these quick questions come with underlying complexities. A seemingly straightforward question may require a deeper understanding of the issue at hand, and sometimes I need to …
Why I Plan Ahead for Corporate Transactions
As a corporate lawyer focusing on M&A and equity capital markets transactions, I always try to plan ahead for corporate transactions. From my experience, lawyers often face urgent deadlines – not always because clients give short notice, but because partners delay giving instructions to the team until the last minute. …
Checklist for Qualifications of a Director in Malaysia
Prior to appointing a person as a director, the candidate must meet the following requirements to comply with the law and enhance the company’s corporate governance. is at least 18 years old; is not an undischarged bankrupt, who has not obtained leave of the Official Receiver or Court to be …
What is the most challenging part of a corporate transaction?
What is the most challenging part of a corporate transaction? For me, it’s: Not the tight deadlines. Not the volume of work. Not the long hours. It’s the people, whether within the team or with external parties. As a corporate transactional lawyer focusing on M&A and equity capital markets, I’ve …
The grass always seems greener on the other side
As a corporate lawyer with focus on M&A and ECM, I’ve sometimes envied my former colleague, who is a banking lawyer. His work seemed less hectic, with fewer hours on legal due diligence and more time for casual conversations in the office. However, when the opportunity arose to venture into …
IP Warranties in M&A Agreements
If intellectual property of a target company is what drives the acquisition, the IP warranties in the transaction agreement should be comprehensive to protect the buyer’s interests. The IP warranties in the transaction agreement should include: The target company owns or holds valid licenses for all IP essential to its …
Shareholders’ Agreement: Getting It Legally Right
A shareholders’ agreement is an essential agreement in M&A transactions involving more than one shareholder. Understanding the key legal provisions is the foundation for a solid shareholders’ agreement. The following are three legal provisions to keep in mind: 1. Quorum for general meeting (Section 328, Companies Act 2016 (“CA”)) Other …
What Does ESG Mean for Directors and Senior Management of PLCs?
What Does ESG Mean for Directors and Senior Management of PLCs? The Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance (MCCG) recognises that sustainability and its underlying environmental, social as well as governance (ESG) issues are becoming increasingly material to the ability of companies to create durable and sustainable value and maintain confidence …
Getting Shareholders’ Approval Right
When it comes to corporate governance, ensuring proper shareholder approval is essential to avoid legal issues down the road. Understanding the requirements of the Companies Act 2016 of Malaysia is necessary. For Private Company For a private company, a resolution of the shareholders shall be passed in either of the …
CEOs, CFOs, and COOs = Directors?
When we think of “directors” in the context of corporate law, we often picture formally appointed individuals on a board. However, the term “director” is broader than you might think. The definition of a “director” is not limited to a person who is formally appointed as a director. Whether a …