Band 3 in: Corporate Law, M&A, and Dispute Resolution.
“APFL & Partners has an experienced team of dispute resolution lawyers in Vietnam, with particular strength in handling both domestic and international arbitration. The team covers a range of cases including financial and real estate disputes, and is also involved in the enforcement of arbitral awards in Vietnam. The department is well placed to advise on construction disputes, often acting for foreign clients. The practice is also known for its work advising on international trade disputes, including contentious anti-dumping matters.”
“The team at APFL Partners are easy to work with. They know the local law and are client-focused.”
“APFL Partners Legal Vietnam is recognised for its corporate practice and focuses on restructuring, M&A, joint ventures, acquisitions and business expansion. The firm’s client base includes high-profile names from the media, energy and retail sectors. The firm is particularly experienced at taking on inbound work for French businesses. The legal team is also able to advise on the competition law aspects of corporate transactions.”
“APFL & Partners have handled our matter well and are experienced in cross-border work.”
“For Vietnam work, we would definitely go to them again.”
“Nicolas Audier… is well versed in M&A, corporate restructuring and assisting clients with the establishment of entities in Vietnam.”
“Partner Etienne Laumonier… has an impressive track record of advising clients on complex cross-border transactions and business expansions.”
Highly recommended in: Construction, Corporate and M&A, and Dispute Resolution.
Recommended in: Banking and Financial Services, Capital Markets, and Energy.
“Since its establishment in 2008, the firm has strengthened its reputation especially in its banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and capital markets practices.”
Banking and finance: Advised a European bank on restructuring and repositioning its Vietnamese banking entities on the Vietnamese market.
Capital markets: Advised a foreign investor on its investment in VietJet in relation to its US$1.7 billion IPO.
Construction: Advising an international construction and engineering joint venture company, the lead contractor, and its Vietnamese affiliate company on the termination of an EPC contract with a leading Vietnamese SOE, as the owner, in respect of a major construction project in Laos.
Corporate and M&A: Represented Uber on the sale of its Vietnamese business to Grab in exchange for a minority stake in Grab’s Southeast Asian holding. This deal was part of a larger deal covering Uber operations in eight Southeast Asian countries, for a value of nearly US$2 billion.
Advising Minor Hotels on the development of its network of hotels throughout Vietnam under various global brands.”
Nicolas Audier is an Elite Practitioner.
Bernadette Fahy, Etienne Laumonier and Nicolas Picard are ranked Distinguished Practitioners.
Tier 2 in: Mergers & Acquisitions.
Tier 3 in: Capital Markets (Debt and Equity) and Projects.
Tier 4 in: Banking and Finance.
“The firm has particular expertise in real estate, manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, hospitality, infrastructure, distribution and media.” – IFLR 1000
“Very reactive and reliable (always meets deadlines). Excellent work. Trilingual: French, English, Vietnamese” – client feedback (banking & finance).
“Responsive, good combination of rigorous legal analysis and advice based on practical realities on the ground” – client feedback (projects).
The top-100 lawyers in Vietnam.
Founder and Managing Partner Nicolas Audier, Partners Etienne Laumonier and Nicolas Picard, and Senior Legal Counsel Bernadette Fahy all made the 2024 A-List – an annual ranking of the top 100 legal practitioners in Vietnam.
Highly recommended in: Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Construction, Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution.
Dispute Resolution:
“Construction-related disputes form the cornerstone of the practice at APFL & Partners… with the group boasting a client roster of leading contractors, developers,and real estate investors operating both in Vietnam and surrounding jurisdictions. As such, the team is well-acquainted with cross-border arbitrations and has experience engaging with disputes subject to the conditions of a number of major international arbitration centres.”
Projects & Energy:
“APFL & Partners… is an established adviser to a range of clients active in the energy and infrastructure sectors, demonstrating a high level of activity in the social and transport infrastructure spaces.
“The team is able to cover the whole project piece, including the financing and due diligence work through to contract drafting, design, and construction… the firm possesses a strong M&A proficiency, most significantly epitomised by Nicolas Audierand real estate and property-focused Nicolas Picard.
“Etienne Laumonier is a key figure in the group for his capital markets and banking knowledge, helping a number of clients structure their investments in greenfield ventures. Other key contacts include Antoine Logeay…”
Real Estate and Construction:
“APFL Partners… is highly active in the commercial real estate market, working with developers, property managers, and financial institutions on a range of legal issues pertaining retail constructions, residential buildings, hospitality centres, and inner-city renovations.
“A key cornerstone feature of the practice is its development and regulatory strength, guiding clients through the planning and investment structuring aspect through to contract drafting, supplier and construction issues, and leasing agreements. Both Nicolas Audier and Etienne Laumonier boast extensive track records on M&A, banking, and capital markets, whereas Nicolas Picard is the group’s go-to for property development and construction queries. Antoine Logeay was promoted to partner in 2022.”
