Founded in 1889, Drew & Napier
is one of the most well-known names in the Singapore legal market and is recognised as one of the “big four” law firms in Singapore. The firm bolstered its regional capabilities by forming Drew Network Asia (DNA) with Shearn Delamore & Co in Malaysia, Makarim & Taira S in Indonesia and Martinez Vergara Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS)
in the Philippines.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a well-diversified offering across the financial and corporate space, with its key strength being its market-leading restructuring team.
The firm advises on matters across a diverse range of sectors including real estate, shipping, oil and gas, technology and renewable energy.
Key clients
Key clients include Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Singapore, CIMB Bank Singapore Branch, Citibank, DBS Bank, Tuan Sing Holdings, Tam Jai International, China Mining International and the Trendlines Group.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was particularly active in debt restructuring. A notable deal was advising the client in relation to an ongoing debt restructuring, which is one of the largest in recent history.
The capital markets team handled several transactions including share placements, medium term notes and convertible bond issues, mainly for issuers.
The corporate team was very active in acquisitions and joint ventures.
In the projects space, the team was involved in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, real estate and petrochemical.
Banking partner May Ng joined the firm after departure from Rajah & Tann.
Capital market partner Ng Pei Tong was promoted from associate director to director and Benjamin Ng was promoted from senior associate to associate director in 2022.
M&A partner Tan Jin Wei joined the firm after leaving Allen & Overy.
Restructuring and insolvency partner Lim Mingguan joined the firm in 2023.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Tuan Sing’s tender offer exercise for outstanding Series 004 Notes issue.
SK ecoplant’s acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of TES-Envirocorp.
Sumitomo Mitsui Construction’s S$88 million ($66 million) acquisition of shares in Antara Koh.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“Drew & Napier has provided excellent legal advice. They have been always on call to assist and very proactive in their approach to matters.”
“Responsive and pragmatic legal advice provided.”
Financial services regulatory
“Deep understanding of the local regulations, understanding of clients' needs and fast turnaround.”
“Open to client's suggestions and new ideas.”
Insolvency
“Very attentive service with a focus on achieving the designated business objectives.”
Investment funds
“Drew & Napier have demonstrated their professionalism in the engagement. They are responsive to our clients' needs and are able to explain complex concepts to the clients in a clear and concise manner.”
“Extremely knowledgeable on this topic (despite it being relatively new).”
“The firm possesses a broad understanding of industry-specific regulations and the legal landscape that allows it to navigate through complex and sophisticated matters across multiple disciplines. The team's in-depth knowledge of investment strategies and fund operations has allowed it to craft top-notch legal documents which, in turn, contribute greatly to the success of the fund.”
“Very responsive and considers the best solution suitable for the fund, not just a cookie-cutter answer.”
M&A
“They are extremely client-focused, responsive and protective of their client's interests and will pre-emptively set the groundwork with regulators in order to facilitate a transaction. They are very user-friendly and commercial lawyers who understand the deal imperatives and execute to the highest standards.”
Project development
“Knowledgeable, skilled and responsive.”
Restructuring
“Extremely commercial and competent. Timely and spot-on advice from an award-winning lawyer.”
“Strong technical and quick turnaround.”
Wei Meng Chan
“Very responsive and knowledgeable.”
Ron Cheng
“Attentive, very knowledgeable, detail-oriented to the matter at hand.”
“Deep industrial knowledge and fast turnaround.”
“Friendly and approachable.”
“Mr. Ron Cheng is a talented and highly skilled lawyer who is capable of comprehending complex investment strategies and structure. He possesses a broad understanding of legal frameworks across multiple disciplines while being highly skilled and updated in investment fund-related regulations.”
“Ron is experienced, skilled and responsive.”
“Ron is very responsive to clients' queries, even outside of the regular working hours. He is also able to explain complex legal concepts to the clients in a clear and concise manner.”
“Very responsive and will work quickly to solve problems working late into the night. Looks out for client's interests and points out potential downsides.”
Blossom Hing
“Blossom Hing is my ‘go to‘ lawyer at the firm due to her vast experience. She is extremely detail-oriented yet highly creative and innovative. She is also building an excellent team who supports her very effectively.”
“She is an excellent lawyer who is very aggressive, intelligent and effective in litigation. She is extremely effective in complex cross-border restructuring and dispute matters. I trust her implicitly."
Julian Kwek
“Brilliant lawyer, friendly and able to think out of the box.”
“Julian is an intelligent and creative problem-solver who always makes sure to understand his clients' objectives and concerns in developing effective strategies in their complicated cross-border restructuring matters.”
Steven Lo
“Steven is highly knowledgeable, commercial and a very reassuring pair of hands for any high-stakes merger transaction with multiple complexities. He constantly goes over and above for his clients, anticipating risks ahead of time and proactively positioning his clients for excellent tactical outcomes.”
Renu Rajan Menon
“Responsive, approachable, knowledgeable.”
Sushil Nair
“Very experienced.”
Benedict Teo
“Great counsel who provides sound advice. Always very proactive and innovative in his approach.”
“Responsive and always going the extra mile to ensure clients' legal requirements are always met.”
