Asia Counsel has strengthened its position in Vietnam's legal market through integration with Kinstellar, marking the latter's first expansion into southeast Asia. The Ho Chi Minh City-based firm, led by managing partner Minh Duong, focuses on corporate M&A, particularly in healthcare, renewable energy and TMT sectors. With over 20 legal professionals and recent lateral hires including partner Justin Gisz from Frasers Law Company, the firm has enhanced its capabilities across key practice areas including capital markets and project development. In March 2024, corporate M&A and banking and finance partner Ross Macleod left the firm, where he had focused on energy and infrastructure matters.
Work highlights
Advised Clime Capital Management, manager of Southeast Asia Clean Energy Fund II (SEACEF II), on its $10 million preferential equity investment in Vietnamese solar developer Nami Solar. The transaction represents a significant investment in Vietnam's renewable energy sector, supporting the expansion of solar energy development capabilities and clean energy initiatives in the region.
Advising TNB Aura Fund 2 on its investment in TechCoop as part of the Vietnamese agritech company's $70 million Series A funding round. The transaction involved comprehensive due diligence of TechCoop's operations across Vietnam and managing complex closing requirements. This significant investment represents growing venture capital interest in Vietnam's agricultural technology sector and highlights the increasing sophistication of agritech funding in the region.
Key clients
Motherson Group, Sojitz Corporation
Work highlights
Advising Marou Chocolate on securing a $4 million loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to construct a modern chocolate-production facility in Vietnam. The landmark financing represents part of DFC's expanded investment portfolio in Vietnam, supporting local agricultural development and manufacturing capabilities. The transaction demonstrates increasing US-Vietnam economic cooperation while enabling Marou to scale its operations and strengthen support for local farmers.
