VIETNAM, July 12, 2007 – LAWFUEL – The Law Newswire – Duane Morris LLP announced today that it has opened offices in Vietnam’s two principal cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The expansion into Vietnam, following the opening of a Singapore office in January, solidifies a new chapter in Duane Morris’ 103-year history and provides another opportunity for the firm to further develop its extensive relationships in Asia and to reach into new markets.
As with Singapore, the Vietnam effort will be led by Duane Morris partner and former Mexican Ambassador to Singapore Eduardo Ramos-Gómez.
The Vietnam offices will focus on the areas of corporate finance, project finance, energy, cross-border transactions, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and telecommunications. The firm’s Asia-based lawyers service clients in, or with interests in, Cambodia, China and Taiwan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. The office and staff are fluent in the major languages of those countries.
“We are one of only a few U.S.-based firms in Vietnam,” said Sheldon Bonovitz, Chairman of Duane Morris. “Our move into Vietnam reinforces Duane Morris’ role as an important factor in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, as well as our dedication to addressing client needs and expectations across Asia.” Sheldon observed that Vietnam has thriving manufacturing, information technology and high-tech industries and a heavy investment concentration from Singapore and other countries in Asia, as well as from the United States. In addition, Vietnam’s accession to membership in the World Trade Organization in January promises further economic development in the future.
“I am pleased and honored to lead the firm’s opening in Vietnam,” said Eduardo. “Vietnam is a place of great economic promise and I look forward to serving our clients’ legal needs in the region.”
The firm welcomes the following attorneys to its new Vietnam offices:
Chris Muessel, partner, focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, oil and gas, project finance, general corporate, and venture capital/private equity issues. He also has experience in transactional law for midsize corporations. Chris will play an integral role in the development and guidance of the Vietnam offices and their work with clients. He is the chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. Chris is based primarily in Ho Chi Minh City.
Oliver Massmann, partner, practices in the area of infrastructure projects, where he has particular experience in power/water projects, energy, telecommunications, fiber optics, construction, healthcare, privatization and equitization, arbitration, mergers and acquisitions, and general commercial matters. He provides legal assistance to multinational clients in relation to investment and doing business in Vietnam. He is a graduate of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum Law School in Germany. Oliver is based in Hanoi.
Giles T. Cooper, counsel, focuses his practice on construction and major projects, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment and securities, contract negotiation and drafting, banking and finance, and employment law. He graduated from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, and qualified to join the bar at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. Giles is based in Hanoi.
Office Addresses:
Duane Morris Vietnam LLC
Pacific Place, Unit V1308
83B Ly Thuong Kiet
Hoan Kiem District
Hanoi, Vietnam
Duane Morris Vietnam LLC
6F & 7F Me Linh Point Tower 2
Ngo Duc Ke
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
About Duane Morris
Duane Morris LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the world, is a full-service firm of more than 600 lawyers. In addition to legal services, Duane Morris has independent affiliates employing approximately 100 professionals engaged in other disciplines. With offices in major markets, and as part of an international network of independent law firms, Duane Morris represents clients across the United States and around the world.
