Herbert Smith Freehills and Cambodian law firm Sciaroni & Associates have advised Axiata Group Berhad on the merger in Cambodia between Hello Axiata Company Ltd, which operates the Hello brand name, and Latelz Company Ltd, which owns the Smart Mobile brand.

The transaction, which has an implied value of $180 million, gives Axiata a 90 percent stake in the combined entity, making it one of the largest operators in Cambodia in terms of subscribers and revenue.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by partners Veronica O'Shea and Brian Scott. Latelz was advised by Lebanese law firm Abou Jaoude & Associates, and VDB Loi on Cambodian law.

Axiata is one of the largest Asian telecommunications companies, with controlling interests in mobile operators in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Cambodia, and significant strategic stakes in India and Singapore.

Recently, Herbert Smith Freehills also advised Axiata on its approximately $135 million syndicated loan for the renewal of a mobile licence in Bangladesh, and the issuance of $300 million Hong Kong and Labuan listed notes.

Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.

Other related stories: 

• HSF lands finance ace from Allens
• HSF handles China Agri rights issue
• Thailand: HSF adds disputes ace from Weerawong