Helen Rhind-Hufnagel
Of Counsel
An expert on complex multi-jurisdictional M&A across Southeast Asia, Helen is respected for her pragmatic, commercial approach and cultural sensitivity.
Of Counsel
An expert on complex multi-jurisdictional M&A across Southeast Asia, Helen is respected for her pragmatic, commercial approach and cultural sensitivity.
Languages - English, German
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Helen specialises in supporting MNCs, investment managers and DFIs in navigating their market entry and expansion in the region through M&A and joint ventures, as well as optimising operations through corporate restructuring. Her clients span a broad range of industries, from energy transition to agriculture, telco, fintech and transportation. Clients appreciate her astute practical advice and solutions to complex problems.
As a lead member of the Southeast Asian M&A practice, with over 20 years' experience in the region, Helen understands the commercial challenges faced by clients in navigating local laws and regulations, while needing to ensure compliance with international standards and practices. For regional advice, she skilfully identifies which local counsel is best suited to provide local law support for the client's specific sector and workstreams; she knows the right questions to ask; and she adeptly reflects the advice as international lead counsel. Clients also benefit from Helen's insights gained as international in-house counsel with Roche Diagnostics, as well as her excellent technical legal skills acquired at leading law firms in London and Germany.
Helen's expertise in helping clients address foreign investment challenges across the region is supported by her in-depth understanding of international compliance regulations and standards, in particular anti-bribery and anti-money laundering. She regularly provides training for clients on practical corporate topics.
New Forests
Advised New Forests on Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2's investment in Burapha Agro-Forestry, a leading timber plantation forestry company in Laos with a Verra-compliant carbon credit project. Mirova co-invested through its Sustainable Land Use strategy.
S&P Global
Advised S&P Global on its acquisition of TeraHelix, fintech specialist in advanced data modelling, linking and reconciliation services, leveraging AI technology.
TotalEnergies
Advised TotalEnergies on the establishment of its joint venture and commercial arrangements with ENEOS of Japan, to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia.
Finnfund
Advised Finnfund on multiple investments, including in Indonesian telco tower operator Frontier Tower, Indonesian point-of-sale financing solutions provider AwanTunai, and KaiOS Technologies which works towards digital inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa through affordable mobile technology.
Cetus Maritime
Advised Cetus Maritime on its acquisition of Chile-based Nachipa Corp, supporting Cetus Maritime's growth as one of the largest private dry bulk handysize players with 75% eco-vessels. Also advised Cetus Maritime on the subsequent exit (by share buyback) of its Hamburg Bulk Carriers' shareholders.
East M&A Deals of the Year, 2024 – Marine Money
Kuehne+Nagel
Advised Kuehne+Nagel on its acquisition of cross-border logistics provider City Zone Express from SGX-listed Chasen Holdings Ltd, involving Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the PRC.
LOGOS
Advised LOGOS on its regional renewable energy platform joint venture with ENGIE.
Axiata
Advised Axiata on its acquisition of the majority shareholding in Lao telecoms tower infrastructure provider Mekong Tower Company.
Campana
Advised regional broadband sub-sea capacity provider Campana on multiple rounds of equity and debt fundraisings, including that led by Mitsui & Co.
