Clifford Chance Advised Investor Consortium On Sale Of Cambodian Microfinance Institution Amret To Bank SinoPac

Clifford Chance Advised Investor Consortium on Sale of Cambodian Microfinance Institution Amret to Bank SinoPac

Clifford Chance has advised a consortium of financial institutions and development banks, including Advans SA SICAR, FMO NV, and IFC, on the sale of their 100% interest in Amret, a leading Cambodian microfinance deposit-taking institution (MDI), to Taiwan-based Bank SinoPac.

The transaction will see Bank SinoPac acquire Amret in three tranches, starting with an 80% equity stake, followed by two 10% equity acquisitions over the next two years. Notably, FMO and IFC will retain shares in Amret for two years after the initial equity acquisition by Bank SinoPac.

This acquisition will enhance Bank SinoPac's international footprint and expand its service network across Southeast Asia. Additionally, it will bolster Amret’s capacity to provide a range of financial services to underserved communities, contributing to the growth of Cambodia’s economy.

The Clifford Chance team, which advised on the international aspects of the transaction, included Senior Associates Wesley Tan and Winnie Poon, Associate John Wu, and Trainees Yuqian Zhang, Nicholas Khong, and Lia Tay, with support from Private Equity Partner Tom Lin. Local law advice was provided by DFDL in Cambodia.

Tom Lin said, "This transaction underscores the importance of sustainable finance and financial inclusion to the economic development of Cambodia, marking both a significant step in Bank SinoPac's expansion and empowering Amret to further support the growth and prosperity of local communities. We are very pleased to play a support role for this important mission.”

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