Successful Regulatory Approval for Cross-Border Merger

Client, a Pakistani technology company, sought to merge with a Singapore-based entity to expand regional operations. The transaction required approvals from SECP, State Bank of Pakistan, and competition authorities, with complex cross-border legal considerations.

Key challenges: (1) navigating multiple regulatory regimes with differing requirements, (2) addressing foreign exchange control restrictions, (3) ensuring compliance with competition law thresholds, and (4) managing tight transaction timeline due to investor expectations.

We developed a coordinated regulatory strategy: (1) prepared comprehensive merger filing with SECP including valuation reports and shareholder protections, (2) coordinated with State Bank for foreign investment approvals under applicable regulations, (3) conducted competition assessment and filed necessary notifications, and (4) drafted shareholder agreements addressing cross-border governance. We also engaged local counsel in Singapore for reciprocal compliance.