Cambodia is one of the most open economies in the region, with no restrictions on foreign shareholding in Cambodian companies except for those operating in certain sectors. This liberal approach has made Cambodia an attractive destination for international investors looking to establish or expand their businesses. The journey towards this business-friendly environment began with the first law allowing the registration of businesses, which was passed in 1995. In 2005, Cambodia took another step forward by enacting the Law on Commercial Enterprises, which defines the form and structure of companies and provides a framework for corporate governance.
As Cambodia’s economy has grown, so too have the complexities of doing business. The introduction of the 2021 Law on Competition is one such development that has had a profound impact on the M&A landscape, requiring businesses to adapt to new legal requirements while pursuing growth opportunities. Additionally, the increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors has become a critical consideration for businesses looking to align with global best practices and sustainable development goals.
Our team has a deep understanding of the Cambodian legal and regulatory environment and the ability to guide companies through complex mergers and acquisitions and corporate structure. In the past, we have advised on share transfers and acquisitions across a broad spectrum of industries including key sectors such as banking, telecommunications, transportation and energy.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Market entry
- Investment incentives and qualified investment projects (QIP)
- Corporate governance and structure
- Joint Venture (JV)/Shareholders Agreement
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Business/assets transfer
- State-owned enterprises (SOE)
- Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency and Liquidation
- Employment
