Corporate and M&A

Understanding Corporate Law and M&A

Our corporate law services encompass a broad array of offerings and specializes in advising both international and local companies throughout every phase of the business life cycle. 

We support our clients in establishing their operations in Thailand by helping them create optimal corporate structures, incorporate new legal entities, and ensuring compliance with Thai laws.

We are mindful of the particular scrutiny foreign-invested companies face under Thai law, especially regarding additional licensing requirements, work permits, and visas regulations. Our team and its familiarity with the Board of Investment and other government agencies can help your business operate efficiently in Thailand.

Corporate Law Services

Our M&A practice caters to the intricate needs of businesses engaged in complex negotiations and transactions, offering expert guidance throughout the process.

Whether navigating mergers, acquisitions, or securing regulatory clearances, we provide comprehensive support to ensure seamless transitions.

Our due diligence expertise spans corporate, labor, licensing, and commercial aspects, enabling clients to make informed decisions. Additionally, we assist in drafting crucial documents such as Share Sale and Purchase Agreements, shareholder agreements, and other corporate resolutions.

Moreover, our services extend to executive succession planning, ensuring continuity and stability within your organization's leadership.

Our corporate law services offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, catering to the needs of both international and local companies across all stages of the business journey.

From initial setup to ongoing operations, we guide clients through the intricacies of establishing their presence in Thailand. Our expertise lies in crafting effective corporate structures, facilitating seamless incorporation processes, and ensuring adherence to local regulations.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by foreign-invested entities, including  regulatory compliance such as licensing, work permits, and visas, our team is adept at proposing hybrid solutions to navigate these complexities effectively.

Our Commercial law services provide comprehensive support for international contracts, distribution agreements, supply contracts, and franchising agreements, ensuring smooth transactions and regulatory compliance.

We specialize in drafting and negotiating agency agreements, licensing agreements, and obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and permissions for your business operations.

Additionally, we offer ongoing support for seamless business operations, enabling you to focus on growth and success.

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Contact us

For further information on how our team can assist your business ventures in Thailand, feel free to contact us. Our team of legal experts is here to provide tailored advice and support to help you navigate the complexities of corporate affairs and achieve your business goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FAQ

I'm looking to start a business in Thailand as a foreigner. What corporate law services does Lex Nova Partners offer?

At Lex Nova Partners, we specialize in helping international investors and companies establish successful operations in Thailand. Our comprehensive corporate law services include creating optimal corporate structures, incorporating new legal entities, and ensuring full compliance with Thai regulations. We understand the unique challenges foreign businesses face in Thailand, including licensing requirements, work permits, and visa regulations. As your local legal advisors in Bangkok, we serve as your first point of contact for top-notch legal guidance throughout every phase of your business lifecycle in Thailand.

I'm considering acquiring a company in Thailand. How does Lex Nova Partners handle M&A transactions?

Lex Nova Partners has extensive experience in Thailand's M&A market, serving multinational companies, SMEs, and individual investors. Our M&A practice guides you through complex negotiations and transactions, whether you're pursuing mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures. We provide comprehensive due diligence covering corporate, labor, licensing, and commercial aspects to help you make informed decisions. Our team drafts and negotiates critical documents like Share Sale and Purchase Agreements and shareholder agreements. We also handle executive succession planning to ensure business continuity. With our local expertise and international perspective, we ensure seamless transactions that meet your strategic objectives.

How much capital do I need to start a foreign company in Thailand?

The minimum capital requirements in Thailand depend on your business activities under the Foreign Business Act. For most businesses not listed in the restricted categories, you'll need at least 2 million THB in capital. However, if your business falls under List 2 or List 3 of the Foreign Business Act (such as retail, hospitality, or professional services), the minimum capital requirement increases to 3 million THB per business type. At Lex Nova Partners, we help you understand these requirements and structure your investment optimally to meet regulatory standards while maximizing your business potential in Thailand.

Can Lex Nova Partners help me apply for BOI (Board of Investment) incentives in Thailand?

Absolutely! Lex Nova Partners has a proven track record in securing BOI promotions for our clients. We've successfully obtained BOI software promotions for video game startups, TISO category approvals for Hong Kong companies expanding into Thailand, and IEAT licenses for French logistics companies. BOI promotion can provide significant benefits including tax holidays, 100% foreign ownership, and land ownership rights. Our team guides you through the entire BOI application process, from initial feasibility assessment to final certificate issuance. With our expertise, you can access valuable tax incentives and regulatory advantages that make your Thai investment more profitable and operationally efficient.

What are the foreign ownership restrictions I should know about when investing in Thailand?

Under Thailand's Foreign Business Act, foreign investors are typically limited to 49% ownership in companies engaged in restricted business activities. However, Lex Nova Partners can help you navigate several pathways to achieve majority or 100% foreign ownership. BOI-promoted companies can bypass the 49% limit entirely. Additionally, certain businesses like banking, insurance, and securities are exempt from these restrictions but have their own sector-specific regulations. We also assist with Foreign Business License applications when required. Our team at Lex Nova Partners ensures you understand all ownership options and helps structure your investment to achieve your desired level of control while remaining fully compliant with Thai law.

How long will it take to get BOI approval for my Thailand investment project?

The BOI application process in Thailand typically takes 3 to 4 months from submission to final approval. Here's what you can expect: After Lex Nova Partners submits your application, the BOI schedules a preliminary meeting within 10 working days where you'll present your project. Once approved, the BOI issues your Investment Promotion Certificate within 10 business days of receiving all required documents. Our experienced team at Lex Nova Partners streamlines this process by ensuring your application is complete and compelling from the start, reducing delays and increasing your chances of approval. We handle all documentation, coordinate meetings, and provide ongoing support throughout the entire process.

What's the best way to structure an M&A deal in Thailand?

In Thailand, share acquisitions are typically the most efficient M&A structure, offering tax advantages and fewer complications compared to asset deals. Share deals allow you to acquire voting rights and control of the target company with less regulatory burden. Asset deals and amalgamations are alternatives depending on your specific objectives. At Lex Nova Partners, we've structured complex transactions including Series B funding for regional e-commerce platforms, capital restructuring for international skincare companies, and cross-border acquisitions involving Hong Kong entities. Our team evaluates your strategic goals, tax implications, and regulatory requirements to recommend the optimal structure for your Thai M&A transaction.

What due diligence should I expect when buying a company in Thailand?

At Lex Nova Partners, our comprehensive due diligence process covers all critical aspects of Thai businesses: corporate structure and governance, labor law compliance and employment matters, licensing and regulatory compliance, and commercial contracts and relationships. We conduct thorough assessments of financial health, legal compliance, potential risks, and hidden liabilities. Our due diligence helps you understand regulatory matters, environmental compliance, and data privacy aspects that are increasingly important in Thailand. With our local expertise and international standards, we ensure you have complete visibility into your investment before completing any acquisition, enabling confident decision-making in the Thai market.

Can my foreign company own land in Thailand for business operations?

Generally, foreign entities and majority foreign-owned Thai companies cannot own land in Thailand under the Land Code. However, there are important exceptions that Lex Nova Partners can help you access. BOI-promoted companies can receive permission to own land for their business operations as part of their investment incentives package. This is one of the most valuable benefits of BOI promotion, especially for manufacturing, logistics, or hospitality businesses requiring significant land holdings. Additionally, there are specific treaty rights and investment structures that may provide land ownership opportunities. Our team at Lex Nova Partners evaluates your business needs and guides you toward the most appropriate pathway for securing land rights in Thailand.

What types of M&A deals has Lex Nova Partners completed in Thailand recently?

Lex Nova Partners has handled diverse and complex M&A transactions across multiple sectors in Thailand. Our recent engagements include restructuring shareholders and governance for Thai subsidiaries of listed companies, negotiating Series B funding and shareholder agreements for regional e-commerce platforms, structuring capital investments for international skincare companies expanding in Bangkok, advising on cannabis business investments and revised shareholder agreements, and facilitating cross-border acquisitions of Hong Kong companies by Thai individuals. We also structure hospitality sector transactions involving Hong Kong and Thai entities. This diverse experience across industries and deal types demonstrates our ability to handle sophisticated transactions that meet our clients' strategic and commercial objectives.

How can Lex Nova Partners help with executive succession planning during M&A transactions?

Executive succession planning is a critical component of successful M&A transactions, and Lex Nova Partners provides comprehensive support to ensure leadership continuity and organizational stability. We help design succession frameworks that maintain business continuity during ownership transitions, draft executive transition documents and employment agreements, navigate Thai labor law requirements for management changes, and structure retention and incentive plans for key executives. Our approach ensures smooth leadership transitions that preserve company culture and operational efficiency while meeting all regulatory requirements. As part of our full-service M&A practice, we coordinate succession planning with deal structuring to create seamless transitions that protect stakeholder interests and business value.

Do I need regulatory approvals for my M&A transaction in Thailand?

Most M&A transactions in Thailand require various regulatory clearances, and Lex Nova Partners provides expert guidance through this complex landscape. We handle merger control requirements under Thailand's Trade Competition Act, secure approvals from sector-specific regulators (banking, insurance, telecommunications, energy), navigate foreign investment approval processes, and coordinate with the Department of Business Development for corporate changes. Our team also manages work permit and visa requirements for foreign executives. With our deep understanding of Thai regulatory requirements and strong relationships with government agencies, we ensure your transaction receives all necessary approvals efficiently. Lex Nova Partners' comprehensive approach minimizes delays and ensures full compliance throughout your M&A process.