Our Partners

Our Partners

In July 2018, Lim Cheng Bock, Yap Lay Hoon and Sharmini Ganeshan, founded the firm of Bock + Partners. We aspired to create a firm which did more than focus on legalities and the law. We sought to create a firm that looked at holistic solutions, taking into account our clients’ long-term growth. We believe this unique approach distinguishes us from other firms.

We have since expanded to include Yogeswaran Balakrishnan, who was promoted to Partner in 2020, and Ashwin Lim, who was made a Partner in 2022.

Together with our legal associates and support staff, we are committed to providing advice and solutions that best serve your needs.

Lim Cheng Bock

Founding Partner

yap lay hoon3

Yap Lay Hoon

Founding Partner

Sharmini Ganeshan

Founding Partner

Yogeswaran Balakrishnan

Partner

Ashwin Lim

Partner

Lim Cheng Bock

Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Kent, Canterbury, England.
Year of Commencing Practice: 1987
moc.srentrapdnakcobobfsctd-2dbacd@mil

Lim Cheng Bock (or Bock as he is known to his clients and friends) is a Founding Partner of the Firm. He is conversant in all areas of corporate law, including contentious matters. He currently focuses on corporate restructuring, establishment of private equity funds, mergers and acquisitions, schemes of arrangements shareholder rights and disputes, tax and conveyancing and all matters pertaining to foreign investment. His unique perspective on corporate law stems from an in-depth understanding of accounting procedures and the financial implications of the transactions he handles.

In the course of his career, Bock has overseen numerous high-value joint ventures, take-overs, mergers and acquisition, restructurings, schemes of arrangements, drafting of contracts, corporate litigation, shareholders’ dispute, advisory at general meetings of companies, conveyancing and rendering general corporate advice and planning. He has been instrumental in setting up several private equity funds for a number of corporate clients. He has also expanded his knowledge into the area of intellectual property and information technology.

In addition to his client-base in Malaysia, his portfolio of clients includes multinational from the United Kingdom, USA, Europe and Japan.

Bock, was called to the English Bar in 1986. He began his career at Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co before moving to the Corporate and Conveyancing Department at Messrs Cheah Teh & Su.

Lim Cheng Bock (or Bock as he is known to his clients and friends) is a Founding Partner of the Firm. He is conversant in all areas of corporate law, including contentious matters. He currently focuses on corporate restructuring, establishment of private equity funds, mergers and acquisitions, schemes of arrangements shareholder rights and disputes, tax and conveyancing and all matters pertaining to foreign investment. His unique perspective on corporate law stems from an in-depth understanding of accounting procedures and the financial implications of the transactions he handles.

In the course of his career, Bock has overseen numerous high-value joint ventures, take-overs, mergers and acquisition, restructurings, schemes of arrangements, drafting of contracts, corporate litigation, shareholders’ dispute, advisory at general meetings of companies, conveyancing and rendering general corporate advice and planning. He has been instrumental in setting up several private equity funds for a number of corporate clients. He has also expanded his knowledge into the area of intellectual property and information technology.

In addition to his client-base in Malaysia, his portfolio of clients includes multinational from the United Kingdom, USA, Europe and Japan.

Bock, was called to the English Bar in 1986. He began his career at Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co before moving to the Corporate and Conveyancing Department at Messrs Cheah Teh & Su.

yap lay hoon3

Yap Lay Hoon

Education: Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (Upper Second Class), University of Leeds, England.
Year of Commencing Practice: 1997

Lay Hoon’s areas of practice include all aspects of corporate law with an emphasis on shareholders’ disputes, corporate restructuring, real estate matters and mergers and acquisitions. Lay Hoon has also been involved in the setting up of several equity funds for a number of corporate clients. More recently, she has negotiated and undertaken the documentation for a number of complex high-value settlement agreements including several private family company disputes. She also advises on and oversees the procurement of real-estate transactions for the automated warehousing industry.

Lay Hoon guides clients undertaking foreign investments in Malaysia including advising on regulatory approvals, licensing and other regulatory compliance. In a rapidly evolving tax and regulatory framework, Lay Hoon is much valued for her advice and experience in handling matters pertaining to tax, especially the newly introduced Capital Gains Tax and Real Property Gains Tax. Lay Hoon also advises on cross-border corporate issues. She also advises on the set up and structuring of limited liability partnerships.

Lay Hoon obtained her Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Upper Second Class Division, and went on to be called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1996. She began her legal career at Messrs Chung Huang & Khalid where she practised as a conveyancing lawyer. She joined the Corporate and Conveyancing Department of Messrs Cheah Teh & Su in 1999 where she was a Partner before becoming a Founding Partner at Bock + Partners.

Lay Hoon’s areas of practice include all aspects of corporate law with an emphasis on shareholders’ disputes, corporate restructuring, real estate matters and mergers and acquisitions. Lay Hoon has also been involved in the setting up of several equity funds for a number of corporate clients. More recently, she has negotiated and undertaken the documentation for a number of complex high-value settlement agreements including several private family company disputes. She also advises on and oversees the procurement of real-estate transactions for the automated warehousing industry.

Lay Hoon guides clients undertaking foreign investments in Malaysia including advising on regulatory approvals, licensing and other regulatory compliance. In a rapidly evolving tax and regulatory framework, Lay Hoon is much valued for her advice and experience in handling matters pertaining to tax, especially the newly introduced Capital Gains Tax and Real Property Gains Tax. Lay Hoon also advises on cross-border corporate issues. She also advises on the set up and structuring of limited liability partnerships.

Lay Hoon obtained her Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Upper Second Class Division, and went on to be called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1996. She began her legal career at Messrs Chung Huang & Khalid where she practised as a conveyancing lawyer. She joined the Corporate and Conveyancing Department of Messrs Cheah Teh & Su in 1999 where she was a Partner before becoming a Founding Partner at Bock + Partners.

Sharmini Ganeshan

Education: Bachelor of Laws (Hons) University of London, England
Year of Commencing Practise: 2000
moc.srentrapdnakcobobfsctd-23718e@inimrahs

Ms. Sharmini is a founding partner of the firm. With extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate restructuring, foreign direct investment (FDI), private equity and venture capital funds, and shareholders’ disputes, she has built a distinguished career advising both domestic and international clients. Her practical, results-driven approach and in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor for complex and high-stakes transactions.

  • Extensive experience handling domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, including private mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, and divestitures.
  • Expertise in conducting detailed due diligence, negotiating deal terms, drafting transactional documents, and overseeing deal closures.
  • Renowned for structuring deals to optimize tax efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Advises companies on comprehensive corporate restructuring initiatives, including debt restructuring, internal reorganizations, spin-offs, and shareholder agreements.
  • Skilled in navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks to facilitate seamless restructuring processes.
  • Proficient in leading negotiations with creditors, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to secure favorable outcomes.
  • Extensive knowledge of local and international legal frameworks governing FDI, including foreign exchange regulations.
  • Advises multinational corporations on the legal and regulatory intricacies of investing in Malaysia, ensuring compliance with local laws.
  • Expert in structuring cross-border transactions that align with both domestic and global legal standards.
  • Specializes in advising private equity funds on investment strategies, buyouts, and divestitures, including comprehensive legal due diligence and agreement drafting.
  • Expertise in fund formation, structuring, and exit strategies for multinational corporations and investors.
  • Skilled at ensuring compliance with complex investment regulations at every stage of the fund lifecycle.
  • Expert in advising on disputes between shareholders, including matters related to minority rights, breaches of shareholder agreements, and corporate governance.
  • Skilled in negotiating settlements that protect clients’ interests while preserving business continuity.
  • Proficient in conveyancing, offering seamless guidance on property transactions.
  • Highly experienced in succession planning, helping clients preserve and protect their wealth and legacy.

Professional Approach
Ms. Sharmini combines a meticulous understanding of legal complexities with a pragmatic and client-centered approach. Her ability to craft innovative solutions for challenging situations has made her an invaluable asset to her clients, ranging from multinational corporations to private investors. Whether navigating intricate regulatory landscapes or resolving disputes effectively, Ms. Sharmini’s leadership and expertise consistently deliver results.

Ms. Sharmini is a founding partner of the firm. With extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate restructuring, foreign direct investment (FDI), private equity and venture capital funds, and shareholders’ disputes, she has built a distinguished career advising both domestic and international clients. Her practical, results-driven approach and in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor for complex and high-stakes transactions.

  • Extensive experience handling domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, including private mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, and divestitures.
  • Expertise in conducting detailed due diligence, negotiating deal terms, drafting transactional documents, and overseeing deal closures.
  • Renowned for structuring deals to optimize tax efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Advises companies on comprehensive corporate restructuring initiatives, including debt restructuring, internal reorganizations, spin-offs, and shareholder agreements.
  • Skilled in navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks to facilitate seamless restructuring processes.
  • Proficient in leading negotiations with creditors, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to secure favorable outcomes.
  • Extensive knowledge of local and international legal frameworks governing FDI, including foreign exchange regulations.
  • Advises multinational corporations on the legal and regulatory intricacies of investing in Malaysia, ensuring compliance with local laws.
  • Expert in structuring cross-border transactions that align with both domestic and global legal standards.
  • Specializes in advising private equity funds on investment strategies, buyouts, and divestitures, including comprehensive legal due diligence and agreement drafting.
  • Expertise in fund formation, structuring, and exit strategies for multinational corporations and investors.
  • Skilled at ensuring compliance with complex investment regulations at every stage of the fund lifecycle.
  • Expert in advising on disputes between shareholders, including matters related to minority rights, breaches of shareholder agreements, and corporate governance.
  • Skilled in negotiating settlements that protect clients’ interests while preserving business continuity.
  • Proficient in conveyancing, offering seamless guidance on property transactions.
  • Highly experienced in succession planning, helping clients preserve and protect their wealth and legacy.

Professional Approach
Ms. Sharmini combines a meticulous understanding of legal complexities with a pragmatic and client-centered approach. Her ability to craft innovative solutions for challenging situations has made her an invaluable asset to her clients, ranging from multinational corporations to private investors. Whether navigating intricate regulatory landscapes or resolving disputes effectively, Ms. Sharmini’s leadership and expertise consistently deliver results.

Yogeswaran Balakrishnan

Education:. Bachelor of Laws (Hons) University of London, England
Year of Commencing Practise: 2008

Yogeswaran Balakrishnan is experienced in corporate advisory and transactional matters involving restructuring of investments, acquisitions and debts. He also advises on and formulates legal strategies for corporate litigation. In recent times, he is involved in advisory work for pre-IPO and equity condition restructuring exercises, acquisitions of high valued entities and strategic real estate properties.

In addition to his work in corporate law, Yogeswaran has also acted for several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in a pro-bono capacity, notably acting for Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) when it was investigated for its media coverage of corruption issues involving the sale of Scorpene submarines to the Malaysian government.

Prior to starting his legal career, Yogeswaran was a Research Consultant at Harris Interactive UK Ltd, a research consultancy based in London. After completing the Certificate of Legal Practice, he pursued his pupillage under the guidance of Mr Loong Caesar of Messrs Raslan Loong. He began his career as a corporate lawyer with Messrs Cheah Teh & Su after being called to the Malaysian Bar in 2008. He became a partner of Messrs Bock and Partners in January 2020.

Yogeswaran Balakrishnan is experienced in corporate advisory and transactional matters involving restructuring of investments, acquisitions and debts. He also advises on and formulates legal strategies for corporate litigation. In recent times, he is involved in advisory work for pre-IPO and equity condition restructuring exercises, acquisitions of high valued entities and strategic real estate properties.

In addition to his work in corporate law, Yogeswaran has also acted for several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in a pro-bono capacity, notably acting for Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) when it was investigated for its media coverage of corruption issues involving the sale of Scorpene submarines to the Malaysian government.

Prior to starting his legal career, Yogeswaran was a Research Consultant at Harris Interactive UK Ltd, a research consultancy based in London. After completing the Certificate of Legal Practice, he pursued his pupillage under the guidance of Mr Loong Caesar of Messrs Raslan Loong. He began his career as a corporate lawyer with Messrs Cheah Teh & Su after being called to the Malaysian Bar in 2008. He became a partner of Messrs Bock and Partners in January 2020.

Ashwin Lim

Education: Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (First Class Division) University of Leeds, England
Year of Commencing Practise: 2018
moc.srentrapdnakcobobfsctd-64e35a@niwhsa

Ashwin Lim’s core areas of practice include mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, inter-company debt restructurings, shareholders’ disputes, capital reduction exercises, liquidation of companies, general corporate advisory, contractual disputes and disputes regulated under the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.

He also regularly advises clients on complex tax matters, specifically regarding capital gains tax, real properties gain tax and stamp duty. In addition, he has developed expertise in matters pertaining to legacy, succession and estate planning.

Ashwin’s notable assignments include:

  • Establishing legacy planning structures including managing assets exceeding RM3 billion for high-net-worth clients.
  • Acting in the sale of a series of companies valued at RM580million in the infrastructure industry.
  • Acting for a client in the healthcare industry in the acquisition of a series of companies worth over RM120million.
  • Acting for a client on the unwinding of a complex multi-tier corporate structure involving cross-border entities.
  • Acting in an inter-company debt restructuring exercise totalling more than RM2.5 billion.
  • Acting on the amalgamation of a series of companies in Labuan.
  • Advising on a contractual and commercial dispute in a RM500million claim against the client.

He was made partner of the firm in 2022.

Ashwin Lim’s core areas of practice include mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, inter-company debt restructurings, shareholders’ disputes, capital reduction exercises, liquidation of companies, general corporate advisory, contractual disputes and disputes regulated under the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.

He also regularly advises clients on complex tax matters, specifically regarding capital gains tax, real properties gain tax and stamp duty. In addition, he has developed expertise in matters pertaining to legacy, succession and estate planning.

Ashwin’s notable assignments include:

  • Establishing legacy planning structures including managing assets exceeding RM3 billion for high-net-worth clients.
  • Acting in the sale of a series of companies valued at RM580million in the infrastructure industry.
  • Acting for a client in the healthcare industry in the acquisition of a series of companies worth over RM120million.
  • Acting for a client on the unwinding of a complex multi-tier corporate structure involving cross-border entities.
  • Acting in an inter-company debt restructuring exercise totalling more than RM2.5 billion.
  • Acting on the amalgamation of a series of companies in Labuan.
  • Advising on a contractual and commercial dispute in a RM500million claim against the client.

He was made partner of the firm in 2022.

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