About
Eric Johnson is the managing partner of the firm’ Hanoi office. He specialises in complex cross-border public and private M&A, joint ventures, and private equity transactions.
Having lived and practiced law in Vietnam for nearly a decade, Eric is a forward-thinking lawyer who combines local strategic insight with a global perspective on every mandate. Working alongside Freshfields’ talented Vietnam team, Eric is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes and driving success for the firm’s clients in this dynamic market.
Eric guides clients through the evolving landscape of technology, financial services, education, healthcare, ports and transportation, energy, and real estate. He provides sector-specific insights that empower strategic decision-making and help clients navigate Vietnam’s complex regulatory environment.
Eric frequently contributes thought leadership articles and publications to support investors in Vietnam. He served several terms on the board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi, most recently as chairman. He also represented the Chamber on the board of the Vietnam Business Forum. Through these roles, Eric has developed an in-depth understanding of the global policy landscape, enhancing his ability to deliver tailored, strategic advice to clients in mandates that matter to them most.
- One of the world’s largest container terminal operators on its successful joint venture with Hai Phong Port, a subsidiary of Vietnam Maritime Corporation, a State-owned enterprise, to develop and operate international container terminals 3 and 4 under the Hai Phong Gateway International Port project in Lach Huyen, Hai Phong City.
- An Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund on an investment into a continuation vehicle set up by an Asia-based sponsor to buy 50% of a Vietnam and Malaysia education business.
- A MENA sovereign wealth fund on its investment in a Vietnamese international hospital business.
- A major global investment firm on the investment and re-financing of its investment in one of the largest consumer finance companies listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange for the purpose of restructuring the investment.
- A US Private Equity Investor on a US$370m investment in shares in Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) prior to Techcombank’s IPO.
- An Asia-based conglomerate on their potential acquisition of a major private hospital business in Vietnam.
- An Asian sovereign wealth fund on its $203 million minority investment in and the subsequent divestment from a subsidiary of Vingroup that owns and operates seven general hospitals in Vietnam and a number of clinics and pharmacies across the country.
- Several leading global asset managers from the United States and Australia on their investments into industrial real estate platforms in Vietnam.
- A US multinational fintech company on its Series B investment in a leading digital payment company in Vietnam.
- An Asian sovereign wealth fund on its investment in an e-logistics company with operations across the Asia Pacific, including a major presence in Vietnam.
- A US multinational fintech company on its investment in one of Vietnam’s leading fintech digital payments companies.
- An Asian sovereign wealth fund on its Series B investment in a leading last-mile delivery e-logistics business in Vietnam.
- An Australian venture capital firm, on its investment via a convertible loan in a leading digital banking platform and in a Series A equity financing round in a social media start-up in Vietnam, both as lead investor.
- Synergy Marine Group on the sale of minority ownership stake to Searchlight Capital Partners. Synergy was founded in 2006 by Captain Rajesh Unni and is now the fourth largest ship manager globally, with around 500 vessels under technical management, including tankers, dry bulk, containers and gas carriers.
- A US private equity fund on their US$250m investment by way of convertible bonds and non-convertible warrant-linked bonds issued by one of the leading listed property development companies in Vietnam.
- A global education investor on their 100% acquisition of an international K-12 school in Ho Chi Minh City.
- A US private equity fund on a major acquisition in the real estate / gaming / hospitality sector in Vietnam.
- A leading US multinational financial institution on the sale of its securities business in Vietnam to a Korean banking group.
- A private equity fund on the pre-IPO investments in two Vietnamese commercial banks.
- A private equity fund on the sale of an international school in Vietnam.
- A major banking and financial services corporation on the full exit of its strategic investment in a large Vietnamese commercial bank.
- Stada on its block acquisition of shares in the Vietnamese pharmaceutical company, Pymepharco, taking it to a controlling 72 percent interest.
- A multi-national energy firm on the bid to acquire a strategic stake in PV Oil, the second largest petroleum distributor in Vietnam, from the Vietnam government.
- A multinational brewer on the US$5 billion bid for acquisition of Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation, the largest brewer in Vietnam.
- Mekong Capital on the formation of its fifth Vietnam-focused private equity fund, Mekong Enterprise Fund IV (MEF IV), as well as numerous investments and exits.
- Asian and MENA sovereign wealth funds on numerous fund investments and co-investments across the Asia Pacific region.
Eric Johnson
Suite 1602 16th Floor Hanoi Central Office Building
44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street
Cua Nam Ward