Trainee sharing spotlight: Focus on Building Trust, Managing risk, Networking and Nurturing Ethics
I recently gained significant insights into Private Equity (PE) and M&A deal-making from an invaluable networking session led by Vinh Vo-Sang and Mr. Hạo.
They offered a highly realistic perspective on managing legal risk, noting that the enforceability of contractual obligations in Vietnam can be less effective than in other jurisdictions. Consequently, buyers cannot rely exclusively on legal documentation. They emphasized that successful PE/M&A practitioners must possess strong interpersonal acuity to assess the counterparty, foster mutual trust, and actively mitigate potential legal disputes. A critical tool they highlighted for enhancing commitment post-transaction is establishing robust post-closing measures, such as utilizing an escrow account.
Mr. Hạo shared his strategic approach to network development and industry analysis, likening market entry to mastering a new sport. For professionals in PE and Investment Banking (IB) who constantly evaluate novel business models, this underscores the importance of being highly analytical and proactive in information gathering. The ability to quickly synthesize data, understand industry dynamics, and accurately translate this into the financial model is key to effective negotiation.
Furthermore, I was deeply impressed by Mr. Vinh’s commitment to professional ethics. He recounted an experience as a buyer in a distressed asset transaction. Despite the severe outcomes for the seller, the seller contacted him for a new mandate a decade later. When asked if he had leveraged his dominant negotiating position to maximize his unilateral advantage, his reply was unequivocal: “If I did that, they certainly wouldn’t be returning to me 10 years later.” This response is highly motivational, demonstrating how credibility and trust are paramount. As he frequently instructs his trainees, business ethics represent the most valuable and hardest to build asset in PE and IB industry.
My experience with the networking events organized by Vietnam Investment Nurturing Hub has been excellent. The caliber of the speakers and Mr. Vinh’s method of facilitating genuine, transparent, and high-impact experience-sharing sessions are truly commendable.
Nguyen Cong Gia Thinh – Private Equity – Investment Banking for Dealmakers (Analyst Level)
Student (RMIT University)
