OUR SERVICES

We have assisted many companies local and foreign, large and small to develop their business to the next level. We can only be successful if our clients are successful.

Discipline is part of our way of life at West Indochina. We take pride in respecting deadlines, objectives, and budgets. In forming our recommendations, we practice clarity and simplicity. We operate with frankness and integrity. We respect confidentiality - strictly. We do not advertise our achievements or the names of our clients unless they authorize this.

Some of the ways we have helped our clients succeed include:

• Finding the right local / foreign partners, sharing values, and bringing complementary resources to the business

• Selling or Acquiring business units to deliver on an accelerated growth plan

• Advising on the optimum legal structure for existing or new ventures

• Sourcing key senior executives to lead change (retained Executive Search / Head Hunting)

• Strengthening the People side of the business to improve engagement, retention, and productivity

• Validating strategy and addressing shortcomings

• Preparing succession plans

West Indochina was established in 2006 to assist clients achieve results such as pioneering Myanmar’s consumer goods industry, developing the country’s first truly five star boutique hotel and conducting negotiations to settle high profile land ownership disputes, just to name a few.

Collectively, these unique journeys bring not only a wide and deep network along with an impressive collection of functional skills but also and most importantly an insider’s understanding of how things work in Myanmar. And yes, things do work in Myanmar, results can be achieved, deals can be signed and we can make things happen but it is not always immediate or linear.

Our experience covers the key ingredients of a successful M&A project:

• People. In 2006 we pioneered the executive search industry in Myanmar, and in 2015 we became the exclusive franchisee of Dale Carnegie Leadership and Communication Training. In 2020 we became the Certified Partner of Rosetta Stone, the leading online language learning leading training company. Thanks to such experiences, we know we are well equipped to assess the quality of a team and bring the required adjustments.

• Strategy. A successful M&A is more than a deal. Success depends on how an acquisition fits into the broader long term strategic vison of a company and its market. Our association with Roland Berger, the leading strategy consulting firm active in Myanmar, has helped us gain superior understanding of the fundamentals of the Myanmar market.

• Legal. Commercial considerations may be paramount in M&A, but if proper legal procedures are not followed, you can trip up. The legal environment in Myanmar can be very challenging. Rules are not always clear and change quickly and without warning. It can be reach a satisfactory level of comfort before making any decisions, particularly on whether to invest. To understand local laws better, we have a network of trusted law practitioners. Our Founding Associate U Min Sein, Advocate at the Supreme Court, is a leading legal advisor in Myanmar. He and his team can offer clear and actionable advice – not a long list of cautions and disclaimers.

• Social. Whether buying or selling a company, or setting up a new business, you need to operate within the complex social fabric of Myanmar. Our Associate Leon de Riedmatten has been a privileged witness – and occasional participant – in major social and political developments in Myanmar since the 1990s. His understanding of Myanmar’s history and sociopolitical culture has judiciously guided many investors helping them to avoid serious pitfalls and to comprehend what at face value seems initially confusing.

Myanmar Vineyard

Myanmar Vineyard is the brainchild of German entrepreneur Bert Morsbach. Started with a few imported vines in 1998 into the Shan State and after going through a steep learning curve about growing grapes in tropical conditions, Aythaya wine was introduced to the local market in 2004. Curiosity brought many customers for their first experience of a wine made in Myanmar. Many stayed for the unexpected high quality and consistency. In 2015 it became clear that to continue to grow at a healthy pace a wider distribution was necessary. Several options were studied.

City Mart is the leading retailer in Myanmar. One of the founder’s visions is to source as many products as possible in Myanmar. Their market leading operation specialized in HORECA channel was the perfect match. All ingredients for a good deal were present. West Indochina led it to a successful completion in 2017.

EXERA

In 2012, two entrepreneurs based in Myanmar, one British and one Canadian, realised that in this “last frontier market” there was a real need for professional security services. EXERA was born. From humble beginnings the company quickly gained the trust of prestigious corporations and international organisations. They grew extremely fast and left the two co-founders with not much time for anything else. In 2017 both co-founders had family circumstances which called for a change in lifestyle.

They approached West Indochina for advice. We suggested a few options and they decided to go for the exit option. Myanmar Strategic Holdings (MSH) is a leading Private Equity firm focusing on Myanmar growth opportunities. MSH is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

EXERA offered a growth potential that convinced MHS. Today, with MHS’ strategic input and disciplined operator’s approach, EXERA continues to grow and is well placed to support companies inn navigating new security risks.

The biggest resource of Myanmar is not teak, jade or gas. It is PEOPLE.

At West Indochina we are absolutely convinced about that. Yet, at the same time many investors find it challenging to Attract, Retain and Develop talents in Myanmar. That combination of circumstances called for the creation of PEOPLE SOLUTIONS.

People Solutions Company (Myanmar) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Indochina. and was incorporated in Myanmar in 2017.

We provide under one roof the following solutions:

• Communication and Leadership Training with Dale Carnegie, the world’s first Transformational Training company. Established in 1912 Dale Carnegie’s renowned Training methodology is available in 88 countries and 30 languages.

• Language Training with Rosetta Stone, the world’s leading provider of online language learning solutions for corporations and individuals. The amazing technology powered by AI guide learners through their own individual development plan. The exclusive Live Tutoring on demand makes the learning journey much more enjoyable and efficient.