Image

Tom Jokelson

Partner

Tom focuses on M&A, joint ventures and strategic investments across Southeast Asia. 

He has advised on numerous major growth capital and private equity transactions for investors, such as leading banks, sponsors and sovereign funds; and for issuing companies.

Tom regularly advises emerging enterprises, corporates and sponsor clients across the full range of corporate and M&A activities. He advises across a variety of sectors with a particular focus on tech, digital infrastructure and financial services and has extensive cross-border experience, having worked in London and Singapore. He has a particular focus on transactions involving Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, as part of his broader ASEAN practice.

Tom is particularly recognised for his expertise in advising emerging companies and start-ups of varying sizes and stages of development on capital raises and growth transactions. His practice covers the entire life-cycle, from seed through to major acquisitions and disposals, and he has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by fast-growth founder-led businesses and their investors.

Experience

Representative matters

Tokopedia on its transformational combination with Gojek, the Indonesian based ridehailing and payments giant. The transaction brings together two of Southeast Asia’s most valuable conglomerates, with the combined business having a valuation of USD18 billion, and will create the largest technology company in Indonesia. 

EdgeConneX on the acquisition of a data centre business in Indonesia (PT Graha Teknologi Nusantara) (GTN). 

General Atlantic on its Series D investment into Biofourmis. 

Thanachart Bank Public Company Limited on the sale of 50.1% of Thanachart Fund Management (TFUND) to Eastspring Investments, the Asian asset management business of Prudential plc, for a consideration value of THB4.2bn.

Published Work

  • Podcast: APAC M&A Insights: What’s driving tech M&A in APAC and what should investors be wary of (February 2022)
    https://www.aoshearman.com/en-gb/global/news-and-insights/publications/podcast-apac-ma-insights-whats-driving-tech-ma-in-asia-pacific-and-what-should-investors-be-wary-of 
  • A&O News & Insights: Impact of Covid–19 coronavirus on private fundraisings – key legal considerations for investors and issuers. (May 2020)
    https://www.aoshearman.com/en-gb/global/news-and-insights/publications/impact-of-covid-19-coronavirus-on-private-fundraisings-key-legal-considerations-for-investors-and-issuers 
Recognition
Tom is very knowledgeable and connected to the market - nothing is ever too hard or difficult. He takes it all in his stride and is very easy to work with.
Chambers Asia Pacific 2023 (Startups and Emerging Companies – Singapore)
Tom Jokelson is a good up-and-coming younger lawyer.
Chambers Asia Pacific 2023 (Startups and Emerging Companies – Singapore)

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as a Solicitor (England and Wales), 2013

Academic

LLB, Law, Durham University, 2009
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.