M&A and Due Diligence: Acquisition and Ownership Transfer of a Hospitality Company in Vietnam
Client Objective
A French investor and a Vietnamese partner planned to acquire an existing hospitality business in Vietnam rather than establish a new company from scratch.
The objective was to identify a suitable acquisition target, evaluate the legal feasibility of the proposed ownership structure, complete the business transfer, and ensure the foreign shareholder could legally live and work in Vietnam after the acquisition.
From the client’s perspective, the sourcing process in Vietnam presented several key challenges despite the market’s strong supplier base:
Challenge
Acquiring an existing business required more than negotiating a purchase agreement.
The clients needed to understand:
- Whether the proposed ownership structure complied with Vietnamese regulations for foreign investors
- Which hospitality businesses were suitable for acquisition
- The legal and operational status of the target company before the transaction
- How to transfer ownership, corporate records, licences, and banking arrangements
- How the foreign shareholder could obtain the necessary work authorization and immigration status
The objective was to complete the acquisition while minimizing legal and operational risks.
Solution
MoveToAsia supported the acquisition process from the initial investment assessment through to the completion of the ownership transfer and post-acquisition administrative procedures.
Business Acquisition and Ownership Transfer
The assignment included:
- Reviewing the proposed investment structure and planned business activities
- Advising on regulations and restrictions applicable to foreign investors
- Identifying hospitality businesses available for acquisition
- Screening potential acquisition targets based on location, business model, ownership structure, and transfer feasibility
- Conducting preliminary due diligence on the selected company
- Reviewing company records, licences, shareholder information, and potential legal or operational risks
- Coordinating the shareholder transfer and appointment of the new legal representative
- Updating company registration records to reflect the new ownership structure
- Supporting company seal replacement, tax registration updates, and bank account arrangements
- Assisting with registered office requirements and other post-acquisition administrative procedures
- Preparing work permit, visa, and immigration applications for the foreign shareholder
The coordinated approach enabled the clients to complete the acquisition while ensuring the business remained compliant throughout the ownership transition.
Results
The clients successfully acquired and assumed ownership of an existing hospitality business in Vietnam.
As a result:
- A suitable acquisition target was identified and evaluated before the transaction
- The proposed ownership structure was validated against Vietnamese regulations
- The shareholder transfer and appointment of the new legal representative were completed successfully
- Company registration records, banking arrangements, and key administrative formalities were updated
- The foreign shareholder received support for work authorization and immigration procedures
- The clients were able to continue operating an established business without undertaking a completely new company incorporation and licensing process