The Legal 500

Within Foreign firms Other recommended firms

Within Foreign firms, tier 4

With a core team based in Hong Kong, and groups in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Deacons has a mix of traditional FDI, M&A, and outbound investment, as well as anti-monopoly and general commercial advice. The practice advised a major publishing company in its proposed multimillion-dollar acquisition of a number of foreign subsidiaries from a reputable media house. China practice head Franki Cheung is recommended. Machiuanna Chu and Iris Cheng were promoted to the partnership in Hong Kong; and Wei Min Zhang left for Baker Botts L.L.P.’s Beijing office.

Within Foreign firms, Deacons is a third tier firm,

The key partners at Deacons are Hong Kong-based Franki Cheung. Recent instructions include acting for a Taiwanese party in a $10m shareholders’ dispute relating to a sino-foreign joint venture commercial property development and management in Shanghai. A NASDAQ-listed corporation in Beijing recently instructed the team on the enforcement of a CIETAC arbitral award of over RMB140m against a listed Hong Kong company, while other highlights included acting for a leading US toy manufacturer against its PRC supplier in a RMB150m supply contract dispute.

Within Foreign firms, Deacons is a third tier firm,

Franki Cheung at Deacons has in-depth knowledge of local regulations as well as national laws in this practice area, developed through his strong relationships with central government and local law firms. Recent work for the team includes assisting a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in terminating the employment of a senior manager who also held the position of trade union chairman, and advising a major hi-tech US company on issues affecting its operations in China.

Within Foreign firms, Deacons is a third tier firm,

Deacons’ practice, led by Annie Tsoi in Hong Kong, has recently been representing a multinational group of US, French, Hong Kong and PRC companies in multiple cross-border patent litigation and administrative actions with claims exceeding RMB400m. Other work included advising a Silicon Valley-based security company on all IP issues relating to a cross-border asset transaction.

Within Foreign firms, Deacons is a third tier firm,

Deacons has a long history of handling major projects in China, and is noted for its advice in the water treatment facilities and clean development mechanism sectors. Hong Kong-based Edwarde Webre and Machiuanna Chu are key contacts. Hong Kong and Beijing-based Franki Cheung is also recommended.

Within Foreign firms, Deacons is a second tier firm,

Operating out of Hong Kong, Deacons represents a number of leading property development companies on acquisition and disposal of development projects in PRC as well as cooperative arrangements in relation to land development, leasing, tender and redevelopment work. Recent work includes advising a China real estate developer on the acquisition of two BVI target companies, and advising a leading global energy company in the RMB11m acquisition of the land use rights to a 67,000sq m piece of land in Chongqing. It is also assisting developers in several joint venture development projects in Chagsda and at a golf course in Southeast Asia, including due diligence and drafting documentation. Franki Cheung heads the China practice group and is chief representative of the Beijing office.