The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 5

Sidley Austin’s eminent PRC real estate capability has enabled the finance practice to represent a series of developer borrowers, and recently advised Agile Property Holdings on a series of credit facilities. In addition, the team frequently advises on deals that have a strong capital markets element, especially high yield debt. This includes a number of transactions in South-East Asia. Counsel Robert Mason is the key name, alongside structured finance specialist Thomas Albrecht.

Within Capital markets (debt), Sidley Austin is a second tier firm,

Sidley Austin handles a high volume of deals in the high yield arena, although RMB bonds and investment-grade debt are also key areas of expertise. The firm represented the banks on Fosun International’s $300m high yield offering. The team is particularly well known for PRC real estate deals. Matthew Sheridan and Alex Lloyd are the key names in the department.

Within Capital markets (equity), Sidley Austin is a second tier firm,

Sidley Austin is one of the dominant players in the middle market, focusing on Chinese mid-cap issuers. Deals emanating from South-East Asia are another area of growth. The firm has a sizeable department in Hong Kong, with colleagues in Beijing and Shanghai proving essential in sourcing deals. It promoted three of its team to partner status in Hong Kong in 2012, and completed a series of headline deals in both the real estate and mining sector. Constance Choy, Tim Li and Alex Lloyd are the senior figures.

Within Corporate (including M&A), tier 5

With its effervescent capital markets practice, Sidley Austin has developed strong links to growth companies in China. Real estate is a key sector for the practice, and it also handles technology acquisitions on behalf of PRC clients. Constance Choy recently advised Tingyi on its joint venture with PepsiCo.

Within Dispute resolution, tier 4

Sidley Austin’s ’extremely strong practice’ was further enhanced by the arrival of regulatory, compliance, investigations and life sciences specialist Yuet Ming Tham from DLA Piper in 2012. The team has ’deep industry knowledge’, and has continued to develop its standing in the regulatory environment thanks to the efforts of Alan Linning, who is valued for his ’immense litigation background’ and experience as the former executive director of enforcement at the SFC. The team represents a wide range of Hong Kong listed corporates, investment banks and several investment banks. Top commercial litigator Charles Allen is the other senior name, and recently worked on the landmark state immunity case FG Hemisphere Associates LLC v Democratic Republic of the Congo

Within Dispute resolution: international arbitration, Sidley Austin is a second tier firm,

The ’professional’ and ’knowledgeable’ Sidley Austin’s Yang Ing Loong and Allen Kim lead the firm’s arbitration practice, particularly in relation to PRC and Korea disputes respectively. The former recently represented Malaysia’s Proton in a case concerning the dissolution of its joint venture with a PRC company in Guangdong.

Within Investment funds, Sidley Austin is a first tier firm,

’Among the best in the hedge funds space’, Sidley Austin shows ’genuine interest towards its client’s business, and is very proactive in explaining new regulations’. While clients note that ’every professional at the firm, from partner to associate, is top notch’, the ’knowledgeable, sincere and empathetic’ Effie Vasilopoulos is singled out as ’a joy to work with’. Scott Peterman is also recommended, for his ’extensive experience and knowledge of the securities markets throughout Asia’. Raymond Oh made partner in 2012.

Within Private equity, Sidley Austin is a third tier firm,

Sidley Austin’s team is commended for its ’response times’, ’industry knowledge’ and ’strength in depth’. The firm is most active in China on growth capital and mid-cap deals, though it also has a strong regional practice. Raymond Oh is singled out for particular praise.

Within Regulatory, Sidley Austin is a third tier firm,

Yuet Ming Tham joined Sidley Austin from DLA Piper; she focuses on regulatory compliance and government investigations. The four-partner team also includes Alan Linning, who is a former regulator with particular knowledge of the SFC’s statutory powers under the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

Within Restructuring and insolvency, tier 5

At Sidley Austin, Asia Pacific managing partner Thomas Albrecht is recognised for his expertise in restructurings and workouts. Constance Choy, Gloria Lam and Matthew Sheridan are also recommended. Areas of focus include debt rescheduling and refinancing, distressed debt trading, workouts, restructuring, formal insolvency and pre-negotiated insolvency asset sales.

Within Structured finance and securitisation, tier 4

Sidley Austin’s Asia managing partner Thomas Albrecht is experienced in a range of securitisations and structured products. Matthew Sheridan and counsel Robert Mason are also recommended. Clients have included Standard Chartered Bank and BNP Paribas.