Firms To Watch: Corporate and M&A: foreign firms

In December 2022, Cooley LLP hired Shanghai-based Ruomu Li from Morrison Foerster; M&A and private equity deal specialist Li is experienced in advising Chinese, US and other international investors on technology and life sciences-related transactions.
Sidley Austin LLP‘s Mainland China offices field Ruchun Ji, who is experienced in advising companies from emerging and growth sectors, such as life sciences, healthcare and technology, and Zhengyu Tang, who leads the firm’s inbound investment, M&A and regulatory compliance practice in China.

Firms in the Spotlight Corporate and M&A: foreign firms

Kangxin Partners, p.c.

Kangxin Partners, p.c. logo

Since its establishment in 1994, Kangxin has grown into a leader amongst IP law firms in China, with offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Qingdao, Xi’an, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Dongguan. Our client base includes domestic Chinese enterprises and international companies from around the world. We represent many different businesses, including start-ups, well-known domestic entities, and Fortune …

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Chang Tsi & Partners

Chang Tsi & Partners logo

Since its establishment in 2002, Chang Tsi & Partners has become one of the leading law firms in China. The firm has constantly been referred to as a “National Outstanding Law Firm”, “The Best IP Law Firm in China”, “China IP Law Firm” and “Tier 1 IP Law Firm of the Year” by the Ministry …

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Corporate and M&A: foreign firms in China

Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance LLP‘s sizeable Greater China M&A team has an enviable track record of advising on international and Chinese clients’ headline deals, including private and public M&A, China inbound and outbound matters, and multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group also has the ability to call upon the expertise of colleagues from its Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas and Africa offices during major cross-border deals. In Beijing, cross-border M&A and joint venture specialist Terence Foo has particular expertise in the energy, mining, agribusiness, financial services, TMT, and consumer goods and retail sectors, and Yufei Liao focuses on technology transactions. Over in Shanghai, Kelly Gregory is an expert in China-related M&A and joint ventures, including cross-border deals, joint ventures, sales, and reorganisations; Tim Wang advises large Chinese companies on their outbound investments; and Yi Yang handles matters across a range of sectors. Andrew Crook heads up the firm’s APAC corporate and private equity practice from Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Crook; Terence Foo


Other key lawyers:

Yufei Liao; Kelly Gregory; Tim Wang; Yi Yang


Key clients

China Three Gorges


Pfizer


Sanofi


Citi


Henkel


Home Credit


Carrefour


Tencent


JCHX Mining


State Grid


Work highlights


  • Advised Home Credit on the €615m sale of its Philippines and Indonesian operations to a consortium of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group affiliates.
  • Advised Carrefour on the sale of a majority stake in Carrefour Taiwan to local partner Uni-President Enterprise Corp.
  • Advised China Three Gorges Spain on its acquisition of a 619MW portfolio of photovoltaic projects in Spain from Nexwell Power and its strategic partner Ibox Energy.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Well known for big-ticket China M&A deals, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP‘s representative work includes advising bidders, targets and financial investors on complex inbound and outbound cross-border M&A and private equity deals, including share and asset acquisitions and sales, reorganisations and joint ventures. The ‘highly efficient‘ team is particularly involved in matters concerning Chinese and multinational companies from the TMT, financial services and consumer sectors. The group is also active on behalf of Chinese new economy companies. ‘Always one of clients’ most recommended lawyers‘, Beijing office head Peter Huang is consistently involved in Chinese companies’ headline cross-border M&A, as well as foreign investment transactions in China. In Shanghai, Haiping Li, who focuses on corporate finance transactions, cross-border M&A, investments and other general corporate matters, co-heads the China practice with Hong Kong-based Paloma Wang, while office leader Yuting Wu routinely advises on high-stakes M&A transactions. Flora Lu and Peter Pang are the counsels to note in Shanghai. Jonathan Stone heads the Asia corporate practice from Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Haiping Li; Paloma Wang; Jonathan Stone; Peter Huang; Yuting Wu


Other key lawyers:

Flora Lu; Peter Pang


Testimonials

Skadden delivers services globally, through several offices and cross-functional teams, in a very efficient way to address client needs both legally and commercially.

Service is always maintained at a premium level among various offices and service teams, and such professional and highly efficient service matches Skadden’s fee charges.

Peter Huang is very professional and leads the team in a very efficient way, based on his extensive experience and insightful understanding into capital markets transactions and M&A involving new and green energy industries.

Key clients

Axiata Group


Lotus Technology


ECARX Holdings, Inc.


Prenetics Group Limited


Bridgetown 2 Holdings Limited


Innovent Biologics, Inc.


Frontier Tower Associates Philippines Inc.


Nio Inc.


VSPO


Growatt Technology Co. Ltd.


PLBY Group, Inc.


The special committee of the board of directors of O2Micro International Limited


Northstar Advisors


The special committee of the board of directors of BlueCity Holdings Limited


Buyer group of LAIX


NaaS Technology Inc.


Hui Yu Xin American Corp.


The special committee of the board of directors of Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited


Gravitas Education


PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk


Bridgetown Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Lotus Technology on its business combination with L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp.
  • Advised the special committee of NYSE-listed Gravitas Education Holdings, Inc. on its merger with eLMTree.
  • Advised VSPO (formerly VSPN Group Limited) on a US$265 million pre-IPO investment by Savvy Games Group, a games and esports company backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP‘s China corporate and M&A legal practice fields over 50 corporate lawyers from its Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices. The firm is further able to provide PRC law capabilities through its joint operation partner, Lang Yue Law Firm. The team is routinely instructed to work on major public and private M&A mandates, along with privatisations, private equity transactions, joint ventures and restructurings. The corporate practice is also particularly strong in regulated sectors such as financial services, energy and TMT. On the Mainland, Jack Wang specialises in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and corporate and financing transactions involving China; Ling Li has ‘excellent negotiation skills‘; and Benjamin Crawford focuses on cross-border M&A transactions, joint ventures, and shareholder and commercial arrangements. The APAC corporate practice is led by Victor Ho, who works across the Hong Kong and Beijing offices, while Lina Lee is the Hong Kong office’s corporate department head.

Practice head(s):

Victor Ho; Jack Wang


Other key lawyers:

Ling Li; Benjamin Crawford; Iris Yeung; David Norman; Tess Fang; Lina Lee


Testimonials

‘The lawyers are serious and responsible, respond in a timely manner, and have strong language skills.’

‘The M&A team’s service level is excellent.’

Extremely client oriented, excellent industry understanding and knowledge, out-of-the box thinking, and innovative.

Key clients

State Grid Corporation of China


BMW


Starbucks


Wagas


Razer


DLJ China Logistics, Ltd.


Nativus


Uni-president


Maersk


Kerogen Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised BMW on acquiring a majority stake in its Chinese automotive joint venture, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.
  • Advised Wagas on the sale of its 60% controlling equity stake to Advent International.
  • Advised State Grid Corporation of China on the sale of its 19.9% interest in AusNet.

Baker McKenzie FenXun

Providing clients with an integrated international and PRC law platform, Baker McKenzie FenXun is a joint operation in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, comprising international law firm Baker McKenzie and PRC legal practice FenXun Partners. Recently, the practice has been particularly focused on deals in the TMT, consumer goods, financial services and real estate sectors, and the full-service team also routinely leverages the firm’s specialisms in tax, compliance, merger control, employment, pensions, litigation and IP. On the Mainland, Howard Wu is an expert in cross-border transactions involving the PRC, particularly M&A deals concerning information technology, consumer goods, retail and major projects; Hong Zhang is China head of private equity; Cherrie Shi co-heads the firm’s industrials, manufacturing and transportation group in Asia-Pacific; and Frank Zhuang focuses on both M&A and corporate compliance work. Tracy Wut heads the firm’s Hong Kong and China M&A group from Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Howard Wu; Tracy Wut


Other key lawyers:

Hong Zhang; Cherrie Shi; Frank Zhuang; Jeff Xu; Jacky Zhu


Testimonials

‘Full-service firm with a broader offering than other foreign firms in China.’

‘Howard Wu is very experienced, and takes a practical approach to complex and thorny legal issues.’

Key clients

AllianzX


Aztiq


Ganfeng Lithium Group


China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited


CITIC Group Corporation


CMB International Capital Limited


Digital Bridge (formerly Digital Colony)


Gaw Capital


Hengxing Gold Holding Company Limited


Hysan Development Company Limited


Instacart


Johnson & Johnson


Media and Games plc


Ninjas in Pyjamas


One Equity Partners


Siam Commercial Bank


Sing Tao News Corporation Limited


Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited


Tencent Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Aplite Holdings AB, the Swedish owner of Radisson Hotel Group, on its sale of the franchise business, operations and IP of Radisson Hotel Group Americas for approximately $675m to Choice Hotel Group.
  • Advised Ganfeng Lithium Group on its acquisition of Argentina-focused lithium explorer Lithea for $962m.
  • Advised Boston Scientific Corporation on the acquisition of 65% in Acotec Scientific Holdings.

DLA Piper

Benefitting from the firm’s integrated global transactions practice, DLA Piper‘s Greater China corporate and M&A group (comprising over 40 corporate lawyers in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong) is active in both inbound and outbound investment transactions involving China. The practice’s expertise covers cross-border M&A, proxy contests, SPACs, public takeovers, and corporate finance. Sectors of notable strength for the team range from industrial automation, healthcare and life sciences to MedTech, insurance, semiconductors and technology. The practice is co-led from Shanghai by corporate, M&A and private equity specialist Qiang Li, who consistently advises on high-stakes cross-border deals, and Roy Chan, a highly regarded corporate and M&A adviser to China’s insurance and financial services sectors. Other key Mainland China names to note are James Chang and Stewart Wang, who both maintain active corporate law and M&A practices. Luke Gannon leads the Asia corporate practice from Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Luke Gannon


Other key lawyers:

Qiang Li; Roy Chan; James Chang; Stewart Wang


Testimonials

‘Internationalised and very clear on geopolitics.’

‘Good backgrounds and rich experience.’

Key clients

BorgWarner Inc.


Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Ltd.


Arcadis N.V.


Huntsman Corporation


Qumei Runto S.à r.l.


Aetna International


Aesthetic Medical International Holdings Group Limited


Xeltis AG


Ping An Group


Silk Road Fund


China Everbright Group


General Electric Company


BrewDog PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising BorgWarner Inc on its RMB1.4bn acquisition of Santroll Automotive Components, a carve-out of Santroll’s eMotor business.
  • Advising Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company, as majority shareholder of New York-listed Global Cord Blood Corporation, on its attempt through a proxy contest to control the board of directors of Global Cord.
  • Advising Arcadis, a global engineering firm, on its sale of its Hong Kong and Singapore affiliates to US-headquartered construction manager, Global Infrastructure Solutions.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

In addition to assisting foreign clients with inbound matters, Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s Greater China M&A practice acts for Chinese clients on their investments abroad. The team is particularly experienced in TMT, financial services, manufacturing and automotive-related deals. Clients also appreciate the firm’s transatlantic transactional strength, which facilitates access to over 500 M&A lawyers in more than 45 offices globally. The practice also provides integrated international and domestic Chinese legal advice through its association with PRC law firm Fidelity Law Firm. In Beijing, Liang Xu‘s track record includes numerous cross-border joint ventures and M&A deals, while Lu Zhou is experienced in advising clients from the TMT, life sciences and education sectors. In the Shanghai office, Don Williams acts for private and public companies on cross-border M&A, minority investments and other strategic business transactions, and Tony Mou is a corporate law and transactions specialist. Aldo Boni De Nobili is an experienced senior associate.

Practice head(s):

Liang Xu


Other key lawyers:

Lu Zhou; Don Williams; Tony Mou; Aldo Boni De Nobili; Yu Xia


Testimonials

The team has strong interpersonal relationships and negotiation skills.

Detail oriented and always available.

Aldo Boni De Nobili stand out for his skillset.

Key clients

Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings Limited


Bending Spoons S.p.A.


Glory Star New Media Group Holdings Limited


Ping An Global Voyager Fund


Global Founders Capital/Rocket Internet


GuanData


Work highlights


  • Advised Ping An Global Voyager Fund, as lead investor, on the approximately $100m initial closing of the Series E financing of Visby Medical.
  • Advised Bending Spoons on the Chinese aspects of its acquisition of US tech company Evernote Corporation.
  • Advised Global Founders Capital/Rocket Internet on investments and other matters in relation to over 400 portfolio companies.

Linklaters

Delivering ‘sound, clear and practical legal advice‘, Linklaters‘ China corporate and M&A practice routinely advises on headline deals, on behalf of Asian conglomerates, Chinese state-owned enterprises, investment banks, funds and TMT companies. Clients particularly appreciate the firm’s joint operation with Zhao Sheng Law Firm, which facilitates the provision of PRC advice. In Shanghai, John Xu has longstanding experience in cross-border M&A transactions (both into and out of China); Xu recently acted for Glencore on its approximately $100m strategic investment in Shenzhen Energy Gas Investment Holding. As the Shanghai office’s chief representative, Bryan Chan acts for international financial institutions and multinationals on China-related cross-border M&A transactions and joint ventures. Chan also advises foreign investors on market entry issues, as well as the day-to-day regulatory aspects of their China operations. Alex Roberts is a key TMT counsel in Shanghai, while Matthew Middleditch chairs the firm’s global corporate practice from Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Middleditch


Other key lawyers:

John Xu; Bryan Chan; Alex Roberts


Testimonials

‘The Linklaters M&A team has the best M&A attorneys around.’

‘At the first meeting, the team explains everything to the client in terms that can be easily comprehended.’

‘Always extremely responsive even when the client has questions outside of meetings.’

Key clients

Citi


HSBC


The Bank of East Asia


FWD Group


COSCO Shipping Ports


CK Asset Group


CK Infrastructure Group


CK Hutchinson Group


Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific)


CIFI Holdings (Group) Co. Ltd.


Jardine Matheson


Glencore


DBS Bank Asia Capital Limited


Nestle


Baijiayun Limited


NWTN Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised COSCO Shipping Ports on its proposed acquisition of a minority stake in HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort.
  • Advised Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited on the HK$16.4bn mandatory unconditional cash offers by BofA Securities (on behalf of JD Property Group Corporation) to acquire all the issued shares and outstanding convertible bonds of Hong Kong-listed China Logistics Property Holdings.
  • Advised Glencore on its US$100m strategic investment in Shenzhen Energy Gas Investment Holding.

Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster‘s China practice stands out for its expertise in technology deals, which covers online gaming, e-commerce, fintech and biotechnology, as well as the life sciences, healthcare, education and real estate sectors. Paul McKenzie, the managing partner of the Beijing and Shanghai offices, is ‘recommended to any companies seeking M&A or corporate counsel in China‘, and in Shanghai, Chuan Sun focuses on TMT and life sciences transactions. Siyu GaoSarah Wang and Bingye Wu are the Mainland China associates to note. In Hong Kong, Thomas Chou co-heads the Asia private equity group; Marcia Ellis is global private equity practice co-chair; Maureen Ho is a private equity and real estate fund expert; and Vivian Yiu advises multinational corporations and Chinese enterprises on cross-border transactions. In April 2023, private equity fund specialist Rongjing Zhao joined the Mainland offices from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, while former partner Ruomu Li departed for Cooley LLP in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Chou; Marcia Ellis; Maureen Ho; Paul McKenzie; Chuan Sun; Vivian Yiu


Other key lawyers:

Siyu Gao; Sarah Wang; Bingye Wu; Rongjing Zhao; Richard Ji


Testimonials

‘The MoFo team has the ability and resources to drive large cross-border deals and provides legal solutions instead of just legal advice.’

‘Paul McKenzie is recommended to any companies seeking M&A or corporate counsel in China.’

‘Paul McKenzie has more than 25 years of experience in advising on complex deals and is a most reliable external counsel. Paul is super hands-on, responsive, and experienced in handling the most challenging deals.’

Key clients

Alibaba Group


Arm Limited


GLP


Jamieson Wellness


Softbank


Softbank Vision Fund


Silver Crest


Work highlights


  • Advised SoftBank Group Corp and SoftBank Vision Fund on their acquisition of a substantial interest in Arm China.
  • Advised Alibaba Group Holding Limited (AGH) on the renegotiation and amendment of various agreements between AGH and Ant Group Co., Ltd. (Ant), in relation to AGH’s acquisition of a 33% stake in Ant.
  • Advised Amperex Technology Limited on its RMB14bn joint ventures for mid-size battery cells and packs, and $1.5bn technology cross-licence arrangement.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP ‘solves problems quickly and with good results‘. The firm’s China M&A practice has a significant track record in sizeable, cross-border transactions involving both large multinational corporations and prominent state-owned entities; acts for sellers on strategic divestments (as well as acquirers on buy-side matters); and is highly regarded for China-related SPAC transactions. The group is particularly active in technology deals; recent examples include automotive technology, artificial intelligence and e-commerce sector-related transactions. In Shanghai, Jeffrey Sun is experienced in handling China and cross-border M&A matters in the TMT sector, and Jinsong Zhang, who ‘develops the best strategies and solutions for clients‘ (and divides his time between the firm’s Beijing and New York offices), focuses on China-related inbound and outbound M&A. Zhang also acts on private equity transactions.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Sun; Jinsong Zhang


Testimonials

The entire team has high professional levels, a good service attitude, reasonable legal fees, fast responses, and in-depth understanding of the client’s business and needs.

Solves problems quickly and with good results.

Jinsong Zhang is an experienced lawyer, who understands the client’s business, both internally and externally. Understanding the client’s business model, industry, customers and strategic objectives enables him to advise and guide clients on highly complex and sensitive matters.

Jinsong Zhang develops the best strategies and solutions for clients. In addition, Jinsong works very hard and is recognised by clients for his ability.

Key clients

Baidu Inc.


JD.COM


Hailiang Education Group Inc.


Betta Games


Pactera Technology International Ltd.


Chery Automobile Co., Ltd


Keyarch Acquisition Corporation


Fuwei Films


Brookfield Growth Fund


COVA Acquisition Corp


Canaan Inc.


Pop Mart


Zhejiang Geely Holding Group


Toyota Motor


Work highlights


  • Advised COVA Acquisition Corp on its merger with mobility tech company ECARX Holdings.
  • Advised the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Hailiang Education Group on its going-private transaction.
  • Advised Fuwei Films (Holdings) Co on the $800m merger with BaiJiaYun Limited.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is widely respected for its advice on corporations and private equity clients’ high-stakes transactions, which frequently require coordination across multiple jurisdictions. The practice’s recent workload covers large investments in the biotechnology, consumer, education, and food and beverage sectors. The team is also active in financial services, insurance, internet, manufacturing and transportation-related deals. Beijing-based Greg Liu has longstanding experience in advising corporate, multinational and private equity clients on investments, sales, acquisitions and mergers involving Chinese entities. At counsel level, Jack Sun focuses on China-related private equity investments, cross-border M&A and foreign direct investments. In Hong Kong, Judie Ng Shortell, who focuses on regional private equity investments and cross-border M&A, is managing partner of the firm’s China practice.

Practice head(s):

Judie Ng Shortell; Greg Liu


Other key lawyers:

Jack Sun


Key clients

Baring Private Equity Asia


L Catterton Asia


KKR


Didi Global


Work highlights


  • Advised Baring Private Equity Asia on its sale to EQT.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s Greater China practice acts for Chinese, state-owned and non-state-owned companies, as well as major financial institutions, on their business operations in the US, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and across Asia. The team advises on the full spectrum of corporate work, including M&A, private equity, capital markets, investment funds, and banking and credit deals. It additionally acts for private equity clients on strategic investments and fund formations. In Beijing, Yang Wang‘s wide-ranging practice covers M&A, private equity and corporate finance transactions, along with other general corporate matters, and corporate associate Jie Min focuses on M&A, as well as financial regulatory matters. Dividing his time between Hong Kong and Tokyo, Ian Ho is co-head of the Asia practice, while other Hong Kong names to note are Jin Hyuk Park, Jonathan Hwang and Erik Ping Wang.

Practice head(s):

Ian Ho; Jin Hyuk Park; Jonathan Hwang; Erik Ping Wang


Other key lawyers:

Yang Wang; Jie Min


Key clients

Affinity Equity Partners


Alibaba Group Holding Limited


Ant Group


Apax Partners


B.Grimm Capital Partners


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Blackstone Inc. (and portfolio companies)


BEST Logistics


Cainiao Smart Logistics Network


CVC


GDS Holdings


GLP


Hillhouse Capital


J-Star


JOYY Inc.


J.P. Morgan


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (and portfolio companies)


Koubei Holding Limited


Kyoto Pacific Capital


Marelli (f/k/a Calsonic Kansei)


Morgan Stanley Private Equity


PAG


Primavera Capital Group


Qudian


Seatown (Temasek)


Sequoia Capital China Fund


Silver Lake Partners


SK Group


TAL Education


Warburg Pincus


XPeng Inc.


Yunfeng Fund


Work highlights


  • Advised 51job, Inc on its $4.3bn going-private transaction.
  • Advised Primavera Capital Acquisition Corporation on its business combination transaction with Lanvin Group.
  • Advised a buyer consortium (comprising New Frontier Public Holding Ltd. and affiliated investment vehicles, private equity firms, and certain other investors) on the $1.58bn going-private transaction of New Frontier Health Corporation.

White & Case LLP

Alex Zhang is the seasoned head of White & Case LLP, Shanghai Office's corporate/M&A group in China and alongside Vivian Tsoi steers the practice group. Operating from Beijing and Shanghai, they provide vast experience of advising international corporates, SOEs and Chinese private companies on their investments or acquisitions both into and out of China and related financings. Tsoi has a focus on US-China and Europe-China cross-border deals. The group also provides specialist foreign direct investments expertise. The team stands out for its ability to bring together specialists from offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the USA to handle complex cross border mandates. Other key team members include Shaohui Jiang who has a focus on advising ultra-large Chinese SOEs on their overseas investments, especially in the construction, infrastructure and manufacturing industries. Senior associate Yan Yan handles cross-border mergers and acquisitions and Amy Yang (counsel) undertakes private equity work and general corporate matters in addition to M&A. The strength of the practice has been boosted by Alan Bao who joined in 2024 from O'Melveny. On the social responsibility front, Tsoi advocates for female lawyers in the region and their professional development and Yan drives the firm's pro bono work.

Practice head(s):

Alex Zhang


Other key lawyers:

Vivian Tsoi; Shaohui Jiang; Yan Yan; Alan Bao


Key clients

ABB


Arbos Technology Group Company Ltd.


BVCF Management Ltd.


Cathay Industries


Celestica


CMOC Group (formerly China Molybdenum Co., Ltd.)


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)


Creative Artists Agency (CAA)


CS Agriculture Pty Ltd.


CVC Capital Partners


GVS S.p.A


Hopu Investment Management Co. Ltd.


Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited


Nestlé


PAG


Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas)


Ross Acquisition Corp II


RRJ Capital


Saudi Aramco


Work highlights


  • Advising Saudi Aramco on various ultra-large multi-billion joint venture projects in China.
  • Advised a world’s leading battery technology company headquartered in Asia in connection with its strategic cooperation project with one of the largest mining companies in the world, which is also headquartered in Asia.
  • Advised Zhejiang Huayou on its strategic collaboration with PT Vale Indonesia Tbk and Ford Motor to process the nickel ore produced by PTVI at the Pomalaa Block in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s Greater China practice acts for a broad array of clients from China, Japan, Korea and across Asia-Pacific, including both multinationals and smaller, emerging companies. The firm has a strong reputation in the market for its regular involvement in major cross-border and domestic transactions. In Beijing, former counsel Annie Yan, who advises companies and investment funds on M&A and private equity transactions, was promoted to partner in July 2023, while former practice leader Howard Zhang joined IDG Capital in the same month. The principal contacts in Hong Kong are Miranda So and Yang Chu.

Practice head(s):

Miranda So; Yang Chu; Annie Yan


Other key lawyers:

Jie Zhang


Testimonials

‘Diversified, full-service, top-level international law firm with extensive APAC practices.’

Eversheds Sutherland

Acting for both international and local clients, Eversheds Sutherland‘s Greater China corporate team handles complex cross-border matters in Hong Kong, Mainland China and throughout Asia. Shanghai managing partner Jack Cai heads the firm’s China inbound M&A team; Beijing managing partner and China corporate head Jay Ze is an energy, natural resources and infrastructure sector specialist; and at of counsel level, Richard Cao in Shanghai maintains a broad corporate practice. In Hong Kong, Charles Butcher heads the M&A and private equity team in Asia, while Dickson Ng is the Hong Kong office’s head of corporate as of May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Charles Butcher; Dickson Ng; Jack Cai; Jay Ze


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Mok; Roderick Lai


Key clients

Baird Capital


BioNTech


Busy Bees


CGN Energy International (CGNEI)


China Southern Power Grid International


EDOTCO Group


EuroEyes


G4S


Helly Hansen


JAS Worldwide


New World Group


NWS Holdings Limited


Specsavers


SSW Partners


Store Friendly Self Storage Group


Swire Group


TOM Group Limited


TE Connectivity Corporation


Vega Global


VFS Global


Work highlights


  • Advising SSW Partners on the Chinese and Korean aspects of the sale of Veoneer’s global active safety business to Magna International Inc. for US$1.525bn.
  • Advising Store Friendly Self Storage Group on its joint ventures with Partners Group in Singapore and Blackstone in Hong Kong for the establishment of large-scale self-storage platforms.
  • Advising China Southern Power Grid International (HK) Co., Limited on the investment, design, construction, operation, maintenance and financing of a large transmission project in Chile.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s China practice advises on a range of high-profile transactions, including complex M&A deals involving multiple jurisdictions. The team is also well known for take-private transactions of US and Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies, as well as US and Hong Kong public company deals. Other areas of strength are restructuring, foreign direct investments involving China, and acquisitions and sales in Europe. In Beijing, Fang Xue‘s ‘great experience of China, but also of Western cultures, is a valuable asset‘, while Yi Zhang, who works across the Beijing and Hong Kong offices, focuses on China corporate work.

Practice head(s):

Fang Xue


Other key lawyers:

Yi Zhang


Testimonials

‘Very business oriented, responsive and efficient.’

‘Fang Xue works closely with clients and is always very careful to defend their interests.’

‘Fang Xue is always very clear, pragmatic and straight to the point – her great experience of China, but also of Western cultures, is a valuable asset when conducting discussions and negotiations.’

Key clients

NetEase


General Electric


Tarena


O2Micro


Special Committee of China Index Holdings


Macquarie


SINA Corporation


D. E. Shaw


JPMorgan


CPE Advisors


Ruhnn Holding


Robert Bosch


AGIC Capital


Huamao Property Holdings


Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP acts for both Chinese and international clients on their China-related M&A transactions, and through the firm’s joint operation with Kewei Law Firm (where Gavin Guo is a key international partner), the practice provides PRC law advice. It additionally houses sector specialists in TMT, energy, pharmaceuticals and real estate, along with education, manufacturing, infrastructure and transport. Nanda Lau is head of corporate in China and specialises in cross-border M&A transactions, foreign direct investment, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. In Hong Kong, Matt Emsley is China managing partner, while Jason Sung is Asia M&A head.

Practice head(s):

Matt Emsley; Jason Sung


Other key lawyers:

Nanda Lau; Gavin Guo


Key clients

Axiata Group Berhad


Shunfeng International Clean Energy Limited (“SFCE”)


Lagardère Travel Retail (LTR)


Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation Limited (Keppel T&T)


Ge Lian


Link Real Estate Investment Trust


Wearnes-StarChase Limited


GIC Private Ltd


Iron Mountain Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Blackstone in relation to its acquisition of a majority stake in Emerson’s Climate Technologies.
  • Advised Hua Hong Semiconductor Limited on the establishment of a joint venture with other state-owned enterprises, including China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund II.
  • Advised Wearnes on the sale of its entire interest in StarChase Motorsports Limited to China MeiDong Auto Holdings Limited.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP‘s China team is consistently sought out by public and private companies to advise on high-stakes M&A deals. The multidisciplinary team comprises specialists in public and private M&A, capital markets, finance, private funds and other transactional practices, and it is particularly active in SPAC M&A transactions. The practice is jointly led from the Hong Kong office by Pierre-Luc Arsenault, Joey ChauDavid Patrick Eich and Paul Guan, alongside Gary LiNicholas NorrisJesse SheleyPeng Yu and David Zhang.

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Luc Arsenault; Joey Chau; David Patrick Eich; Paul Guan; Gary Li; Nicholas Norris; Jesse Sheley; Peng Yu; David Zhang


Testimonials

Expert knowledge, deep experience, and commercial and solutions focused.

Key clients

JD Property Group Corporation


The audit committee of the board of directors of RISE Education


CICC


Alkegen


Voyager Innovations


Power Heritage Group


SciClone Pharmaceuticals (Holdings) Limited


PCCW


The special committee of the board of directors of LAIX Inc.


COFCO Beverages (CCBMH) Limited


EQONEX Limited


Bain Capital


L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp.


Asia Innovations Group Limited


Poema Global Holdings Corp.


TH International Limited


Artisan Acquisition Corp.


Hypebeast Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised JD Property Group Corporation on its acquisition of a controlling interest in, and the related takeover of, China Logistics Property Holdings Co.
  • Advised the audit committee of the board of directors of RISE Education on RISE Education’s merger with Dada Auto Inc.
  • Advised TH International on its business combination with Silver Crest Acquisition Corporation.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s China M&A team routinely works alongside the firm’s capital markets, regulatory, labour, litigation and antitrust groups on major transactions. The M&A practice also fields sector experts in life sciences, energy, technology, retail and fintech, as well as financial services, healthcare, automotive and transportation. Splitting his time between Beijing and Hong Kong, Ning Zhang regularly advises on mega-value M&A deals, while Alex Wang assists with a range of corporate transactions. Maurice Hoo leads the corporate, M&A and private equity practice in Hong Kong, where Edwin Luk is global co-leader of the firm’s corporate and securities group.

Practice head(s):

Ning Zhang; Alex Wang; Maurice Hoo; Edwin Luk


Other key lawyers:

Connie Cheung


Key clients

Sequoia Capital


GIC


Silk Road Fund


NIO Capital


Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation


J.S. Held


TAIT Towers


Warburg Pincus


Boehringer Ingelheim


Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s corporate and M&A team has a notable track record in large-ticket deals with complex regulatory aspects. The practice was recently active in transactions involving the fintech, InsurTech, manufacturing, and banking and finance sectors. It also routinely advises on deals concerning energy, mining and infrastructure, along with logistics and food. The team’s principal advisers are corporate, regulatory and compliance specialist Sun Hong; head of China outbound Jerry Li, who has longstanding energy, resource and infrastructure industry expertise; and projects expert Tom Luckock.

Practice head(s):

Sun Hong; Jerry Li; Tom Luckock


Key clients

CrowdOut Capital


IMI plc


HSBC Insurance (Asia) Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised a multinational financial institution group on its strategic investment into a Chinese insurtech firm.
  • Advised CrowdOut Capital on its acquisition of Sourceability, a global distributor of electronic components with offices in China.
  • Advised a German manufacturing group on the restructuring of its Asia business, involving several Chinese subsidiaries and business operations in mainland China, Hong Kong and India.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP’s China corporate and M&A team is particularly active in outbound acquisitions, including major TMT, fintech, life sciences and real estate sector transactions. On the Mainland, David S Wang is a specialist in M&A, private equity, joint ventures and capital markets; Jia Yan is a corporate and M&A expert; and Sophie Han advises on cross-border corporate transactions, outbound and inbound investments, and M&A in China. Of counsel Tianze Ma also maintains an active corporate practice. Raymond Li, Vivian Lam and Fang Pei are the key names in Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

David S Wang; Jia Yan; Raymond Li; Vivian Lam; Fang Pei


Other key lawyers:

Sophie Han; Tianze Ma


Key clients

COSCO Shipping


CDH Investments


Fosun International


Binance


WH Group


Bain Capital


GenScript Biotech Corporation


Probio Technology Limited


BeijingShouhuan


NewQuest Capital


Impro


Work highlights


  • Advised Beijing Shouhuan, a consortium of four state-owned companies, on the establishment of Beijing Universal Resort.
  • Advised MultiMetaVerse on the completion of its $300m business combination with Model Performance Acquisition Corp.
  • Advised GenScript Biotech, and its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Probio Technology, on Probio’s Series C financing.

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Working from the Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong offices, Shearman & Sterling LLP‘s China corporate and M&A practice regularly acts for large Chinese SOEs, financial institutions and corporations on headline deals. The team has a notable track record in deals involving the TMT, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy and resources sectors. Li Chen has expertise covering M&A, corporate and private equity matters in Greater China, along with China-related investments around the world, and Sean Wang is an energy M&A specialist; both divide their time between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Hong Kong-based Lorna Chen is a corporate and private equity expert.

Practice head(s):

Li Chen; Lorna Chen; Sean Wang


Other key lawyers:

Wanda Woo; Weina Guan


Key clients

China National Petroleum Company International/PetroChina


China National Petroleum Corporation Exploration & Development Company (CNODC)


Investcorp


invoX Pharma Limited


KME SE


PTT Public Company Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised KME SE on the sale of its equity interest in a Hong Kong-based joint venture with Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group, one of the world’s largest precise copper tube manufacturers.
  • Advised CNODC/CNPC International on the JV formation, asset acquisition and restructuring of the Rumaila oil field project in Iraq.
  • Advised invoX Pharma Limited on its acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of F-star Therapeutics.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

With ‘a reputation for being a great M&A firm in China‘, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is best known for its advice to corporate and financial sponsor clients on big-ticket cross-border acquisitions, mergers, takeovers, privatisations and disposals. The team also acts on distressed M&A, spin-offs and joint ventures in Greater China. It additionally has notable industry expertise in growth sectors such as e-commerce, media, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, and next generation infrastructure and technology. China practice head Charles Ching, who has ‘unmatched knowledge‘, regularly acts for Chinese clients on large, cross-border M&A transactions, while counsel Yujing Liu is a ‘well-rounded M&A lawyer‘.

Practice head(s):

Charles Ching


Other key lawyers:

Yujing Liu; Kenny Yu


Testimonials

‘Extremely professional and very experienced M&A lawyers.’

‘Fully dedicated and committed team.’

‘Weil has a reputation for being a great M&A firm in China, with deep cross-border knowledge and execution capability. Diversity also stands out as a highlight.’

‘Charles Ching stands out as a great partner – he has unmatched knowledge in both Chinese and international private equity and the M&A market.’

‘Yujing Liu is a very knowledgeable and well-rounded M&A lawyer. Always available and has excellent client management skills.’

‘Yujing Liu is a very experienced lawyer.’

‘A small team but extremely efficient, particularly at the senior level.’

‘Kenny Yu and Charles Ching are two rare finds in the Mainland legal market that really possess the most important skills clients expect from senior attorneys at a top-tier international legal platform, namely: language skills (truly bilingual); commercial awareness; and most importantly, strong drafting capabilities.’

Key clients

Advent International


Alibaba Group


Citigroup Asia


CK Assets


Gores Guggenheim Inc.


Hillhouse Capital


TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy (formerly known as Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor, TZS)


TPG Growth


Work highlights


  • Advised TCL Zhonghuan Renewable on its $207m investment (in the form of a convertible bond) into Maxeon Solar Technologies.
  • Advised Advent International on its leveraged acquisition of a controlling stake in Shanghai Wagas, a Chinese health food and bakery chain.
  • Advised Advent International on its investment in LBS Group, a pest control operation and hygiene solutions provider in Greater China.

Ashurst

Ashurst‘s Greater China corporate transactions team is experienced in cross-border inbound and outbound M&A, joint ventures and private equity. It also advises on governance and regulatory issues across jurisdictions. In Shanghai, Michael Sheng specialises in China-related foreign direct investments and M&A, while corporate partner Yan Yuan is a June 2022 hire from Clifford Chance LLP, and Dan Yang is the key name in Beijing. The Asia corporate transactions practice is co-led by Joshua Cole and Frank Bi from Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Frank Bi; Joshua Cole


Other key lawyers:

Michael Sheng; Yan Yuan; Dan Yang; Chin Yeoh


Testimonials

Good industry knowledge and good partner-level attention.’

‘Chin Yeoh’s team has good industry knowledge, while Chin puts in the effort personally to ensure that matters are under control. He is also flexible on fees.’

Key clients

Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook)


Walsin Lihwa Corporation


Lightstorm Telecom Connectivity Private Limited


Optiver


New Vision Capital Markets Limited


Dongfeng Motor Group Company Limited


Tencent Holdings Limited


Sojitz Corporation


Mitsui & Co., Ltd.


Partners Capital


Singlife Philippines Inc.


Acclime


Heitman Global Real Estate Holdings L.P.


Work highlights


  • Advised Walsin Lihwa on its joint venture with NKT HV Cables AB to construct the first subsea power cable factory in Taiwan.
  • Advised Dongfeng Motor Group Company on its acquisition of a 29.9% equity interest in Dongfeng Automobile Co.
  • Advised Tencent on overseas digital economy sector investments.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird‘s China practice fields sector experts in aviation, energy, automotive, life sciences, sports, retail, technology and manufacturing. Recent highlights include advising Chinese electric car company Human Horizons on its strategic market entry into Europe. Focused on advising Chinese state-owned enterprises and private companies on entering overseas markets, John Shi leads the Asia-Pacific corporate group from Beijing, where Sarah Zeng and James Gong are also key corporate partners. Shanghai-based Sven-Michael Werner has longstanding experience of advising multinational companies that conduct business in China.

Practice head(s):

John Shi


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Zeng; James Gong; Sven-Michael Werner


Key clients

Shanghai Alliance Investment Co., Ltd.


NORINCO International Cooperation Ltd


Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co., Ltd.


Xizi United Holding Corporation


Human Horizons


Work highlights


  • Advised Shanghai Alliance Investment Co on its German subsidiary KLEO Connect’s satellites businesses and operations, in relation to corporate governance and joint venture issues.
  • Advised NORINCO International Cooperation on setting up a new holding company/structure for its renewable energy investment projects in Central and Eastern Europe.
  • Advised Human Horizons, a Chinese company based in Shanghai that makes electric cars and develops autonomous driving technology, on its strategic market entry into Europe.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s longstanding China M&A team regularly acts for multinational and Chinese corporations, Hong Kong-listed entities, and international and domestic private equity firms on headline deals. The client base also includes sovereign wealth funds. The practice advises on a range of high-end transactional matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, mergers and joint ventures. Working across Beijing and Hong Kong, Denise Shiu‘s recent experience includes assisting DCP Capital with a minority investment in the Chinese operations of Jamieson Wellness.

Practice head(s):

Denise Shiu


Other key lawyers:

Wei Fang


Key clients

Brookfield Asset Management


DCP Capital


Hillhouse


L Catterton


Lenovo Group Limited


Morgan Stanley Private Equity


PAG Asia


Temasek Holdings


TPG


Work highlights


  • Advised Lenovo Group Limited on the establishment of a strategic partnership with PCCW Limited to create a technology solutions business in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Advised Best Assistant Education Online Limited, a subsidiary of NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited, on its agreement and plan of merger with Gravitas Education Holdings Inc.
  • Advised DCP Capital on a minority investment in the Chinese operations of Jamieson Wellness Inc., as well as a PIPE investment in Jamieson Wellness.

CMS

The expertise of CMS‘ corporate and M&A team encompasses M&A deals, joint ventures, restructuring, spin-offs and IPOs, as well as corporate finance and compliance. Shanghai office managing partner and corporate team leader Ulrike Glueck delivers ‘excellent work results‘, and in Beijing, Falk Lichtenstein advises on cross-border M&A transactions, foreign direct investments and restructuring. Principal counsel and corporate law practitioner Kevin Wang, whose experience includes working as legal director for a Chinese electric vehicle company, re-joined the firm in Shanghai in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Ulrike Glueck


Other key lawyers:

Falk Lichtenstein; Kevin Wang; Michael Munzinger


Testimonials

‘Able to work tri-lingually (in German, Chinese and English). Very good value for money, very good understanding of clients’ needs, and highly pragmatic.’

‘Comes up with creative and practical solutions.’

‘Ulrike Glueck is highly responsive and highly experienced – she has great industry knowledge and excellent work results.’

Key clients

Bruker Corporation


SARIA Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Bruker Corporation on its acquisition of a stake in Swiss firm Tofwerk.
  • Advised the SARIA Group on its public takeover of the global Devro Group.

K&L Gates

Working across Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, K&L Gates‘ corporate and M&A team focuses on restructurings, joint ventures, private equity, venture capital and public M&A. The team’s sector expertise covers automotive, energy, infrastructure and resources, and financial services and fintech. It is also active in deals involving healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology and transportation. Corporate law specialist Frank Voon splits his time between Beijing and Hong Kong, and in Shanghai Simon Poh focuses on cross-border M&A, while Max Gu‘s practice covers cross-border business deals and private equity investments.

Practice head(s):

Frank Voon


Other key lawyers:

Simon Poh; Max Gu; Yujing Shu; Chloe Duan


Testimonials

‘A very efficient team.’

‘Attentive and with great business acumen.’

‘Great attention to detail while keeping the big picture in mind.’

‘More efficient than other firms and have great commercial sense.’

‘Aware of what terms impact clients’ business most and prioritises effectively. ’

‘Delivers great value for money.’

Key clients

Antalpha Holdings Limited


Aigens Holdings Inc.


CBX Limited


DIC Corporation


DiDi Chuxing


GP Industries Limited


Luye Pharma


Silicon Motion


Taiwan Liposome


Wolfspeed, Inc. (formerly known as Cree, Inc.)


Work highlights


  • Advised Silicon Motion Technology Corporation on entering into a $3.8bn cross-border take-private acquisition with MaxLinear.
  • Advised DIC Corporation on the acquisition of two chemicals manufacturers in the PRC through asset and equity acquisitions.
  • Advised Wolfspeed, Inc on the sale of its global LED business to SMART Global Holdings, Inc.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Fielding M&A specialists from offices in Hong Kong and Beijing, Latham & Watkins LLP's Greater China lawyers routinely advise on high-profile corporate and M&A transactions. Clients also benefit from the group’s ability to leverage the firm’s enviable capital markets and banking and finance expertise for major deals.  Simon Cooke heads the Asia private equity practice from Hong Kong. Frank Sun and Stephen Shi are also key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Simon Cooke


Other key lawyers:

Jason Zhao; Frank Sun; Stephen Shi


Key clients

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation


Trustar Capital (formerly known as CITIC Capital Partners)


Warburg Pincus Asia LLC


Tencent Holdings Limited


China Jinmao Holdings Group Limited


Binance Holdings Limited


Sinotrans Limited


Platinum Equity


The Carlyle Group


Bilibili


O'Melveny

O'Melveny‘s corporate and M&A practice in China covers private and public M&A, joint ventures, growth investments and leveraged acquisitions. Other areas of strength are private equity buyouts, going-private transactions, carve-outs and spin-offs. The team is particularly sought out by biopharma and biotech companies for both inbound and outbound investments, while its sector expertise extends to real estate, automotive, entertainment and TMT. Walker Wallace is Shanghai office managing partner, and Ke Geng heads up the firm’s Beijing office.

Practice head(s):

Walker Wallace; Ke Geng


Key clients

Acotec Scientific


Lazada and Alibaba


China Vast


Go 1


Fang Holdings


ITCS Group


China Real Estate Limited (CCRE)


Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.


111.com


Pharmaron Beijing Co., Limited


U.S. IOL, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Acotec Scientific Holdings Limited on a voluntary partial offer by Boston Scientific Group.
  • Advised Lazada, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding, on its $375m equity investment in PT Elang Andalan Nusantara.
  • Advised China Vast Industrial Urban Development on its privatisation by China Jinmao Holdings Group and delisting from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Pinsent Masons

Pinsent Masons‘ Shanghai team is experienced in advising Chinese and multinational companies on China inbound and outbound M&A and private equity deals. Wei Liu‘s recent workload includes transactions in the energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail and real estate sectors; Amanda Yao is a cross-border M&A expert; and Richard Feller‘s representative experience covers investments in South East Asia, South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The practice of legal director Michael Lin includes mining, green energy and automotive-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Wei Liu; Amanda Yao


Other key lawyers:

Richard Feller; Michael Lin; Ginger Zhou; Leo Xin


Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP’s China M&A team acts for PRC businesses involved in outbound investments and offshore transactions, in addition to assisting foreign clients that invest in Mainland China. Eric Lin, who works across Beijing and Hong Kong, is an international M&A specialist; Jay Yan advises on cross-border investments; and Amy Yinprovides a fast and high-quality service‘. In October 2022, Barbara Li, who specialises in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, strategic alliances and foreign direct investments, joined from Rui Bai Law Firm.

Practice head(s):

Eric Lin


Other key lawyers:

Jay Yan; Amy Yin; Barbara Li


Testimonials

Amy Yin provides a fast and high-quality service.’

‘Clients really appreciate the efficiency of the team.’

Cuatrecasas

In line with the firm’s focus on Spain, Portugal and Latin America, the China corporate practice of Cuatrecasas predominantly acts for Spanish and Portuguese companies on major transactions in China. The team is also increasingly involved in outbound Chinese operations and investments into EMEA. An early 2023 hire from Carpag, Sandra Costas specialises in cross-border business transactions, while Pablo Cubel‘s recent sector experience covers renewable energy, waste management and sports.

Practice head(s):

Sandra Costas; Pablo Cubel


Key clients

CHINA THREE GORGES


LABORATORIOS ISDIN


LABORATOIRES DERMATOLOGIQUES D’URIAGE SAS


SEIDOR SOLUTIONS S.L.


ALIBABA


ARTECHE SMART GRID SOCIEDAD LIMITADA


MARTICO VALENCIA SL


LUCTA (GUANGZHOU) FLAVOURS CO. LTD.


ABASIC SA


ALDESA GROUP (CHINA RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION)


Work highlights


  • Advised Three Gorges on acquiring three photovoltaic solar energy projects in Spain.
  • Advised Isdin on its establishment and daily operations in China, including assisting with regulatory, e-commerce, tax and compliance matters.
  • Advised Abasic (Desigual) on the negotiation and set-up of a joint venture company in China.

Dechert LLP

Dechert‘s China practice has recently been instructed on approximately 100 different corporate matters, most of which involved multi-jurisdictional aspects and complex regulatory issues. Team leader Yang Wang, who divides his time between Beijing and Hong Kong, is experienced in cross-border acquisitions, as well as private equity and venture capital investments.

Practice head(s):

Yang Wang


Key clients

Yue Xiu Enterprises (Holdings) Limited


Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Limited


Yuexiu Property


Yuexiu Services


SML Group


China Financial Services


MIE Holdings Corporation


Nocturne Acquisition


TAG Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised TAG Holdings Limited on a $555m cross-border SPAC merger with AGBA Acquisition Limited, a BVI-incorporated, Hong Kong-based, Nasdaq-listed SPAC company.
  • Advised Nocturne Acquisition, a Nasdaq-listed SPAC company backed by a Hong Kong-based investment firm, on signing a definitive business combination with Cognos Therapeutics, a medical technology firm.
  • Advised Yuexiu Transport, as Hong Kong counsel, on the reconstruction and expansion project of its GNSR Expressway.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

The China practice of France-headquartered Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. covers day-to-day corporate issues, M&A, joint ventures, reorganisations and corporate structuring. The team also assists with financings, liquidations and corporate governance. David Boitout is a merger, joint venture and cross-border acquisition specialist; Fan Jiannian is Shanghai office head; and Guo Min oversees the Beijing office.

Practice head(s):

David Boitout; Fan Jiannian; Guo Min


Testimonials

The team has a great availability. Gide is both an international and French law firm. The Chinese office has this culture and it renders the communication with their clients (notably French) very easy.

Jiannian Fan has very good knowledge of the Chinese environment and is very available. He is also fluent in French and knows French civil law. Such skills improve communication and the understanding of issues from French clients. Generally speaking the quality of his services and advice is excellent. He provides his clients with a clear view of the different problems and has a pragmatic approach.

Key clients

ADEO SERVICES


AIR LIQUIDE


BEL


DATAWORDS


MF BRANDS


ICICLE


IPSEN


LEGRAND


STERIMED


VALLOUREC


Work highlights


  • Advised Adeo Services on the sale of 100% of the equity in Leroy Merlin Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd and the transfer of its property in Beijing to Ministorage Investment V Limited.
  • Advised BEL, a major European player in healthy fruit and dairy single-serving portion snacking, on its acquisition of 70% of Shandong Junjun Cheese’s share capital.
  • Advised Sterimed, one of the world’s leading suppliers of sterile devices packaging, on the acquisition of Fujian Jinyu New Material Technology.

LPA-CGR

The Shanghai office of full-service French law firm LPA-CGR is co-led by Fanny Nguyen, who routinely acts for international clients on establishment issues, cross-border transactions and negotiations with the Chinese authorities, and Hubert Bazin, an adviser to French and European groups on acquisitions of Chinese companies, joint ventures and partnership agreements.

Practice head(s):

Hubert Bazin; Fanny Nguyen


Other key lawyers:

Henrick Emeriau


Key clients

Ariane Group


Aden Services


Altavia


Unither Pharmaceuticals


Trescal Group


Dentressangle


Groupe SEB


Somfy


Seqens


Florentaise


APEM


Amarenco


Limestra


Alten


Invivo Agrosciences


Carlipa


Nishimura & Asahi

The China practice group of Japan’s largest law firm Nishimura & Asahi covers substantial cross-border M&A transactions, due diligence, regulatory approvals, joint ventures, investments and antitrust issues. It also assists major Japanese clients that establish subsidiaries in China. The practice’s principal figures are Shanghai-based Takashi Nomura and Azusa Nakashima in Beijing.

Practice head(s):

Takashi Nomura; Azusa Nakashima


Other key lawyers:

Satoshi Tojo; Masashi Shiga; Seita Kinoshita


Key clients

RS Technologies Co., Ltd.


Chuwa Bussan Co., Ltd.


Beijing Bytedance Technology Co., Ltd.


Honda Motor Co., Ltd.


Ichikara Inc.


Eton Systems AB


Mitsubishi Materials Corporation


Hitachi Capital Management (China) Ltd.


Showa Denko K.K.


Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


Nippon Steel Corporation


Mazda Motor Corporation


ORIX Corporation


Daikin Industries, Ltd.


Toyobo Co., Ltd.


T Capital Partners Co., Ltd.


Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised RS Technologies Co., Ltd on the preparations for the Chinese listing of its Chinese subsidiary, GRINM Semiconductor Materials Co.
  • Advising Beijing Bytedance Technology Co on general corporate matters.
  • Served as lead counsel to Daikin on its acquisition of Duplomatic MS and Duplomatic’s global subsidiaries.

Taylor Wessing LLP Beijing Representative Office

Taylor Wessing LLP Beijing Representative Office advises on both foreign direct investments into China and Chinese companies’ investments into Europe. Areas of sector growth include automotive and mobility, engineering and high-tech, and life sciences and healthcare. Christoph Hezel heads the Beijing office, where Johnny Zhao is an automotive industry expert.

Other key lawyers:

Christoph Hezel; Johnny Zhao; Kai Kim


Key clients

Bohai Automotive


ECOVACS Robotics


FC Bayern Munich


Fraport


Great Wall Motors


JD.com


LiangDao


Penn Color Inc.


Quectel Wireless Solutions


Shenzhen Goodix Technology


STEMCELL Technologies


Work highlights


  • Advised Fraport AG, the owner and manager of Frankfurt Airport, on the sale of its stake in Xi’an Airport in Central China.
  • Advising Shanghai-based Quectel Wireless Solutions on its expansion into the German market to operate as a global IoT solutions provider for the automotive industry.
  • Advising Suzhou-headquartered ECOVACS Robotics on a complex internal restructuring project.