Fangda Partners > Guangzhou, China > Firm Profile

Fangda Partners > The Legal 500 Rankings

China > Antitrust and competition: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners has a market-leading antitrust and competitions practice, which specialises in merger control, investigations, antitrust litigation, and strategic and operational counselling. Specifically, in light of the amendments to the Anti-Monopoly Law of China in 2022, the firm has been providing counselling to clients on compliance with the amended Anti-Monopoly Law, particularly in implementing and coordinating compliance audits and programs and ensuring the compliance of new business models. Caroline Huang excels in merger filings, administration investigations, and compliance reviews. The well-regarded Michael Han is regularly instructed on a range of high-profile matters including merger control, competition litigation, and strategic and operational counselling.

China > Banking and finance: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners is a market-leading firm in the banking and finance area, with a strong client base of domestic and international banks, including Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank. Practice co-head Zheng Xie has over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance field; he specialises in cross-border acquisition finance, syndicated lending, trade finance, foreign exchange and financial regulatory issues. Co-head Stanley Chen also has an active banking and finance practice, recently acting as lead partner for GLP on its onshore loan facility agreement and offshore facility agreement with CIP V Singapore Holdings. Joyce Zhou is also noted for her expertise in acquisition, debt and structured financing, while associate Harry Xu provides key support.

China > Capital markets: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners is a leading firm in the capital markets arena which is widely recognised for its experience in complex, high-profile A-share IPOs, material assets restructurings and public M&A. The firm boasts a strong client base in a variety of sectors, including TMT, healthcare and biotech. In addition to equity, the firm has a strong team which covers the full range of debt securities offerings and related transactions. Leo Lou leads the equity capital markets team in Shanghai, while Xueyan Jiang, Christine Chen and Dong Wu lead the Beijing equity capital markets team, the debt capital markets practice and the asset-backed securities teams, respectively. Jeffrey Ding, who has significant experience of advising international clients, and Michael Qi are also important partners to note, while counsel Helen Zhao provides key support in cross-border matters.

China > Corporate and M&A: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners is a popular choice for highly complex private equity M&A and commercial transactions for clients in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, and technology. Norman Zhong splits his time between Shanghai and Hong Kong; he recently advised FFH on its joint acquisition (with Bank of China) of the village bank portfolio from a major PRC bank, and fifteen village banks from China Development Bank. Zhong jointly leads the Shanghai team with Miles Ma, who recently advised Blackstone on its acquisition of Shya Hsin’s cosmetics packaging business. Zhong and Ma are supported by a strong team including Beijing-based Jeffery Ding and Michael Han who also has notable experience in Chinese competition matters relating to M&A and joint ventures.

China > Data protection: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners excels in advising major MNCs, SOEs and private companies on a range of data protection and cybersecurity related issues. The firm is well versed in handling complex and high-profile data protection matters including advisory work, criminal defence to administrative enforcement, and data breach responses. The team also regularly assists clients with setting up data compliance programs and helping them overcome regulatory setbacks in complex transactions, financing, and IPOs. Practice head Kate Yin heads the team from Beijing, excelling at cross border issues and internal investigations. She is joined by Gil Zhang who utilises his corporate background to advise clients on global GDPR compliance projects and local data compliance programs. Other key members are Shanghai-based Sherman Deng who specialises in data governance, and associates Huihui Li, Patrick Guo, and Katharina Zhang who assist on all matters.  

China > Dispute resolution: Arbitration: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners‘ arbitration practice delivers ‘comprehensive solutions quickly and when clients need them the most‘. The dispute resolution team, which comprises over 31 partners, handles a wide range of matters, including banking, energy, financial services, healthcare and manufacturing-related arbitrations. The team also acts in media, pharmaceutical, real estate, retail, technology, mining and telecoms disputes. The practice is co-led by Nuo Ji, who acts as an arbitrator for CIETAC, SHIAC and SCIA, and Helen Shi, whose track record includes oil and gas, finance, aircraft, industrial leasing and construction disputes. The team also features international trade, IP and dispute resolution specialist Daniel Huang; international commercial arbitration expert Ming Kang; Yanhua Lin, who regularly handles emergency arbitration proceedings and applications for interim measures; and Yang Liu, whose experience includes energy, real estate, international trade, technology and joint venture-related conflicts. Sijia Li and Yongqi Tao are experienced counsels.

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: PRC firms Tier 1

Fielding over 31 dispute resolution partners from offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Fangda Partners‘ dispute resolution team ‘handles disputes very well‘. The litigation practice routinely acts for Chinese companies in parallel proceedings, offshore legal actions, and cross-border legal proceedings. The team is additionally able to leverage the expertise of its corporate, finance and competition law colleagues. The group is co-led by Nuo Ji, who represents both multinationals and large Chinese companies in high-stakes commercial disputes, and arbitration specialists Helen Shi and Hong-Kong based Peter Yuen. Other key figures are Daniel Huang, who specialises in dispute resolution, along with international trade and IP; Peibing Qi, an expert in financial, construction, real estate, product liability and commercial contract-related disputes; commercial cross-border dispute resolution practitioner Weiguo Yang; and Allan Chen, who acts in disputes over corporate governance and financial services. At counsel level, Qian Luo maintains an active commercial disputes practice.

China > Intellectual property: PRC firms

One of the few firms in China with an established IP appellate litigation and advocacy practice, Fangda Partners‘ enviable track record includes numerous appearances before both the country's provincial high courts and PRC Supreme Court. On the non-contentious side, the practice covers domestic and cross-border deals involving procurements, acquisitions, assignments, licensing, brands, patents and copyright. The team is co-led by renowned IP litigator Alexandra Yang and former Shanghai High People’s Court judge, James Hu. The department further includes IP infringement and anti-counterfeiting specialist Richard Lin; Fang Qi, an adviser to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, petrochemical, telecoms, and manufacturing companies; and Hans She, whose experience covers high profile non-contentious proceedings. Also key to the group, Claudia Yun assists with IP-related transactional and litigation work, while Tingting Liao predominantly focuses on patent litigation and invalidation matters, as well as trade secret disputes. The counsels to note are Christine Dong and Lin Qin.

China > Investment funds: PRC firms Tier 1

The 'professional, timely and efficient' team at Fangda Partners has a sterling market reputation for structuring, negotiating and documenting RMB-denominated private equity funds. The practice advises a range of private investment firms, ranging from first-time funds, independent boutiques and institutionally-sponsored private equity businesses, to multi-strategy alternative asset firms and financial institutions that invest in Greater China. Dividing his time between Beijing and Hong Kong, investment funds head Richard Guo advises clients on the structuring, restructuring, formation and operation of alternative investment products, including private equity and co-investment funds, as well as funds of funds, corporate venture funds and separately managed accounts. Providing key support, Zhen Chen specialises in investment funds, private equity and investment management; and Candy Tang is a private equity fund formation, compliance, and asset management expert. In Hong Kong, Flora Qian focuses on both fund formation and downstream investments, while Yue Zhang advises on USD-denominated fund formations.

China > Labour and employment: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners covers the full of array of employment and labour law work, from contentious issues such as wrongful termination and trade secrets disputes to non-contentious work including restructuring projects, labour migration and HR policy implementation. The firm is also recommended for conduct investigations regarding fraud, corruption and behavioural workplace misconduct. Major clients include LinkedIn, Ikea and the Hong Kong Airport Authority. Bo Zhou, a specialist in both employee transfer issues and labour arbitration and litigation, leads the team. He is supported by further key members of the team Lisa Zhao, who handles the full breadth of internal HR matters, and the Guangzhou based Ivan Su.

China > Life sciences and healthcare: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners offers an extensive life sciences and healthcare focussed team representing an array of medical technology companies and investors, both PRC and multinational. The team is particularly recommended for its expertise in financing and fundraisings. Practice head Josh Shin is expert on regulatory-related issues including R&D, clinical trials, HGRAC regulation and patient centric transformation. Kate Yin is recommended for handling investigations work in the healthcare space, covering anti-bribery, accounting fraud, securities law, conflict of interest, trade secrets and data security. IP expert Fang Qi, antitrust investigations specialist Michael Han and the M&A and foreign investment focussed Diana Li are also central to the team. Henry He, who joined the firm from C-Stone Pharmaceuticals in January 2023, is a further key name.

China > Private equity: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners represent major global and PRC sponsors in their Chinese private equity investments, handling all kinds of complex transactions that span private and cross-border buyouts, equity and debt investments, portfolio secondaries and co-investments. Chen Bao leads the practice from Beijing, with his practice focusing on multijurisdictional M&A, and PE and venture capital financings. Yingjie Wang is also a key contact in Beijing, servicing a wide range of market participants from financial sponsors and venture capitalists to banks and alternative financing providers. In Shanghai, Helen Fan has extensive experience in the TMT, healthcare, consumer and renewable energy sectors, while Patrick Li is a respected authority on foreign direct investment.

China > Real estate and construction: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners continues to showcase its strength in the real estate sector, advising developers, private equity sponsors, institutional investors, and financial institutions on their regulatory and transactional issues. Transactional matters are where the firm shines, handling both onshore, offshore and cross-border transactions. The Shanghai-based team is sought out for real estate investments, acquisitions and disposals, and commercial leasing. Practice heads Yingying Wang and Stephen Lin are well respected for their real estate expertise. Wang has over 20 years’ experience in real estate, hospitality, construction, and PPP projects, while Lin is known for his skills in overseas real estate investments, M&A, commercial leasing and built-to suit projects. Zhenyu Wang handles cross-border M&A as well as real estate related private equity investments and Frank Fan focuses on real estate acquisitions and disposals as well as hotel management. Amber Wang acts as counsel and assists on all matters.

China > Regulatory/compliance: PRC firms Tier 1

The compliance and regulatory practice at Fangda Partners excels at assisting international and domestic clients with national compliance standards both in China and overseas. The firm has actively assisted the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Commerce on compliance guidelines. Consequently, the team is able to assist on the full gamut of compliance matters such as anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions and export control, environmental protection, and securities regulation. Cross-border proceedings and high-profile government enforcement actions are another strength of the practice. An increasingly busy area for the team is assisting local clients with government enforcements from international governments. Regulatory expert Kate Yin leads the team alongside Benjamin Miao. Yin is especially sought out for her cross border expertise, while Miao represents major international clients in criminal and fraud investigations. Yanjun Zhuang focuses on government enforcement actions and handles criminal litigations for the firm. Corporate compliance matters such as anti-bribery and corruption are handled by Derrick Zhao. Compliance specialist Yingjie Kang was promoted to partner in 2023.

China > TMT: PRC firms Tier 1

Fangda Partners stands out for its comprehensive suite of services catered to tech firms and financial institutions, spanning equity and debt financing, M&A, data protection, network security compliance, anti-monopoly measures, and intellectual property protection. The firm’s expertise embraces a vast scope of the TMT landscape, delving into areas like e-commerce, new media, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and semiconductors. Leading the team are Doris Tang, renowned for her vast experience in TMT-focused private equity, M&A and overseas listings, and Amanda Zhou, who boasts a client portfolio encompassing fledgling TMT startups and industry-leading unicorns. Jeffery Ding and Patrick Li excel in mergers, capital markets, and private equity, while Peng Tan is distinguished for his extensive experience in outbound investments by PRC companies globally.

China > Fintech: PRC firms Tier 2

Led by Amanda Zhou, Chen Bao, Jian Fang, Zhiyi Ren and Kate Yin, Fangda Partners is notably strong in financings and cross-border work involving digital platforms. The team is equally adept at handling M&A work and compliance in the fintech space. Fang has a proven track record of advising on cross-border investments. Lawrence Yuan specialises in acquisition finance, while establishing data compliance programmes is an area of expertise for Gil Zhang. Lily Yan is a popular contact for Chinese enterprises seeking assistance with outbound investments.

China > Restructuring and insolvency: PRC firms Tier 2

The restructuring and insolvency team at Fangda Partners advises on a range of formal bankruptcies, and issues such as investor representation, cross-border bankruptcy and restructuring, bankruptcy administration, and compulsory liquidation administration. The practice is particularly sought out for its cross-border insolvency expertise, being a go-to for offshore creditors, bondholders, liquidators, and administrators. Practice head Nuo Ji is an expert in debt restructuring, investment of distressed assets, and cross-border issues. ‘Rare and outstanding lawyer‘ Kai Li handles all cases involving court appointment as bankruptcy administrators, while litigation specialist Lingqi Wang assists on in-court and out-of-court restructuring.

China > WTO/international trade: PRC firms Tier 2

Providing ‘solid business knowledge and timely feedback‘, Fangda Partners routinely advises large corporations on sanctions and export control laws in China. The team is also sought out by Chinese and foreign companies for day-to-day legal advice; and is frequently mandated for major criminal and administrative enforcement cases involving customs law. The team is jointly led by Kate Yin, who works across the firm’s Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong offices, and is an expert in government enforcement matters, internal investigations and regulatory compliance work; and Shanghai-based Derrick Zhao, who is experienced in assisting domestic and multinational companies with their internal compliance policies. Also key to the team are customs compliance specialist Patrick Xiao, Yingjie Kang, who ‘has profound knowledge‘; and PRC tax expert Yan Zhao. At counsel level, Ginger Jiang is experienced in customs enforcement work, while Samon Sun specialises in economic sanctions, and anti-bribery and anti-corruption.

China > Insurance: PRC firms Tier 3

Fangda Partners‘ broad insurance practice covers regulatory matters such as market access, licensing, product compliance and insurance fund investments. The team also advises on domestic and cross-border transactions, and routinely acts in insurance-related litigation before Mainland China and Hong Kong courts. The practice is co-led from Shanghai by Jian Fang, whose insurance sector experience includes advising a foreign insurance company on the potential establishment of a life insurance joint venture, and regulatory specialist Zhiyi Ren. Over in Beijing, Siyuan Pan is admitted to practise in both the PRC and New York state, while Shanghai-based Lily Yan was recently promoted to partner.

China > Regional coverage: Guangdong Province: Guangzhou and Shenzhen Tier 3

Fangda Partners, with its Guangdong offices, extends a comprehensive range of legal services to clients in the Greater Bay Area. Kate (Yunxia) Yin heads the Guangzhou office, while Claudia (Shaojun) Yun, leading the Shenzhen office, specialises in intellectual property litigation and transactions. In Guangzhou, Judy Tan showcases her proficiency in banking, finance, and aviation finance leasing, handling both domestic and cross-border deals. Additionally, Huanyan Zhang offers expertise in capital markets, guiding Chinese companies through IPOs, investments, and restructuring endeavors, both domestically and internationally.

China > Tax: PRC firms Tier 3

Fangda Partners established its tax practice in August 2021, when it hired PRC tax law specialist Yan Zhao for its Beijing office (as partner and practice head) from King & Wood Mallesons. The tax practice covers a range of areas, including general tax advisory work, and the tax side to M&A deals, restructurings, IPOs, and project financings. It also assists with investment fund-related tax planning, transfer pricing, tax dispute resolution, and tax compliance. Another area of strength is tax advisory and planning services for high-net-worth individuals. Supporting Zhao at senior associate level, Linlin Cao has over a decade of tax law experience.