Fangda Partners > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Fangda Partners
26/F, One Exchange Square
8 CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL
HONG KONG
Hong Kong

Hong Kong > PRC firms in Hong Kong Tier 1

Chinese-headquartered full-service heavyweight Fangda Partners provides ‘insightful and precise guidance’ to Mainland companies across a broad array of transactional, litigation and regulatory activity with a nexus to Hong Kong. Corporate and capital market transactions form the cornerstone of the firm’s offerings, with expertise in navigating clients through complex cross-border debt mandates, private equity transactions, significant M&A activities, and energy projects involving both private and public sectors. Head of corporate, Colin Law‘s ‘ability to provide tailored solutions based on his years of experience’ is appreciated by clients from a range of sectors looking to list on the HKEX (acting for both issuers and underwriters) as well as in relation to the Asian aspects of large cross-border M&A transactions. Splitting her time between Hong Kong and Beijing, Christine Chen handles offshore debt issuances for Chinese state-owned companies from a range of sectors and also excels at advising on “panda bond” issuances for foreign issuers in Mainland China. The ‘exceptional’ Peter Yuen heads up the firm’s litigation and regulatory offering and is noted for his ability to provide ‘an honest and pragmatic piece of advice’, including to clients in conventional litigation and arbitration relating to, inter-alia, shareholders disputes and allegations alleging a breach of fiduciary duties. Joe Zhou is ‘skilled and experienced’ at handling energy and infrastructure projects and is also a key member of the Hong Kong offering that also includes antitrust expert Michael Han.

Practice head(s):

Colin Law; Christine Chen; Peter Yuen; Michael Han; Joe Zhou

Other key lawyers:

Andrew Skudder; Annie Shen; Edward Bong; Xiao Jiang; Christina Fu; Joe Biqing Zhou; Arman Lie; Xiaotong Jia; Alice Zhu; Howard Chan; Jin Wang

Testimonials

‘Due to its excellent professional skills, rich project experience, complete staffing and outstanding customer service awareness, we have established a good business cooperation relationship with the Fangda team in relation to the overseas bond issuance of Chinese local state-owned enterprises.’

Their ability to offer insightful and precise guidance, coupled with efficient communication and prompt responsiveness, distinguishes them as a reliable and valuable asset to clients.’

Colin Law’s deep understanding of client needs and his ability to provide tailored solutions based on his years of experience in capital markets make him a trusted advisor to clients seeking expert legal counsel.’

Peter Yuen is exceptional.’

You can always rely on Peter Yuen to give you an honest and pragmatic piece of advice. He is technically brilliant and has the highest of integrity in the market.’

Xiaotong Jia has a high level of professionalism and can promptly respond to clients’ questions and needs, and solve clients’ problems from a commercial perspective.’

Joe Zhou is skilled and experienced.’

Key clients

unan Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, MUFG Securities Asia Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, UBS AG Hong Kong Branch, Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch, BOCOM International Securities Limited

China CITIC Bank International Limited, China Zheshang Bank Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong Branch), CLSA Limited, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Guosen Securities (HK) Capital Company Limited, Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch, SMBC Nikko Securities (Hong Kong) Limited and other banks

CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company Limited

WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. and WuXi Biologics (Cayman) Inc.

NWTN Inc.

Societe Generale

China Reform Development Investment Co., Ltd.

China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited; China Reform Investment Co., Ltd.; and Champion HOLDING (BVI) CO., LTD

Individuals with beneficial interest in the Uni-Royal group of companies

China Create Capital Limited and Wang Tao; State Frontier Limited and Wang Xu

PAG Asia Capital

Highlight Capital

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.,

Airport Authority Hong Kong

Beijing Capital Eco-Environment Protection Group Co., Ltd.

NWTN Inc.

Jade Bird Display

Work highlights

Hong Kong > Projects and energy Tier 2

Headquartered in Shanghai, Fangda Partners is a name to note in the projects and energy space, with expertise that covers the full range of power, renewables, infrastructure and oil and gas sectors. The team is spearheaded by Shanghai-based Stephen Lin and Joe Biqing Zhou, who splits his time between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Helen Yuxieu Huang has notable experience assisting Chinese clients with outbound power, infrastructure and renewables developments. Michael Tam is recommended for assisting with power plant and infrastructure development, in addition to offshore real estate projects.

Practice head(s):

Joe (Biqing) Zhou; Stephen Lin

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Biqing Zhou is an excellent lawyer, meticulous in her work, quick in response, and provides advice from both a legal and commercial perspective, adapting to the client’s schedule.’

‘Fangda team has performed outstandingly in corporate business, energy, financing and other areas.’

‘Joe Zhou’s team is skilled and experienced, and the cooperation with us is very smooth!’

‘The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and dedicated to getting results. They were always ready to answer my questions and provided sound legal advice.

‘Compared to other firms, Fangda is more personal and agile. They don’t just follow the usual procedures; they adapt and innovate to meet the specific needs of their clients.’

‘The partner is Biqing(Joe) Zhou, he is very responsive and gets things done, great person.’

Key clients

Shanghai Industrial Holdings Limited

Airport Authority Hong Kong

Beijing Capital Eco-Environment Protection Group Co., Ltd.

EDF Renewables (Beijing) Investment Co.,Ltd.

Shenzhen Energy Group

China Merchants Group

Chevron Oronite

Hongkong Electric (Natural Gas) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Shanghai Industrial Holdings Limited (an HKEX-listed company) in its completion of subscription of the exchangeable bonds issued by a shareholder of Canvest Environmental Protection Group Company Limited in the principal amount of HK$1.637 billion.
  • Advising Hong Kong Airport Authority on its landmark development of the Hong Kong International Airport Logistics Park in Dongguan and an airside intermodal cargo handling facility at the Hong Kong International Airport under the sea-air intermodal transhipment initiative.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 3

With a sizeable presence in Hong Kong as well as on the Mainland, Red Circle heavyweight law firm Fangda Partners provides ‘insightful and precise guidance’ to PRC issuers across a variety of fundamental ECM tasks, as well as in public M&A scenarios. The firm leverages its solid foundation in regulatory matters to ensure complex transactions are managed effectively and that listed clients receive continual compliance support as needed. Key to the firm’s success in the area is the work of corporate head Colin Law, who is appreciated for his ability to nurture long lasting client relationships and excels at providing ‘practical and effective solutions’, including to Chinese biotech companies seeking to list on the HKEX.

Practice head(s):

Colin Law

Testimonials

‘What sets the Fangda team apart is their seamless collaboration between senior and junior resources, ensuring a holistic approach to handling complex HKEX regulatory matters.’

‘They are able to provide insightful and precise guidance.’

‘Colin Law’s reputation as a true problem solver is well-earned, as evidenced by his proactive approach to addressing client challenges and his commitment to delivering practical and effective solutions.’

‘What sets Colin Law apart is not only his legal expertise but also his dedication to nurturing long-term client relationships. His engagement, timely response, and willingness to go above and beyond to support project requirements reflect his exceptional work ethic.’

Key clients

WuXi XDC Cayman Inc.

WuXi Biologics

JW (Cayman) therapeutics Co. Ltd.

Jinxin Fertility Group Limited

CStone Pharmaceuticals

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Barclays Capital Asia Limited

OrbiMed Advisor LLC

Softbank Investment Advisers

Haitong International Securities Group Limited

Dongxing Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited

Guotai Junan Capital Limited

Work highlights

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 3

The offering at Fangda Partners specialises in high-value international and regional arbitration, regularly working for high-profile clients in both English and Chinese law. Peter Yuen leads the team, often appearing before the ICC, SCC, LCIA and HKIAC in addition to handling ad hoc arbitrations. Andrew Skudder has particular expertise in commercial and antitrust arbitration, often acting for shipping, TMT and construction clients.

Practice head(s):

Peter Yuen

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Fangda has real expertise in both procedural and substantive Chinese law, and it joins this expertise with commercial savvy and client service. They are responsive and collaborative.’

Work highlights

Hong Kong > Capital markets (debt) Tier 4

China-headquartered full-service firm Fangda Partners utilises its Hong Kong office to good effect for a myriad stakeholders involved in international debt securities offerings, including in the context of investment grade issuances and private placements. The practice has, however, perhaps gained most acclaim for its work for international issuers on onshore bond offerings - so called "panda bonds" - an area that 'very professional and dedicated' PRC and New York-qualified team head Christine Chen (who splits her time between the firm's Beijing and Hong Kong offices) is particularly accomplished.

Practice head(s):

Christine Chen (Beijing/Hong Kong)

Other key lawyers:

Annie Shen

Testimonials

‘The team has extensive project experience and high-level staffing in overseas bond issuance, especially in the overseas bond issuance of local state-owned enterprises.’

‘The team is well-known in the market for its professionalism, dedication, quick response, high customer satisfaction, timely market information updates, accurate understanding of legal and regulatory rules.’

‘Christine Chen is very professional and dedicated. She is experienced and knowledgeable, her suggestions are pertinent, she has high regulatory approval, and her feedback is timely and effective.’

Key clients

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft

Credit Agricole S.A.

BMW China Capital B.V. and BMW AG

Volkswagen International Finance N.V.; Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft

CapitaLand China Trust

International Far Eastern Leasing Co., Ltd.

China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited

Fosun International Securities Limited

China Industrial Securities International Brokerage Limited

Work highlights

Hong Kong > Corporate (including M&A) Tier 4

Fangda Partners houses a broad offering known for its vast experience in handling the full range of corporate issues within the electric vehicles industry. The group routinely represents financial investors and targets. Practice head Colin Law is noted for his deep knowledge of M&A and capital markets issues, including public offerings and listings. Joyce Pei is a key name for public takeovers and joint ventures, often assisting global corporations and private equity funds, while Raymond Chan is recommended for his expertise in strategic investors and pre-IPO investments.

Practice head(s):

Colin Law

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Apollo Future Mobility Group Ltd

China Reform Development Investment Co., Ltd.

China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited

China Reform Investment Co., Ltd.

Champion HOLDING (BVI) CO., LTD

NWTN Inc.

Seazen Group Limited

CNCE Group (Hong Kong) Co., Limited 中化工装备(香港)有限公司

CNCE Industrial Group (Hong Kong) Co., Limited中国化工装备工业集团(香港)有限公司

Societe Generale

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong Limited

Gaw Capital

Alma Lasers Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented Societe Generale as Hong Kong counsel on the merger of its global cash equities and equity research businesses with AllianceBernstein through the formation of a global joint venture.
  • Represented China Reform Development Investment Co., Ltd as Hong Kong and China counsel in its participation as a principal investor in a consortium to take private China Traditional Chinese Medicine Holdings Co. Limited.
  • Advised Champion Holding (BVI) Co., Ltd on its pre-conditional voluntary general cash offer to acquire all the issued shares of CPMC Holdings Limited.

Hong Kong > Private equity Tier 4

The broad offering at Fangda Partners encompasses both public and private buyouts and co-investments; the group regularly acts for both Chinese and international sponsors. Colin Law leads the team with his expertise in tech, healthcare, and biotech transactions, displaying particular expertise in takeovers of public companies. Raymond Chan is a key name for strategic investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Tianyi Chen is noted for his broad knowledge of going-private transactions and cross-border M&A, often advising investment banks and corporations.

Practice head(s):

Colin Law

Other key lawyers:

Raymond Chan; Tianyi Chen; Xiaotong Jia

Testimonials

‘Xiaotong Jia is a highly professional lawyer who can respond to clients’ questions and needs in a timely manner, and solve clients’ problems from a business perspective.’

Key clients

PAG Asia Capital

Highlight Capital

CNCE Group (Hong Kong) Co., Limited中化工装备(香港)有限公司

CNCE Industrial Group (Hong Kong) Co., Limited 中国化工装备工业集团(香港)有限公司

Eyebright Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong Limited

Seazen Group Limited

NWTN Inc.

Alma Lasers Ltd

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.

Alibaba Group

Work highlights

  • Advised PAG on an investment agreement with Dalian Wanda Group. PAG and other investors will reinvest in Zhuhai Wanda using funds redeemed from Dalian Wanda Group.
  • Represented Highlight Capital in its equity investment in Viva Biotech (Shanghai) Ltd. The transactions involved strategic investors, including HLC Temasek and True Light, with investments totaling approx. US$150 million in Viva Shanghai andUS$60 million through convertible bonds issued by Viva Holdings.
  • Represented Mindray in its strategic acquisition of a controlling shareholding right in APT Medical Inc., a listed company on the STAR Market Board. Mindray will acquire 24.61% if APT’s shares through its subsidiary SMT for approx. RMB 6.65 billion.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 5

Shanghai-headquartered Fangda Partners is regularly instructed by Chinese, foreign and local entities from a wide range of sectors including financial services, energy, life sciences and agribusiness. Peter Yuen leads the team, supported by Howard Chan, who has particular experience in acting for multi-national corporations, financial institutions, asset management firms, investment funds and high-net-worth individuals.

Practice head(s):

Peter Yuen

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Peter’s team is a reliable and effective team.’

‘You can always rely on Peter Yuen to give you an honest and pragmatic piece of advice. He is technically brilliant and has the highest of integrity in the market.’

‘Peter Yuen is exceptional.’

Key clients

SAIF Partners

Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited

Individuals with beneficial interest in the Uni-Royal group of companies

China Create Capital Limited, Wang Tao, State Frontier Limited, and Wang Xu

Huang Youlong

Perfect Growth Limited

LIXIL Corporation

Sodrugestvo Paraguay S.A.

Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited

YishengBio (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited (“YSHK”)

World Laureates Management Limited (世界顶尖科学家管理有限公司)

Work highlights

China > Dispute resolution: Arbitration: PRC firms

Fangda Partners provides ‘practical and comprehensive’ solutions for both domestic and cross-border disputes, frequently assisting Chinese companies and investors with parallel proceedings and offshore legal actions. The dispute resolution team, led jointly by Shanghai-based Nuo Ji, Helen Shi in Beijing, and Hong Kong’s Peter Yuen, includes lawyers qualified in Chinese, Hong Kong, English and Welsh, and Russian law. The group is able to handle disputes under major international arbitration rules, including ICC, CIETAC, HKIAC, and SIAC proceedings. Daniel Huang specialises in international trade and intellectual property disputes, Yanhua Lin is experienced in emergency arbitration proceedings and interim measures, and Yang Liu manages disputes across sectors such as energy, real estate, and technology.

Practice head(s):

Nuo Ji; Helen Shi; Peter Yuen

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Huang; Ming Kang; Yanhua Lin; Diane Peng; Yang Liu

Testimonials

‘Fangda’s team has distinct advantages in dispute resolution compared to both domestic and international teams. Whether handling domestic disputes or cross-border cases, their solutions are practical and comprehensive, with a strong focus on details and strategy.’

‘With extensive experience and a significant edge in the international arbitration field, Helen Shi’s understanding and handling of international arbitration cases surpass the capabilities of most domestic lawyers.’

‘Yang Liu demonstrates exceptional legal expertise with a thorough and comprehensive understanding of arbitration rules and legal provisions. His skills are outstanding, and he is extremely diligent in his work.’

‘The Fangda team includes both seasoned partners and promising young lawyers, alongside several junior associates. This well-rounded team has extensive experience in foreign-related arbitration and approaches client service with professionalism and patience.’

‘Helen Shi and Yang Liu are core members of the team. They have a deep understanding of client needs and consistently provide effective solutions.’

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: PRC firms

The dispute resolution team at Fangda Partners is ‘excellent’ at navigating complex offshore legal actions, cross-border legal proceedings, and parallel proceedings, leveraging their expertise in corporate, financial, and transactional law. The team is adept at presenting cases across all levels of the judiciary in mainland China and Hong Kong. Nuo Ji, with extensive knowledge in construction, bankruptcy, and cross-border commercial disputes, co-heads the department alongside Helen Shi and Peter Yuen. Daniel Huang specialises in intellectual property and international trade, advising multinational corporations and Chinese companies. Peibing Qi focuses on financial, construction, product liability, and commercial contract disputes, while Allen Fu has a strong background in civil litigation related to commercial and financial matters. Former TianTong Law Firm co-founding partner Feng Wang joined the firm in June 2024, bringing significant experience in bulk trade, property development, financial, and corporate governance disputes.

Practice head(s):

Nuo Ji; Helen Shi; Peter Yuen

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Fangda DR team is excellent. The team has a comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws and provides prompt and helpful responses. The matters they handled for us were highly complex ones, involving numerous counterparties and regions (both within the PRC and offshore). They handled these complexities well.’

‘Peter Yuen provides outstanding strategic advice and is able to guide the client through the DR process to reach a solution. Peter has a great understanding of legal issues as well as commercial drivers.’

‘Alvin Xiao has a comprehensive knowledge of PRC laws and procedures in the DR space. He understands the system’s intricacies and provides practical commercial advice. Alvin is highly responsive, always prioritizing his clients’ needs.’

Key clients

Jiangsu Sterlite Fiber Technology Co., Ltd.

China State-owned Capital VC Fund Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary

Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc. / Rolls-Royce plc.

China Life Asset Management Co. Ltd.

Nam Tai Property Inc/NamTai Group/NamTai Investment/NTG-appointed legal representative Mr. Yu Chunhua

China Chengxin Zhengping Data Technology Co., Ltd

Nanjing Skytech Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Skytech”) and its shareholders

Everbright Jinhui Investment Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd./ Shanghai Jinxin Investment Advisory LLP

Guangxi Investment Group Co., Ltd.

China > Investment funds: PRC firms

Fangda Partners' ‘very effective, knowledgeable and efficient’ team has extensive experience in a range of investment fund products and vehicles, including private equity, venture capital, credit and mezzanine funds. The practice also fields experts in hedge and real estate funds, as well as funds of funds, secondary funds and managed accounts (including both RMB and USD fund scenarios). Working across the firm’s Beijing and Hong Kong offices, Richard Guo is a specialist in alternative investment products; and on the mainland, Zhen Chen is a highly-rated investment fund, private equity and investment management expert; and Candy Tang is experienced in private equity fund formation, compliance and asset management. Flora Qian and Yue Zhang are experienced practitioners in Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Zhen Chen

Testimonials

‘Fangda’s M&A and fund formation teams are able to work with each other seamlessly.’

‘The team makes complicated matters straightforward and is able to stick to the original budget.’

‘Very effective, knowledgeable and efficient.’

‘Fangda’s team is well staffed, experienced, and provides high-quality services in mainland China’’

‘Very experienced and their work quality is at a high level.’

Key clients

DCP Capital

CITIC Capital

Primavera Capital

Shang Qi Capital

Zoo Capital

Alibaba Group

CMC Capital

CICC Capital

Jinyi Capital

Vision Stone

CEC Fund

Blackstone

Work highlights

  • Advised DCP Capital on the structuring and formation of its second flagship RMB Fund in China.
  • Advised CICC Capital on the structuring and formation of its automobile industrial fund (co-sponsored by Porsche).
  • Advised Blackstone (Shanghai) Private Fund Management Co on the formation and fundraising of its QDLP fund.

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms

Fangda Partners demonstrates a strong arbitration capability across Greater China. Key figures include Peter Yuen  in Hong Kong, Nuo Ji in Shanghai, and Helen Shi  in Beijing, who offer expertise across major arbitration forums, including ICC, SCC, LCIA, and HKIAC. Further key practitioners include English-qualified solicitor Andrew Skudder, as well as Daniel Huang, Yanhua Lin and Yang Liu.

Work highlights

The firm: Founded in 1993, Fangda Partners is a full-service law firm advising on PRC and Hong Kong laws.

One firm approach; We have approximately 800 lawyers in our five offices in major Chinese cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen. We operate as a single, integrated partnership, not as an alliance of lawyers in different locations.

Our lawyers collaborate seamlessly across practice groups and locations to provide our clients with exceptional service, sophisticated advice and practical solutions founded on our legal expertise, sound knowledge of market practice, deep understanding of the industry landscape and proven ability to assist our clients achieve their business objectives.

Firm of choice for the most difficult legal issues: We are the firm of choice for businesses requiring solutions to their most difficult and complex legal issues. Leading companies and financial institutions in China and around the world turn to us for legal representation or counseling on their most significant legal and business challenges, whether transactions or disputes.

Cross-border capabilities with a China edge: We are known for our cross-border capabilities with a China edge. Our team consists of lawyers qualified in Australia, England and Wales, Singapore, US, Hong Kong and the PRC.

The diversity of our professionals and our strong local law capabilities enable us to bridge legal, regulatory, language and cultural differences that clients inevitably face in transactions and disputes involving multiple jurisdictions.

At the forefront of Chinese commercial practice: We have been at the forefront of the development of commercial law practice in China for over two decades.

We have a proven track record advising clients on groundbreaking transactions or defending them in unprecedented disputes. Some selected notable matters on which we have advised include:

  • First initial public offering by a Chinese company involving an international underwriter
  • The first domestic listing by a company incorporated outside the PRC (so-called red chip company)
  • Formation of the first open-end mutual fund in China
  • First foreign acquisition of a controlling stake in a Chinese public company
  • First FRAND litigation in China
  • Representing the claimant in obtaining the first injunction in an IP litigation under Chinese procedural law
  • First public interest environmental litigation brought by an NGO against a multinational company in China

Areas of practice: The firm serves both PRC and international clients in various industries. Practices include

  • Antitrust/competition
  • Asset-backed securities
  • Banking and finance
  • Capital markets
  • Compliance and government enforcement
  • Dispute resolution
  • Energy and infrastructure
  • Financial institutions
  • General industries
  • Insolvency and restructuring
  • Intellectual property
  • Investment funds
  • Investment management
  • Labor and employment
  • Life sciences and healthcare
  • M&A
  • Private equity
  • Real estate and construction
  • Technology, media and telecommunications
Number of lawyers in the firm : 800+
Number of partners in the firm : 180+
Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)
English
Finnish
French
German
Japanese