King & Wood Mallesons provides ‘comprehensive’ and ’solution-oriented’ antitrust advice, spanning cross-border merger filings, investigations, litigation and compliance. The team frequently represents clients in SAMR inquiries and leverages its ‘deep understanding’ of the regulatory landscape to advise across sectors such as technology, healthcare, utilities and mining. Practice head Susan Ning is an industry veteran fully dedicated to anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition law. Zhifeng Chai specialises in merger clearance before the SAMR, mock dawn raids and administrative investigations. Cheng Liu has a strong track record representing multinational and Chinese companies in merger filings, while Yumeng (Audrey) Li is noted for her diligence in national security reviews, merger filings and litigation, maintaining strong ties with authorities. Tianjie Zhang advises state-owned enterprises and multinationals in merger control filings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Comprehensive coverage in antitrust/competition practice - the team can help with merger filings, administrative complaints, litigations and day-to-day compliance inquiries. Professional - the team has a profound understanding of the law and how the laws are actually operated, and is quick in learning new business practices, thus can provide practical solutions.’
‘The KWM competition team stands out for its exceptional responsiveness and pragmatic approach. Clients benefit from swift, solution-oriented advice tailored to their specific needs. The team excels at handling complex matters efficiently and clearly, always prioritising practical solutions. KWM is also highly connected, both nationally and internationally.’
‘A very large and strong competition law team, with an excellent client base and excellent international connections. They have the ability to work across legal sectors where this is beneficial for clients, e.g., looking at an issue from trade and competition law angles. Great ability to communicate effectively between international counsel and local, Chinese clients.’
‘Cheng Liu's team stands out for their speed and commercial approach to legal matters. They have established themselves as the go-to law firm for PRC antitrust issues, including merger control matters. Their deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, combined with their practical, business-focused advice, makes them invaluable partners for navigating complex competition law challenges in China.’
‘Cheng Liu is professional, experienced, gentle, sincere and a good communicator; very good at understanding client needs. Cheng Liu and his team are very responsive, efficient and diligent and quick in learning new business models. Cheng Liu himself is closely involved in key issues, attending meetings and discussions, revising memos and advice.’
‘Cheng Liu is a highly experienced competition law expert, bringing both deep knowledge and pragmatism to every matter. His work product is consistently excellent, reflecting a thorough understanding of both the legal and commercial aspects of each case. What truly sets Cheng Liu apart is his ability to anticipate potential challenges and proactively develop practical solutions. He is always available to discuss strategy, and his advice is clear, concise, and tailored to the specific needs of the client.’
Key clients
- Shandong Newjf Technology Packaging Co., Ltd.
- ORG Technology Co., Ltd.
- China Resources Power Holdings Company Limited
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Asahi Kasei Corporation
- Runxin Commercial Investment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd
- Invesco Real Estate Investment Asia Pacific Limited
- Ziroom Asset Investment Limited
- Grandblue Environment Co., Ltd.
- Shandong Gold Mining Co., Ltd.
- Haier Group
- Neusoft Corporation
Work highlights
Represented Shandong Newjf Technology Packaging Co., Ltd in a hostile takeover case, designing the filing strategy and obtaining the unconditional clearance within the tender offer’s binding validity window.
Assisted Neusoft Corporation in a merger notification in China involving the tobacco sector.
Assisted ORG Technology Co., Ltd. in expediting the antitrust approval of an acquisition.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Zhifeng Chai
Cheng Liu
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Tianjie Zhang
Practice head
Susan Ning
Other key lawyers
Zhifeng Chai; Cheng Liu; Yumeng (Audrey) Li; Tianjie Zhang; Shiwei Xu; Su Chang