Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP’s Hong Kong practice is recognised as a ‘one-stop shop’ for pan-Asia antitrust matters, including merger control, investigations, litigation and compliance. The ’knowledgeable’ team offers ‘forward-thinking solutions’ to clients across the consumer goods, TMT, financial services, energy and pharmaceuticals sectors. Leading the practice, the ’excellent’ Adelaide Luke, former advisor to the HKCC, brings an international perspective and deep expertise in competition law, offering advice on merger control, FDI and cartel investigations. Howard Chan is valued for his reliable counsel on multi-jurisdictional merger control and EU FSR matters, with strong knowledge of antitrust regimes across Asia.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A knowledgeable team capable of covering multiple jurisdictions.’
- ‘HSF's competition team stands out not only for its depth of legal expertise, but also for the innovative and strategic approach it brings to complex global regulatory challenges. The team navigates intricate market dynamics with clarity and is able to craft forward-thinking solutions that balance legal risk appetite with business practicality.’
- 'Professional and dedicated, with strong communication skills, a comprehensive global network of partners, and good collaboration with the mainland China team.'
- ‘Adelaide Luke and Howard Chan exemplify true commitment to excellent client service. I especially value the cross-industry experience they bring, which added meaningful depth to our own.’
- ‘I have relied on Adelaide and her team to manage complex advice covering a number of Asian regions. What stands out is the ability to use the HSF Hong Kong team as a one-stop shop for Asia competition law advice.'
- ‘Adelaide Luke is an excellent partner. She is always ready to answer queries directly, on the spot, and willing to have an open and free-flowing debate about the pros and cons of different possible courses of action. Adelaide also has a great understanding of how best to structure advice for non-legal, executive audiences. These are rare qualities among competition law partners in Asia.’
Key clients
- Softbank
- Canal+
- Santos
- South32
- Genus
- SQM
- ABF
- BAT
- Mineral Resources
Work highlights
Advised Canal+ on acquiring a minority stake in Viu Group, owned by PCCW, involving multi-jurisdictional regulatory analysis, merger control filings, and phased equity interests.
Advised Genus plc on PRC competition law for its collaboration with Beijing Capital Agribusiness regarding porcine genetics.
Assisted Euglena, PETRONAS, and Eni in forming a joint venture to establish a biofuel refinery in Malaysia, with an emphasis on producing sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Howard Chan
Practice head
Adelaide Luke
Other key lawyers
Howard Chan