Banking and Financial Services
Major changes in market forces and the regulatory climate mean the banking and financial services industries are in the midst of realignment. We pride ourselves on staying abreast and anticipating the future developments. You can rely on our substantial expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, banking and securities regulation, and the full array of corporate, commercial and structured financing transactions.
China Antimonopoly and Antitrust
Expect practical, hands-on guidance and innovative solutions to antimonopoly, antitrust and other competition law issues in China. We assist both China- and non-China-based companies with antimonopoly-related aspects of product distribution, corporate transactions and other matters. Our work in this area has earned our team recognition in AsiaLaw Leading Lawyers for expertise in competition/antitrust matters in Hong Kong. We have a long history of success in challenging cartel cases – a top priority of antitrust and competition enforcement authorities – and are respected worldwide for our ability to seamlessly coordinate the defense of government price-fixing actions and resulting civil cases. Our global reach has proven invaluable in negotiating leniency agreements with competition authorities in Asia Pacific.
Corporate
The frequency of corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions has increased as companies seek to accelerate execution of their China strategies through acquisitions. Our mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team has advised leading multinational companies on every type of acquisition in China – purchases of assets, purchases of equity, purchases from private companies, purchases from state-owned enterprises, purchases of interests in privately held entities and purchases of interests in publicly traded companies. Typically, we assist clients right from the initial term sheet through due diligence and the negotiation of definitive agreements to closing and post-closing follow-up and operational issues. Our corporate expertise includes joint ventures and cross border M&A, and the representation of China-based companies in outbound M&A.
Government Relations and Public Advocacy
With a renowned Public Policy Practice, we are ideally placed to represent your interests before governments in China and around the world. We effectively and efficiently deliver results in transactional work, counseling, litigation and lobbying. Our lawyers bring you the advantage of well-established contacts in multiple industries and decision makers at the highest levels of government. We are adept at assisting clients in connection with government investigations and in defending against alleged violations of laws and regulations in China. Our team has been engaged in matters involving all major departments, agencies and governmental entities in China.
Intellectual Property and Technology
Protecting your company’s intellectual property (IP) is essential your business success. This can be particularly complex in China, where we deal with three separate legal regimes – mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Protecting IP in Greater China means you must register in all three jurisdictions. We can work closely with you to develop integrated IP protection strategies that take into account all operational areas of potential risk, to ensure your business is fully protected.
Labor and Employment
Whatever employment agreement protection your company may need, our team can guide you through. We also offer companies management support, including advice on employee handbooks and dealing with unions and labor representatives.
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Deciding how to structure and operate an investment is a key consideration when doing business in China. In recent years, most financial and strategic investors have entered the market through private equity-based investments. We combine our understanding of the rules of engagement and legal technicalities with mastery of the practicalities of how to get a deal done.
Tax Strategy and Benefits
Our Tax Strategy & Benefits Practice includes practitioners experienced in the full range of PRC transfer pricing, enterprise income tax, personal income tax (particularly for US and European expatriates) and VAT issues. As a global law firm, our PRC-licensed lawyers in China work closely with members of our Tax Strategy & Benefits Practice in Washington DC, London and elsewhere, counseling clients on specific local tax issues, and on how to structure and where to locate onshore and offshore holding companies to minimize taxes in the host country.
