Hong Kong

Banking and finance is a core practice of Gallant. Banks in the Greater China region instruct the firm for banking licences, the establishment of joint ventures and compliance regulations. Philip Wong advised a regional bank on a multi-hundred-million dollar loan facility to an investment firm for the acquisition of a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Wong also advised a bank on a syndicated bank facility to a property investment company for its acquisition of two British Virgin Islands (BVI) real-estate holding companies.

David Lam is the key partner in the banking and finance department of King & Wood Mallesons. In November 2016, he advised GF Holdings Hong Kong Corporation on a HK$8 billion ($1.02 billion) syndicated facility provided by a large number of banks for working capital and developing a corporate bond. Lam also advised HNA International on a £84 million ($109 million) bridging loan facility to finance its acquisition of an A-grade o ffice building in London. The firm advised China Development Bank Corporation on a $1.3 billion facility to finance the construction of the Nam Ou-Second Phase Power Project in Laos and Zonergy Company on a $1.5 billion investment in numerous solar power projects in Pakistan.

Eric Lui leads the banking and finance practice at Stevenson, Wong & Co. Liu advised a regional bank on a HK$136 million loan facility to a Hong Kong borrower, with the guarantee provided by an overseas-listed company. Liu also advised a bank on a loan facility up to Rmb1.65 billion ($253 million) to a Chinese property developer. “The firm has a well-balanced banking department. The lawyers are proactive and commercial in negotiations with borrowers,” says a client.

Charltons is well-versed and experienced in listings, secondary fund raisings and spin-offs. “I received good service and the lawyers are very responsive,” says a client. Clinton Morrow advised a China-based hospital and pharmaceutical group on a $175 million pre-initial public offering (IPO) equity investment by a North American pension fund. Morrow also advised a media group on the sale of its Hong Kong and China print and digital operations to another media group listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX).

Howse Williams Bowers has prominent lawyers Chris Williams and Christopher Yu. The firm advised Dakin Capital on the HK$175 million IPO of SHIS, an investment holding company based in Singapore, on the main board of HKEX. In a recent highlight, the firm also advised Able Engineering on its HK$550 million IPO on the main board of HKEX.

The capital markets department of King & Wood Mallesons has notable lawyers Minny Siu and Paul McBride. The firm is known for its breadth and depth in structured finance and derivatives. The firm advised the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) on the recent publication of the ISDA 2016 China Collateral Memorandum giving advice on exchanging collateral with a counterparty in China. In another highlight, the firm advised HSBC, the security trustee, on Bank of China’s $500 million inaugural green covered bond offering.

Fred Kinmonth oversees the corporate practice of Minter Ellison. “This firm understands our business and provided high-quality and timely service,” says a client. Barbara Mok advised IDG Energy Investment Group on the HK$2.69 billion issue of ordinary and preferred shares, the HK$250 million issue of a convertible note, the Rmb 559 million acquisition of Xilin Gol League Hongbo Mining Development and the disposal of a hotel and restaurant business in China. She also advised Golden Meditech Holdings on a HK$2.5 billion voluntary conditional cash offer from Magnum Opus 3 International Holdings.

“The capital markets team at Stevenson, Wong & Co are well structured and responsive in providing commercial well considered legal advice,” says a client. Eric Lui and Rodney Teoh advised a financial advisory firm on sponsoring the share offer of an investment holding company. In a recent highlight, the firm advised a furniture manufacturer on its global offering and listing on the main board of the HKEX. The firm also advised an H-Share company on its placing to professional investors.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo advises companies on their IPOs on HKEX and listings for underwriters or companies. Many Chinese state-owned and private companies, domestic blue-chip and red-chip companies from the real estate, infrastructure, finance and retailing sectors seek their advice. In a recent highlight, Carmelo Lee and Albert Wu advised CC Land Holdings on its rights issue to raise HK$2.6 billion which was fully underwritten by Haitong International Securities.

Annie Wong and Tommy Chung lead the construction and real estate practice at Gallant. In March 2017, Wong advised a private company, the purchaser, on the acquisition of a subsidiary of a real estate investment trust regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The target held commercial properties. Wong also advised a Hong Kong-listed company in its disposal of a subsidiary holding commercial properties.

Paul Starr leads the infrastructure and dispute resolution team at King & Wood Mallesons and advised on numerous construction disputes in the past year. “KWM is an incredibly strong firm with very talented and responsive attorneys. They bring a wealth of expertise and provide great client service,” says a client. Donovan Ferguson advised an international construction company on the contractual arrangements for a multi-billion dollar overseas tunnel project which involves Hong Kong and China law. Sam Farrands joined as head of the projects department from Minter Ellison in 2017.

Minter Ellison specialises in handling construction and contractual disputes. Malcolm Chin advised China Harbour Engineering on a series of copyright infringement disputes over the design of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Chin also advised Chun Wo Construction & Engineering and China Railway Group Joint Venture on an intellectual property (IP) dispute over the design of a road bypass, which is one of the largest infrastructure projects under way in Hong Kong. In a recent highlight, the firm represented Shinryo Corporation on a HK$40 million dispute in the High Court with Hip Hing Construction over the agreement for the redevelopment of the MacPherson Indoor Stadium.

At Stevenson Wong & Co, Lai Lam advised a real estate investment trust on a restructuring programme, discharging existing mortgages, securing new mortgages with a different lending institution and preparing statutory declarations with a transaction of HK$1 billion. Lam also advised a purchaser in purchasing shares in a company to acquire a grade A office in Hong Kong.

Construction and real estate is a core practice of Woo Kwan Lee & Lo. Ho Fai Ma, Rita Tsang and Catherine Hung advised a developer on the HK$1 billion acquisition of an industrial building in Aberdeen. The firm also advised a developer on the sale of all the houses and apartments in a residential development on Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, amounting to HK$23.9 billion. Dora Chan and Joey Lau advised a lender in granting a HK$1.3 billion banking facility to a company for a construction project.

Julia Charlton at Charltons is admired by clients, with one noting: “I am impressed by Julia’s profound knowledge and corporate finance expertise.” In a recent highlight, Charlton, Clinton Morrow and Calvin Ho advised Somerley Capital Holdings on a HK$56.4 million public offering on the Hong Kong Growth Enterprise Market (GEM). In February 2017, the firm advised China Singyes Solar Technologies Holdings on its $260 million international offering. The firm also advised a group of investors on the pre-IPO investment by way of subscription to HK$68.6 million of convertible bonds in a company.

“The lawyers at Deacons have a solid practice and their works are very comprehensive,” says a partner at a rival firm. Ronny Chow advised Wharf Holdings on the disposal of Wharf T&T, its telecoms unit, to private equity firms MBK Partners and TPG for HK$9.5 billion. Chow also advised Luen Thai Holdings on a HK$1.49 billion pre-conditional voluntary cash general offer for all of its issued shares by Shangtex and the $110 million disposal of Luen Thai’s non-core businesses. Rhoda Yung advised Chongbang Holdings International on its acquisition of the remaining 80% stake in Sparkle Bright Holdings from Keppel Land China and Alpha Investment Partners for $517 million.

Gallant has a long-established corporate and M&A practice and advises domestic and foreign clients on partnership agreements, joint ventures and legal due diligence for M&A transactions. Philip Wong advised a charitable organisation on the receipt of a plot for development. Wilfred Tsui, Tommy Chung and Anthony Fung advised a subsidiary of a state-owned enterprise on a HK$3.5 billion acquisition of an entire block of buildings for its logistics business.

The “technically strong, responsive and reliable team” at HM Chan & Co is led by Mark Chan. He and Jennifer Ng advised an Asian investment firm on a $250 million pre-IPO investment in, and restructuring of, a China logistics company. The firm also advised ELL Environmental Holdings on its $23 million acquisition of a power plant in Indonesia.

Howse Williams Bowers welcomed the arrival of Heidi Lee from Ashurst and Gilles Cardonnel and his team from Gide Loyrette Nouel in 2016. Lee specialises in M&A, public takeovers and regulatory work for Hong Kong listed companies. Cardonnel has vast experience in corporate transactions for the retail and infrastructure industries. The firm advised Lippo Group in its acquisition of an interest in Skye Mineral Partners. The firm also advised Sixty Group, an international fashion company, on the divestment of its interest in its business in Greater China under a joint venture with the Trendiano group.

King & Wood Mallesons’ large and experienced corporate M&A team advises on a wide range of topics, including complex projects for multinational companies. Hayden Flinn and John Baptist Chan advised a consortium comprising Cheung Kong Property Holdings, Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings and Power Assets Holdings on its proposed A$7.3 billion acquisition of DUET Group, an energy company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) . In November 2016, the firm advised Apex Technology and Shanghai Shuoda Investment Centre on the acquisition of Lexmark at an enterprise value of about $4 billion, marking one of the biggest overseas M&A transactions by a non-financial Chinese listed company.

“The professional expertise and personalised service we receive from Minter Ellison provides true peace of mind,” says a client. The firm advised Kajima Australia on its majority acquisition of Cockram Construction, a global construction company with a presence in Australia, Asia, America and New Zealand. Barbara Mok advised SUEZ Groupe, a leading French industrial services and solutions company, on its water, wastewater and waste businesses within its joint venture company Sino-French Holdings Hong Kong. Katherine U advised Sunwah Kingsway Capital Holdings on its establishment of an Rmb1.5 billion joint venture company with Hanhua Financial Holding, Chongqing Jiangbeizui Central Business District Investment Group, Chongqing Huiwei Investment and Prive Financial.

“Oldham Li & Nie’s strength is its exceptional client service. They are responsive, efficient and thorough,” says a client. Chris Hooley advised Jonathan Cummings, the founder and director of StartJG Hong Kong and a vendor, on the sale of the majority stake in StartJG Hong Kong to the FITCH group. Hooley advised Damien Ryan, the founder and managing director of Ryan Communications, on the sale of his equity interest to Teneo, a global business advisory group.

Stevenson, Wong & Co is recognised for its expertise in corporate and M&A matters. Eric Lui and Rodney Teoh advised a Chinese private financial institution on its subscription for HK$40 million of convertible bonds issued by a Hong Kong construction service provider. In another highlight, the firm advised a real estate company in China on its acquisition of the entire shareholdings of two offshore companies for Rmb90 million.

Timothy Loh Solicitors has a strong focus on corporate compliance, governance and regulatory affairs. Timothy Loh and Gavin Cumming advised a world-leading insurance company on its reorganisation. The firm also advised a financial trading company on the establishment of, and investment in, a joint venture with an artificial intelligence company.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo has had another busy year assisting clients in cross-border M&A transactions. Carmelo Lee and Theresa Sze advised Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings and Power Assets Holdings on the establishment of a consortium with Cheung Kong Property Holdings to acquire the ASX-listed DUET Group for A$7.4 billion. Lee and Albert Wu advised CC Land Holdings on the HK$11 billion acquisition from a joint venture of British Land and Oxford Properties of the Leadenhall Building in the City of London. In January 2017, the firm advised Cosco Shipping Ports on its HK$6.5 billion subscription for domestic shares in Qingdao Port International.

Gall has a strong focus on business and employment litigation. “The lawyers at Gall are extremely pragmatic and focused on the business outcome that we as the client are seeking to achieve,” says a client. Chris Wong advised Zhang Lan, founder of Chinese restaurant chain South Beauty, and her corporate vehicles in China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) arbitrations in Beijing, Hong Kong Court injunction proceedings in aid of the arbitrations, and proceedings in other jurisdictions. Wong also advised Cellmark China on a HK$2 billion commercial litigation filed by Deloitte for conspiracy and diversion of company’s assets.

Brenda Lee leads a “diligent and enthusiastic” litigation and dispute resolution team at Gallant. The team specialises in litigation relating to regulatory, insurance and real estate. Clients also enlists the firm for alternative dispute resolution advice. The firm is experienced in representing banks and financial institutions in loan recovery, restructuring and commercial fraud cases.

Howse Williams Bowers is known for commercial, corporate and maritime dispute resolution. The firm advised a large ship chartering operation based in the Middle East on cyber fraud and the recovery of funds misappropriated into Hong Kong bank accounts from the Middle East via the UK. In another highlight, the firm advised property managers and building owners on numerous contentious and non-contentious building management and property issues. Chris Howse, Kevin Bowers and David Coogans are the notable lawyers.

King & Wood Mallesons regularly advises on cross-border arbitration and assists clients in financial litigation and investigations. Barbara Chiu and Ronald Arculli advised Donald Tsang, the former Chief Executive of HKSAR, on charges of misconduct in public office and contrary to the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance before the High Court. Chiu and Arculli advised the former chairman of CITIC on the alleged market misconduct contrary to the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

Australian firm Minter Ellison is recognised for its multi-jurisdictional expertise. The firm often advises on large-scale disputes involving large Australian corporations and represents Chinese clients in their overseas disputes. Malcolm Chin advised Crown Melbourne and other companies in the Crown Group on two consolidated 15-party High Court actions arising from claims against Crown Melbourne relating to sums allegedly misappropriated by a former partner of the plaintiff law firm. Chin also advised a property company in China on a HK$60 million dispute against a Hong Kong company over the sale and purchase of shares in a company which owns a golf course and club in China.

Richard Healy heads the dispute resolution practice at Oldham Li & Nie. Healy and Stephen Chan advised Nuclear Energy Mongolia on arbitration proceedings arising out of a dispute with the shareholders and contractual disputes relating to the sale and purchase of shares. The firm advised Benoy, an architectural firm, on an IP dispute filed by a competitor for passing-off in respect of the Olympia 66 project in Dalian, China. The firm also advised Pannam on proceedings initiated by a shareholder of a company seeking to restrain breaches of fiduciary duty perpetrated by one of the directors of the company.

“Peter Yuen & Associates did an excellent job in keeping us informed and advising on steps to protect our interests,” says a client. Peter Yuen is recommended by clients for being “commercial and able to take the long view”. Yuen advised LIXIL Corporation on a fraud claim in its Hamburg proceedings and obtaining a series of Mareva (freezing of assets) injunctions and disclosure orders from the High Court of Hong Kong against the defendants and their associated companies restraining them from dealing with or removing from Hong Kong any of their $336 million-worth of assets.

Heidi Chui oversees the litigation department at Stevenson, Wong & Co and advised an investment holding company on a commercial dispute against a private club over membership maintenance or rental fees under certain membership programmes. Chui also advised a group of defrauded clients on derivatives and financial products and the International Swaps and Derivatives Association agreements. In another highlight, Eric Lui and Stephen Wong advised an electronics company on an alleged trade mark infringement claim for $14 million.

The “dedicated, responsive, and personable” dispute resolution team at Wilkinson & Grist is led by Keith Ho, Ivan Chu, Lawrence Chan, Florence Chan and Paul Liu. The firm advised China Shanshui Cement Group on a HK$400 million litigation over misconduct by the former board for breach of fiduciary duties and conspiracy. The firm also advised Penny’s Bay Investment on a HK$1.6 billion dispute against the Hong Kong government over land which is now part of Hong Kong Disneyland. A recent highlight saw the firm advising three partners of Shinewing Specialist Advisory Services, the joint and several provisional liquidators, on the winding up of JV Fitness involving tenancy, employment and privacy issues.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo has vast experience in handling commercial, land related and competition law related disputes. Kenneth Wong, Bucky Chan and Sam Shum advised a company of the Cheung Kong Group on litigation, mediation and settlement with the SFC arising from the sale of hotel room units of The Apex Horizon. Wong and John Ng advised the Hong Kong Housing Authority on two series of judicial review proceedings brought by numerous retired officers of the Fire Services Department and Correctional Services Department for the unsuccessful applicants under the Civil Service Public Housing Quota Scheme.

At Stevenson, Wong & Co, Stephen Wong advised an industrial business on the company accounting system which is a major regulatory concern. Wong also advised a Chinese property developer on an alleged claim of failing to comply with the relevant provision of the Securities and Futures Ordinance by the SFC. A recent work highlight saw the firm advising a holding company on numerous irregularities alleged by Financial Reporting Council.

Financial services regulatory is a core practice at Timothy Loh Solicitors. The firm advises financial institutions and corporations on a full range of laws and regulations. Timothy Loh and Francis Comtois advised AcrossAsia on proceedings brought by the SFC for failure to comply with the new statutory obligation to disclose non-public price-sensitive inside information in time. The firm also advised a world-leading derivatives operator on newly introduced trade reporting obligations under the new over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives regulatory regime.

Gallant advises insurers and insured parties on litigation and mediation. Clients from the healthcare, real estate and finance sectors often seek advice from the firm on corporate and commercial services for insurers. Brenda Lee advised the Employees Compensation Assistance Fund Board as an intervener in proceedings and common law proceedings against an uninsured employer, both filed by an injured illegal construction worker.

Chris Howse, Kevin Bowers and David Kan are the leading partners in the insurance practice of Howse Williams Bowers. The firm is known for its specialty in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, recently defending a global distributor of pharmaceutical products against strict liability offences. In another highlight, the firm advised insurers on a class action issued in the Middle East over the adverse effects of a pharmaceutical drug. The indemnity team continues to advise the Hong Kong Solicitors Professional Indemnity Scheme on the defence of claims and indemnity issues.

“The team at Deacons were absolutely excellent. Their advice was always well considered, well presented and very commercial,” says a client. “The firm has demonstrated excellent technical and commercial knowledge of the restructuring situations we have worked on - always balanced with a very pragmatic, solution-oriented approach,” adds another. Charmaine Koo advised a world-leading mobile phone and computer manufacturer in patent infringement proceedings commenced by another top tier international mobile phone manufacturer in relation to mobile devices using cellular technology. Koo and Catherine Zheng advised Gmedia Hong Kong and Gmedia Information Technology on a patent infringement action against Tencent Holdings over the use of Gmedia’s QR code technology in Tencent’s Weixin and Wechat products.

Ella Cheong & Alan Chiu has a strong focus on IP enforcement, litigation, due diligence and licensing. Alan Chiu advised a luxury brand on patent invalidation in Hong Kong and China. He also advised a food company on recovering its domain name of great value to its client in the China market.

At Oldham Li & Nie, Vera Sung and Stephen Chan advised a Swiss patent owner on filing an invalidation request against a competitor relating to a textile machine. Sung also advised a Taiwanese manufacturer on a patent infringement action in multiple jurisdictions filed by a household electronic appliance producer and designer. In December 2016, Sung advised a telecommunications company on a trade mark infringement and passing off action against an Indian company.

Robin Bridge & John Liu assists clients on IP acquisition, exploitation and enforcement. Anthony Tong leads the practice and is “technically sound, responsive and reliable”. Tong advised Blue Box Toy Manufacturing Company on the acquisition of Infantino along with the house mark and patents owned by Step2 Holdings, the vendor.

Vivien Chan & Co offers a full range of IP services and assists clients to protect their IP rights in Hong Kong and China. Vivien Chan and Anna Mae Koo advised RiGo Trading on a trade mark prosecution for its Haribo sound mark in Hong Kong. In August 2016, the firm advised a European group on anti-counterfeiting actions and simultaneous enforcement actions against infringers, including domain name arbitration and multiple city Administration of Industry and Commerce (AIC) raid actions. A recent work highlight saw the firm advising a luxury brand on a copyright infringement case before the High Court of Hong Kong.

Deacons is recognised for its capability of providing advice on complex legal and regulatory issues related to investment funds. Alwyn Li and Pinky Siu advised BlackRock Asset Management North Asia on obtaining SFC authorisation of index funds tracking the reference portfolios of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority’s (MPFA) default investment strategy regime. Siu and Taylor Hui advised Yuanta Securities Hong Kong Company on obtaining SFC and HKEX’s approvals for delisting of 3002HK ETF.

Hayden Flinn, Helena Huang and Minny Siu are the prominent names in the investment funds practice at King & Wood Mallesons. Jingjing Jiang was promoted to partner in 2017 and advised China Resources Enterprise on the establishment of a $1 billion Cayman Islands fund focused on investment in the consumer retail sector. Flinn advised Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets on the establishment of the $3.1 billion Macquarie Asia Infrastructure Fund. Guo Sun Lee advised Logos Property on investment funds worth $493 million in Singapore and Indonesia.

Timothy Loh Solicitors advises on a full spectrum of funds matters including funds finance, venture capital funds, product development and fund operations. Timothy Loh and Gavin Cumming advised on the establishment of a private equity and hedge fund management group, spun-off from a bulge bracket global investment bank, which was looking to launch a $500 million global private fund.

“We worked with Gall mainly on employment matters and find their lawyers very well-versed and aggressive,” says a client. Andrea Randall represented a JP Morgan employee in an investigation and proceedings by regulators in Hong Kong and abroad, into hiring practices that might have constituted bribery or breach of regulatory code. In a case worth HK$147 million in potential damages, Randall also acted for a CEO in a dispute against his former employer. In April 2017, Randall advised BTG Pactual Asia, Banco BTG Pactual, and a partner and founder of Brazil’s BTG Pactual Group in three sets of proceedings over a claim for $20 million in damages by a former employee relating to breach of contract, unlawful termination of contract and fraud.

Gallant’s employment practice is led by Walter Lee and advises financial institutions, corporations and tertiary institutions on human resources management and personnel matters. A recent highlight saw the firm advising an educational institution on its tenure and promotion policy. The firm also advised the same client on privacy and data security issues during an internal disciplinary investigation.

The employment department of Howse Williams Bowers is led by Kevin Bowers and Michael Withington. The firm is experienced in handling claims relating to termination and remuneration, discrimination, enforcement of post-termination restrictions and partnership disputes. The firm advised an inter-bank brokerage in a High Court action regarding post-termination restrictions. The firm also advised a start-up company of architects on post-termination restrictions and springboard relief for the previous employer.

“Oldham Li & Nie provides top-notch litigation services with efficiency and at a reasonable cost,” says a client, “They are very responsive to client needs and proactive in their approach.” Adam Hugill, Chris Hooley and Stephen Chan advised five Zedra employees and four corporate entities on defending claims for breach of restrictive covenants, breach of confidentiality, breach of fiduciary duties and conspiracy arising from a ‘team-move’ between competitors. The firm also advises Dion Global Solutions on employee benefits, employment contracts and litigation matters.

“HM Chan & Co provides excellent service on each and every assignment,” says a client. Mark Chan and Jennifer Ng advised Sino Grandness Food Industry Group, a Singapore-listed food manufacturer and distributor, on the restructuring of an aggregate of $55 million pre-IPO investment by Goldman Sachs and other investors, and the proposed spin-off listing in Hong Kong.

King & Wood Mallesons expanded its private equity team during the year with the arrival of Anthony Wan, John Baptist Chan and Kanne Leung. In October 2016, Gary Lock, Yi Zhang and Jason Qiu advised China Industrial Securities International Financial Group on its HK$1.28 billion IPO on the Hong Kong GEM, making it one of the first spin-off listings in Hong Kong by an A-share listed securities company and largest GEM IPOs since 2006. The firm also advised China Digital Video on its GEM IPO of HK$279 million.

Rebecca Silli leads the projects, infrastructure & construction department of Minter Ellison. Silli advised Ferrostaal as the sponsor and Sainshand Windpark as the developer of Mongolia’s second wind farm project, being constructed at a cost of $150 million. The firm assisted the clients in the renegotiation of the power purchase agreement, the restructure of the sponsor upon receipt of equity funding and managing the Mongolian regulatory risks.

Deacons is a market leader for restructuring and insolvency in Hong Kong because of its ability to pursue and defend claims, and recover assets. The firm is noted for its geographic strength which assists international businesses with cross-border restructurings. Richard Hudson advised the provisional liquidators on the proceedings in which Asia Fortune Media Group was the plaintiff. Hudson also advised a group in a dispute with the provisional liquidators of one of its manufacturers.

Gall specialises in bankruptcy litigation and debtor representation. Chris Wong advised Cellmark, a private DNA testing firm, against a claim by Deloitte, the liquidators of a subsidiary for more than HK$2 billion for conspiracy and diversion of certain company’s assets. Wong also advises Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as court-appointed receivers of a Hong Kong company in numerous international litigations over recognition of a Hong Kong court receivership order by the Chinese courts and the role of the receivers in contested litigations between the underlying parties.

“ONC Lawyers is responsible, responsive and familiar with the laws,” says a client. Ludwig Ng and Eric Woo advised Sandmartin International Holdings on striking out various vexatious litigations and applying to the court for a restraint order. The firm also advised the provisional liquidators of five subsidiary companies of the KCK Group on various litigations against the directors and related companies in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands.

Stephen Wong heads the restructuring and insolvency practice of Stevenson, Wong & Co. “The firm gives high quality of works with efficient feedbacks. I have good customer experience from engaging this firm,” says a client. Heidi Chui advised the liquidators of a former listed company in a potential claim against the former directors for a breach of their fiduciaries duties and misappropriation of property.

Wilkinson & Grist specialises in bankruptcy litigation, out-of-court restructurings and secured creditors. The firm is capable of advising on cross-border insolvency cases. Lawrence Chan, Chloe Ma and Frederick Tai advised three joint and several provisional liquidators on a winding-up petition against Anxin-China Holdings. The firm also assisted a private company on the business and debt restructuring, and rescue proposal of a financially distressed paper manufacturer.

Chris Howse at Howse Williams Bowers has over three decades of experience of handling maritime disputes, in particular matters arising from the shipment of coal, iron ore and nickel ore, in Hong Kong courts and international arbitrations. David Coogans is a specialist in all types of wet and dry shipping matters including charterparty, bill of lading and contract of affreightment. The firm also advises ship-owners and terminals in relation to personal injury matters.