Hong Kong

Charltons is a boutique law firm specialising in corporate finance. The firm is experienced in representing domestic and international clients on cross-border transactions, IPOs, securities, funds as well as cryptocurrency matters. Julia Charlton, Clinton Morrow and Calvin Ho are key partners at the firm specialising in corporate, finance and capital markets.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advising China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities on the listing of one of the leading medical aesthetic and beauty groups in China on the HKEX.

Key clients

Alliance Capital Partners, AMV Capital Corporation, Fu Shek Financial Holdings

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acted for Guangdong Kin Long Hardware Products on its acquisition of Cifial Group.

Key clients

Sawbwa Coffee, Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical, Shanghai International Shanghai Growth Investment

Investment funds

Work highlights

Acted for Paragon Asset Management on the setup of a Cayman SPC fund.

Private equity

Work highlights

Advised BC Gateways on a proposed equity investment.

Key clients

Imperial Group

Regulatory

Work highlights

Advised financial services company, CLSA Premium, on regulatory matters regarding the necessity of disengaging PRC domestic clients.

Chungs Lawyers in association with DeHeng Law Offices specialises in commercial law, including banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and investment funds. Through the establishment of an association with DeHeng Law Offices in November 2019, the firm has increased its capacity to provide cross-border and cross-disciplinary legal services to clients.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Acted for Guotai Junan Capital on the listing of China-based investment company, Zengame Technology Holding, on the HKEX.

Key clients

Ample Capital, Guotai Junan Capital, Sprocomm Intelligence

Client feedback

“Efficient, patient, and professional.” – Banking and finance

“The firm is prompt in replying to our needs. Besides the service scope defined in engagement letters, the firm also provides extra advice on general matters.” – Banking and finance

“It performed very well and protected our legal and commercial interests.” – Mining

Ernest Chung

“He is very knowledgeable in the field and responds very fast with constructive solutions.”

Lily Liang

“The lawyer is extremely prompt in replying to our needs. She understands our industry well.”

ELLALAN, previously known as Ella Cheong & Alan Chiu Solicitors & Notaries, focuses on IP with particular strength in IP litigation. It has a wide range of clients in the fashion, consumer goods and services, technology and healthcare industries. Alan Chiu and Ella Cheong are respected figures in the IP field. Charles To, a former senior legal counsel of Tencent’s Technology Transactions Group, joined the firm as partner in June 2019. The firm also hired former Mayer Brown IP partner Rosita Li as senior consultant in February 2020.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Advised Alibaba Group Holding on its global IP portfolio management and enforcement. The firm was involved in the trademark prosecution, contentious proceedings, company name complaints, domain name disputes and enforcement.

Acted for Hong Kong Recording Industry Alliance and its wholly owned subsidiary, Hong Kong Karaoke Licensing Alliance, on a landmark copyright licensing dispute before Hong Kong’s copyright tribunal against Neway, Hong Kong’s biggest karaoke chain. This case is one of the lengthiest disputes in the Hong Kong entertainment industry in the past 25 years.

Key clients

Kering Group, Louis Vuitton, Ocean Park Corporation, Pandora

Client feedback

“Attentive to details, careful, and high-quality work. A deep understanding of issues. Efficient service and fair pricing.” – Intellectual property

Charles To

“Charles is always there to help solve a problem, and takes a personal interest in our issues. He has helped us multiple times and gone beyond the call.”

PRC law firm Fangda Partners opened its office in Hong Kong in 2012. The Hong Kong office advises on the full range of commercial matters. Partner Peter Yuen is the head of the firm's dispute resolution practice. His practice covers international and regional arbitration, China-related commercial arbitration and commercial litigation.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advising Merrill Lynch Far East and Goldman Sachs (Asia) as joint sponsors and underwriters on the proposed global IPO of Frontage Holdings Corporation on the HKEX.

Key clients

Feiyang International, Jinxin Fertility Group, Morgan Stanley (Asia)

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Representing China Jingu International Trust Company, a PRC-based subsidiary of a PRC state-owned enterprise, in Hong Kong court proceedings against an individual over breach of agreement.

Key clients

China Merchants Bank, Gardena Canada, Perfect Growth

Client feedback

“I like to work with Fangda Partners as it provides detailed and thought-through professional advice. Also, its team responds fast and provides excellent service. It is experienced in replying to regulators and knows the rationale behind each question providing us with the best angle to answer the question by referencing all previous documents submitted to regulators.” – Corporate and M&A

Howard Chan

“I work more closely with Howard and he is the key solicitor in charge. He is nice, kind and responsive. He is an expert regarding listing matters. With his experience in dealing with regulators, we were able to respond to its questions in details without any error.”

Colin Law

“Knowledgeable and experienced partner in the Hong Kong IPO market. Able to give good advice and attentive to requests.”

Gall is a dispute resolution boutique with five dedicated disputes partners, one consultant and six associates specialising across all forms of litigation, arbitration and mediation. Senior partner Nick Gall leads the firm’s litigation practice. He has extensive experience in dealing with multi-jurisdictional fraud and international asset tracing litigation.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acted for an individual on a shareholder dispute. This was one of the largest shareholder disputes in Hong Kong in the entertainment sector. The matter’s value exceeds $3 billion.

Key clients

Hammer Capital, Lavender Row, Morrison Asian Investments

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Acting for TFS Derivatives, one of the world’s largest inter dealer brokers, on defending a claim brought by its former employee for wrongful and unreasonable termination, unpaid wages and bonus.

Key clients

Rödl & Partner

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Acted for the liquidators of Swing Media Technology Group on recovery of assets and potential claims against its former management.

Key clients

Cellmark China, Cyberworks Audio Visual Technology, Hammer Capital Private Investments

Client feedback

“Gall delivers first-class advice and is committed to its clients.” – Dispute resolution

“Very responsive and pragmatic. Generally reasonable with fees.” – Dispute resolution

Caroline McNally

“Caroline is one of the best family lawyers around. She is extremely knowledgeable and has brilliant tactical sense.”

“Caroline gives solid, reasonable advice to clients, and has a quiet confidence that clients, who are at an emotional time in their lives, find reassuring. She keeps the case focused and contained, and does not let it get swept away in sideshows.”

Chris Wong

“Gall, in particular the partner Chris Wong, is always a pleasure to work with. The firm is efficient and resourceful, and Chris possesses an excellent combination of good legal knowledge, client liaison skills and practical commercial sense.”

“Excellent practitioner. Extremely responsive. Able to act in emergencies with great professionalism. Good at explaining the various steps and what a client can expect.”

Founded in 1977, Gallant is a full service law firm in Hong Kong with 40 lawyers. The firm offers services covering various aspects of commercial, corporate and property related activities both contentious and non-contentious. The firm is also recognised for its insurance sector strength. A key figure to note is co-managing partner Philip Wong, who leads the firm’s commercial department. During the research period, the firm merged with Rebecca Lo & Co and Rebecca Lo is now leading the firm’s IP practice.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acted for an electronic and electrical appliances company on its acquisition of a US company.

Regulatory

Work highlights

Representing a statutory licensing board in various administrative appeals against licensing decisions on the grant and refusal of statutory licences for the operation of private columbaria.

Client feedback

“Gallant provides professional legal services with outstanding efficiency and quality. Its experienced solicitors offer advice based on an in-depth understanding of clients’ specific business needs.” – Banking and finance

“The firm is one of the most well-known independent local firms in Hong Kong with many experienced solicitors. It provides high quality radio services with a professional attitude and offers comprehensive legal services to meet our needs and to solve our issues. Its lawyers are conversant in both Chinese and English. Moreover, the firm treasures the relationship built with us and listens to our opinions and keeps improving its services.” – Banking and finance

“Closely monitors and provides regular updates to clients.” – Construction

“Thorough understanding and comprehensive analysis. Detailed and responsible. Follows up action on litigation and debt recovery cases.” – Construction

“Excellent and high quality legal advice.” – Insurance

“Solid and practical advice. Responsive to our legal enquiries.” – Real estate

Dennis Chan

“Closely monitors the case. Provides regular updates to clients and professional advice on the case. He offers different types of solutions.”

“Professional and efficient advice to our enquiries. Understands clients’ legal needs and responds quickly.”

Brenda Lee

“Very responsive to client’s instructions and requests.”

“Experienced. Understands our ordinance and business. Able to provide professional advice and support.”

Kelvin Leung

“Kelvin Leung has strong expertise in banking and finance. He works with high efficiency and delivers quality work that meets clients’ specific business needs.”

Philip Wong

“Mr Wong has a wide-ranging reputation as a commercial lawyer. With his practice covering banking and finance, corporate and M&A and commercial trust and regulatory, he is a trusted adviser to us.  He provides high quality radio services with a professional attitude and offers comprehensive legal services to meet our needs and to solve our issues. His wealth of experience in advising us on finances, guarantees and other cross-border transactions is highly regarded. He provides advice to us on regulatory and compliance matters.”

Hauzen, in association with PRC firm AnJie Law Firm, specialises in financial regulatory services and restructuring of distressed public companies. The firm participates in both non-contentious and contentious aspects of financial services regulation and restructurings. Managing partner Basil Hwang is a specialist in financial markets regulation and transactions. Greg Heaton joined the firm as partner in April 2020.

Regulatory

Representing a Hong Kong-listed company and its shareholders against a financing bank, and various stock borrowing and stock sale counterparties, for violation of relevant securities regulations, breach of contract and fraud.

Established in 2015, HM Chan & Co in association with Taylor Wessing specialises in public and private M&A, fundraising through IPOs and private equity or venture capital investments. The firm’s key industry sectors include retail, food and beverage, e-commerce, fintech, life sciences and education. Managing partner Mark Chan is a key contact.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advised Southwest Securities (HK) Capital as the sponsor counsel on the HK$150 million IPO of Design Capital on the HKEX.

Key clients

Ballas Capital, C-Link Squared, Fortune Financial Capital, The O&G Specialists

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Acute Peak Investments on its HK$290 million proposed acquisition of shares of Auto Brave.

Key clients

Chapman Freeborn, Earn World Enterprises, Music Sales Corporation

Private equity

Work highlights

Advised Agribuddy on its series A financing.

Founded in 2018 by former Oldham Li & Nie partners Adam Hugill and Alfred Ip, Hugill & Ip is best known for its expertise in labour and employment and private client services. The firm moved up to the ‘Highly recommended’ tier in the employment table this year. Jonathan Gray joined the firm as partner from Fitzgerald Lawyers in September 2019. The firm also hired Jade Tang as partner from Oldham Li & Nie in June 2020.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acted for Onward Helmet Company on its acquisition of a PRC helmet manufacturing factory.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acted for High Fashion New Media on a commercial litigation against an individual.

Key clients

Adon Construction, Blue Elephant International, Toprank Corporation

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Advised global-listed land and construction company Hargreaves Services on employment matters in relation to policies, workplace injuries, disciplinary actions, discrimination and terminations.

Client feedback

“Excellent communication with clients. All issues, decisions, and implications are explained incredibly clearly, in a way that a non-legal person can understand and make decisions on. Extremely friendly, professional and responsive lawyers.” – Dispute resolution

“Reactive and reliable. The firm is also very friendly.” – Labour and employment

Jonathan Gray

“Excellent lawyer. Great at communication and explaining legal matters to a non-legal person, so that we are able to make a very well-informed decision.”

Corporate boutique firm Kwok Yih & Chan is experienced in handling M&A and capital markets matters. Managing partner Larry Kwok’s practice covers corporate finance, securities, M&A, corporate reorganisation and corporate rescue. He also advises on regulatory matters such as insider dealings, market misconduct, accounting irregularities and violations of listing rules.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advised Cirtek Holdings on its listing on the HKEX.

Key clients

China Industrial Securities International Capital, JiaChen Holding Group, Mason Global Capital

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised BGMC International on the setup of a joint venture in Malaysia to act as a project manager to provide management services and support in connection with the construction, management, operation and maintenance of two energy producing power plants.

Key clients

China New Energy, Hin Sang Group (International) Holding, Huayu Expressway Group

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acted for China Guangfa Bank (Macau Branch) on a claim against several defendants for outstanding indebtedness.

Client feedback

“Prompt responses on the provision of focused and appropriate legal advice.” – Corporate and M&A

“Flexible and resourceful.” – Private equity

“The firm is helpful. It responds promptly and provides detailed legal analysis on the work it did.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Conrad Chan

“Addresses core issues right away and provides prompt provision of good advice.”

Leon Saw

“Good execution, efficient, and detail-oriented.”

Clinton Tsang

“Clinton is a very friendly and approachable lawyer. His legal knowledge and skill is strong and he is hands-on in the appointed matter. He also spends time to consider options and solutions for clients and he provides pragmatic solutions.”

LC Lawyers is the Hong Kong member firm of EY Law. The firm has extensive experience representing private equity and venture capital firms on their investments and operations in Asia. The firm also offers services in a range of areas including corporate and M&A, capital markets, investment funds and regulatory. Rossana Chu is a key partner. Jason Wang and Bonnie Yung joined the firm as partners from Paul Hastings in 2019.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Acted for Hanergy Thin Film Power Group on its delisting from the HKEX and relisting in China through the setup of a special purpose vehicle company.

Key clients

CLSA Capital Markets, Greentown Service Group, Nexion Technologies

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised OCT on its acquisition of a 21% equity and debt interest in Zhongshan Yuhong Real Estate through OCT’s subsidiary, Shenzhen Huajing Investment.

Key clients

Asia Allied Infrastructure, EJE (Hong Kong) Holdings, Overseas Chinese Town (Asia) Holdings

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented Justice Without Borders and a migrant domestic worker on a matter concerning the worker’s claims for compensation for unfair dismissal at Hong Kong’s labour tribunal.

Client feedback

“Responsive and proactive on solving issues.” – Capital markets

“Good legal knowledge and experience with strong business acumen. I’m also very happy with its commitment.” – Capital markets

“Deep understanding of commercial reality while delivering top-tier legal advice.” – Capital markets

“The firm is very proactive and able to call out important focus points for the company way in advance.” – Corporate and M&A

“It stayed in close contact with us and is highly professional, thoughtful, and very experienced. The firm is a client advocate and offers knowledgeable professional services.” – Corporate and M&A

“I was deeply impressed by the working attitude and professional ability of the law firm. It helps clients to solve practical problems.” – Dispute resolution

“Good legal advice, well planned, handling regulators skilfully, timely responses and never missed deadlines.” – Regulatory

Rossana Chu

“Very familiar with the company and very professional.”

“Responsive and proactive.”

“Knowledgeable and very experienced with excellent business acumen.”

“Very competent and professional lawyer. Excellent response and turnaround time with top-tier service level and very reasonable price. Deep understanding of commercial reality and on top of legal knowledge, very competent on regulatory and compliance matters.”

“She is highly professional, thoughtful, experienced and knowledgeable. She delivers a professional service and has strong problem-solving skills.”

“Good strategies in handling regulators, good legal advice, timely responses, good time management, not missing any deadlines, profound legal knowledge.”

Kareena Teh

“The lawyer is very active, patient, punctual, and abides by business rules. In addition, she is very prompt in her work and with client responses and feedback, and often works overtime to deal with clients' emergencies.”

Full service law firm Oldham Li & Nie is particularly known for dispute resolution. Gordon Oldham, Richard Healy and Anna Chan are main partners for dispute resolution, while Tracy Yip is a key partner for corporate and M&A. The firm lost corporate partner Jade Tang to Hugill & Ip in June 2020.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Assisted Tokyo Century Corporation, a Japan-listed international financing and consultancy firm specialising in real asset and energy finance, in acquiring substantial shares in an SFC-licensed corporation and dealing with licensing matters.

Key clients

Alpha Balance Trust Hong Kong, Bluestone International Holdings (HK), Wanderlust Studio

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acting for Natural Seasoning International (HK) on a shareholder dispute over breach of agreements.

Key clients

Accredited Certification International, Grassmere Services, Jessop & Baird (Hong Kong)

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Acted for an individual on filing a patent revocation against two granted standard patents in Hong Kong.  

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Acted for the Hong Kong subsidiary of a Japan listed company on defending a complaint filed by a former senior manager through the Equal Opportunities Commission due to disability discrimination.

Key clients

ConnectedGroup

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Acted for Eight International Group on its liquidation. The firm handled the reporting obligation under listing rules, recovery of assets, the issue on unfair preference and the realisation of the assets.

Key clients

Asia Market Access (HK), Petrocom Energy, Yes Television (Hong Kong)

ONC Lawyers is ranked highly in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Managing partner Sherman Yan heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice. He is experienced in handling commercial disputes, securities regulation and matters related to shipping and logistics. Partners Ian Lo and Eric Lui departed to Ince & Co in March 2019. Partner Agatha Chun left the firm and joined PC Woo & Co in November 2019.

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advised Narnia (Hong Kong) Group Company on its share offer and listing of shares on the GEM board of the HKEX.

Key clients

Cinda International Capital, Grande Capital, Wecon Holdings 

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented an individual in commencing legal action in Hong Kong against a defendant to claim for outstanding debts in relation to the banking facilities granted by the individual to the defendant.

Represented China Merchants Securities (HK) in an investigation initiated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in relation to China Merchants Securities’ (HK) role as a joint sponsor for the listing application of China Metal Recycling.

Client feedback

“ONC Lawyers provides excellent services in relation to group reorganisation as well as IPO legal matters.” – Capital markets

“A one-stop service that provides facts and recommendations.” – Corporate and M&A

“It is responsive from my experience with the firm.” – Dispute resolution

“Fully understands the client’s needs and offers quick responses.” – Regulatory

“Practical solutions at reasonable costs.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Maxwell Chan

“In early February 2020, the lawyer issued a practical guide about Covid-19, which summarised employers’ duties and liabilities to employees. It helps to setup the contingency plan.”

“Hee always gives a positive response.”

Ludwig Ng

“Proactive and practical.”

“Good technical knowledge.”

Angel Wong

“Angel has extensive knowledge in legal matters with excellent professional judgement. She is dedicated to her work as a legal professional with good communication skills.”

Litigation specialist Payne Clermont Velasco enters our dispute resolution and private client tables this year. The firm’s core areas of practice are civil and commercial litigation, matrimonial litigation and criminal litigation. It has a track record representing clients in divorce proceedings in the family court of Hong Kong, defendants in criminal prosecutions, employees and employers in employment disputes, including at Hong Kong labour tribunal proceedings.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acted for a victim of fraudulent investment on a commercial litigation against three defendants. The plaintiff was deceived into transferring funds to three defendants believing that he was acquiring shares pursuant to an investment opportunity.

Key clients

Gramix, Music Life

Client feedback

“Quick response times and competent ad hoc replies.” – Corporate and M&A

“Clear analysis. Gives options and consequences. Advises clearly in the client’s interest and not to charge as much as possible. Availability.” – Dispute resolution

“It really cares and advises clients on its best interest with regards to the issue at hand. No-nonsense.” – Shipping

Adam Clermont

“Approachable, knowledgeable and has lots of experience in the field.”

Jaerey Velasco

“Jaerey Velasco is a pragmatic and empathetic solicitor. She is able to provide clients with the legal advice they need in order to make wise decisions.”

“She is a very proactive solicitor and is responsive to clients’ needs. She works very hard and her willingness to constantly improve herself is commendable.”

“Positive attitude, collaborative working practice, and a pragmatic approach to negotiation.”

“Jaerey is a very hard worker, consistently providing sound and practical advice to clients and very responsive to clients’ needs.”

Headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in Shanghai and Beijing, IP firm Simone Intellectual Property Services (SIPS) is known for assisting clients with trademark portfolio management and IP enforcement. Partner Helen Tang leads the firm in Hong Kong and her practice focuses on regional trademark prosecution work, strategic planning and management of international trademark portfolios. Partner Yu Bo left the firm in November 2019.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Acted for Heineken on all aspects of its Greater China IP protection, including anti-counterfeiting, trade dress infringements, fraud by service suppliers, online enforcement and trademark registry matters.

Key clients

Dell

Stevenson Wong & Co provides corporate legal services supporting clients in commercial law in Hong Kong and China. The firm’s corporate finance practice was established through its association with PRC firm, AllBright Law Offices. A key figure to note is partner Hank Lo, who heads the firm’s corporate finance practice. He specialises in capital markets, corporate finance and M&A. Partner Stephen Wong left the firm and joined DLA Piper in December 2019.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Acted for a virtual bank on the preparation of receivable finance documentation. The firm prepared the complete set of receivable finance documentation and provided legal advice to the client for launching new fintech bank products.

Represented Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBCA) in launching novel Greater Bay Area mortgage loans to its customers.

Key clients

Bona Fide Capital Financing

Capital markets

Work highlights

Acted for Sunlight Technology Holdings on its listing on the HKEX.

Key clients

IBO Technology Company, Kwung’s Holdings, World Super Holdings

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acted for Assisted Dafy Holdings, a PRC financial information and technology service provider, on its successful acquisition of the operating company through a VIE structure.

Key clients

Aoyuan Healthy Life Group, Hopefluent Group Holdings, International Alliance Financial Leasing

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advised China Aoyuan Group, the vice-chairman of Guo Zining, and Prime Champion Enterprise Company on an injunction application concerning publication of defamatory statements.

Key clients

CNT Group, CS Credit, Hongkong Song Wu Investment

Private client

Work highlights

Acted for an individual on her application for ancillary relief.

Assisted a client in application for grants of representation in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands, and prepared incidental deeds and agreements for the purposes of estate administration and distribution.

Regulatory

Work highlights

Acted for the audit committee of Morris Holdings, a company listed on the HKEX, on an independent investigation regarding queries from the former auditors of the company. Having fulfilled all conditions under the resumption guidance set out by HKEX, the company was subsequently allowed to resume trading of its shares on the main board.

Client feedback

“Fast responses and willing to answer further inquiries.” – Investment funds

Ann Chan

“She is always willing to help.”

Founded in 2004, corporate and litigation law firm Timothy Loh is known for its expertise in the banking and financial services sector. The firm is experienced in representing clients in cases before the regulators and legislative bodies. Managing partner Timothy Loh has particular expertise in M&A involving regulated financial institutions.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised an insurance company on the $160 million sale and purchase of interests in a target insurance business through implementing a series of restructuring steps, including the reorganisation of share classes, acquisitions of existing loans, creation of security interests and issuance of notes.

Investment funds

Work highlights

Advised a Hong Kong-based asset management firm on its management of a Japanese focused hedge fund.

Regulatory

Work highlights

Advised the operator of a cloud-based instant messaging service on an application of the rollout of a new blockchain based cryptocurrency and an e-wallet to enable payments attached to the messaging service.

Vivien Teu & Co is particularly focused on asset management and financial services, including the establishment of a wide range of funds, financing agreements, structured finance and corporate and M&A work.

Investment funds

Work highlights

Advised an investment company on fund structuring and key terms in anticipation of investing in a private equity deal.

Advising an investment company on a discretionary investment management arrangement and fund formation.

Regulatory

Work highlights

Acted for SingAlliance on its setup in Hong Kong, including regulatory advice and an application to the Hong Kong SFC for a licence to conduct regulated activities of advising on securities and asset management.

Client feedback

“Vivian Teu always responds very quickly and professionally. All the lawyers of the firm are always able to help us solve the problems and provide good advice to us. The firm is available at a fair price and can also assist on Cayman Islands legal issues through a business partner, which is convenient for us.” – Banking and finance

Vivien Teu

“Responds very quickly and gives detailed explanations about the inquiry.”

Wilkinson & Grist is best known for its expertise in dispute resolution, intellectual property and restructuring and insolvency, where the firm maintains its ‘Outstanding’ berth. Keith Ho and Florence Chan are key figures for dispute resolution and private client matters. Partner Derick Tam departed to Cheung Chan & Chung in January 2020.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Acted for China CITIC Bank International on its loan restructuring in relation to possible courses of action to protect its interests.

Key clients

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Represented K&K Property Holdings on its acquisition of a chain of offshore companies. The firm handled the due diligence over the underlying assets and companies.

Key clients

Amcorp Properties, WICE Logistics (Hong Kong)

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented a public body incorporated under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Ordinance in opposing the judicial review proceedings commenced by SUNeVision Holdings, the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties.

Acted for Eton Properties Group and Legend Properties (Xiamen) Company on defending an appeal concerning a dispute on the development of a valuable piece of land in the PRC.

Key clients

Chinachem Charitable Foundation, China Trends Holdings, The Bank of East Asia

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Represented Universal Music in obtaining a summary judgment against Hong Kong’s largest karaoke chain for use of over 5000 karaoke music videos at its karaoke establishments.

Key clients

Clover Group International, Dyson, Exxon Mobile Corporation, Galaxy Entertainment Group

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Acting for the joint provisional liquidators of National Arts Entertainment and Culture Group on its financial restructuring plans.

Key clients

Grant Thornton Recovery & Reorganisation, RSM Corporate Advisory (Hong Kong), Up Energy Development Group

Client feedback

“Efficient, practical, responsible, and responsive.” – Banking and finance

“It is very experienced and provides all the pros and cons of the terms which I need before making my decisions.” – Intellectual property

“Wilkinson & Grist is a specialist in property deals. The lead partner looked after the transaction from the beginning to the end, giving significant comfort and confidence to the client. The process went as smoothly as what the lead partner told us upfront, demonstrating hands-on experience in deals of this kind. From the client's perspective, everything was under guidance and largely hassle-free.” – Real estate

“Outstanding performance and completed all deals professionally.” – Real estate

Raymond Chan

“Professional, problem-solving and responsive.”

David Choi

“David has a client-friendly personality. He listens well to client's needs and provides bespoke professional and workable solutions.”

Mena Lo

“Knowledgeable, very experienced and considerate.”

Michael Ma

“Michael is knowledgeable, responsive and capable in driving the transaction with practical solutions in addressing unresolved issues among the parties.”

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo is ranked ‘Outstanding’ in corporate and M&A. The firm’s corporate and commercial team advises clients on M&A, equity and debt capital markets transactions and other corporate finance matters.  

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acted for China Automation Group on its privatisation by Brightex Enterprises and Ascendent Automation (Cayman).

Acted for Shenzhen Investment Holdings Bay Area Development Company on the formation of a joint venture between its subsidiary and certain subsidiaries of Guangdong Provincial Communication Group Company in relation to bidding of land.

Key clients

Henderson Land Development Company

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advising two former directors of China Shanshui Cement Group on legal proceedings against other former directors for breach of fiduciary duties.

Key clients

Asia Cement Corporation, Fubon Bank (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Housing Authority