Department profile
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms)

Greater China Region Guide 2026 : China


Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Debevoise was one of the first firms to advise private equity funds on their activities in Asia, and has remained at the forefront of the sector ever since. Over the years, it has been consistently ranked at the top of all the relevant league tables. It has advised the most prominent and innovative funds in Asia, constantly leveraging its superior understanding of the Asia market to deliver successful solutions to clients.

The team works across the full spectrum of market participants, from large pan-Asian buyout funds to smaller sector or country-specific funds, as well as foreign-sponsored, RMB-denominated private equity funds and secondaries funds. This wide-ranging experience sees the team remain at the cutting edge of the industry, whether that be in terms of structuring or regulatory advice or specialist investment strategies.

The award-winning team is led by Gavin Anderson, described by clients in Chambers & Partners as “very quick, very smart and gives very high-quality advice.”

The team also benefits from Debevoise’s global investment management and private equity strengths. The firm has exceptional capability in these areas in Europe and the U.S., as well as market-leading M&A, acquisition finance and capital markets teams. In working alongside these teams, the Asia Funds practice provides a powerful offering for clients. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) - China

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Debevoise & Plimpton is a pre-eminent private equity funds practice which acts from a strong base in Hong Kong. It attracts instructions from an enviable roster of clients in relation to the formation of Asian venture capital, growth and buyout funds as well as private credit funds. The team is expert in high-value and complex structuring, including comprehensive solutions to international investment issues. The team is also experienced in the formation of renminbi-denominated funds and advising on secondary transactions.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Debevoise & Plimpton advised Coller Capital on its role in East Ventures’ inaugural GP-led secondary transaction.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It does the highest calibre work.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
  • The team always knows the business need of the client.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Gavin Anderson
    Band 1Gavin Anderson

    Gavin Anderson

    Gavin Anderson co-heads Debevoise & Plimpton's investment funds group and is a renowned figure in the market for his expertise in all aspects of fund formation, capital raising and closing. He regularly acts for GPs across a range of private closed-end fund structures, as well as LPs on large-size, bespoke investments.

    • Gavin is a superb lawyer. His strong technical knowledge and negotiating skills are invaluable in negotiations.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
    • Gavin is a real guru of investment funds. He is commercially focused. When he negotiates he does so in a balanced and sensible manner.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
  • Band 3Shawn Yang
    Band 3Shawn Yang

    Shawn Yang

    Shawn Yang co-heads Debevoise & Plimpton's investment funds group. He is adept at structuring, formation and fundraising for both private equity and venture capital funds. Shawn is active in the formation and operation of buyout and growth funds, and he regularly acts on GP-led secondary transactions and the transfer of existing funds to continuation funds.

    • He has good expertise, is very approachable and responsive.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
    • Shawn is a great lawyer with very strong commercial sense. He can always efficiently help us solve complicated issues.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

Ranked Individuals at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (2)

China

Members

Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

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