Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded (International Firms)
Greater China Region Guide 2025 : China
Band 1
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
The corporate division of Herbert Smith Freehills has a long-standing worldwide reputation for acting for corporate clients in cross-border investments, M&As, joint ventures, restructurings and other general corporate matter transactions. Specific to China, we regularly assist in M&A activities and the negotiation, establishment and operation of foreign invested companies. We also acted for international companies investing in China.
We started our business in China since 1982. We understand Chinese business cultures and have familiarised ourselves with the values, visions, development strategies and working styles of Chinese companies. Our M&A team are in the top tier of international M&A practices. We handle some of the largest and most complex cross-border transactions in the region and combine our transactional expertise with sector experience and full capability to draft and produce legal documents in both English and Chinese.
Through our Joint Operation with Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei, we are able to advise clients on PRC law together with international law as one seamless team. The team is well experienced in dealing with government and working with Chinese companies and has an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the Chinese authorities involved in the approval and registration of foreign investment projects in China.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills' solid corporate practice is active on public and private transactions from its Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai offices. Areas of expertise include joint ventures, acquisitions and dispositions. The team is renowned for its expertise in transactions relating to energy, including oil and gas, as well as other highly regulated industries. It also assists clients from the retail, pharmaceutical and TMT sectors. Clients also benefit from the firm's PRC joint operation firm, Kewei.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills advised Canal+ on its acquisition of a significant minority stake in video streaming services provider Viu Group, with an option to acquire majority control.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is knowledgeable, professional and responded in a timely manner, with very strong competence in handling complex situations."
"They can provide creative and practical solutions to our needs or problems and can manage the projects well. They have a clear understanding of business challenges."
"The team is knowledgeable, professional and responded in a timely manner, with very strong competence in handling complex situations."
"They can provide creative and practical solutions to our needs or problems and can manage the projects well. They have a clear understanding of business challenges."
Notable Practitioners
Nanda Lau heads the firm's corporate practice in China and advises multinational corporations on cross-border transactions, with a focus on joint ventures and acquisitions. She advises clients from the TMT, logistics, biotech, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
Tommy Tong handles a range of corporate law instructions on behalf of Chinese and international companies. His recent work includes cross-border investments, acquisitions and disposals, especially in the USA and Australia.
"He's not only very knowledgeable about the law, but is also practical. If you explain the issue he understands right away, and the business environment you're in too, which is really an asset."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
China
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Anthony Vasey
Benjamin Lohr
Calvin Ho
Gavin Guo
Head of Department
Jeremy Shen
Jin Kong
Maisie Ko
Stanley Xie
Industries
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Energy and Utilities
Environmental and Waste
Financial Investors
Financial Services
Health and Life Sciences
Industrials, Engineering and Manufacturing
Retail and Consumer
Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT)