Department profile
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms)

Greater China Region Guide 2026 : China


Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

The corporate division of the firm 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 knowledge with sector experience and full capability to draft and produce legal documents in both English and Chinese.

Through our Joint Operation with the firm 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.

Industries (6)

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Environmental and Waste
  • Financial Investors
  • Financial Services
  • Property, Construction and Infrastructure
  • Resources and Mining

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) - China

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer houses an accomplished team with exceptional credentials in the oil and gas, power and mining sectors. It is well placed to advise on cross-border M&A, off-take agreements, and sale and purchase agreements. The multilingual team, with key lawyers in Hong Kong and Beijing, is frequently engaged by state-owned entities and major corporates investing abroad, and also acts for foreign clients on inbound investments. It benefits from broad geographical expertise across the Asia-Pacific region. The team has an expanding presence handling international greenfield project financing and developments.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills advised China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Company on the bidding strategy and drafting of the production sharing contract and joint operating agreement for its interests in Blocks 14 and 15 in Suriname.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team responds positively and gives timely feedback, regardless of whether it is a holiday or weekday.

    Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
  • The quality of the staff is quite high as they have the specialisms, but they are also one of the few firms that provides full service.

    Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Hilary Lau
    Band 1Hilary Lau

    Hilary Lau

    Hilary Lau is a market-leading oil and gas specialist who heads the Asia practice. He boasts an enviable clientele consisting of state-owned enterprises and private multinational companies. He chiefly advises corporate clients on outbound upstream project financing and investment, but is also adept at handling downstream energy deals.
    • Hilary has always been very commercial and very helpful. He is a highly sophisticated and commercially astute lawyer.

      Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
    • He's a big-picture partner who knows where the market is and is able to advise us on what the other side is thinking. He has that commercial awareness.

      Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
  • Band 3Calvin Ho
    Band 3Calvin Ho

    Calvin Ho

    Calvin Ho is co-head of the firm's energy and natural resources team from his base in Beijing. He is experienced in advising both Chinese and foreign clients on joint venture agreements, negotiating project agreements and various sale and purchase transactions.

    • Calvin is experienced and he manages to present our position well.

      Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
    • Calvin is highly technical and experienced.

      Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
  • Band 3Yida Xu
    Band 3Yida Xu

    Yida Xu

    Xu Yida is of counsel at the firm with a burgeoning reputation for his expertise in the energy industry. He is active on mandates involving the oil and gas industry, LNG and renewable energy.

    • Yida actively understands customer needs and quickly coordinates and provides timely feedback.

      Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
    • He maintains a very close relationship with his clients and is able to provide tailored and quality legal advice.

      Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (3)

China

  • Profile image of Hilary Lau

    Hilary Lau

    Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Calvin Ho

    Calvin Ho

    Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Yida Xu

    Yida Xu

    Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms)

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Members

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has rankings in the following guides

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