Capital Markets: Debt (International Firms)

Latham & Watkins has a well-balanced practice assisting clients on ECM, investment-grade debt and high-yield work. The firm continues acting on a wide range of debt transactions, working on deals originating in China and abroad, regularly assisting Chinese SOEs and private companies and often acting for property developers and industrial clients. It is notably active advising on convertible bonds and other hybrid issuances, as well as sustainability-linked issuances and private placements. The ECM team has a strong track record of acting on significant IPOs for clients in the healthcare, technology, real estate and finance industries. The firm offers an integrated team with US, Hong Kong and UK law capabilities. Key clients include Goldman Sachs, Jinmao Property Services and GigaCloud Technology.

Latham & Watkins houses a well-regarded Hong Kong-based team with expertise advising domestic corporates and international financial institutions on debt issuances in Thailand. The team is also recognised for experience assisting with complex derivatives transactions.

"Latham do a great job training and developing their personnel; their product specialists are exceptional. Latham's attorneys are very aware of market norms and excel at pushing back at off-market terms or conditions in transactions."

"As one of the most established law firms in DCM markets, Latham has consistently provided top-notch services, offering global expertise with local insights, depth and breadth of product knowledge and significant expertise in cross-border deals."

Latham & Watkins advised Sunny Optical Technology on its issuance of USD400 million 5.95% unsecured sustainability-linked bonds due 2026.

Latham & Watkins advised Guotai Junan Securities on the issuance of USD210 million 7% senior unsecured bonds due 2025.

Latham & Watkins advised CICC as sole sponsor and other underwriters on the HKD1.014 billion IPO of JF Wealth Holdings on the Main Board of the SEHK.

Cathy Yeung is chair of the Greater China capital markets practice at Latham & Watkins and is well equipped to advise clients on high-profile IPOs and secondary listings. She regularly acts for both underwriters and issuers. "Cathy provides a high level of service in responding to enquiries from our chairman and CEO."

Liu Ji is an integral part of Latham & Watkins' investment-grade and high-yield debt teams in Hong Kong, frequently advising PRC real estate and infrastructure development companies and industrial clients as issuers, as well as advising bookrunners. "We much appreciate the professional service Mr Liu has provided and his maintenance of a strong client relationship under very challenging market conditions." "Mr Liu is very experienced in the domain and covers a wide range of clients. He catches up with me periodically to discuss market trends and practices on the street. He's my go-to contact if any legal questions emerge during the structuring and pitching stages."

Benjamin Su is known for his work on equity offerings and is noted for his attentive approach and his expertise in US IPOs. "Benjamin Su is highly knowledgeable, attentive to clients' needs and committed to providing the best possible legal representation."

Allen Wang wins acclaim for his expertise in advising Chinese clients on US listings, with particularly deep experience handling ADS issuances. "I would name-drop Allen Wang for US ECM deals in particular; he's a go-to for tricky US issues." "He's a very strong transaction manager who keeps deals on schedule and moving well. He's exceptionally knowledgeable and responsive."

Terris Tang brings to bear over 15 years' experience handling IPOs, with particular strength in Hong Kong listings. "Terris provides a high level of service in managing his team and always maintains a clear commercial sense."

Benjamin Carale provides expert handling of Philippines-related capital markets transactions. He is dual-qualified in the Philippines and New York, and represents both issuers and underwriters in international bond and equity issuances. "He is very well regarded, not just by our company but also by other companies, for his professionalism and excellent client handling. Quality advice with quality legal fees make him very commendable and sought after."

Posit Laohaphan maintains a strong reputation for his expert handling of Thai capital markets transactions from his base in Hong Kong. He possesses extensive experience working on both ECM and DCM mandates and fluency in Thai. "Posit is one of the most commercial counsels we have worked with, and he is a real expert in structured products. His suggestions and advice were always comprehensive. We love working with him." "Posit has a very strong understanding of equity-linked product technicals and their application under US regulations. He is consistently reliable and his team delivers very high-quality work."

Richard Lee maintains a strong reputation for his work acting on South Korean-Hong Kong capital markets transactions from his base in Seoul. He is held in high regard for his DCM expertise and often acts on high-yield offerings.