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Linklaters

Corporate/M&A (International Firms)

Global Guide 2026 : China

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Linklaters

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A (International Firms) - China

Spotlight

What the Team is Known For

Linklaters' impressive corporate team is particularly commended for its work handling transactions in the financial services and insurance sectors. Private equity work is also a key focus of the firm. The team is able to draw on the resources of its other departments, including its notable finance and antitrust group. Clients benefit from the firm's impressive regional network of offices, including its Shanghai Joint Operation Office with Zhao Sheng Law Firm.

Foreign Desk

Linklaters' Hong Kong team is increasingly active in multi-jurisdictional transactions related to Vietnam. It is highly sought after by international big names in the finance and insurance sectors. The team is often engaged in large-scale acquisitions, disposals and investments in the Southeast Asia region.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Linklaters advised Citi on the sale of its retail banking business in mainland China to HSBC.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team has solid technical and commercial knowledge as well as market perspectives. They know our businesses very well, understand where we're coming from and tailor their advice accordingly.

    Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

  • The team’s commercial acumen and unequivocal advice when dealing with fluid situations distinguish them from others in the industry.

    Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

  • Their analysis of pros and cons is sharp, comprehensive and intelligent, far exceeding expectations, and can effectively ensure that clients do not make mistakes and can make the best decisions.

    Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Betty Yap
    Betty Yap

    Betty Yap

    Betty Yap maintains a broad and respected corporate law practice. Her recent experience includes handling high-profile acquisitions and investments for international investors. She is all well regarded for her expertise in handling the establishment of joint ventures.

    • She is one of the best lawyers in the market, who has an outstanding commercial vision.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

    • Betty is the best of the best. She’s sharp, with wisdom and empathy - a top rainmaker.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

    • Betty is a very impressive transaction lawyer. She is absolutely reliable, extremely capable, very user-friendly and very responsive. She gets things done.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal
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  • Matthew Middleditch
    Matthew Middleditch

    Matthew Middleditch

    Matthew Middleditch chairs Linklaters' global corporate practice, possessing considerable expertise in M&A matters, disposals and joint ventures. Additionally, he has notable experience handling bancassurance matters and he is frequently mandated by leading investment banks.

    • Matthew is highly experienced and a highly skilled negotiator, with very sound business and commercial acumen.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

    • Matthew is my number one lawyer for anything insurance-related. He has the depth and breadth of knowledge and I would always like to have him on my side.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

    • He is commercially sensible and adopts a very constructive approach to issues.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal
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  • Roger Cheng
    Roger Cheng

    Roger Cheng

    Roger Cheng is a former Head of Takeovers at the SFC and brings to bear his deep expertise in regulatory matters in his advice on a range of corporate transactions.

    • Roger is highly sophisticated in Hong Kong public transactions. His advice and judgement are good and he can steer transactions and structuring in the right direction.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

    • He can digest rules and knows them inside out. He is able to understand the client’s needs and explain the rules clearly.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal

    • Roger is someone we trust and rely on when it comes to the SFC takeover code. He's principled and commercial at the same time, as well as extremely responsive and hardworking.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal
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  • John Xu
    John Xu

    John Xu

    John Xu is well regarded for advising multinational clients on cross-border acquisitions and investments. He has lately acted for clients in the financial services and mining sectors.

    • John is exceptionally client-focused. His response times are reliable and the legal advice received is well-delivered, with invaluable commercial context overlayed.

      Corporate/M&A (International Firms) respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Linklaters (4)

China

  • Profile image of Betty Yap

    Betty Yap

    Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Matthew Middleditch

    Matthew Middleditch

    Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Roger Cheng

    Roger Cheng

    Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of John Xu

    John Xu

    Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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