Chengyao (Aaron) Zhou

Practice Areas

Mergers and acquisitions, private equity investment, venture capital investment, healthcare-related (BD) transactions, outbound investment, foreign direct investment (FDI), joint ventures, restructuring, liquidation and general corporate matters.

Career

Mr. Zhou has over 20 years’ legal experience, including nearly ten years at Han Kun, five years at a leading Wal Street law firm, three years as the Asia Pacific legal head of a Fortune Global 50 company and legal counsel for the healthcare business of a Fortune Global 500 company.

Professional Memberships

Member of the PRC Bar

Member of the New York State Bar

Publications

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare:

License-in – Let's Talk About "Money" First

License-in – What Else Matters Other Than "Money"

From the Legal Due Diligence Perspective – New Regulations Regarding the Registration and Manufacturing of Pharmaceutical Products

Key Issues in Pharmaceutical Asset Sale and Purchase Transactions

Supply Arrangement in Pharmaceutical-Related Transactions

In-depth Overview and Observations of Pharmaceutical Cooperation and Development Transactions

AI in Pharmaceutical R&D (Part I) – Market Observation and Collaboration Models

AI in Pharmaceutical R&D (Part II) – Key Terms of Collaboration Agreements

Strategies of "Material Transfer" – the Transitional Phase of Pharmaceutical-Related Transactions

Thoughtful Overview of "Upstream and Downstream" – Sublicensees' Rights and Interests in Pharmaceutical-Related License-in/License-out Transactions

NewCo Model – New Trend in Pharmaceutical-Related Transactions and Practical Advice

Key Terms in, and Practical Guide regarding, Cross-Border Pharmaceutical Distribution Agreements

What We Discussing About in Pharmaceutical-Related Asset Acquisition Transactions (Part I)

China-US Tariff War’s Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry

Compliance Rectification Measures when Drug Companies Facing Administrative Penalties

Outbound Investment & FDI:

The Final CFIUS Regulations and their Potential Impact on Chinese Overseas Investment

Decoupling in Action –The Potential Impact of New Export Control Rules and the SEC's Public Statement and New Export Control Rules on Chinese and Non-Chinese Entities and Investors

China Provides a Sneak Peek into the Parameters of its Own CFIUS Regime – Analysis of the Foreign Investment Security Review Measures

Photovoltaic:

Overview, Trend and Insight of Photovoltaic Industry

Common Transaction Structures for Acquisitions of Equity Interest in Photovoltaic Power Stations

Common Risks and Preventive Measures in Acquisition of Photovoltaic Power Stations

Insurance:

Innovation for Eighteen Years – Things to Know About Rules on Insurance Asset Management Companies (Part I & Part II)

A New Era Announced – PE/VC Equity Investment of Insurance Funds

Company Law:

Reform of Capital Contribution Rules in the 2023 Company Law – What Companies and Shareholders Need to Know

Experience

Mr. Zhou has represented many renowned companies and institutions in merger and acquisition transactions, private equity financing and venture capital investment projects. Mr. Zhou has also helped many multinational and PRC pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies in out-license/in-license for the commercialization, development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and medical devices, NewCo transactions, sale and purchase of healthcare-related assets and businesses, research collaboration, CRO, CSO and CDMO agreements, supply agreements, distribution transactions, MTAs as well as regulatory, FCPA-related and compliance matters. He provides a full range of legal services in these transactions and projects, including deal structuring, legal due diligence, drafting and reviewing transaction documents, and leading negotiations. He has also helped PRC companies in their IPOs and listings on overseas stock exchanges, U.S. dollar and euro bond issuances, and listed company restructurings. Mr. Zhou is a member of the Equity Investment Committee and the Foreign Investment and Opening-up Committee of the Insurance Asset Management Association of China.

Industry Sector Expertise

Pharmaceutical, medical device, AI, technology, the Internet, telecommunications, new energy, natural resources, automobile, electric vehicles, healthcare management, insurance, finance, culture and entertainment.

Languages Spoken

English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese

Awards

Education