LAWYER PROFILE

Derek Poon

Global 2026

Baker McKenzie

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment (International Firms)

China

1 year ranked

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

China

1 year ranked

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Global

Practice Areas

Derek Poon is a partner in Baker McKenzie's Hong Kong office and a member of the Firm's Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups. He is also the head of Baker McKenzie's Asia Pacific Private Equity Group and a member of the Global Private Equity Steering Committee.

Derek has extensive experience representing private equity firms, investment banks and major corporations on a wide variety of corporate matters, including public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures, real estate private equity and distressed M&A transactions. Earlier in his career, Derek spent time on client secondment with Bain Capital with the Asia Private Equity team.

Qualified in the US, Hong Kong, UK and Australia, Derek has worked on several significant transactions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Australia, ASEAN countries as well as on outbound deals into Europe and North America.

Personal

University of New South Wales (Bachelor of Laws)

University of New South Wales (Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting))

The College of Law (Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice)

University of Hong Kong (P.C.LL.)

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment (International Firms) - China

Band 4

Individual Editorial

Derek Poon is well recognised for advising private equity and venture capital firms, as well as other investors, on structuring their cross-border acquisitions and divestments. Notably, he is qualified in Hong Kong, Australia, the USA and the UK.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

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

Band 5

Individual Editorial

Derek Poon advises buyers, sellers and financial advisors on a diverse range of transactions across China and the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to his notable private M&A practice, he is recognised for his expertise on takeover and take-private deals.

View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Derek always brings a practical and commercially driven approach on transactions, driving deals to closing. Clients value his hands-on approach.
Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
An excellent lawyer who has a good mix of legal knowledge and commercial acumen. He is very responsive and provides a high level of client service.
Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Derek Poon is a very commercial and strategic lawyer who understands the priorities of his PE clients.
Private Equity: Buyouts & Venture Capital Investment (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
He has an in-depth understanding of the client's business and seeks to deliver commercial results to meet the client's needs.
Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
He always goes above and beyond to assist. His ability to advise commercially in a very prompt manner makes him stand out in the field.
Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Derek is very commercial and flexible in terms of offering advice on HK public takeovers. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in HK takeovers and is always watching out for clients’ interests.
Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide