Projects & Infrastructure (International Firms) | Greater China Region

A highly regarded project finance practice with an impressive track record in power and infrastructure mandates, A&O Shearman leverages its extensive international network to advise lenders on projects around the world. The law firm is focused on outbound Chinese lending and acquisitions relating to projects within jurisdictions in South-East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It offers a specialism in the development of data centres, including advising on inbound investments, and is well placed to advise firms on transaction structuring and devising timelines for project development. Its key clients include the Asian Development Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Harbour Engineering Company. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Clifford Chance fields an outstanding project finance group, regularly engaged by Chinese lenders on investments in overseas projects. Its additional capabilities cover the financing and construction of projects relating to mining and chemicals. The group is particularly active advising on large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of motorways, telecommunications networks and LNG terminals, and it houses a number of native Mandarin speakers and PRC-qualified practitioners. Its key clients include China Harbour Engineering, Bank of China and China Three Gorges Corporation.

Linklaters frequently represents Chinese and international lenders and sponsors in project financings across Asia, from India and Pakistan through Vietnam and Indonesia to Hong Kong and Taiwan. The law firm is identified for expertise in power projects and an extensive international network that enables the team to advise on complex cross-border transactions. It also acts on headline infrastructure projects relating to natural resources, travel and communications, and demonstrates additional strength handling the development of international projects in the resorts and entertainment sphere. The firm counts Agricultural Bank of China, China Light & Power and the Silk Road Fund among its key clients.

DLA Piper's dynamic practice offers the full range of capabilities in the projects and infrastructure sphere and is particularly active assisting Chinese clients with overseas investments in Indonesia and Vietnam. It is experienced advising on the tender, financing and development of diverse energy projects within the coal mining, petrochemical and geothermal industries. Its key clients include China Energy Investment, DBS Bank and ICBC Asia.

Pinsent Masons possesses an established record for advising contractors and project sponsors on the construction of infrastructure projects abroad. It is also noted for its representation of developers involved in power projects in South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with particular expertise in traditional energy development. The law firm is well versed in handling EPC and PPP agreements and often advises on investments into existing projects and asset portfolios. It is also adept at dealing with the early stages of developments, involving complex financing arrangements. Its key clients include the Asian Development Bank, International Finance Corporation and Keppel Asia Infrastructure Fund.

White & Case fields a respected team of project finance specialists with specific expertise in mining, LNG and hydropower, additionally recognised for its experience handling the acquisition of projects in these sectors. It draws strength from its international network to advise on outbound investments and international project development, with particular capability in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. The law firm is well placed to advise clients on high-value loans and revolving facilities. Its key clients include CMOC Group, China Development Bank and Petronas.