Kirkland & Ellis has reinforced its standing as a pre-eminent private M&A firm, with a strong emphasis on high-value, sponsor-led transactions. Over the past year, the firm has advised on several market-shaping deals, including high-profile de-listings and take-privates. It is widely recognised for its expertise in privatisations, reverse takeovers, sponsor-backed acquisitions, and cross-border mergers. Co-chair Joey Chau is highly experienced in complex transactional mandates, particularly high-profile take-privates, while fellow co-chair Brian Ho brings deep regulatory insight from his previous role as Executive Director at the Securities and Futures Commission. Peng Yu, Jesse Sheley, and Pierre-Luc Arsenault are also central to the team's ongoing successes.

Latham & Watkins LLP continues to strengthen its presence in Greater China’s transactional market, offering a robust corporate and private equity platform. With teams based in Hong Kong and Beijing, the firm brings together US, Hong Kong, and English law expertise, enhancing its ability to advise on complex cross-border transactions. Under the leadership of Simon Cooke, the group handles a wide range of matters, including take-privates, joint ventures, PIPEs, carve-outs, club deals, and strategic cross-border acquisitions. Zhonghua (Stephen) Shi is a trusted advisor to private equity firms, multinationals, and Chinese corporates. Frank Sun is noted for his expertise in complex PE and M&A transactions.

Renowned for its cross-border capabilities and deep regulatory insight, Linklaters remains a go-to firm for complex, high-value M&A and private equity transactions. Leading conglomerates, multinationals, state-owned enterprises, and global financial sponsors regularly turn to the firm for advice on sophisticated corporate matters across the region. The practice is especially noted for its strength in both inbound and outbound China-related deals. Co-head Matthew Middleditch brings over four decades of experience handling complex transactions involving financial institutions, while fellow co-head Betty Yap is highly regarded for her private equity expertise. Roger Cheng  and Donnelly Chan are also key figures in the team.

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP remains a key player in the Greater China M&A and private equity market, widely recognised for advising on complex, high-value corporate transactions. The team is regularly instructed on business-critical deals across the TMT, consumer, financial services, and healthcare sectors, and is particularly adept at handling public company M&A, including take-private transactions involving U.S. and Hong Kong-listed entities. Jonathan Stone and Paloma Wang co-lead the practice from Hong Kong, both bringing top-tier expertise in sophisticated cross-border M&A. Co-chair Haiping Li, who splits her time between Hong Kong and Beijing, is especially noted for her deep sector knowledge in TMT, fintech, renewable energy, and consumer-focused deals. Shu Du also provides comprehensive expertise across the full range of M&A mandates.

Slaughter and May is widely recognised for its work on complex, high-stakes transactions across Greater China and the broader Asia Pacific region. The team is particularly adept at handling cross-border M&A, public takeovers, private equity deals, restructurings, contested transactions, and shareholder activism. Its client base spans state-owned enterprises, major Hong Kong corporates, private companies, and global conglomerates. Co-head Benita Yu continues to act on market-shaping capital markets, M&A, and corporate finance mandates. Fellow co-head Chris McGaffin recently led on multibillion-dollar share buybacks and major joint ventures. Vincent Chan remains a key figure for intricate corporate and transactional work, including high-profile M&A and equity offerings.

Baker McKenzie’s corporate practice offers deep sectoral insight, particularly in transactions shaped by innovation and digital transformation across the TMT, digital infrastructure, financial services, consumer, and real estate sectors. The team is especially active in deals driven by AI and the clean energy transition, advising both strategic and financial sponsors. Robert Wright plays a central role in tech-driven mandates, while Christina Lee brings extensive experience in public and private M&A. Hong Kong managing partner Tracy Wut, who leads the team, is frequently sought after for complex cross-border M&A and private equity transactions.

Clifford Chance offers end to end transactional support across private equity, public and private M&A, and cross-border mandates, drawing on the strength of its regional offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. The group distinguishes itself with its deep transactional and regulatory understanding, and experience in the energy transition, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and life sciences, and consumer goods sectors. Practice head Andrew Crook is a well respected M&A and private equity practitioner. Emma Davies handles a steady stream of work advising clients on restructurings of their PRC operations. Alex Bidlake and Julie Fu are also key members of the team.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP remains a dominant force in Asia’s M&A market, regularly handling high-value and strategically significant cross-border and domestic transactions. Practice head Miranda So advises leading global corporates, Asian companies, and investment funds on complex strategic deals. Annie Yan brings extensive expertise across pre-IPO financings, buyouts, joint ventures, PIPEs, going-private transactions, and strategic investments. Also supporting the team, Sam Kelso, is a key figure for cross-border M&A across a wide range of sectors.

King & Wood Mallesons maintains a strong reputation in Greater China for handling complex, high-value M&A transactions, cross-border financings, and strategic corporate restructurings. The practice is co-led by seasoned practitioners Gary Lock, Sheldon Tse, and Hayden Flinn, whose combined experience spans public and private M&A, foreign direct investment, and multi-jurisdictional deal structuring across China, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The firm is trusted by leading Hong Kong-listed companies, Chinese SOEs, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and global multinationals.

A&O Shearman’s corporate team remains a go-to choice for high-value public and private M&A, joint ventures, privatisations, and complex restructurings. The group regularly advises global multinationals, sovereign wealth funds, major Chinese SOEs, and leading private enterprises. Co-led by Victor Ho and Lina Lee, the practice is distinguished by its deep sector knowledge across TMT, energy, and financial services. Ho, a US-qualified lawyer, is especially noted for his work on prominent TMT transactions, while Li Chen plays a key role in driving the firm’s private ongoing equity mandates.

Ashurst’s corporate team is highly experienced in advising on complex cross-border transactions, including inbound and outbound M&A, public and private deals, joint ventures, and private equity investments. The practice also provides guidance on corporate governance and multi-jurisdictional regulatory matters. Its client roster spans multinational corporates, Chinese enterprises, SOEs, and private equity sponsors. Practice head Frank Bi brings over two decades of experience in transactional work and governance. Joshua Cole is noted for his transactional depth and strategic insight across the financial services, pharmaceuticals, energy, and retail sectors.

Deacons advises on the full spectrum of transactional matters, including public takeovers, private M&A, joint ventures, and private equity investments. The firm is particularly noted for its strength in privatisations, having advised on numerous high-profile take-private deals involving Hong Kong-listed companies. Co-chair Ronny Chow has led several standout takeover and privatisation mandates. Fellow co-chair Machiuanna Chu brings broad sector experience, spanning education, asset management, property development, and manufacturing and distribution. Alexander Que is a key contact for clients navigating Hong Kong’s complex listing, takeovers, and securities regulatory landscape.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP maintains its position as a top-tier M&A practice in the Hong Kong market, with recognised strength in executing complex, cross-border transactions. The team is particularly active in take-private deals, restructurings, foreign direct investments, and strategic acquisitions, drawing on the firm’s integrated expertise across the U.S., Europe, and Greater China. Practice head Brian Schwarzwalder brings deep private equity experience spanning leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, consortium deals, co-investments, carve-outs, and joint ventures. Qi Yue remains a go-to advisor for take-private transactions involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP’s Greater China corporate team advises on a broad range of cross-border mandates across Asia, Australia, and Europe. The practice is particularly active in the energy, infrastructure, TMT, industrials, life sciences, and consumer sectors, and benefits from the firm’s 2024 merger with Kramer Levin, which has strengthened its transatlantic and transpacific capabilities. Team head Jason Sung is well regarded for his experience in Hong Kong public takeovers. Tommy Tong regularly advises investment banks, private equity clients, and corporates on complex transactional matters.

From strategic planning and antitrust clearance to post-deal integration and exit, Johnson Stokes & Master’s Hong Kong-based team advises across the full lifecycle of M&A transactions. The team regularly acts for Hong Kong-listed companies, global multinationals, and private equity sponsors on complex cross-border mandates. Practice head Hannah Ha brings considerable experience in foreign direct investment, cross-border M&A, and private equity transactions. Jeckle Chiu adds further strength through her focus on corporate finance matters. Chester Wong is a key name for Hong Kong equity offerings.

Norton Rose Fulbright is noted for its ability to deliver integrated international and PRC legal advice, particularly in M&A transactions with complex regulatory components. The team adopts a sector-focused approach, with recognised strength across fintech, energy, real estate, infrastructure, transport, and consumer markets. Practice head Psyche Tai brings longstanding experience advising Hong Kong and PRC corporates, as well as financial advisers, on M&A, joint ventures, privatisations, and restructurings. Rachel Chan plays a key role in the team’s growing profile in public M&A work.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Hong Kong is routinely sought out by both global investors and prominent Chinese corporates for their most strategically significant and cross-border transactions. The team is especially strong in advising global private equity firms on strategic investments, exits, and fund work. Co-chair Ian Ho continues to support KKR as sponsor across numerous prominent transactions. Fellow co-chair Erik Ping Wang has achieved renown for his strategic understanding of complex, cross-border transactions, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, and PIPE transactions.

Sullivan & Cromwell continues to be recognised for its sophisticated deal structuring capabilities, recently acting for DCP Capital in its US$2bn acquisition of Sun Art Retail from Alibaba. The team has remained active in high-profile privatisation mandates and maintains a strong reputation in the automotive and EV sectors. Co-chair Kay Ian Ng advises on a wide spectrum of transactions including public takeovers, strategic investments, and private disposals. Co-chair Gwen Wong, who divides her time between Beijing and Hong Kong, regularly leads on complex cross-border matters. Fellow co-chair Ching-Yang Lin is a trusted adviser on Hong Kong public M&A, particularly for clients with U.S. or Asian interests.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is widely recognised for its strong track record in public M&A and take-private transactions involving Chinese companies listed in the US and Hong Kong. The team also maintains a broad sectoral reach, frequently advising on deals in e-commerce, healthcare, industrials, and technology. Practice head Charles Ching regularly acts for Chinese corporates on their cross-border transactional mandates. Henry Ong adds further depth, advising both strategic investors and corporates on a wide range of M&A matters across the deal lifecycle.

White & Case continues to distinguish itself through its strong cross-border capabilities, advising on both inbound and outbound China-related transactions across sectors including technology, infrastructure, life sciences, and industrials. The firm’s established FDI practice, particularly in navigating US and EU regulatory reviews, adds notable value in complex, multi-jurisdictional deals. Practice head Christopher Kelly is active in energy transition and infrastructure mandates, while Paul Tang brings recognised experience in natural resources transactions.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Greater China M&A team forms a key part of the firm’s globally integrated corporate practice, regularly advising on high-value, complex transactions across Asia. Led by Edwin Northover, who is noted for his transactional expertise, the team acts for a mix of global corporates and leading private equity clients. Recent activity has included mandates across the healthcare, financial services, and TMT sectors. Wen-Wei Lai and Tingting Wu also contribute significant experience across a broad range of cross-border matters.

Eversheds Sutherland regularly advises on strategic inbound and outbound M&A and investment transactions, acting for a diverse client base that includes multinational corporates, financial sponsors, and major Chinese conglomerates. The team is also increasingly active in fundraising work, supporting start-ups and SMEs through early-stage growth deals and capital raisings. Co-chair Charles Butcher retains a strong track record across billion-dollar M&A, joint ventures, and renewable energy investments. Fellow co-chair Dickson Ng is a trusted adviser to Hong Kong-listed companies, guiding clients through complex transactional, regulatory, and compliance matters. Roderick Lai and Roger Zhou also play key leadership roles.

Fangda Partners fields a well-established M&A team that regularly advises strategic and financial investors, as well as target companies, on both public and private transactions. The group is particularly well regarded for its ability to handle cross-border M&A matters involving Chinese assets, regulatory complexities, or sensitive industry sectors. Practice head Colin Law is noted for his expertise across capital markets, M&A, and securities transactions, while Norman Zhong brings valuable experience in private equity and joint ventures.

Goodwin continues to provide comprehensive advice on private equity M&A, including leveraged buyouts, stock and asset sales, and joint venture transactions. In supporting its impressive client base, the team regularly draws on its extensive understanding of the technology, life sciences, healthcare, and financial services sectors. Co-chair Yash Rana has advised extensively on private equity and cross-border M&A. Fellow co-chair Douglas Freeman continues to act on a number of landmark transactions, while Daniel Dusek, also a co-chair, remains a trusted adviser to the firm’s high-profile private equity clients.

Milbank maintains a strong track record in high-value cross-border corporate transactions, with particular strength in the private equity space. While active across Hong Kong and mainland China, the team is also frequently engaged on deals involving parties in the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Co-chair Andrew Whan combines transactional fluency with sector insight across healthcare, logistics, TMT, and transportation. Fellow co-chair Neeraj Budhwani advises on a broad mix of de-SPAC transactions, PIPE deals, and structured exits involving both public and private companies.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius fields an experienced corporate team with a strong track record advising on complex cross-border transactions for a global client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, multinational conglomerates, sovereign wealth funds, and prominent private equity firms. The team handles a broad range of mandates, from public and private M&A to buyouts, joint ventures, restructurings, and exits. Co-chair Ning Zhang has advised on multiple multi-billion Dollar transactions, while fellow co-chairs Maurice Hoo and Edwin Luk bring notable strengths in private equity and corporate finance, respectively.

Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP’s Greater China M&A practice is noted for providing commercially focused, cross-border transactional support to both PRC-based and international clients. Operating out of Hong Kong and Mainland China, the team advises on high-value M&A, restructurings, and exits across a broad range of industries. Clients include state-owned enterprises, private companies, and Hong Kong-listed corporates. Practice head Denise Jong is highly experienced across the corporate lifecycle, regularly advising on start-up matters, private equity investments, public and private M&A, and equity capital markets transactions.

K&L Gates is well-equipped to advise on a broad spectrum of corporate transactions, including public and private M&A, joint ventures, private equity, and venture capital deals. The team regularly draws on the firm’s wider capabilities in data protection, employee benefits, technology, and tax to deliver comprehensive support. Based in Hong Kong, Vincent Tso co-chairs the practice and is noted for his expertise in commercial and corporate finance transactions, particularly those involving PRC participants and assets.

Morrison & Foerster stands out for its specialist TMT expertise and strong private equity capabilities, regularly advising leading investment firms on high-value transactions. The team is particularly active in de-SPACs and PIPE investments, including deals involving NYSE- and NASDAQ-listed companies. Based in Hong Kong, co-chairs Marcia Ellis and Xiaoxi Lin play a central role in the firm’s continued success across complex transactional and regulatory matters.

Paul Hastings LLP continues to act for leading corporates, investment funds, and financial institutions on complex, multijurisdictional transactions, including outbound investments, joint ventures, and public M&A. The practice is co-chaired by Raymond Li and Fang Pei, with a strong sectoral focus on technology, where the team regularly advises software vendors and tech companies on strategic M&A and restructurings. Jeff Lee brings notable experience in public and private company acquisitions, as well as minority investments.

Sidley Austin LLP continues to be a trusted advisor to high-profile clients in Greater China, particularly in the technology and life sciences sectors. The team is recognised for its strength in handling complex M&A, including high-profile inSPAC and de-SPAC transactions, having advised on the first successful listing of a successor entity under the new regime introduced in 2022. Practice co-chair Constance Choy remains active across the consumer, financial services, and food and beverage industries. Fellow co-chair Raymond Oh is noted for his broad expertise in M&A and corporate finance.

Stephenson Harwood is highly regarded for its work with listed companies, frequently advising Hong Kong-listed entities on both compliance and transactional mandates. The corporate team remains active across a broad range of sectors, including banking and finance, investment funds, consumer goods, technology, ESG, life sciences, and transportation. Practice head Jane Ng is particularly noted for her expertise in corporate finance and M&A, especially in matters involving PRC and broader regional elements.

Charltons is a boutique Hong Kong firm long recognised for its focus on corporate finance, M&A, capital markets, and regulatory advisory. Practice head Julia Charlton brings extensive financial markets expertise, alongside particular strength in private equity investments involving the PRC. Calvin Ho adds further depth with his experience in corporate finance and commercial transactions.

Led by Eric Chow, Commerce & Finance Law Offices is well regarded for its work on high-profile, complex M&A matters, spanning both public and private transactions as well as strategic investments. The team regularly advises PRC clients and maintains an active presence across a broad spectrum of sectors. Priscilla Lee is also a key member of the practice and plays a central role in cross-border mandates.

Dentons Hong Kong continues to draw on its extensive global platform to advise across the full spectrum of corporate and M&A transactions. The team provides end-to-end support to both local and international clients, from entity formation through to conversion, dissolution, and liquidation. Practice chair Gordon Ng offers broad expertise across acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings.

Howse Williams is noted for its work on both public and private M&A transactions, with additional strength in private equity and venture capital matters. Led by Christopher Williams, the team frequently draws on its combined expertise in M&A, capital markets, banking, and regulatory law to provide clients with crucial transactional support.

Hostile and recommended takeover bids, trade sales and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and privatisations are all regular features of Minter Ellison’s corporate practice. Team head George Tong brings substantial experience in both domestic and cross-border M&A. Andrew Yang is a trusted advisor to venture capitalists and early-stage companies, particularly in the technology sector.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP advises on the full spectrum of corporate M&A and private equity transactions, acting for major corporations, asset managers, and sovereign wealth funds. Judie Ng Shortell, who co-chairs the practice, is a highly experienced transactional specialist, while fellow co-chair Bosco Yiu is well-equipped to lead on both public and private M&A matters.

Ropes & Gray LLP maintains close ties with major corporates, private equity sponsors, and leading pharmaceutical companies. Led by Oliver Nip, the team is noted for its ability to steer complex, high-profile transactions, often involving bespoke structuring and novel deal considerations. Clients value the group’s strong grasp of international and China-specific regulatory frameworks.