Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Jones Day is “a global firm with good suggestions based on global standards. It is good at advising on Taiwanese law, and can provide both domestic and international law perspectives.”

The banking team represented Cathy United Bank as lead arranger on a syndicated term loan for financing the acquisition of Television Broadcasts by the borrower Young Lion Acquisition.

Managing partner Jack JT Huang “sets milestones on M&A deals”. One of the best M&A lawyers in Taiwan, Huang is referred to by clients as “the Dean of M&A in Taiwan”. He led a team advising TSRC in its US$168 million acquisition of Dexco Polymers, a joint venture between Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical.

Another notable transaction was advising Yulon Motor in connection with its joint venture with Dong-Feng Motor to form a new company, Dong-Feng-Yulon Motor, to market Luxgen branded cars in China.

Jones Day litigation practice maintains its position as a top tier practice with another year of solid advice on construction and financial disputes. Star litigator Victor Chang, operating out of both the Taipei and Beijing offices, is highly regarded for his analytical skills in dispute resolution.

The firm was involved in several landmark cases, such as defending Taipei Fubon Bank (TFB) in a dispute involving financial covenants connected to its agreement with Sports Affairs Council. In another transaction, the firm defended HSBC in a lawsuit filed by an institutional investor for alleged missing information in the prospectus of a collateralised bond obligation issued by HSBC.

Jones Day’s telecommunications, media and technology practice is highly praised for its analytical and innovative work. This four-partner team has advised multinational corporations, media owners, and telecommunication companies on various matters over the last 12 months.

A very busy year saw the firm advising Scripps Networks Interactive with issues regarding the distribution of TV channels through a direct broadcasting satellite in Taiwan. The team also assisted Walsin Lihwa Corporation in using a subsidiary to acquire all equities of Miradia and its subsequent divestures. Yet another notable highlight was representing D-Link Corp, a designer and manufacturer of networking, broadband and digital electronics, in defence of a claim in the Hsinchu District Court filed by ZyXEL Communication Corp.

The employment group of Jones Day is regularly involved on employment work and labour disputes for domestic and international corporations.

Clients such as Sierra Wireless, Wal-Mart Stores and Woodward Governor Company say the Jones Day team “continues to give first class advice and representation”. One client says: “It is a highly skilled and very knowledgeable firm regarding Taiwan’s industrial and employment law matters.”

Led by Louis YS Liu, the team advised JC Penney Corporation on work rules and labour issues connected to its Taiwan representative office. The firm also advised Sierra Wireless, Virage Logic Corporation and Navistar International Corporation on the employment of Taiwanese residents.

Jones Day has steadily grown its international tax capabilities, and its tax practice works hand in hand with its corporate group on transactions such as cross border M&As and financings as well as on tax-sensitive financial products.

The firm advised TSRC Corporation on legal tax matters connected to the acquisition of advanced technology and manufacturing facilities in the US. Another transaction saw the team advising Yulon Motor on tax issues regarding overtime payment to its management team.