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

Baker & McKenzie’s strong M&A and capital markets practices in China have led to a number of mandates this year. For example, with the IT, Telco & Media sectors, the firm’s integrated Greater China practice advises on transactional work, as well as providing ... [more]

Baker & McKenzie’s strong M&A and capital markets practices in China have led to a number of mandates this year. For example, with the IT, Telco & Media sectors, the firm’s integrated Greater China practice advises on transactional work, as well as providing regulatory and compliance advice.

On the M&A side, Bakers recently advised SEEK on its US$204 million acquisition of Jobs DB. SEEK acquired a 60% controlling share of web recruitment company Jobs DB from JDB Holdings. This past year, the Bakers’ team also represented a major investment bank in documentation for a cooperation agreement with another investment bank in order to create software to trade certain PRC funds.

Bakers’ key IP practitioners in China are Chris Smith, Scott Palmer and Clement Ngai.

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Herbert Smith is known in China for its deep relationships with leading IT and telecom companies, and is often involved in M&A and capital markets work for these clients.The firm recently advised a client on the set up and development of an online hotel ... [more]

Herbert Smith is known in China for its deep relationships with leading IT and telecom companies, and is often involved in M&A and capital markets work for these clients.

The firm recently advised a client on the set up and development of an online hotel booking site in China. This deal was subject to keen foreign investment rules as it was classified in the telecom sector rather than the travel industry, which has been opened over the last few years.

Herbert Smith is also advising ICBC in an export credit agency (ECA) backed Rmb credit facility for Indonesia’s Bakrie Telecom. Bakrie Telecom used the financing to acquire an online charging system for billing from Huawei that would be guaranteed by a Sinosure ECA.

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Paul Weiss’ IT, Telco & Media practice is spearheaded by Hong Kong-based partner Jeanette Chan who has experience pushing transactions through legislative and regulatory obstacles. Her background and the firm’s historical interest in this sector mean ... [more]

Paul Weiss’ IT, Telco & Media practice is spearheaded by Hong Kong-based partner Jeanette Chan who has experience pushing transactions through legislative and regulatory obstacles. Her background and the firm’s historical interest in this sector mean that Paul Weiss is often seen at the forefront of many of the region’s transactions.

This past year, the US firm closed the landmark Shanghai Disneyland deal. The US$3.5 billion project was a joint venture between an international media and entertainment company and a state owned enterprise.

Paul Weiss is also known for its leading private equity practice, which complements its IT, Telco & Media expertise. For example, the firm recently advised Carlyle Group on the sale of its majority stake in a Taiwan cable TV business. Carlyle was able to sell 80% of its interest in Taiwan’s largest cable TV operator, KBRO, for US$2.4 billion.

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Simmons & Simmons differentiates itself from other practices in the region with its dedicated team of specialist lawyers who are exclusively focused on IT, Telco & Media work. The firm’s partners have longstanding experience on the commercial and regulatory ... [more]

Simmons & Simmons differentiates itself from other practices in the region with its dedicated team of specialist lawyers who are exclusively focused on IT, Telco & Media work. The firm’s partners have longstanding experience on the commercial and regulatory aspects of these types of transactions, and many of the lawyers possess significant in house experience at telco and media companies.

One of the firm’s most prominent mandates this year was advising Hitachi Data Systems on its roll out of a new cloud storage solution for customers. The deal signalled the first time that HDS was able to provide cloud computing services to customers.

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Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom Skadden’s M&A and capital markets practices in China garner many prominent mandates in the IT, Telco & Media sector. One client praises the firm’s work on media ECM deals, saying: “The firm is superior in ... [more]

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom

Skadden’s M&A and capital markets practices in China garner many prominent mandates in the IT, Telco & Media sector. One client praises the firm’s work on media ECM deals, saying: “The firm is superior in all respects and delivers the best available service, quality and capability on IPOs. Julie Gao is a super lawyer.”

In one key deal this year, Skadden advised Merrill Lynch, CCB International Holdings and Macquarie Group as joint global coordinators and sponsors of ITS China’s US$106 million IPO on the HKEx. ITS China provides technology solutions for the transportation sector.

WongPartnership

Singapore-based WongPartnership boasts a strong PRC practice with offices in both Beijing and Shanghai. The firm has a long history of advising on technology, media and telecommunications projects. For example, it recently advised a regional pay television channel on a new media platforms content distribution agreement for China.

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