We have a truly integrated team of over 200 lawyers working across China’s three major business centres: Beijing, Hong Kong SAR and Shanghai. We are not only able to call on the expertise of lawyers from the firm’s other offices in Asia and our network of 30 offices globally, but with our Shanghai Free Trade Zone Joint Operation with Zhao Sheng Law Firm, we can also provide seamless international and Chinese legal advice on joint matters, to help our clients achieve their China inbound and outbound strategic objectives.

Our many years of experience in China, and our track record on numerous complex international investments into China, have provided us with an exceptional understanding of the local legal and economic landscape. With around 100 Chinese-speaking lawyers, we know how best to negotiate and conclude deals in China. Our deep understanding of the culture and language, combined with our cross-practice strength and sector knowledge, mean clients can rely on Linklaters to achieve their commercial objectives while effectively managing risk.

Our expertise

Antitrust & Foreign Investment

Our Antitrust & Foreign Investment Group offers a sophisticated approach combining international experience with local presence and expertise to deliver commercial, expert advice to clients on merger control and enforcement in China and other competition jurisdictions in the region.

Our track record includes advising:

  • Intel on implementing multiple reform strategies on the Chinese merger control for the US$5.4bn acquisition of Tower Semiconductors.
  • Microsoft on the Chinese merger filing for its US$70bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard. At the time, it was the largest ever all-cash acquisition in history.
  • TRUE on its US$8.3bn merger with mobile operator DTAC.
  • CP Group on its US$10.6bn acquisition of Tesco’s businesses in Thailand and Malaysia – the biggest corporate acquisition in Thailand’s history and the largest M&A in Asia in 2020.
Our renowned experience is recognised by the market:
“They are a highly regarded team advising on market-leading transactions. Their work spans a range of complex structured financings, the firm maintains an especially strong reputation for leveraged and acquisition finance as well as syndicated loans.”

Band 1 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Banking & Finance (International Firms): China

“They have extensive knowledge on both straight and hybrid bond offerings as well as large green and sustainability bond issuances. 
They’re also increasingly prominent in handling complex high-yield note offerings, in addition to their notable experience in equity practice that handles significant IPOs, follow-on offerings and block trades.”

Band 1 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Capital Markets – Debt (International Firms): China

“Linklaters has a very strong team of specialists advising on margin loans and QFII structures and is hugely influential in the OTC derivatives market. They are also known for their securitisation practice and is a first port of call for advice on regulatory development.”

Band 1 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Capital Markets – Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms): China

“Linklaters has a significant advantage across almost all Asia markets, and have local country knowledge they can also draw from as needed. They also provide the broad regional and industry capabilities, but can also be an expert on local issues as they arise.”

Band 2 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Corporate/ M&A: The Elite (International Firms): China

“Linklaters houses an exceptional team headed by strong practitioners based in Beijing and Hong Kong SAR. The team demonstrates a high level of expertise across a full range of competition issues, including merger control, behavioural issues and enforcement. They are an excellent choice for multi-jurisdictional merger filings, able to leverage the strength of its offices in key European markets. The team also acts as adviser to the SAMR and assists the regulator with drafting new legislation.”

Band 1 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Competition/Antitrust (International Firms): China

“With a very professional team and strong track record in the litigation space, they’re sought after by leading global and regional financial institutions, funds and investment banks for high-profile finance-related cases.”

Band 2 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Dispute Resolution – Litigation (International Firms): China

“They have an extensive international network that enables them to advise on complex cross-border transactions. The team frequently acts on headline infrastructure projects relating to natural resources, travel and communications.”

Band 1 – Chambers Greater China Region 2022, Projects & Infrastructure (International Firms): China