IFLR 1000
The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

	Allen & Overy Clifford Chance Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Linklaters Shearman & Sterling Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
	Baker & McKenzie Herbert Smith O'Melveny & Myers Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Sullivan & Cromwell
	Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Davis Polk & Wardwell Hogan Lovells King & Wood Mallesons Latham & Watkins Mayer Brown JSM Morrison & Foerster Norton Rose Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker Sidley Austin Slaughter and May Weil Gotshal & Manges White & Case
	DLA Piper Gide Loyrette Nouel Jones Day Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy Minter Ellison Reed Smith Richards Butler Woo Kwan Lee & Lo
	De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Garrigues

Weil Gotshal & Manges' mainland China offices are led by partner Steven Xiang, who last year represented General Electric in forming a joint venture to create and market integrated avionics systems in the China, which will then be sold to commercial aircraft customers around the world. The high-profile transaction represents GE's largest joint venture in China, and was closely watched because of its implications for GE's sharing of jet technology with China and the future of Chinese industry.... [more]

Weil Gotshal & Manges' mainland China offices are led by partner Steven Xiang, who last year represented General Electric in forming a joint venture to create and market integrated avionics systems in the China, which will then be sold to commercial aircraft customers around the world. The high-profile transaction represents GE's largest joint venture in China, and was closely watched because of its implications for GE's sharing of jet technology with China and the future of Chinese industry.

The Weil partners also advised world-leading sanitary fittings manufacturer GROHE group on its $464 million public tender offer for the entirety of shares on Joyou. The transaction yielded a long-term distribution agreement with Joyou, and represents the first instance of a takeover offer for a Chinese business listed in Frankfurt.

Weil also served as counsel to the Baring Private Equity Asia Group in a take-private proposal for the directors of Harbin, which is a China-based Nasdaq-listed designer and maker of electric motors. The proposal could be a bellwether for other Chinese companies who are looking to de-list because they view that they are undervalued in the US market.

Clients compliment the firm's technical ability and practicality: "Steven Xiang and Tony Wang gave us good advice on how to pitch our bids, and helped us with the China aspect. From a technical perspective it was impressive," says one. "It was important that we formed a good relationship with the entrepreneur, so Weil's help in dealing with him added value. The advice was commercial, clear, straightforward, and not too legalistic. Tony Wang did especially excellent work."

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	Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Clifford Chance Linklaters O'Melveny & Myers Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Weil Gotshal & Manges
	Allen & Overy Baker & McKenzie DLA Piper Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker Shearman & Sterling Sidley Austin Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom

Known for its private equity and M&A capability in the US and across the globe, Weil has left its mark on the China market by applying its global strengthsVeteran partner Stephen Xiang heads the Shanghai and Beijing offices, and leads the team on the ground in China. Xiang works closely with Hong Kong private equity head Peter Feist and together they lead a team of over 30 lawyers working on private equity related matters in greater China.... [more]

Known for its private equity and M&A capability in the US and across the globe, Weil has left its mark on the China market by applying its global strengths

Veteran partner Stephen Xiang heads the Shanghai and Beijing offices, and leads the team on the ground in China. Xiang works closely with Hong Kong private equity head Peter Feist and together they lead a team of over 30 lawyers working on private equity related matters in greater China. Xiang's strong roster of private equity clients and history of cutting-edge work in China is exemplified by top deals like Unitas Capital, which completed in April 2011.

Weil's China team was counsel to Unitas Capital on its $758 million acquisition of international transport solutions provider Hyva holdings, which has operations in more than 130 countries and strong Bric presence. The competitive Hyva sale garnered keen interest from a significant range of strategic bidders and private equity houses. The team's ability to negotiate and finalise sponsor financing and transaction documentation under a tight time constraint speaks to the depth of the firm's China practice and cross-border private equity capability across multiple jurisdictions.

Catalysed by their recent successes, Weil's China private equity team has continued to expand-recruiting strong associates and growing the team on the ground in China and in the greater Asia-Pacific region. On the client side, users value both the depth of the firm's private equity knowledge and its on-the-ground knowledge of the China environment. As one client notes: "Weil has a sophisticated legal practice that understands the strategic concerns of international clients, while knowing what it takes to get deals done on the ground in the region."

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	Clifford Chance Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Herbert Smith Linklaters Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
	Allen & Overy Baker & McKenzie Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Davis Polk & Wardwell Latham & Watkins Norton Rose Shearman & Sterling Slaughter and May
	Hogan Lovells King & Wood Mallesons Mayer Brown JSM Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy O'Melveny & Myers Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison Reed Smith Richards Butler Sidley Austin Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Sullivan & Cromwell Weil Gotshal & Manges
	Bingham McCutchen Deacons DLA Piper Jones Day Kennedys Kirkland & Ellis Minter Ellison Morrison & Foerster Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe Proskauer Rose Simmons & Simmons White & Case Woo Kwan Lee & Lo

Weil Gotshal & Manges is developing a strong M&A practice inspired by the firm's private equity and M&A clients. Though a relatively new player in the Hong Kong scene, Weil has been receiving high praise from their M&A clients this year.... [more]

Weil Gotshal & Manges is developing a strong M&A practice inspired by the firm's private equity and M&A clients. Though a relatively new player in the Hong Kong scene, Weil has been receiving high praise from their M&A clients this year. "On the experience level they're very good," one client tells us. "Sometimes they exceed their role in helping the client. They are very responsive to clients' needs."

Partner Akiko Mikumo also receives laudations from clients, as one client tells us that, "the combination of experience and technical ability is the entry point for her on every transaction and from a technical perspective I have no questions. If I differentiate between counsel, we have to determine their strategic and tactical judgment and problem solving ability. She is excellent on both counts. In the context of game theory and competitive bidding she's been able to highlight course of action that are prudent and innovative, and she brings really solid judgment to the table."

Weil's M&A team is currently advising General Electric in its agreement with Chinese state-owned aircraft producer Aviation Industry Corp (AVIC) to form a China-based joint venture company for the development and marketing of integrated avionics systems. The joint venture is closely watched in the market as it will be the first of its kind in China and has even been commented on by President Hu Jintao.

Weil's clients have praise for the technical ability and business sense that the partners bring to transactions. "Steven Xiang and Tony Wang gave us good advice on how to pitch our bids, and helped us with the China aspect. From a technical perspective it was impressive," says one. "It was important that we formed a good relationship with the entrepreneur, so Weil's help in dealing with him added value. The advice was commercial, clear, straightforward, and not too legalistic. Tony Wang did especially excellent work."

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	Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Clifford Chance Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
	Davis Polk & Wardwell Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Herbert Smith Linklaters Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom Weil Gotshal & Manges
	Allen & Overy Baker & McKenzie Debevoise & Plimpton Hogan Lovells Kirkland & Ellis Latham & Watkins Mayer Brown JSM Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy O'Melveny & Myers Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker Reed Smith Richards Butler Ropes & Gray Shearman & Sterling Sidley Austin Slaughter and May
	Ashurst DLA Piper Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson King & Wood Mallesons Morrison & Foerster Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe Proskauer Rose SJ Berwin Sullivan & Cromwell

Weil has successfully applied its top international name in private equity to its work in Hong Kong, with the practice that seems to be continually growing and garnering increasingly prominent mandates from the top private equity players. Clients seem impressed with the expertise and accessibility of Weil's partners, as one says: "They are very responsive, and always available when we need to speak on urgent matters relating to China private equity deals.... [more]

Weil has successfully applied its top international name in private equity to its work in Hong Kong, with the practice that seems to be continually growing and garnering increasingly prominent mandates from the top private equity players. Clients seem impressed with the expertise and accessibility of Weil's partners, as one says: "They are very responsive, and always available when we need to speak on urgent matters relating to China private equity deals. They're really on top of things - many firms seem to rely on their PRC (People's Republic of China) associates too much because they don't really know what's going on with Chinese law, but Tony Wang really does know what's going on."

Weil's private equity practice in Hong Kong is headed by partner Peter Feist, who is well respected by clients:"Weil has very technical legal abilities and is very very detailed. Peter Feist is a top private equity lawyer."

In January 2011, Weil advised an investor consortium comprised of Charles Chan, Cher Wong and Providence equity partners in the high-profile acquisition of a 26% stake in Television Broadcast (TVB). The deal was closely watched in the market because of TVB's fame in Hong Kong and its status as one of the world's leading Chinese broadcasters. The consortium acquired their stake as a result of purchasing Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) from Sir Run Shaw and Mona Fong.

Last year, Weil also represented Unitas Capital on its $758 million acquisition of international transport solutions provider Hyva holdings. A lot of interest was generated in the deal with a number of other bidders taking substantial interest before the deal was closed. This was partly due to Hyva's presence in the Bric countries and the great potential for growth in such areas.

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	Deacons Debevoise & Plimpton Sidley Austin Simmons & Simmons Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Weil Gotshal & Manges
	Clifford Chance Kirkland & Ellis
	Allen & Overy Ashurst Baker & McKenzie Bingham McCutchen DLA Piper King & Wood Mallesons Linklaters Morrison & Foerster O'Melveny & Myers Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe Reed Smith Richards Butler Shearman & Sterling Slaughter and May Timothy Loh

Weil Gotshal & Manges has been a rising star in the fund formation space this year, having obtained top funds partner John Fadely from Clifford Chance (a trick the firm repeated later in London taking another team from the UK firm) and setting him up with a strong team to establish Weil's Hong Kong practice. Indeed, many clients have followed Fadely to his new firm and proved a catalyst for the new practice.... [more]

Weil Gotshal & Manges has been a rising star in the fund formation space this year, having obtained top funds partner John Fadely from Clifford Chance (a trick the firm repeated later in London taking another team from the UK firm) and setting him up with a strong team to establish Weil's Hong Kong practice. Indeed, many clients have followed Fadely to his new firm and proved a catalyst for the new practice.

Most of Weil's partners - including Fadely - are fluent in Mandarin, which is an asset to clients who aim to form China-focused funds and Rmb funds. The firm's Hong Kong law capability also means that Weil can advise clients on local fund regulations.

Clients have high praise for Fadely and the practice that he is building at Weil. "He gets to the point very quickly, and we don't waste time in this business. He is always involved. His team is relatively new in Asia-last year he didn't have a team and was on his own. Now he's got Jason Nelms in Hong Kong and more lawyers in Beijing and Hong Kong. He gives a lot of time to clients and works very hard. John's also a very nice guy. His clients trust his judgment and technical skills, and he fights for them in a good and honest way."

Another loyal client adds that, "John is an experienced funds lawyer and was able to advise not only from a pure documentation perspective, but also from an industry practice point of view. Moreover, he is an extremely commercial lawyer and provides value-added input into preferred approaches to take, key issues and negotiation strategies. He also makes a tough negotiator, and is therefore an asset to have if your deal involves heavy negotiation against tricky personalities."

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