Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer reprised its role as lead counsel to China CITIC Bank Corp., which it advised on its 2007 initial public offering, as the bank returned to the market for a $4 billion rights issue on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges. Hong Kong partner Calvin Lai headed the firm’s team acting for China CITIC, while King & Wood provided Chinese counsel. The bank will use the proceeds to replenish capital. Morrison & Foerster advised the underwriters on U.S. and Hong Kong law, with a team headed by Charles Chau in Hong Kong. Beijing-based Commerce & Finance Law Offices was Chinese counsel to the underwriters. [Read full story]
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Hogan Lovells and Ashurst have taken lead roles on a Hong Kong consortium’s $3.9 billion takeover bid for U.K. water company Northumbrian Water. Freshfields is advising the consortium, which is led by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing’s Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd., with a team including Hong Kong partner Simon Weller. Hogan Lovells is acting for Northumbrian Water, with London corporate partners Steven Bryan and Guy Potel advising on the deal. Ashurst’s Adrian Clark, Tom Mercer and Jane Fissenden are acting for the financial advisors to the buying consortium. [Read full story]
