King & Wood Mallesons > Suzhou, China > Firm Profile

King & Wood Mallesons > The Legal 500 Rankings

China > Antitrust and competition: PRC firms Tier 1

Clients praise King & Wood Mallesons for its ‘strong ability to solve comprehensive problems’. In July 2023, the firm launched a formal cooperation agreement with Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; thanks to this cooperation, the compliance team has gained a large volume of merger filing work across multiple jurisdictions. Susan Ning leads the department from Beijing and recently represented BYD in a merger filing valued at around 2 billion USD. Also in Beijing, Tianjie Zhang supports the practice in advising a broad range of state-owned and international companies. Shanghai-based Zhifeng Chai has particular experience in representing multinational technology companies in SAMR investigations.

China > Banking and finance: PRC firms Tier 1

The banking and finance team at King & Wood Mallesons works with domestic and foreign banks, state-owned enterprises, private businesses, and foreign investment companies. Its expertise spans aircraft financing, structured finance, and restructuring, working collaboratively with the firm's capital markets and M&A experts to offer 'a strong ability to solve comprehensive problems'. Ma Feng co-heads the team from Beijing, particularly noted for his strength in aviation financing matters, also a focus of Ling Wang, while Stanley Zhou co-heads from Shanghai. Also in Shanghai, Stella Wang specialises in structured financing transactions. The team has notable experience of financial technology, including the relevant regulatory authorities, and often handles market-leading ESG finance matters.

China > Capital markets: PRC firms Tier 1

The King & Wood Mallesons finance and securities team counts multinational companies, financial institutions and Chinese issuers as its main clients which it advises on A-Share, H-Share, red chip, ADR and GDR offerings. The team continues to act for issuers and underwriters in their domestic and overseas IPOs. Leveraging its full-service offering across an impressive network of offices, the team has been particularly active in TMT, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing and energy sectors. Among the sizeable team with experienced practitioners in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Chengdu, Mulong Gong, Yongliang Zhang, Lixin Wang, and Ning Zhou are highly recommended. Gong has‘very rich industry experience in the fields of A-shares, H-shares, US stocks, and Hong Kong stocks’, while Zhang specialises in securities, international investments, and public M&A. Working from Guangzhou, Wang is experienced in assisting clients in IPO and listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange., and Zhou regularly assists listed companies in M&A transactions. Shanghai-based Xiaohong Zhao acts in matters involving multi-currency green bonds.

China > Corporate and M&A: PRC firms Tier 1

King & Wood Mallesons possesses ‘extensive experience’ in a wide range of corporate transactions, advising private enterprises, significant state-owned enterprises, and publicly listed companies. The firm is adept in M&A financing and tax planning, private equity investment, state-owned enterprise mergers and restructuring, and strategic investments. Ping Xu leads the practice with deep expertise in structuring, negotiating, and implementing cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Ling Huang is experienced in both inbound and outbound transactions across industries such as aviation, energy, and financial services, while Jennifer (Lijuan) Yao specialises in the automobile and mobility sector. Other key members of the team include Kaiding Wang and Xiaoping Liu, who focus on cross-border M&A and private equity transactions.

China > Data protection: PRC firms Tier 1

Cross-border data transfers are the key focus of the cybersecurity and data compliance practice at King & Wood Mallesons, which advises a mix of multinational and domestic clients across the automobile, pharmaceutical, technology and medical device industries. The team is led by data compliance expert Susan Ning, who spits her time between Beijing and Sanya. She is well-versed in both data security law and personal information protection law matters and has a close relationship with Chinese regulatory authorities. In Beijing, Han Wu is sought after by multinational companies for data compliance issues and has also advised Chinese companies on operating in foreign countries.

China > Dispute resolution: Arbitration: PRC firms Tier 1

King & Wood Mallesons boasts a team of ‘experienced lawyers with substantive skills’ adept at representing multinational companies, government authorities, state-owned enterprises, and private companies as both claimants and respondents before major Chinese and international arbitration institutions. Rihong Yu leads the dispute resolution group from the Beijing office, which includes Tao Huang, who handles commercial and maritime disputes before forums including CIETAC, ICC, and LCIA, and Yue Dai, who specialises in financial, trade, and construction disputes at international arbitration centres. Xinyu Li frequently represents state-owned enterprises and listed companies in cross-border cases, while Mengdan Lv focuses on disputes arising from equity investments, joint ventures, and financial transactions. Joanna (Zhuonan) Du, promoted to international partner in September 2023, has significant experience in resolving disputes within Belt and Road regions. In Shenzhen, Ariel Ye specialises in resolving business disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods, including both domestic and international arbitration.

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: PRC firms Tier 1

With ‘good litigation partners in different locations of mainland China,’ King & Wood Mallesons offers strength in cross-border litigation and international disputes, as well as domestic matters involving corporate, financial, real estate, and energy sectors. Tao Huang, who specialises in international civil and commercial litigation, co-manages the dispute resolution practice with Rihong Yu, who focuses on disputes arising from M&A transactions in the mining and energy industries. Dongjun Li provides comprehensive support to state-owned enterprises, private companies, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals through all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation investigations to trials, appeals, and enforcement proceedings. Ting Yang offers expertise in securities and corporate litigation, representing listed companies, their directors, and securities brokers in cases of misrepresentation, market manipulation, and insider trading. Based in Chongqing and Chengdu, Baoshan Li brings extensive experience in equity investment, bank securities, and construction disputes.

China > Fintech: PRC firms Tier 1

Praised for its ‘deep understanding of the fintech industry and its related regulations’, King & Wood Mallesons acts for major fintech companies, regulatory bodies, and traditional industry players. The firm addresses a range of issues including data protection, compliance, corporate transactions, and regulatory developments. Practice co-head Leimin (Lawrence) Yu advises internet companies on M&A, cross-border internet payment, business application of blockchain, and cybersecurity. Fellow team leader Xin (Allen) Zhong focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions in the fintech space. Fushen Chen is experienced in advising private equity funds on equity investments in fintech companies, and Chunjia Shao brings expertise in innovative internet financial products.

China > Insurance: PRC firms Tier 1

Counting international insurance agencies, multinational companies, and major insurance providers amongt its key clients, King & Wood Mallesons has in-depth expertise in all aspects of bond issuances and regulatory compliance measures. The Beijing-based practice is well versed in handling complex restructurings and reorganisations, alongside the investment and application of insurance funds, with the team head Min Yuan being an expert in representing Chinese insurance entities on the introduction to foreign strategic partners. Zhe Lin primarily focuses on investment matters and IPOs within the insurance sphere, while Hua Dongdong stands out for his work for domestic and international funds on the whole spectrum of financial regulatory issues and corporate licensure proceedings.

China > Intellectual property: PRC firms

King & Wood Mallesons is a premier IP practice covering the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious IP issues across a wide range of industries. The team includes experts in civil litigation and arbitration concerning patents, trade marks, copyright and trade secrets. The group is well-versed in domain name disputes, anti-piracy, FTO patent search and analysis as well as pharmaceutical patent linkage. On the non-contentious side, the team handles IP transactions and patent prosecution, assisting with trade mark management and brand protection as well as applications and monitoring. Enforcing trade marks and copyrights are also a key pillar of the practice, as is domain name registration. Maohua Wang leads the IP group and focuses on complex patent matters such as patent preparation and prosecution. IP specialist Xiaoli Yang co-leads the team and is ‘a giant in the industry’, while co-head Wei He is an expert in contentious IP matters. Jing Xu centres her practice on IP infringement, antitrust and unfair competition. The aforementioned lawyers are all based in Beijing.

China > Investment funds: PRC firms Tier 1

The large professional funds team at King & Wood Mallesons has enviable experience in both RMB and offshore funds, as well as cross-border transactions. The practice additionally covers fund formation and structuring, negotiations with investors, and joint venture, partnership and fund custodian agreements. Beijing office managing partner Mulong Gong, who is also finance and securities group leader, has significant experience in the formation of venture capital, private equity, M&A and special purpose funds, as well as fundraising and investment activities; Alan Du is a highly-regarded fund formation specialist; Zhaoyan Wang‘ track record includes assisting with establishing and investing in funds; Minxiu Wan is an expert in fund formations, investments and exits; and Zhao Hang is an experienced fund formation and investment practitioner.

China > Labour and employment: PRC firms Tier 1

‘Excellent at providing pragmatic solutions’, King & Wood Mallesons‘ wide-ranging employment practice has significant experience in regulatory compliance work, along with structuring tailored internal employment policies for clients. It is also sought out for major labour and employment litigation and arbitration matters. The team is headed up by Linda Liang, a longstanding adviser to Chinese and multinational clients from the IT, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. Liang has an enviable track record in labour-related litigation and arbitration, including in relation to large-scale layoffs and the termination of highly-paid employees’ contracts. Notable support is provided by labour and employment law specialists Lucy Lu, Ting Liu and Wu Ding, as well as Li Xin, whose experience includes drafting internal employment rules and regulations.

China > Life sciences and healthcare: PRC firms Tier 1

King & Wood Mallesons is a ‘trusted partner’ for Chinese and international clients across the pharmaceutical, biotech, hospital, and medical devices sectors, as well as for investors in these industries. Led by Jianwen Huang, the group offers a wide range of legal services, including M&A, IPOs, compliance, and licensing. Yuanyuan Zhu and Ting Liu support healthcare and pharmaceutical clients with anti-commercial bribery investigations and establishing compliance systems. Mark Zhang brings extensive expertise in M&A, clinical trials, and drug licensing transactions. Fan Yang departed the firm in February 2024.

China > Private equity: PRC firms Tier 1

Highly experienced in both China and overseas private equity, King & Wood Mallesons assists with investment planning and structuring, as well as transaction documents, drafting, deal negotiations, and post-investment management and exits.  In Beijing, Mulong Gong, who is experienced in fund formation, fundraising and investment, acts for venture capital, private equity, M&A and special purpose funds; Ma Tianning‘s practice covers private investment projects, M&A, foreign direct investment, and cross-border and domestic IPOs; and Hu Jing acts for institutional investors, unicorn enterprises and growth companies in China and abroad. Over in Shanghai, Richard Nie specialises in corporate, M&A, private equity and venture capital; and Shenzhen-based Liguang Ren advises private equity funds and venture capital companies on their investments.

China > Projects and energy: PRC firms Tier 1

The corporate and international projects group at King & Wood Mallesons ‘benefits from a strong network of offices, offering robust professional resources to clients’. The practice is co-headed by Xiao Yong and Wenjing Tian, both of whom are based in Beijing. Yong often acts in financial and M&A transactions, such as internal restructuring, sales of subsidiaries, and acquisitions in the energy sector. Tian specialises in cross-border energy and infrastructure projects, such as a recent investment project in Indonesia. In Shenzhen, Jin Xiong specialises in cross-border M&A investments, often in the oil and gas sector. In Shanghai, Beilei Hou, ‘excels in the new energy and M&A sectors’, particularly in sales and acquisitions.

China > Real estate and construction: PRC firms Tier 1

King & Wood Mallesons advises on the full life cycle of real estate developments, utilising its global network to provide clients with advice. Its expertise extends to urban infrastructure, residential and office buildings, transport and logistics, hotels and tourism property. Harry Du in Beijing heads the team, regularly assisting clients looking to invest in Chinese real estate, with strong knowledge of project finance and foreign investment. Also in Beijing, Kathy Fan is a go-to practitioner for real estate matters involving renewable energy. In Shanghai, William Jiang leads the firm’s East China real estate practice and has expertise in IPOs and the listing of REITs, and is well placed to assist clients with real estate financing, both inbound and outbound.

China > Regional coverage: Guangdong Province: Guangzhou and Shenzhen Tier 1

King & Wood Mallesons has a strong focus in the Pearl River Delta, its Guangdong offices in Guangzhou and Shenzhen offices are supported by other Southern China offices in Hong Kong, Sanya, Haikou, and Zhuhai. Lixin Wang leads the Guangzhou practice which includes Ke Cheng who specialises in dispute resolution, regularly assisting clients who are listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and Jianxue Wang who acts for issuers and underwriters regarding IPOs on both domestic and foreign stock exchanges. In Shenzhen, Xianlong Zhao leads the team and is supported by Siyu Song, a corporate and securities practitioner, who regularly handles cross-border equity transfers and related disputes.

China > Regional coverage: Jiangsu Province: Nanjing Tier 1

The King & Wood Mallesons‘ Nanjing office heavily focuses on corporate and finance clients, offering a wide range of services regarding capital markets, corporate investment, private equity, and debt restructuring. The practice is led by Mingyuan Zhang. With around twenty-five years of experience in securities, Zhang regularly assists clients in adjusting their equity structures, business restructuring transactions, and various pre-IPO preparations. Liufang Shi handles commercial litigation and arbitration. Jieyu Gu acts for international banks and investors, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in conducting international financing transactions. At the associate level, Chaojun Zhang is a notable individual to note.

China > Regional coverage: Sichuan Province: Chengdu including Chongqing Tier 1

The King & Wood Mallesons Chengdu and Chongqing offices are led by Rong Liu and Xin Wang, respectively. Baoshan Li is well-regarded in civil and commercial litigation, often representing clients in the financial, real estate, and commercial service sectors. Hu Liu and Yong Lu, both specialising in securities issuance and listings, are experienced in conducting domestic and international IPOs. Huan Guo regularly acts for clients in energy and semiconductors industries on cross-border regulatory compliance issues. Ruilong Liang provides support on various M&A matters, while Qi Tang is experienced in IPO and bond issuance.

China > Regional coverage: Zhejiang Province: Hangzhou Tier 1

Led by Guojun Ye, the King & Wood Mallesons Hangzhou practice is particularly active in capital markets, M&A, and private equity work. Jin Liang is active in advising clients regarding their IPOs on various domestic stock exchanges. Yingzhi Shan specialises in securities and private equity and regularly assists clients in both domestic and overseas restructurings, and listings. Yun Han assists clients on transferring commercial real estate and completing Series-C financing. Hui Ren provides support on various capital markets matters, including the issuance of corporate bonds.

China > Regulatory/compliance: PRC firms Tier 1

King & Wood Mallesons has an enviable market reputation for its expertise in transnational regulatory investigations and corporate compliance management. The practice covers an array of investigations, ranging from those conducted by US regulators under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, along with investigations brought by multilateral development banks (MDBs), and Chinese administrative enforcement bodies and criminal prosecution authorities. The team is co-led by Beijing-based Wei Wu, a specialist in anti-commercial bribery, corporate compliance risk assessments, MDB investigations, compliance programmes, and corporate crisis management; and highly-rated compliance expert Harry Liu in Shanghai. Also in Beijing, Junfeng Chang has notable experience in compliance investigations, while Xiaodan Xu and Yuanyuan Zhu are other key team members. Han Yang departed the firm in November 2023.

China > Restructuring and insolvency: PRC firms Tier 1

Renowned for its specialism in complex bankruptcy reorganisations and out-of-court restructurings, the King & Wood Mallesons practice has vast experience of representing publicly listed entities, large corporate groups, and financial institutions. The team displays significant cross-sector expertise, predominantly focusing upon the tourism, real estate and automobile fields, with the Shenzhen-based co-heads Kuncheng Zhao and Li Kai heavily specialising in insolvency and debt restructurings, alongside bankruptcy reconciliation proceedings. The other co-head, Le Wang, is knowledgeable on M&A restructuring from his base in Beijing, while Yanling Liu primarily focuses on debt crisis disposals. Also in Shenzhen, Fuxiang Wang is a litigation expert, and Nanjing-based Zhaohui Hao routinely acts for bond managers on special situation investment and bond default response.

China > Tax: PRC firms Tier 1

With a ‘perfect combination of tax, financial, and legal experts’, King & Wood Mallesons is well-positioned to provide a wide range of tax services, including tax dispute resolution, audit defence, planning, and compliance. The practice is led by Tony Dong, who brings extensive experience assisting multinational and domestic clients with anti-avoidance investigations, tax litigation, and negotiations with tax authorities. Bill Ye advises on share structure and transactional arrangements and assists clients with establishing tax compliance systems. Daisy Duan offers tax planning and consultation for cross-border investments, restructuring, privatisation, and the creation of red-chip structures, while Xiang Liu is particularly experienced in tax dispute resolution, supporting clients in industries such as pharmaceutical, finance, and entertainment.

China > WTO/international trade: PRC firms Tier 1

The department at King & Wood Mallesons is described by clients as ‘one of the strongest teams in China with a deep bench and deep understanding of international trade matters’. Jin Xiao has expertise in investor-state dispute settlement. Xinyu Liu brings ‘extraordinary leadership and innovative spirit‘ to export control and economic sanction risk assessments concerning various jurisdictions. Cheng Liu and Zhenghao Li, who ‘provide timely responses’, are highly experienced in acting for Chinese exporters in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations. All individuals mentioned are based in Beijing.

China > Private wealth: PRC firms Tier 2

King & Wood Mallesons‘ family wealth management and inheritance team is led by Beijing-based Hui Wang who excels in inheritance planning, and the succession of controlling stake in listed companies. In Shanghai, Peng Wu, a dispute resolution specialist, regularly represents both Chinese and international clients in marriage and separation of property disputes. Also in Shanghai, Hui Zheng is experienced in assisting clients with reorganising their family businesses and governing structures, as well as designing company trusts. Yongqing (Bill) Ye is another name to note who advises high-net-worth individuals on the tax aspects of wealth planning and management.

China > TMT: PRC firms Tier 2

King & Wood Mallesons centres its TMT practice around its expertise in data protection, cybersecurity, and regulatory issues. The team advises clients in the telecom sector on regulatory reform and compliance, network access agreements, and national broadband rollouts, and assists tech clients with data privacy issues and implementing IT systems. The firm recently set up a new AI team led by Seagull Song, which assists with AI security and compliance. Splitting her time between Beijing and Sanya, Susan Ning leads the TMT practice and is an expert in navigating Chinese regulations including big data legislation. Wei He and Han Wu co-lead the team from Beijing, with Wu focusing on advising multinational clients on data issues. Yuanyuan Cheng is well-versed in TMT regulatory compliance matters and is based in Beijing, while Yirui Zhang handles high-tech sector issues such as AI from Shanghai.