Debevoise & Plimpton LLP > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Offices
21/F AIA CENTRAL
1 CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL
HONG KONG
Hong Kong
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 1
Drawing upon ‘deep market knowledge’ gleaned over many years’ experience in the market, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP provides ‘an excellent work quality’ for a GP-focused client base establishing large pan-Asian buyout funds to smaller sector- or country-specific funds, including RMB-denominated funds. Praised for his ‘ability to break down complex problems into smaller bite sized pieces’, Gavin Anderson, who now splits his time between the firm’s Hong Kong and London, has, alongside vastly experienced of counsel Andrew Ostrognai, been instrumental in developing the firm’s high-calibre private equity offering which is adept at advising all aspects of fund formation, capital raising and closing. Anderson co-heads the team alongside Shawn Yang, who as well as his GP fund formation work is also regularly active on secondaries and select investor-side representations. Mai Shapiro rounds out the team and provides the relevant US tax advice pursuant to both fund formation and subsequent downstream activity.Practice head(s):
Gavin Anderson; Shawn Yang
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Ostrognai; Mai Shapiro; Guang Yang; Heng (David) Wan
Testimonials
‘They have deep market knowledge, an agile thought process and provide an excellent work quality.’
‘The excellent Gavin Anderson has the ability to break down complex problems into smaller bite sized pieces, and deliver practical advice.’
‘Debevoise & Plimpton is our go-to law firm for investments funds work. They have a very deep-bench of excellent lawyers in Hong Kong and across their international network, and really understand the funds space and how to help their clients achieve their objectives efficiently.’
‘The very experienced Mai Shapiro provides impeccable advice.’
‘Gavin Anderson is one of the best investment funds lawyers in Asia. He impresses with his formidable knowledge of market practice as well as legal/regulatory developments, and his ability to help clients seamlessly navigate complex fundraisings.’
‘Great knowledge of the market. Very responsive and innovative.’
Key clients
Advantage Partners
Ally Bridge Group
BPEA EQT
CDH Investments
Committed Advisors
HarbourVest Partners
Lightspeed India Partners
Morgan Stanley
Navis Capital
Sequoia Capital
TPG NewQuest
True North
Work highlights
- Advised BPEA EQT on the structuring, formation and fundraising of their eighth pan-Asian flagship fund, one of the largest Asian private equity funds ever raised by an Asia-based sponsor (c. US$11 billion), which exceeded its initial target size.
- Advised Pantheon in a single-asset GP-led secondary project with Hosen Capital involving an indirect acquisition of Kilcoy Foods.
Hong Kong > Insurance Tier 2
Combining regulatory and corporate capabilities, the ‘strong and capable’ team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP excels in advising insurance companies on transactional work throughout APAC, running the gamut from advice on M&A in the sector, through to advice on distribution agreements. ‘Intelligent and savvy’ team head Edwin Northover has a ‘good understanding of the market’, regularly taking the lead on key strategic transactional work for key global and Asia-based insurance entities, including AIA and Prudential Financial. International counsel Jan Buschmann ‘knows his way around the insurance ordinance and the HKIA requirements very well’ and regularly advises on standalone regulatory questions, as well as in the context of insurance-related transactional work.Practice head(s):
Edwin Northover
Other key lawyers:
Jan Buschmann; Monisha D’Souza
Testimonials
‘It is a strong and capable team.’
‘They have been invaluable in our insurance deals, bringing with them strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of the insurance M&A/ bancassurance deals.’
‘Edwin Northover is absolutely superb and our go-to partner for insurance deals. He is an intelligent and savvy lawyer with a good understanding of the market, fantastic in negotiations, and extremely thorough in his work, leaving no stone unturned.’
‘Jan Bushmann who knows his way around the insurance ordinance and the HKIA requirements very well, and is becoming a go-to lawyer for not only transactional work but also general regulatory advice.’
Key clients
AIA
Sun Life
Chubb
Prudential Financial
FWD
Work highlights
- Advised AIA in connection with the establishment of a pan-Asian health insurtech business and joint venture with Discovery Group.
- Advising Sun Life in its 15-year exclusive bancassurance partnership with Dah Sing Bank.
- Advising Chubb in its 15-year exclusive general insurance distribution agreement with Hang Seng Bank.
Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is highly sought after by major financial institution clients, regularly acting in significant litigation concerning private equity, investment banking, securities and wealth management. The practice also considers the areas of white collar crime and government investigations as key aspects of its litigation work, with multi-jurisdictional mandates spanning the Asia Pacific from India and Singapore to Japan and South Korea. Of counsel Mark Johnson and Gareth Hughes jointly head the offering, with the pair’s clients including top PRC asset management firms, global financial institutions, and individual executives and shareholders.Practice head(s):
Mark Johnson; Gareth Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Emily Austin
Testimonials
‘Mark is one of the most experienced disputes lawyers in the industry. He has very good instincts and provides very helpful strategic advice on handling regulatory matters.’
‘Gareth Hughes always provides helpful strategic oversight.’
Work highlights
Hong Kong > Regulatory: white-collar, compliance and investigations Tier 3
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP's main focus in the regulatory space is on defence work for financial services clients, as well as for senior executives, who are subject to regulatory investigations and private litigation. Mark Johnson has substantial experience and familiarity with regulatory investigations, including mis-selling, insider trading, and market manipulation probes by the SFC and HKMA. Johnson also represents Hong Kong publicly-listed companies in internal investigations and regulatory scrutiny by bodies including the ICAC and the HKSE. Gareth Hughes co-heads the team alongside Johnson and is also a core member of the team.Practice head(s):
Mark Johnson; Gareth Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Philip Rohlik; Samuel Fung
Hong Kong > Corporate (including M&A) Tier 4
The team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP assists a diverse client base, consisting of private equity firms, financial institutions, and insurance companies, such as Sun Life, True North, and AIA. With William Chua having left the team in May 2023, Edwin Northover has taken over as practice head, utilising his vast knowledge of joint ventures and distribution agreements to advise on major players in the insurance industry. Northover is also ‘second to none’ when advising on bancassurance agreements.Practice head(s):
Edwin Northover
Other key lawyers:
Jan Buschmann; Wen-Wei Lai
Testimonials
‘Ed Northover is the recognised expert in the area of bancassurance distribution arrangements. His industry knowledge and negotiation skills are second to none.’
‘Great technical knowledge.’
‘The team knows how the client works and how to address difficult issues.’
Key clients
AIA
Sun Life
True North
Brunei Investment Agency
Amplify Health
Work highlights
- Advised AIA on the establishment of a pan-Asian health insurtech business and joint venture with Discovery Group.
- Advised True North on its acquisition of a significant minority stake in Accion Group Holdings, Inc, a Pittsburg-based digital and innovation engineering company, from TA Associates and other shareholders.
- Advised AIA on the purchase of Blue Cross, a Hong Kong general insurer, and an associated 15-year bancassurance agreement between Blue Cross and BEA Bank.
Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 4
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Hong Kong and wider Asia Pacific arbitration team is a trusted advisor to various multinationals, international organisations, sovereigns and NGOs on complex international disputes; having carved out a particularly strong reputation for private equity disputes. Splitting his time between Hong Kong and London, Tony Dymond co-chairs the Asia arbitration practice and principally focuses on multijurisdictional construction and engineering disputes. Mark Johnson and Gareth Hughes are also key contacts in Hong Kong, with the latter being adept concerning complex commercial disputes and regularly handling arbitrations under HKIAC, LCIA, SIAC and CIETAC. International counsel Cameron Sim is also building a solid reputation for Asia-related arbitrations, representing corporates and sovereign entities across a broad range of industries including energy, insurance, pharmaceuticals and banking and finance.Practice head(s):
Tony Dymond; Mark Johnson; Gareth Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are outstanding for international arbitration – diligent, thoughtful and tenacious.’
‘The key players are Mark Johnson and Cameron Sim. They have a stellar reputation.’
‘Debevoise & Plimpton have a first class arbitration practice and one of the strongest practices in Hong Kong. The strength of the practices lies in the bench strength of its practitioners.’
‘Cameron Sim is a particular standout in the arbitration practice. Cameron’s intellectual prowess combined with a strategic mindset make him an asset to any matter.’
Work highlights
Hong Kong > Private equity Tier 5
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP houses a broad team which advises a variety of clients, including financial sponsors, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices on leveraged acquisitions and take private transactions. The group is also known for assisting a number of both domestic and international investment managers. Practice head Edwin Northover displays vast expertise in bancassurance distribution agreements and strategic partnerships, while associate Sheng Shao is noted for his broad knowledge of corporate matters. William Chua left the practice in May 2023 and Wen-Wei Lai rejoined the team from an in-house role.Practice head(s):
Edwin Northover
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Brunei Investment Agency
Harbour Vest Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) in its purchase from Yidu Tech Inc. of a 20% stake in EVYD Technology Limited for US$55 million, as well as related shareholder matters.
United States > Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital)
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is well placed to act for a diversity of investment management businesses, ranging from newly established firms and boutiques to leading multi-strategy alternative asset firms and large financial institutions. The investment management group is made up of a fund formation practice and an investor side team that continues to be a popular choice on the structuring and expansion of businesses, regulatory and compliance matters as well as on fund related transactions. Rebecca Silberstein co-leads the team, and her key strengths lie in advising on the formation and ongoing administration of buyout funds, among others. Fellow co-head Lorna Bowen advises some of the firms’ landmark clients and their funds, including Global Atlantic Financial Group and KKR, and they are both based in New York. The deep bench also includes Andrew Ahern, who is based in both the New York and San Francisco offices and advises on secondaries transactions on both the sponsor and investor side, while New York based Jonathan Adler works on establishing private equity funds in the US and across Europe and Asia. Justin Storms and Jason Auerbach are further key names in New York, while Marc Ponchione  and Sheena Paul bolster the Washington DC location, frequently acting for financial services companies on transactional and regulatory mandates. Among the recent team changes were the promotions of Joe Binder in San Francisco and Luke Eldridge in New York to partner in July 2023.Practice head(s):
Rebecca Silberstein; Lorna Bowen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Debevoise provides an exceptional, joined-up service offering. Their insight on market trends is impressive and market-leading across multiple practices and geographies.’
‘The team is sophisticated, incisive and innovative. I am particularly impressed with the full breadth of their service offering. The tax team is very knowledgeable on fund matters and provides invaluable insights on fund structure solutions.’
‘Rebecca Silberstein is superb. Jon Adler is extremely astute and commercial. Andrew Ahern is very knowledgeable on venture capital fund formation and operational matters. He is technically astute, business oriented and a very effective operator. Joe Binder is brilliant. He is a very insightful and trusted counsel on venture capital fund formation matters. Luke Eldridge is a superb transactional lawyer.’
‘This group features a lot of women at all levels of seniority, which is a refreshing change. They have been a market leader in fund formation for decades and it seems know just about every structure and investor’s demand. They offer negotiation positions that meets the investor’s need while protecting the GP. Their tax team is also extraordinary and fundamental to putting fund structures together.’
‘On the corporate side, Lorna Bowen is exceptional.’
Key clients
Ara Advisers
Avanath Capital Management
B Capital Group
Bain Capital
Blackstone Alternative Asset Management
Breakthrough Properties
The Carlyle Group
Carmel Partners Group
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Crescent Capital Group
EIG Global Energy Partners
FS Investments
Global Infrastructure Partners
Goodwater Capital
Gramercy Funds Management
Grupo Romero Asset Management
Hamilton Lane Advisors
HarbourVest Partners
Investcorp
J. F. Lehman & Company
J.P. Morgan
Kelso & Company
KKR & Co.
KKR Credit Advisors
Lightspeed Venture Partners
Maycomb Outcomes
Morgan Stanley
Oak HC/FT
Odyssey Investment Partners
One Rock Capital Partners
Paradigm
Providence Equity Partners
Prudential Financial
PSG Equity
Sequoia Capital
Silver Lake
Stone Point Capital
SVB Financial Group
Symbiotic Capital
Tishman Speyer Properties
Varagon Capital Partners
Vinci Partners
VWH Capital Management
Citigroup (as limited partner of various funds)
The Ford Foundation (as limited partner of various funds)
Liberty Mutual Insurance (as limited partner of various funds)
Lowy Family Group (as limited partner of various funds)
The Nature Conservancy (as limited partner of various funds)
Work highlights
- Advised Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in the formation of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund XII, an approximately $26 billion buyout fund, CD&R’s largest fund to date.
- Advised Crescent Capital Group in the formation of Crescent Credit Solutions, an $8 billion private credit solutions fund.
- Advised KKR in the formation of its KKR European Fund VI, an $8 billion fund focused on private equity investments primarily in the developed economies of Western Europe.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Debevoise & Plimpton’s Asia team, based in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, is made up of experienced international corporate lawyers and litigators. In Hong Kong, the firm is established as a local practice, meaning it is able to provide local law advice alongside the international advice provided by its US and English law qualified team.
Debevoise’s local knowledge and experience, together with approximately 800 lawyers in Asia, Europe and the United States, enables it to assist and guide clients in the Asia Pacific region and elsewhere throughout the world.
Areas of practice
M&A in Asia: as an integral part of the firm’s leading global practice, the M&A lawyers in Asia are fluent in domestic and international acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and strategic investments. The team has a particular focus on advising national and international insurers and other financial institutions. It has a strong track record and deep knowledge of these sectors.
Private equity in Asia: as the only firm to couple fund formation capacity in Asia, Europe and the US with an internationally acclaimed private equity transaction practice, Debevoise is uniquely qualified to assist clients in navigating the complex issues surrounding fund formations, downstream investments and exits.
The team has guided clients through many sophisticated private equity fund formations and investments throughout the Asia-Pacific region, representing sponsors, investors and target companies.
Litigation in Asia: Debevoise’s lawyers have been active in Asia for many years representing clients in international arbitrations and corporate investigations and defense matters. The team represents clients on a wide variety of international dispute resolution, white-collar and regulatory defense matters, Hong Kong regulatory matters and High Court litigation, as well as working with Debevoise’s litigators world-wide on US, UK and European litigation involving a full range of commercial disputes.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Litigation and international dispute resolution | Lord Goldsmith KC | [email protected] | |
Litigation and international dispute resolution | Gareth Hughes | [email protected] | |
Litigation and international dispute resolution | Mark Johnson | [email protected] | |
Litigation and international dispute resolution | Philip Rohlik | [email protected] | |
International dispute resolution | Tony Dymond | [email protected] | |
M&A / Private equity | William Y Chua | [email protected] | |
Mergers and acquisitions | Edwin Northover | [email protected] | |
Fund/investment management | Gavin Anderson | [email protected] |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Gavin Anderson | Gavin Anderson is based in the Hong Kong office and is a… | View Profile | |
William Chua | View Profile | ||
Lord Peter Goldsmith KC | Lord (Peter) Goldsmith QC, PC, London Co-Managing Partner and Chair of European… | View Profile | |
Gareth Hughes | Gareth Hughes is a partner in the firm’s Hong Kong office and… | View Profile | |
Mark Johnson | Mark Johnson is a partner in the firm’s Hong Kong office and… | View Profile | |
Mr Edwin Northover | Mr. Northover has a broad cross-border public and private mergers & acquisitions… | View Profile | |
Mr Philip Rohlik | Philip Rohlik is a member of the firm’s Litigation Group whose practice… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 800 (approx) At this office : 30Languages
Chinese (Cantonese Chinese (Mandarin) Chinese Taiwanese English French German Hindi Italian Japanese Spanish- Investment funds
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Insurance