Kelly Gregory > Clifford Chance LLP > Shanghai, China > Lawyer Profile

Clifford Chance LLP‘s sizeable Greater China M&A team has an enviable track record of advising on international and Chinese clients’ headline deals, including private and public M&A, China inbound and outbound matters, and multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group also has the ability to call upon the expertise of colleagues from its Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas and Africa offices during major cross-border deals. In Beijing, cross-border M&A and joint venture specialist Terence Foo has particular expertise in the energy, mining, agribusiness, financial services, TMT, and consumer goods and retail sectors, and Yufei Liao focuses on technology transactions. Over in Shanghai, Kelly Gregory is an expert in China-related M&A and joint ventures, including cross-border deals, joint ventures, sales, and reorganisations; Tim Wang advises large Chinese companies on their outbound investments; and Yi Yang handles matters across a range of sectors. Andrew Crook heads up the firm’s APAC corporate and private equity practice from Hong Kong.

Winning plaudits for its work on transformational work across key areas including blockchain, smart contracts, tokenisation, stablecoins and insurtech, Clifford Chance LLP is a popular choice for major tech companies, financial institutions, and fintechs ranging exchange platforms to e-wallet service providers. Kelly Gregory and Rocky Mui share leadership duties, with the latter well versed in mandates involving emerging asset classes such as tokenisation, stablecoins and digital infrastructure. Ling Ho is at the forefront of technology-related IP matters, while Brian Harley is a trusted counsel for technology-driven transactional work.

The strength of Clifford Chance LLP’s private equity offering is epitomised by the breadth of its client base, regularly acting for international powerhouses such as Carlyle, CVC and Permira, as well as major pan-Asian and China-based clients such as Advantage Partners, Affinity and Navis Capital. The practice spans the full range of transactions, including LBOs, take-privates, PIPEs, and growth capital and venture capital investments. Terence Foo heads the group and works between Beijing and Shanghai, with his depth of PE expertise being matched by the broad range of sectors he specialises in; encompassing technology, healthcare and consumer goods. In Shanghai, Kelly Gregory has recently handled numerous private investments in the games, medtech and fintech industries across Europe, North America and Asia. Beijing-based Yufei Liao is noted for his cross-border capabilities and assisting international clients on their investment in China, while counsel Fang Bao is also particularly well regarded in the market. Yang Yi is another key contact in Shanghai, bringing considerable expertise in the PRC healthcare and real estate sectors.

Offering ‘high-quality, professional and approachable’ legal services, Clifford Chance LLP assists its clients in navigating rapid market and regulatory shifts, from entering new markets to managing risk and fortifying business operations. The practice’s capabilities include climate change-related projects, such as in the renewable energy, clean technology, energy transition, and sustainable development spheres. Leading the team is Jiahua Ni, a banking and finance specialist with a focus on PRC-related cross-border financings, guiding major Chinese banks in outbound financings spanning Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Africa. Kelly Gregory and Terence Foo have carved a niche in cross-border M&As and joint ventures, particularly within the energy sector. Maggie Lo offers insights to both Chinese and international financial institutions on cross-border project financings, while Vicky Ma brings a profound understanding of international project financing transactions, with deep involvement in Belt and Road energy and infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Clifford Chance LLP’s TMT expertise spans practice areas from M&A and venture capital to regulatory, tax, and antitrust matters. With an on-the-ground team, the group guides its Chinese and international clients on complex TMT transactions. Leading the practice are Kelly Gregory, who excels in TMT-related corporate and M&A activities for both local and multinational entities, and Terence Foo, adept at handling both inbound and outbound investments in the TMT arena. Complementing the team, Yufei Liao brings deep insights into corporate M&A, private equity, and capital markets.