Fielding a team of industry experts in aviation, manufacturing, and life sciences, Bird & Bird regularly represents blue-chip tech multinationals and Chinese corporations on all aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A and strategic partnerships. Operating out of Beijing, John Shi leads the practice, being an expert in corporate transactions and regulatory compliance, while Sarah Zeng focuses on disposals and joint ventures. Shanghai-based Sven-Michael Werner acts for foreign investors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team knows the Chinese market and culture as well as the European. They are very effective and fast with a quick understanding of the needs of the parties and the experience to overcome cultural differences and language barriers.'

Key clients

  • Royal Cosun
  • FinDreams Battery (FDB, subsidiary of BYD)

Work highlights

  • Advised Royal Cosun on its 100% wholly owned subsidiary Aviko's acquisition of a majority stake in a local French-fries supplier from Inner Mongolia Hongyuan Agriculture Technology Company Limited by Shares with 90% stake acquired in 2020 and the remaining 10% stake in 2023.
  • Advised FinDreams Battery (“FDB), a BYD Company Limited (“BYD”) subsidiary, on its strategic partnership with leading automotive supplier BorgWarner Inc. (“BorgWarner”).

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Shi

Other key lawyers

Sven-Michael Werner, Sarah Zeng