Specialising in the TMT, healthcare, and real estate industries, the Morrison Foerster practice has extensive expertise in handling high-value IPOs and multi-jurisdictional M&A. The firm’s diverse array of clients includes major financial institutions, international software companies, and tech conglomerates, with the Beijing-based co-heads Rongjing Zhao and Paul McKenzie bringing vast experience in cross-border joint ventures and growth capital investments to the group. Chuan Sun also co-leads from Shanghai, primarily focusing on business separation transactions, whilst Siyu Gao, Sarah Wang, and Bingye Wu are all highlighted as integral members of the outfit.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'MoFo is exceptional in tackling complex transactions and managing intricate issues, such as government relationship, restructuring, national security, and regulatory matters.'
  • 'The team leverages its extensive global and interdisciplinary expertise in handling intricate regulatory and operational issues for us.'
  • 'The team always provides comprehensive and pragmatic legal advice, considering all possible legal and commercial implications.'
  • 'Their commitment impresses me, as they consistently go above and beyond to secure the best outcomes for us, and their responsiveness is unparalleled.'

Key clients

  • Alibaba Group
  • Arm Limited
  • GLP
  • Jamieson Wellness
  • Softbank
  • Softbank Vision Fund
  • Silver Crest

Work highlights

  • Advised SoftBank Group Corp. and SoftBank Vision Fund (together, “SoftBank”) on their acquisition of a substantial interest in Arm China, as a necessary step enabling the planned listing of Arm Limited.
  • Advised Alibaba Group Holding Limited (AGH) in the renegotiation and amendment of various agreements between AGH and Ant Group Co., Ltd. (Ant) related to AGH’s acquisition of a 33% stake in Ant, China’s leading financial services and technology company.
  • Advised Amperex Technology Limited in its RMB14 billion joint ventures for mid-size battery cells and packs and US$1.5 billion technology cross-license arrangement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Thomas Chou, Marcia Ellis, Maureen Ho, Paul McKenzie, Chuan Sun, Vivian Yiu, Rongjing Zhao

Other key lawyers

Yilong Luo, Sarah Wang, Bingye Wu, Bilin Chen