Allen & Overy has hired a new corporate partner with US training to expand its Greater China debt capital markets practice in Hong Kong.
Liang (Alex) Tao, a Mandarin speaker qualified in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong and the State of New York, joins A&O from Davis Polk & Wardwell where he was counsel and advised on debt and equity deals and China-related capital markets deals.
Vicki Liu, Hong Kong managing partner commented on the appointment: "Alex Tao’s technical ability combined with his Mandarin language skills and extensive track record dealing with both Chinese and international clients, will be the perfect complement to an already accomplished debt capital markets team. He will also enhance our broader offering for Chinese clients given the continued importance of US expertise in Greater China, and indeed the region more broadly."
This year, Tao advised Chinese brokerage house Orient Securities on a $876 million IPO on the HKSE, he also advised the joint lead managers on a $500 million Regulation S offering by China Railway Construction Corporation; in June, he represented Wuxi Construction and Development Investment on a $300 million bond offer.
Tao’s appointment follows the departure of two capital markets partners in A&O’s Hong Kong Office, Vivian Yiu in March 2016 and David Kuo in 2015.