Founded in 1993, Fangda Partners is a full-service law firm advising on PRC and Hong Kong laws. The firm is headquartered in Shanghai and is among the largest China-based law firms, with approximately 700 lawyers in Shanghai and further offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a traditional strength in private equity. It was one of the earliest entrants into the PRC fund formation market and its team has the dual capacity to advise on renminbi and offshore US dollar fund formation matters.

Capital markets and corporate M&A are the core focuses of the firm. The firm stays active in this competitive market with an expertise in TMT sectors and experience in both Hong Kong Listing Rules and the Hong Kong Takeovers Code. The finance team is especially potent in acquisition financing.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Apollo Future Mobility Group, Alibaba and Ant Group, Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, WuXi Biologics, JW Therapeutics, PAG Capital Limited, Hillhouse Capital, China Resources Property, Huadian Power International Corporation, Ping An of China Capital (Hong Kong) Company, Softbank Vision Fund and IDG Capital.

Research period review: 33^rd edition (2022/2023)

During the research period, the firm was particularly active in corporate M&A, debt and equity capital markets.

The firm’s debt capital market practice was active representing underwriters and issuers in debt issuance programmes, preference shares, hybrid securities offerings, investment grade bond offerings, private placements and panda bond offerings.

In equity markets, the firm kept busy with a number of IPOs, take private and general tender transactions as well as PIPE and securities transactions.

In corporate and M&A, the firm regularly advises in cross-border transactions with China elements. Advising both buy and sell side, the firm is experienced in providing industrial knowledge in a wide spectrum of fields including manufacturing, automobile, chemical, consumable, TMT, logistics, retail, healthcare, education, and energy and resources.

Deal highlights: 33^rd edition (2022/2023)

Deutsche Bank’s Rmb1 billion panda bond programme.

Apollo Future Mobility Group’s $2 billion reverse takeover of the EV business operated by WM Motor Holdings.

China Resources Property Limited’s HK$145 million acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pioneer Alliance.

Thematic Bridge Investment’s HK$4.763 billion voluntary conditional general cash offer on Jinke Smart Services Group.

WuXi Biologics’ HK$4 billion block trade

Client feedback: 33^rd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“They lead the drafting and negotiation as the deal counsel. Sound knowledge of both tech and finance, good at identifying issues and providing balanced approach.”

Investment funds

“Professional, responsive, resourceful.”

Financial services regulatory

“Very professional, knowledgeable and insightful.”

“Fangda always provides timely advice, taking into account the company's best interests.”

Capital markets

“Valuable experience in the debt market, good network, excellent communication skills with clients with different background, responsive and diligent services.”

Lawyer feedback: 33^rd edition (2022/2023)

Raymond Chan

“Managed the deal well.”

Tianyi Chen

“Smart and responsive, and good with management of fees.”

Zhang Yue

“Professional, responsive, resourceful and flexible.”

Christina Fu

“Very professional, knowledgeable and insightful. Thorough work, sharp mind.”

“Christina always demonstrates her professionalism, is attentive to clients' needs and provides practical and constructive recommendations.”

Christine Chen

“Christine has in-depth knowledge and experience in advising sophisticated international issuers on local law issues. By providing practical and thoughtful solutions to complicated or tricky legal issues in the course of bond issuance, Christine has gained our deep trust and respect. Her advice and constant contribution are immensely helpful to the successful execution of cutting-edge debt offering transactions.”