China (National)

Merits & Tree Law Offices was initially established in 2006 under the name Beijing Hawkhigh Law Offices until it was renamed in 2017. It has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Haikou, with a Wuhan office now in the phase of establishment. The firm now has more than 80 partners and 300 lawyers and other professionals.  

Highlights  

It is a relatively young law firm in China but continues to develop rapidly. The firm’s strength is in handling private equity and investment funds mandates.  

Among the publishable deals, the team advised on the establishment and investment in New Fusion Energy (Anhui) by NIO Limited. This project involves a joint venture between NIO and two government-backed investment institutions to create a company focused on the development and commercialisation of fusion technology. The firm also advised on Round B-4 financing of Beijing Zhipu Huazhang Technology.  

The firm hired three partners Bo Hu, Ying Hui and Qingyang He in 2023 to strength its teams in private equity and M&A work.  

Key clients  

China Pengfei Group, Wuxi Shangji Automation, China National Nuclear Corporation, SanNuo Biosensor, China Pacific Insurance, Sequoia Capital, IDG Capital, CITIC Capital, Gaorong Capital, Tencent, and Xiaomi. 

Testimonials  

Investment funds     

“Merits & Tree Law Offices stands out for its highly stable and cohesive legal team. The same core partner and associates have handled our matters for years, delivering deep institutional knowledge and continuity in legal service. Their attorneys combine technical expertise with industry-specific experience, particularly in private equity fund investment and corporate equity investment. This consistency eliminates the need to repeatedly onboard new teams, which is a common pain point with other firms.” 

“In recent years, we've collaborated with M&T on many complex investment fund cases. M&T lawyers have shown excellent understanding of insurance-fund investment in private funds and great skill in solving complex legal problems. They have been a key partner in our projects. They have shown innovative thinking in designing transaction structures for insurance-fund investments in private funds. Their strategic wisdom and problem-solving skills in project negotiations have been vital for our project's success. M&T lawyers also have unique views on resolving fund-transaction disputes. They have solved multi-party disputes, met various commercial needs, and helped us maximize our interests.” 

Project finance     

“Demonstrated strong responsiveness and attention to detail when collaborating with others. Consistently delivered timely and accurate support during collaborative work.” 

Feng Zhou     

“Very knowledgeable and truly professional.” 

Xiongping (Allen)  Liu     

“Xiongping Liu has shown innovative thinking in designing transaction structures for insurance-fund investments in private funds. His strategic wisdom and problem-solving skills in project negotiations have been vital for our project's success.” 

Xiaoxing Guo     

“Xiaoxing Guo approached every aspect of the project with great care and diligence. He took the time to understand our needs, provided clear and well-reasoned legal advice, and always followed through on deadlines. His sense of responsibility gave us confidence at every stage.” 

Bei Hu 

“Lawyer Hu has an exceptional ability to solve problems and a very solid professional foundation, making outstanding contributions to our transactions.”