Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises on US$5 billion Hong Kong IPO of AB InBev's Asia business

Hong Kong's largest IPO and world's second largest this year

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has advised the joint sponsors JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley and the underwriters on the US$5 billion initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange of Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited (Budweiser APAC), the largest and a fast growing beer company in Asia Pacific.

The IPO of Budweiser APAC, the Asian business of Anheuser-Busch InBev Group (AB-InBev), is the second biggest IPO globally this year, and the largest in Hong Kong so far.

Partners Virginia Lee and Jean Thio led on the deal and were supported by partner Amy Lo, senior associates Janet Tang and Gehuan Liu, associates Helen Huang, Eunice Leung, Jeff Wong and Emma Bao, and trainees Michelle Sum and Anson Wong.

Virginia said, "We are delighted to advise on one of the most significant cross-border listings in Hong Kong this year, which will help to unlock and power AB InBev's continued growth globally and in the Asia Pacific region."

Jean added, "This transaction is testament to the strength of our market-leading practice, built over many years on advising companies and banks on their largest and most complex listings."

In Hong Kong this year, Clifford Chance has advised on Hansoh Pharmaceutical's US$1 billion IPO, Shenwan Hongyuan Group's US$1.16 billion IPO, Maoyan Entertainment's US$250 million IPO and Weimob's US$153 million IPO.