Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance takes top spot for Private Equity awards in Asia Pacific and Europe

Hong Kong: Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has been named the top law firm for private equity transactions, private equity real estate transactions and private equity real estate fund formation in Asia Pacific. In addition, the firm was also named top law firm for private equity transactions in Europe for the twelfth year running.

These awards are voted on by readers of Private Equity International (PEI) and Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) respectively. The awards reflect the industry's view as they are totally independent with no sponsorship or judging panel involved.

Simon Cooke, Partner and co-head of Clifford Chance Asia Pacific Private Equity comments, "We are delighted that our consistent, top quality services to clients are recognised. These awards are particularly significant as they represent the views of clients and peers in the industry, and reflect independent evidence of the market leading private equity practices we have built in Asia Pacific as well as Europe."

Mark Shipman, Global Head of Investment Funds adds, "Capturing awards in both the private equity real estate fund formation and transaction categories reflect the strength of our client offering. We are seeing increased interest by global private equity players in Asian real estate and we are pleased we have the depth and breadth of practice to assist clients in the full range of services in this sector."

Select Asia Pacific private equity deals and private equity real estate fund formation and transaction deals in 2012 including advising:

• Metropolitan Light Company Limited (a company formed by CVC Funds) on the HK$5 billion (US$641 million) acquisition and acquisition financing of Hong Kong Broadband Network and the IDD business from City Telecom (H.K.) Limited – one of the largest leveraged buyouts in Hong Kong.
• CVC Asia Pacific and Standard Chartered Private Equity Limited on the divestment of Singapore-based Infastech to Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. The firm also advised on the acquisition of Infastech in 2010.
• Mandated lead arrangers (BAML, CDB, China Minsheng Bank, Citi, CS, DBS, DB, ICBCI and UBS) on the US$1.525 billion debt financing for the take-private acquisition of Focus Media Holding Limited, a company listed on NASDAQ, by a consortium including Carlyle, Fountainvest, CITIC, Everbright and others.
• GIC on its agreement to invest HK$ 1.328 billion (US$170 million) by way of new and old shares in Intime Department Store (Group) Company Limited ("Intime"), which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is the largest department store chain in China’s Zhejiang province in terms of sales.
• MGPA on the establishment of its Australian business and separately on its first acquisition in Australia, a commercial office building in O’Connell Street, Sydney
• Mori Building on the strata sales of selected floors of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, the world’s third tallest building.
• CITIC Capital, Phoenix Property Advisor, INVESCO and Winnington Capital on the establishment of private equity real estate funds in Asia Pacific.