Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises EQT on majority stake acquisition of Guardian

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has advised EQT Private Equity on its majority stake acquisition of Guardian Shanghai Hygiene Service Ltd. (Guardian).

Founded in 2011, Guardian is the largest local Chinese pest control operator with a strong presence in eastern and southern provinces of China. It maintains a strong position in high-end commercials verticals such as restaurant chains, supermarkets, shopping malls, airports, hotels and food production facilities.

The transaction was led by partner Bryan Koo (Hong Kong), with support from partner Tom Lin (Singapore), counsel Fang Bao (Beijing), senior associate Cynthia Zhang, associates George Lau (Hong Kong), Victor Leung (Singapore) and trainee solicitors Winky Su and Amanda Liu (Hong Kong).

The transaction marks EQT's support for Guardian's next phase of growth by driving consolidation in China's fragmented pest control market. Leveraging EQT's in-house digitalisation and sustainability capabilities, Guardian continues to improve living conditions in Chinese cities through efficient pest control, thereby decreasing negative environmental and human impacts.