Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that William Woo has rejoined the firm in Hong Kong as a partner in the Corporate Department. His practice focuses on equity capital markets and M&A matters, particularly in connection with pre-IPO investments and listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (both the Main Board and the Growth Enterprise Market) and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity work.
With more than 15 years of experience, Woo has counselled numerous Chinese and international companies, private equity firms, public sector entities and investment and commercial banks on their securities offerings and investments across Asia and in a broad range of business sectors –including energy and mining, financial services, real estate, agriculture, technology, media and telecommunications. Woo is qualified to practice Hong Kong and English law and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese as well as English.
Simon Powell, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in Hong Kong, said: “We are excited to welcome William back to the firm. His knowledge of the regulations and market practices, combined with his excellent technical abilities and client-oriented approach, make him a valuable addition to our team.”
Latham’s long-established Hong Kong law practice comprises 15 partners, six of whom are Hong Kong law-qualified corporate partners.
Cathy Yeung, Chair of the firm’s Greater China Practice and Chair of the Corporate Department in Hong Kong, commented: “I have known, and worked with, William for many years; he is a fabulous team player and practice builder, and a good fit for our strategic growth plans in Hong Kong and greater China. William is a very talented and commercially astute lawyer with an excellent track record advising companies and financial institutions across Asia who continue to look to the Hong Kong market as a significant venue for capital raising.”
“William’s return to the firm further strengthens our Hong Kong law corporate practice. We have an integrated Hong Kong law and US law corporate practice which is critical for sophisticated, complex securities transactions,” added Bryant Edwards, Chair of the firm’s Asia Practice. “Latham is among a small number of firms in the region with the ability to deliver high-end legal services on corporate, finance and litigation matters under US, English and Hong Kong law.”
Woo commented: “Having previously spent more than two years as a Latham partner, my knowledge and understanding of the firm’s culture and teamwork will be the foundation for a smooth transition and the growth of my practice. I’m pleased to rejoin so many familiar colleagues at Latham, a firm that has established itself as a leader in Asia and around the world, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of the practice.”
Woo joins from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in Hong Kong. Woo initially joined Latham & Watkins as a partner in February 2009 from Allen & Overy LLP in Hong Kong. Woo received his Bachelor of Arts in Law in 1996 and his Masters in 2000, both from Cambridge University, and he graduated with distinction from Law School at the University of Hong Kong in 1997.
Source: www.lw.com
