Global law firm White & Case LLP announced today that it has expanded its China M&A practice with the hire of new partner, Alex Zhang, from Jones Day. Mr Zhang joins the Firm as head of its Shanghai office, as well as head of its China corporate and M&A practice.

A native of the PRC, Mr Zhang is a recognized leader in China M&A, corporate and private equity. He has over 20 years of experience in advising both international and Chinese clients on China-related matters. He has advised on a number of notable transactions in 2011, including the sale of a majority interest in CITIC Pharmaceutical and China Health System to Shanghai Pharmaceutical (the largest M&A transaction to date in the China pharmaceutical product sector).

John Reiss, the global head of M&A for White & Case, stated: “China is a critical market for White & Case and Mr Zhang will be a tremendous resource for clients on both China inbound and outbound transactions.”

“I am delighted to be joining the White & Case team”, said Mr Zhang. “I am impressed by the Firm’s global platform and its strategy in Greater China.”

Commenting on the appointment Xiaoming Li, head of White & Case’s China practice, said: “Clients are increasingly expecting the international firms in China to have senior Mandarin-speaking lawyers with strong international experience leading their M&A transactions. Mr Zhang, having worked in the US, Hong Kong and China, adds considerable strength to our growing China team at a very senior level.”