Friederike Heine

August 25, 2010 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has relocated London partner Gary McLean to Hong Kong to take on the new role of Asia-Pacific head of corporate. The role was created in order to co-ordinate the firm's corporate presence throughout Asia and Australia. Global corporate co-head Sietze Hepkema commented: "The relocation underlines the firm's commitment to its presence in Greater China. Since the expansion of our Australian platform we needed someone to coordinate the effort across the region.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 24, 2010 | International Edition

Australian firm Minter Ellison is set to launch an office in Beijing in the latest example of an international law firm targeting the potential of China's legal market. The launch, which will be Minter's third platform in Greater China, is in line with the firm's strategy of tapping into China's strong appetite for investment into foreign markets, and to focus on capital flows in key niche areas.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 23, 2010 | International Edition

Linklaters and Slaughter and May are advising on HSBC's proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in South Africa's Nedbank, a deal which could be worth up to R49.9bn (£4.4bn). Linklaters is acting for HSBC on its exclusive talks with Nedbank majority investor Old Mutual, with the magic circle firm's team led by corporate partner Robert Cleaver.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 23, 2010 | International Edition

Linklaters and Slaughter and May are advising on HSBC's proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in South Africa's Nedbank, a deal which could be worth up to R49.9bn (£4.4bn). Linklaters is acting for HSBC on its exclusive talks with Nedbank majority investor Old Mutual, with the magic circle firm's team led by corporate partner Robert Cleaver.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 19, 2010 | International Edition

Mayer Brown has named banking partner Dominic Griffiths as its new London head of banking and finance with immediate effect. Griffiths succeeds Bruce Bloomingdale, who will now focus on boosting cooperation between the firm's European and US finance practices, as well as continuing to advise clients on international finance transactions.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 18, 2010 | International Edition

Ropes & Gray is set to take on graduates in its London practice as the US firm looks to expand in the City. The firm's existing London strategy has been to grow through lateral hires, but as the burgeoning practice begins to consolidate its presence in the UK, management is beginning to consider a formal graduate recruitment arrangement.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 16, 2010 | International Edition

Weil Gotshal & Manges has taken the lead role on All3Media's £40m acquisition of Optomen, the TV production company behind shows including The F Word, in a deal that will hand millions of pounds to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The deal sees All3Media acquire Optomen and One Potato Two Potato, which was set up as a joint venture with Ramsay in 2008 and produces all of his hit TV series, including the US versions of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 12, 2010 | International Edition

Baker & McKenzie has posted its results for the last financial year, including a 56% hike in partner profits in the US firm's London office. Bakers took in firmwide turnover of $2.1bn (£1.3bn) for the year ending 30 June, marking a 0.4% drop on the figure reported last year. London revenues grew by 5% to $120.3m, while the office's PEP rose by 36% from £418,000 to £650,000.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read

August 11, 2010 | International Edition

Hammonds and Baker & McKenzie have landed roles on Chelsea Football Club's sponsorship deal with Singha Beer, making the Thai brand Chelsea's official beer.

By Friederike Heine

1 minute read

August 09, 2010 | International Edition

A quartet of leading US and UK firms have scored roles on HgCapital's £470m acquisition of Italian software company TeamSystem from US private equity firm Bain Capital. HgCapital, which saw off competition from rival buyout firm Cinven Group to seal the deal, instructed Linklaters, which fielded a team led by London-based private equity partner Richard Youle and Milan-based banking partner Davide Mencacci. Clifford Chance (CC) advised the underwriting banks, which included Unicredit, Banca IMI and Morgan Stanley.

By Friederike Heine

2 minute read