15 August – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – In a further strengthening of Linklaters’ corporate/M&A practice in Asia, and in light of the growing demands of its corporate and investment banking clients, Keith Johnson returns to Hong Kong from Europe this week to head the firm’s Hong Kong corporate/M&A practice. Johnson was previously a member of Linklaters’ Hong Kong corporate team in the mid 1990s.
Johnson brings to Linklaters in Hong Kong broad experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, private equity and equity offerings. His experience spans Europe and Asia.
A key focus of the role will be to continue the firm’s drive to strengthen and develop corporate and investment banking relationships in Asia.
Johnson succeeds Simon Davies as head of the firm’s Hong Kong Corporate/M&A practice. Davies continues as managing partner for Asia with the benefit of being able to devote more time to clients.
Linklaters in Shanghai is also bolstering its corporate/M&A partner ranks with Paul McNicholl transferring from the firm’s London office this week. McNicholl has extensive experience in corporate finance transactions, in particular in domestic and international equity offerings and public and private M&A.
Johnson and McNicholl are the sixth and seventh new partners to join Linklaters in Asia since April this year.
Linklaters’ expansion in Asia is a direct response to client demand, and underpins the firm’s strategy for market leadership in Asia.
Simon Davies, Linklaters managing partner – Asia, stated:
“Linklaters in Asia is thriving. We are leading the way on the most complex, groundbreaking corporate deals in Asia, particularly in the PRC. Keith’s appointment and Paul’s transfer emphasise the firm’s investment in Asia. Keith brings some 20 years’ experience of advising at the very top level of management within client organisations in the UK and Europe. His seniority adds further strength and depth to the team in Hong Kong. Paul is one of our most able new generation of young corporate star partners. Together their addition to our already powerful team is great news for our clients, not just in Hong Kong but also global clients who are considering investment in Asia.”
Keith Johnson added:
“I am very pleased to be back in Hong Kong. It is a dynamic time in the market with significant M&A and private equity opportunities. I have worked with many of our key clients in Hong Kong previously, both locally and in Europe, and look forward to working with them again.”
