Capital Markets: Equity (International Firms) - China
What the team is known for
Deacons has a solid practice with extensive local expertise and a long history of acting on equity matters. The team regularly advises sponsors and underwriters on IPOs and listings on the SEHK, as well as on share placement transactions. The firm also demonstrates experience handling cross-border debt issuances and is active on issuances ranging from MTN programmes to sovereign and silver bonds. Deacons has an established record acting for clients in the energy and natural resources, tech, construction and finance industries, with key clients including Bank of East Asia, BOCOM International and Yoho Group.
Strengths
"Deacons are very down to earth, professional and helpful. The team, including the partners, are very accessible, friendly and responsive."
"They are always available when we need them and are responsive and helpful. They have good commercial and financial sense and can always provide constructive advice."
Work highlights
Deacons acted for Bank of Communications, the issuing and lodging agent, in relation to the Ministry of Finance of the PRC's CNY23 billion sovereign bond issuances in Hong Kong.
Deacons advised the sole sponsor, Shenwan Hongyuan Capital, and underwriters in relation to the HKD600 million Hong Kong IPO of Flowing Cloud Technology.
Notable practitioners
Ronny Chow is a key player in the Deacons ECM practice, regularly leading its advice on Hong Kong IPOs, as well as advising on rights issues, notably for REITs. "Ronny is responsive, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He's the first go-to person when I need legal advice." "Ronny is very knowledgeable and experienced in handling all sorts of difficult deals."
Kevin Tong remains a driving force of Deacons' debt issuance work as the head of its DCM practice, often advising on the establishment and updating of MTN programmes. "Kevin is very friendly, professional and experienced."