Capital Markets: Debt (International Firms)
Greater China Region Guide 2024 : China
Band 3
Contact number
+852 2509 7888Chambers Review
With a well-rounded team with an exceptional reputation for handling complex and high-value high-yield debt work, Sidley Austin is also skilled at advising on investment-grade debt offerings, including hybrid products, green bonds and dual-currency offerings, regularly acting as issuer's counsel. The DCM team is also frequently sought out to advise on a range of debt restructuring mandates. The firm also maintains a very busy ECM practice, acting on a high number of IPOs and share placements and representing a range of issuers and underwriters. It is regularly engaged by international banks, as well as PRC and Hong Kong financial intermediaries, and is particularly active on issuances in the property, energy, biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, with key clients including Shanghai Fosun High Technology, Univest Securities and CIFI Holdings.
Work Highlights
- Sidley Austin represented China Fortune Land Development in the restructuring of its USD4.96 billion offshore debt by way of an English scheme of arrangement.
- Sidley Austin advised Yum China Holdings on the successful voluntary conversion of its secondary listing status to a primary listing status on the Main Board of the SEHK.
- Sidley Austin advised Guangzhou R&F Properties on the restructuring of its ten series of US dollar-denominated notes with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately USD4.9 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team has always maintained a professional, efficient and reliable working attitude. The debt team has experienced staff and extensive project experience, and can advise us on all aspects and make constructive suggestions with reference to past experience."
"Sidley Austin's team showed strong product knowledge and first-hand real deal experience, with innovative structuring ideas. It was very impressive."
"The team has always maintained a professional, efficient and reliable working attitude. The debt team has experienced staff and extensive project experience, and can advise us on all aspects and make constructive suggestions with reference to past experience."
"Sidley Austin's team showed strong product knowledge and first-hand real deal experience, with innovative structuring ideas. It was very impressive."
Notable Practitioners
Carrie Li is a partner in Sidley Austin's Hong Kong office who is highly regarded for handling both investment-grade and high-yield debt issuances.
"Carrie is very efficient and known for her commercial awareness."
"She is a great lawyer and can always be depended on to provide great advice. I appreciate the professionalism she displays and always observe that she is giving excellent advice."
Renee Xiong is a driving force of Sidley Austin's high-yield debt practice and advises both issuers and bookrunners on the full spectrum of high-yield issuances.
"Renee is my favourite; she is really willing to go the extra mile to get things done or work odd hours for the clients."
"Renee has won trust from her corporate clients through years of hard work. Her strong legal knowledge, live deal experience and friendly personality are the key factors for her success."
Constance Choy is head of Sidley Austin's China corporate and finance group and the firm's Asia-Pacific managing partner, offering clients three decades' experience advising on IPOs and H-share placements.
"Constance offers timely feedback on business problems and fully understands customer needs."
"I don't think there is anyone more experienced and capable than Constance in the market on IPO listing matters. She is truly the best of the best."
Sherlyn Lau is deputy leader of Sidley Austin's ECM practice, offering experience across a range of ECM transactions, with noted strengths acting for property management clients. She also possesses additional experience acting for clients in the technology, entertainment and life sciences sectors.
"Sherlyn Lau is an extremely strong and reliable lawyer who strives to look after clients' interests and has profound legal expertise. I greatly respect her quality, diligence and professionalism."
"She is very experienced and very professional. In addition, she has very strong commercial sense which can help me to solve problems at critical moments."
Ding Meng is noteworthy for his specialism in technology-related ECM transactions. He is well regarded for both Hong Kong and US capital markets matters.
"Mr Ding's commercial thinking is very good. He can always provide timely and practical advice. He typically not only raises a question but also provides realistic and practical solutions."
"Dr Ding is a very skilled lawyer with a practical, commercial mindset. He designs elegant solutions and identifies pain points in the first instance. We are very glad to have worked with him."
Ranked Lawyers at
Sidley Austin LLP
China