Paul Hastings Represents Haitong International in Acquisition of Japaninvest Group PLC

November 28, 2014

Hong Kong/London (November 28, 2014) - Paul Hastings, a leading global firm, announced today that it is representing Haitong International (BVI) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haitong International Securities Group Limited (“Haitong”), in its recommended cash acquisition of Japaninvest Group PLC (“Japaninvest”), to be effected by means of a UK Scheme of Arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006.

Haitong is a leading securities company in China in terms of total assets and net assets. Japaninvest, which formed an alliance with Société Générale in 2010, provides pan-Asia equity research, analysis and sales advice for the benefit of investing clients.

This innovative deal marks the first UK Code takeover of a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by a Hong Kong listed entity, and involved the firm working with regulators in three jurisdictions and resolving complex issues that had never been considered before. Paul Hastings has previously represented Haitong in a number of its debt and equity capital markets-related transactions including on several convertible bond offerings and on its US$1.68 billion Hong Kong IPO in 2012 (advising the underwriters).

Paul Hastings has a long and successful track record working with Asian clients on complex, cross-border transactions including last year advising WH Group International (formerly Shuanghui International Holdings Limited), the world’s largest pork company, on its landmark US$7.1 billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods. This marked the largest takeover of a U.S. company by a Chinese company to date.

The Paul Hastings team is being led by corporate partners Vivian Lam in Hong Kong and Garrett Hayes in London, with support from associates Matthew Poxon in London and Bonnie Kong in Hong Kong.

Paul Hastings is a leading global law firm with a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Through a collaborative approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to client service, the professionals of Paul Hastings deliver innovative solutions to many of the world’s top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.