The China practice also topped the Bloomberg league table for Hong Kong announced deals for 2011 by volume. Over the past six years, Freshfields has consistently ranked at the top of the league tables for Greater China M&A.

Globally Freshfields has retained its number one position on cross border global deals based on both volume and value, and topped the Europe and UK announced deals by volume. The firm was ranked second in global private equity announced deals, according to the Bloomberg league table.

Robert Ashworth, Freshfields Asia Managing Partner, commented: ‘These top rankings are a testament to our M&A team in China and across the world. Whether it is complex privatisation or deals involving multi-jurisdiction regulatory approvals, we appreciate the trust that our clients put in us as their advisers. Looking ahead to 2012, we expect to see even more Chinese companies seeking opportunities to acquire businesses abroad, in Europe and the US and increasingly emerging markets including southeast Asia and Africa.’

During 2011, Freshfields’ China M&A work included advising:
- PepsiCo on its strategic alliance with Ting Yi
- Yum! Brands on its offer for Little Sheep
- PetroChina on its US$1bn joint venture with INEOS
- Ruentex on its US$2.16bn acquisition of Nan Shan Life
- Caterpillar on its public bid for ERA Mining Machinery

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world's leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments on ground-breaking and business-critical mandates. Our 2,500 plus lawyers deliver results worldwide through our own offices and alongside leading local firms. Our commitment, local and multi-national expertise and business know-how means our clients rely on us when it matters most.
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