Firm’s China Seminar Spotlights Emerging Global Markets Trends

Latham & Watkins recently hosted clients and industry leaders for a live event in Beijing. The Bridging China & Global Markets seminar explored recent trends in inbound and outbound deal-making in China. The seminar brought together partners from across Latham’s global platform for in-depth discussions of market, regulatory, and legal developments affecting the Greater China and global economy. Panel discussions covered a range of topics, from the state of the global IPO markets to the rise of private credit in Asia, the increasing importance of ESG considerations for public companies, and managing corporate risks from multi-jurisdiction disputes.

“The global IPO markets are poised for a resurgence, with success hinging on the stabilization of the macro-economic landscape and the clearing of pent-up exit demand,” said Cathy Yeung, Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Greater China Practice. “Despite some lingering market uncertainty, there is a strong sense of optimism for tech, life sciences, and industrial sectors eyeing Hong Kong and US listings.”

“As traditional financing avenues face some headwinds, we're witnessing a significant rise in private credit as a flexible and innovative financing solution in Asia. This shift is creating new opportunities for borrowers to secure hybrid financing arrangements that offer both protection and potential upside to lenders,” said Posit Laohaphan, Asia Office Managing Partner.

“Companies will need to be agile in the face of multi-jurisdictional crises, ready to navigate complex legal terrains,” said Hui Xu, Regional Chair of Latham’s Litigation & Trial Department in Asia. “Our panelists underscored the need for companies to be prepared, proactive, and strategic in their approach to disputes, ensuring that their interests are robustly protected across jurisdictions with often divergent legal systems.”

“There are bright spots in the regional M&A market,” said Singapore-based corporate partner, Amy Beckingham, “deal flow is high in Southeast Asia compared to the pre-pandemic levels, with activity in technology, energy and infrastructure, especially related to the energy transition.”

“We are delighted to have assembled such a distinguished group of clients and friends of the firm to discuss a broad range of market developments,” added Hong Kong-based corporate partner Frank Sun, who serves as Co-Deputy Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins’ Asia offices. “This seminar underscores Latham’s commitment to supporting our clients in Greater China and around the globe with the insights and guidance they need to thrive in a rapidly changing market.”