Weekly News

M&A lending now legal
“Groundbreaking” rules give domestic commercial banks important role

Computer security rules stir debate
Lack of details worries tech industry

Full Text Translation - 16th December 08
Operational Guidelines for the Private Equity Investment Trust Business of Trust Companies

New China legislation this week - 16th December 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Deals & Dealmakers - 16th December 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 16th December 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Chinese capital market set to broaden
New toolkit will include bonds and real estate trusts

Guangdong delays labour law implementation
Local rules rolled out first in hope of easing business pressures

Beijing companies can cut social security, freeze minimum wages
More local governments to take similar protective measures

Full Text Translation - 9th December 08
Provisions for the Administration of the Solvency of Insurance Companies

New China legislation this week - 9th December 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Reits offer new finance source in China
Novel solution for struggling Asian companies

Deals & Dealmakers - 9th December 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 9th December 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Margin trading takes effect amid market turmoil
Careful implementation of Provisions will help growth of securities companies

Full Text Translation - 2nd December 08
Provisions for the Administration of Foreign-invested Advertising Enterprises

New China legislation this week - 2nd December 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Carbon tax proposed to fight environmental challenges
Provinces should bear responsibilities for their own emissions

Deals & Dealmakers - 2nd December 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 2nd December 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Government approval may be required for mass lay-offs
Lower minimum wage also on the horizon

Bond issuance to relieve local government burdens
‘Breakthrough’ plans offer hope for authorities

Full Text Translation - 24th November 08
Circular on Delegating Matters Concerning the Examination and Approval of Foreign-invested Commercial Enterprises

New China legislation this week - 24th November 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Sino-Kazakh partnership to boost outbound investment
More co-operation means more business opportunities

People Moves - 24th November 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Deals & Dealmakers - 24th November 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

New trading rules issued in attempt to cool hot money
More supervision of import payments and settlements

Full Text Translation - 18th November 08
Circular on Delegating Matters Concerning the Changes to, and Examination and Approval of, Foreign-invested Companies Limited by Shares and Enterprises

New China legislation this week - 18th November 08
Recent legislative activities from China

National tax reforms due in 2009
VAT reform benefits both local and foreign enterprises

Deals & Dealmakers - 18th November 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 18th November 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

New rules to strengthen SOEs
Government measures promote better protection and management of state-owned assets

New China legislation this week - 4th November 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 4th November 08
China Insurance Regulatory Commission, Circular on Matters Relevant to the Implementation of the (Provisions for the Administration of the Solvency of Insurance Companies)

Tax cuts aim to bolster lagging real estate market
Measures benefit individuals provide no impetus for property sales

People Moves - 4th November 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Local governments granted authority to revitalise property markets
Central government allows local governments the right to establish measures

New China legislation this week - 27th October 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 27th October 08
Measures for the Administration of Foreign-invested Mineral Exploration Enterprises

Rules governing exchangeable bonds broaden investment channels
CSRC trial regulation to move direct financing

People Moves - 27th October 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Rules issued to encourage the establishment of foreign companies
Government loosens approval process for foreign-invested advertising enterprises

New China legislation this week - 21st October 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 21st October 08
Implementing Regulations for the PRC Employment Contract Law

Claims that China’s freeze on IPOs will hinder the market
Suspension may be good only for short-term gains

Deals & Dealmakers - 21st October 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 21st October 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Approval procedures loosened for establishment of foreign enterprises
MOFCOM delegates approval authority to local governments

New guidance on foreign companies’ business ethics
Lawyers say CSR guidelines may become binding

Full Text Translation - 8th October 08
Measures for the Administration of Law Firms

New China legislation this week - 8th October 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Deals & Dealmakers - 8th October 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 8th October 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Government issues new Employment Contract rules
Regulations provide clarification but ambiguities remain

China lowers barriers but freezes ratios for foreign telecoms operators
Investors must control their enterprises carefully

Full Text Translation - 2nd October 08
Measures for the Administration of the Practice of Lawyers

New China legislation this week - 2rd October 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Deals & Dealmakers - 2nd October 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 2nd October 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

China Law & Practice Awards
Deals of the Year and the Firms of the Year winners announced

New China legislation this week - 23rd September 08
Recent legislative activities from China More

Full Text Translation - 23rd September 08
Guangdong Province, Guiding Opinion on Several Issues Concerning the Application of the (Law on the Mediation and Arbitration of Employment Disputes) and the (Employment Contract Law)

Coke’s offer for Huiyuan raises concerns
Proposed offer could defy AML requirements

Deals & Dealmakers - 23rd September 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

CSRC amends its own rules to help bolster investor confidence
Changes aimed at benefitting shareholders

Full Text Translation - 16th September 08
Measures for the Administration of Financial Consultancy Services for Mergers, Acquisitions and Reorganisations of Listed Companies

Draft legislation looks to regulate the broker system
Securities brokers to face more requirements

Deals & Dealmakers - 16th September 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 16th September 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

New China legislation this week - 16th September 08

Changes to Patent Law tightens requirements
Controversial provisions removed but higher penalties exist

Draft amendments aim to revive property market
Revised Insurance Law set to broaden investment channels

New China legislation this week - 2nd September 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 2nd September 08
Circular on the Handling of Relevant Matters Following the Abolition of Several Preferential Tax Policies Previously Available to Foreign-invested Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises

Deals & Dealmakers - 2nd September 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 2nd September 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond More

Shanghai establishes a framework to attract global companies
Concerns raised concerning clarity of the new rules

New China legislation this week - 26th August 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 26th August 08
Circular on Issues Relevant to the Revision of the Rates of Pre-tax Deductions from Individual Income Tax of Family Proprietorships, Wholly Individually-owned Enterprises and Partnerships

Central bank strengthens financial regulations
The PBOC to set up foreign exchange department

Deals & Dealmakers - 26th August 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

Stricter rules in place to control China’s real estate industry
An increase in government agencies to oversee foreign investment

New China legislation this week - 19th August 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 19th August 08
Circular on Administrative Issues Relevant to Asset Appraisal Firms that Engage in Securities and Futures-related Business

New regulations to help Guangdong trade exporters
Faster transformation for processing trade enterprises to FIEs

Deals & Dealmakers - 19th August 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 19th August 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Uncertainties remain in China’s AML
Legal experts repeat calls for further clarification

Government increases mining requirements for foreign investors
New regulation controls FDI and handicaps local acquisition efforts

New China legislation this week - 12th August 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 12th August 08
Provisions on Issues Relevant to the Regulation of Controlling Interests and Equity Interests in Futures Companies

Deals & Dealmakers - 12th August 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 12th August 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

CLP Awards 2008
This year's list of nominees revealed

New rules drafted for anti-monopoly law
NDRC issued provisions to go with the new AML

Full Text Translation - 5th August 08
Provisions for the Regulation of Branches of Securities Companies (Trial Implementation)

Govt drafts rules to regulate banks and insurers
Increase of cooperation between banks and insurers brings challenges to lawyers

Lawyer says: New National Energy Administration looks promising
One institution overseeing the energy market is better than three

New China legislation this week - 5th August 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Deals & Dealmakers - 5th August 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

New Rules Issued for Private Law Firms
Measures provide more channels for law firm establishment

Full Text Translation - 30th July 08
Provisions on Issues Relevant to Regulatory Opinions for Initial Public Offerings of Shares and the Listing Thereof by Securities Companies

Lawyers Ready for the Olympic Games
The legal industry gets behind China and the Games’ legal challenges

New China legislation this week - 30th July 08
Recent legislative activities from China More

People Moves - 30th July 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Lawyer Says: Anti-Monopoly Enforcement Agencies Not Efficient
Conflict of interest between ministries could cause extra work for lawyers

CSRC issues New Notice on IPO Pre-disclosure
Authorities step up to increase IPO transparency

Full Text Translation - 22nd July 08
Opinion on the Application of Securities and Futures Laws

New China legislation this week - 22nd July 08
Recent legislative activities from China

US group buys stake in mobile phone maker
US Private equity fund company steps up to make investment in China

People Moves - 22nd July 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Government issues warning regarding TV broadcast rights
Authorities will stop illegal broadcasts of Olympic events

Full Text Translation - 15th July 08
Provisions on Several Issues Concerning the Application of the (PRC Company Law) (2)

New China legislation this week - 15th July 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Lawyer says rules on real estate market could be tightened up further
Developers will struggle more as there is a lack of cash

Deals & Dealmakers - 15th July 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

People Moves - 15th July 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

China’s New Judicial Interpretation on the Company Law
A Step toward Systemized Corporate Exit Mechanisms

Deals & Dealmakers - 8th July 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

Government crackdown on fake drugs continues
Rmb3.5 million in compensation to be paid by drugs company and hospital

Hutchison acquires Shanghai property
One of the most significant real estate deals in China

Investors eye on China’s environmental sector
Companies work together to improve quality of living

Full Text Translation - 2nd July 08
Circular on the Handling of Relevant Matters Following the Abolition of Several Preferential Tax Policies Previously Available to Foreign-invested Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises

New China legislation this week - 2nd July 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Shanghai facility refinanced
Developer succeeds in refinancing logistics park

People Moves - 2nd July 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Full Text Translation Roundup - June 08
New legislation translations featured in China Law & Practice this month

Legislation Roundup - June 08
Recent legislative activities from China

People Moves Roundup - June 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Chinese property developer’s IPO in Hong Kong
Real estate developer in Henan tries out Hong Kong market

Full Text Translation - 24th June 08
Provisions on Several Issues Concerning the Regulation of Material Asset Reorganizations by Listed Companies

New China legislation this week - 24th June 08
Recent legislative activities from China

People Moves - 24th June 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Sino-foreign securities JV will lead to improved legal services in China
CSRC’s approval of the JV a positive move

State Council aims to achieve IPR protection goals by 2020
Government promulgates new law to boost IPR enforcement

Lawyers welcome free trade talks between China and Australia
New round of talks will take place in Beijing in the next few days

Beijing foreign law firms receive positive comments on working environment
Lawyers praise foreign law firms for better leadership and management

Full Text Translation - 18th June 08
Measures for the Administration of Material Asset Reorganizations by Listed Companies

New China legislation this week - 18th June 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Deals & Dealmakers - 18th June 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

China's first share swap to test M&A laws
Grey area surrounding Chapter 4 to challenge Ministry of Commerce’s interpretation

Government issues measures to control stock prices
CSRC urges fund managers to help maintain market stability

New China legislation this week - 11th June 08
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 11th June 08
Circular on Issues Relevant to the Engagement in Domestic Gold Futures Trading by Commercial Banks

Lawyer says: Increase of minimum wage add burdens to enterprises, labour shortage continues
Shenzhen’s minimum wage is now higher than Shanghai’s

Deals & Dealmakers - 11th June 08
A closer look at the latest deals completed in China

Telecom merger may attract foreign players
Restructuring of the telecom market may lead to joint ventures with overseas companies

Earthquake’s impact on local law firms
Real estate and infrastructure sectors will be facing changes in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake

People Moves - 3rd June 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Full Text Translation - 3rd June 08
Measures for the Administration of the Recognition of Hi-tech Enterprises

New China legislation this week - 3rd June 08 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

First share swap transaction approved under China’s new M&A rules: Paul Hastings Advised
Law firm succeeds in completing the complicated deal under the new rules

Full Text Translation Roundup - May 08

Customs Measures Move With the Times
By Peter Murray*

Legislation Roundup - May 08
Recent legislative activities from China

US firm goes into bottled water market in China
Heckmann acquired China Water to capitalise on the massive potential of the fragmented bottled water market

People Moves Roundup - May 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Full Text Translation - 21st May 08
Land Registration Measures

New Registration Measures Provide Clarity for China Land Owners
By Ashley Howlett* and Li Hong*

Regulations are obstacles for M&A deals in Asia, report says
Pace of regulatory development across Asia remains a concern amid credit crunch uncertainties

People Moves - 21st May 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Law firm raises awareness of women’s role in Asia
Gide Loyrette Nouel participates in Women’s Forum

Rules on insider trading tightened
Official departments have issued rules to crackdown on illegal securities activities

US Annual report focuses on China's IP protection
USTR complains about China's criminal system but praises its software piracy enforcement

New China legislation this week - 21st May 2008 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

Draft implementation regulations for labour contract law issued
Government seeks to clarify confusion surrounding the new law

New rules for funds in Hong Kong
Government gives green light for fund management firms to expand into Hong Kong

New China legislation this week - 13 May 08 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

Full Text Translation - 13 May 08

Outbound investment surges as China-Australia tie tightens
More local firms make use of Australia’s rich resources

Mainland power producer expands to overseas
Negotiations result in US$3.3 billion acquisition

Retailer makes first entry to Hong Kong
The first IPO on the HKEX in the second quarter of this year

State Council takes steps to reform capital market
Approval for a new draft regulation on supervision and risk handling at securities firms

New regulation to improve efficiency of litigation document delivery
Mainland and Taiwanese business interests protected after court ruling

State-owned media group establishes privatization
One of the first privatizations of a digital media organization in China

New China legislation this week - 28th April 08 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

First PRC leveraged buyout closes in 2008
CVC Asia Pacific succeeds in acquiring flooring manufacturer

Netherland firm establishes joint venture with Chinese securities company
Multi-national provider of investment products expands business into Asia

People Moves - 28th April 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

Asia’s desirable yet risky foreign investment environment
Several high-risk areas outlined in M&A report

New China legislation this week - 21st April 08 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

Gide Loyrette Nouel advises Areva T&D on Chinese expansion
Market leader in the transmission and distribution of energy offers solutions to China

Minsheng and RBC formed US$28 million joint venture
China’s seventh largest bank forms joint venture with Royal Bank of Canada

IFIL Group’s US$90 million deal closed
Group’s first direct financial investment in the Asian investment management industry

People Moves - 21st April 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

GEM to provide new channel to raise capital
Law firms applaud opportunities for SMEs

Government restructuring eases ways for lawyers
The reshuffle of the regulatory body consolidates major agencies

New China legislation this week - 15th April 08 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

10 firms work on deal to sell DM Label Group to Avery Dennison
Label manufacturer becomes part of a US firm

People Moves - 15th April 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond.

2008: A profitable year for US and UK law firms in China -
Globalization helps international law firms continue growing in size and revenue in China

New Information Office officials appointed in decade’s largest reshuffle -
Top government mouthpiece Wang to be in charge of both mainland and foreign media

New China legislation this week (3 New) - [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China.

Clifford Chance says leveraged buyouts possible despite credit crunch -
Latest CVC public-to-private acquisition is law firm’s fourth in two years

Ping An buys half of Fortis; White & Case advises -
Law firm helps Chinese insurer progress towards global goal

People Moves (2 New) -
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond.

People Moves - 25th March 08
Legal comings and goings from greater China and beyond

China’s economic size set to exceed the US
Technology to drive growth and boost efficiency

Guangdong and Hong Kong seek more cooperation
Manufacturing service, entertainment and cultural sectors to drive relations

New China legislation this week - 25th March 08 [Legislation Digest]
Recent legislative activities from China

Oil IPO raises US$410m
Interest in resources drives more than $410 million

Chinese snack maker listed in HK
Delisted by Singapore now a billion dollar offering

YIHE Real Estate issued US$130 million bonds
Law firms and investment banks work together on real estate deal

Lawyers help medical device providers onto the global markets
Launch of the third-largest player in the global patient monitoring device industry

Lawyer report: Asian markets shape international capital markets
Hong Kong, the PRC, and India are the emerging markets that increasingly shape the landscape for international capital markets

Lawyers say: Credit tightening will change investment patterns in China in real estate
Foreign investors must prepare to take a long-term view if they are interested in investing in the PRC real estate market, due to the central government’s credit tightening, said Ashley Howlett, partner at Jones Day.

Xinyan Real Estate Co a Chinese first for property listing
Xinyuan Real Estate Co raised US$282 million from its IPO and New York Stock Exchange listing on December 12 2007, becoming the first China property developer to be listed in the US. Merrill Lynch was the sole bookrunner and lead underwriter.

No Credit Crunch in Asia
Despite the global credit crunch and the PRC’s overheated economy, investor uncertainty will not extend to Asia, according to Merrill Lynch’s analysis report.

CRCC in 2008’s largest IPO to date
China Railway Construction Corporation raised HK$18.3 billion [before exercise of the over-allotment option] H-share offering, which started trading on the Hong Kong Exchange in March.

Motorola joins forces with Dahua Digital
Motorola acquired the assets related to digital cable set-top products of Zhejiang Dahua Digital Technology Co and Hangzhou Image Silicon, known collectively as Dahua Digital.

New Chinese legislation this week - 18th March 08 [Legislation Digest]
A look at recently introduced legislation.

People moves - 18th March 08
The latest people moves within the industry.