In June, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer launched a China low carbon energy group. The group aims to support Chinese organizations in their outbound investments in the low-carbon sector, and multinational businesses in their investments in China’s expanding low-carbon economy.
Connie Carnabuci, a Hong Kong-based partner and head of the firm’s China intellectual property and technology practice, will lead the low-carbon team in China. “Clean technology is the next industrial revolution,” she commented. “There is a growing demand from businesses to be more environmentally responsible.”
As well as Carnabuci, the team includes Melissa Thomas, a corporate partner in the Beijing office; Michael Han, an anti-trust partner in Beijing; Christian Zeppezauer, a senior associate in the corporate practice in Shanghai and a renewable energy specialist; and Robert Lonergan, counsel in Hong Kong and a specialist in energy projects.
Separately, a Freshfields team led by Calvin Lai advised the underwriters on the US$800 million global offering of shares and listing of Huaneng Renewables in Hong Kong. Huaneng Renewables is among the 10 largest wind power generation companies in the world. Dealing commenced on 10 June.
Freshfields advised the underwriters as to Hong Kong and US law, with Jingtian & Gongcheng advising them on PRC legal matters. Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom advised the company on Hong Kong and US law, and DeHeng Law Offices acted as its PRC legal adviser.
