The large team of tax specialists at Baker McKenzie FenXun are particularly well-placed to support international clients with cross-border investments and M&A support. Based in Hong Kong, Brendan Kelly heads the firm’s China tax practice. Kelly is noted for its longstanding expertise in Chinese tax, and regularly advises clients on the tax implications of cross-border investments. Also based in Hong Kong, Amy Ling is experienced in advising clients on government investigations. In Shanghai, Nancy Lai often assists clients with negotiations with Chinese customs authorities, whereas Luis Zhang focuses on tax planning and litigation. In Beijing, Jinghua Liu is well-regarded for providing advice concerning equity transfers, while Jason Wen often acts as M&A support in addition handling disputes with tax authorities.

The DLA Piper Asia tax practice is co-headed by Windson Li and Anderson Lam. Li advises clients, both listed and unlisted, across a wide range of industries, including telecommunication, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics, on corporate tax and pricing transfer issues. Li is based in Beijing. In Hong Kong, Lam focuses on Hong Kong and cross-border corporate tax matters. The ‘very responsible’ Tina Xia heads the firm’s China tax practice and advises various financial institutions on investments across the APAC region.

The Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. China tax practice often supports the firm’s corporate M&A and projects and energy departments, assisting with the tax aspects of M&A, corporate restructuring, and project financing deals. In Beijing, Guo Min heads the practice with his longstanding experience in the energy and industry sectors. Jingjing Zhao is well-versed in tax matters concerning corporate and M&A transactions.

The CMS practice acts for a niche client base of European clients, particularly French companies, on corporate and M&A tax issues. The team is co-led by Nicolas Zhu and Gilbert Shen. Zhu regularly advises on tax planning and the preparation of transfer pricing documentation, while Shen is a key contact for tax matters which arise from establishing holding structures. Both individuals are based in Shanghai.

K&L Gates is well-equipped to advise on internal restructuring, tax investigations, and disputes. The practice caters to a wide range of clientele, with a heavy emphasis on clients from the US. Roberta Chang leads the practice; Chang regularly advises international clients on the tax implications of their product distribution, internal restructuring, and transfer pricing audits. Anita Zhou and Kate Chen are key names within the team for corporate tax work.