Vivian Desmonts

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Leaders in Law endorses Vivian Desmonts as our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in China. If you wish to get in touch with Vivian, please use the contact information provided above.

Partner & Head of Guangzhou office at Gowling WLG

Vivian will focuses on building relationships with Chinese businesses entering or expanding in international markets, as well as international companies looking to do business in China. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Guangzhou office.

Vivian previously joined from DS Avocats after serving for a number of years as the firm’s Chief Representative in Guangzhou, having been instrumental in establishing the office there in 2007. He worked as an associate lawyer in the Paris office of DS Avocats and spent some time with the firm in Shanghai.

Licensed as a French attorney at law admitted to the Paris Bar, he is also a registered foreign lawyer with the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Justice and arbitrator at the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration.

Vivian broad expertise ranges from legal services and particular experience in advising clients on the establishment, acquisition, operations and restructuring of joint venture companies and wholly foreign owned enterprises in China. He has extensive knowledge of the Chinese market and wider region, and has worked with national and international clients from all sectors.

Practice Areas

In charge of advising European and Canadian groups in their acquisition of Chinese companies (small & mid-cap deals), for example:

    • Advising a major European Group in the food industry for the acquisition of a €60 million factory in the bakery industry, with management earn-out and multi-jurisdictional elements (Hong Kong common law and Chinese continental law);
    • Advising a global leader in plant-based ingredients for the acquisition of a factory manufacturing pharmaceutical products in South China, driving the client through the public tender process for acquisition of Chinese State-Owned assets and securing the pharma licenses with the local FDA;
    • Advising European SMEs and Groups in their dealings with difficult Chinese partners in Sino-Foreign Joint Venture Companies, including implementation of buyout or exit strategies;
    • Advising a Fortune 500 in the sale of its Chinese subsidiary in the nuclear industry to another Fortune 500, with legal and tax aspects in China related to the earnout paid abroad;
    • Advising PE funds for acquisition or sale of shares in Chinese companies, including a Canadian PE fund investing over CAD 20 million in a paint and coating factory near Shanghai;
    • Advising jointly with lawyers of different jurisdictions a global manufacturer of aluminum alloys in a multijurisdictional transaction including a factory in North China, which was finally carved out because of pollution concerns and potential joint and several liabilities.
  • Corporate & commercial
    • Working for over 15 years in China, Vivian has participated in the establishment or restructuring of numerous foreign invested enterprises in China, including for operators in regulated industries such as nuclear, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, alcohol beverages, inspection & certification services, finance, logistics.
    • Advising foreign investors for structuring their operations in mainland China, whether with or without a holding company in Hong Kong or in Singapore; for example Joint-Venture companies in Hong Kong with Chinese partners and legal challenges on round-trip investment back to China;
    • Advising on different legal aspects when moving factories in China (issues related mainly to corporate, employment, tax, environmental remediation), for example the move of a 50,000 sqm factory from Shenzhen to Huizhou for a large European Group in electrical equipments;
    • Advising a European shareholder when its Chinese partner in a sino-joint Venture was about to sell their 120,000 sqm site in Guangxi province with a price premium for the land to be paid directly to the Chinese party instead of the Joint-Venture;
    • Drafting employment contracts, employee handbooks, EHS guidelines for Chinese subsidiaries in consideration of international Group policies, for example a manufacturer of glass containers with over 900 employees and reinforced work safety measures;
    • Drafting purchase contracts and codes of conduct for a Global company selling sorting and recycling equipments to Chinese State-Owned Enterprises;
    • Advising a global leader in cosmetic products when negotiating with the Chinese Customs on the assessment of imported samples and testers for the previous year;
    • Cooperation with business advisory firms, Consulates and Trade Councils as well as European authorities for the protection of foreign investments in China, including theft of company assets by Chinese partners, criminal offence by employees, pressure by local government to move industrial sites, etc.

Career / Qualifications

  • November 2019 – Gowling WLG (UK), Partner
  • 2012 – Member of the panel of arbitrators, Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration
  • 2007 – DS Avocats, Expatriate Partner, Chief Representative Guangzhou office
  • 2007 – Registered foreign lawyer, Guangdong Bureau of Justice
  • 2004 – Admitted to the Bar, Paris
  • 2004 – DS Avocats, Associate
  • 1999 – University of Paris II Assas, Master in Business and taxation law (Maitrise de droit des affaires et fiscalité)
  • 1998 – DS Avocats, Paralegal/Intern

    Education

    • 2000 – University of Paris II Assas, Postgraduate degree in Comparative law (DEA de droit comparé)
    • 1998 – University of Le Havre Normandy, Bachelor in private law

      Languages

      English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese

      Firm Description:

      Gowling WLG represents a natural evolution for its founding firms – Gowlings and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co – who, throughout their histories, have continually adapted to better serve their clients’ needs.

      With roots tracing back to 1887, Gowlings has grown to become one of the largest and most respected law firms in Canada, with a reputation for innovation in client-focused service delivery.

      Building on its early strength in intellectual property, Gowlings has diversified to offer a full suite of business law, litigation and intellectual property services in all of Canada’s key industries, including energy, mining, financial services, government, infrastructure, manufacturing, life sciences and technology. Gowlings ranks among the busiest law firms in the world for Canadian M&A, and is known for its deep experience in client advocacy before courts, tribunals, regulatory bodies and governments in Canada.

      Becoming a founding member of an international law firm is a natural progression for Gowlings, which has always operated with an international mindset, forming strong partnerships globally to better serve the needs of its clients. Prior to the combination with Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, Gowlings was home to 2,000 people in 10 offices across Canada and in London, Moscow and Beijing.

      Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (WLG) was formed by the merger of Wragge & Co and Lawrence Graham in May 2014.

      The move introduced a new firm to the UK legal market, giving clients access to a broader range of services, increased capability in London and the UK, and enhanced international coverage. WLG is synonymous with outstanding client service and sector knowledge providing advice and solutions based on understanding the commercial issues, challenges and opportunities clients face. The merger created one of the UK’s largest real estate practices – a broad-based practice acting for institutions, investors, developers and occupiers – and the UK’s number one AIM firm; a position further enhanced through WLG’s combination with Gowlings.

      WLG has a strong financial services pedigree thanks to its market-leading investment funds practice, award-winning pensions experts and a highly rated private capital team, which advises UK and international high-net-worth individuals. In dispute resolution, WLG brought together Wragge & Co’s strengths in intellectual property, construction and commercial litigation with Lawrence Graham’s focus on international disputes, particularly in the areas of fraud and asset tracing, contentious trusts and insurance/reinsurance.

      WLG can trace its roots back to 1730, when Lawrence Graham became one of the first law firms to register in the City of London. Wragge & Co was founded in 1834. Since then, both have established themselves as major UK firms before embarking on international growth. Wragge & Co opened offices in Germany and China in 2008, a full service office in Paris in 2010 and in Dubai in 2011. Lawrence Graham opened its first overseas office in 2003 in Monaco, followed by Dubai, Singapore and Moscow (the latter by joint venture).

      Forming WLG was the first step towards creating a new international law firm. As a founding member of Gowling WLG, the firm offers clients increased international capability, connections and coverage.

      Around the world, our member firms operate and provide legal services to clients as separate legal entities under the common brand of Gowling WLG.

      Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP and Gowling WLG (UK) LLP are members of Gowling WLG International Limited, a company limited by guarantee registered in England.  Gowling WLG is the name and brand under which the members of Gowling WLG International Limited and their respective affiliates provide services around the world.  However, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP and Gowling WLG (UK) LLP operate and carry on business as independent and autonomous entities.  They are not one international partnership and the members of Gowling WLG International Limited are not legal partners with each other. Gowling WLG International Limited does not provide legal or other services to clients. Rather, its purpose is to act as a coordinating entity for its members.  Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

       

       

      Miguel Valdés

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      Leaders in Law endorses Miguel Valdés as our exclusively recommended Real Estate and M&A Law expert in Mexico. If you wish to get in touch with Miguel, please use the contact information provided above.

      Corporate Law, Foreign Investment, Mergers and Acquisitions, Contracts, Environmental Law, special in bond regimes, Intellectual Property and Immigration. He was an international partner at Thompson & Knight from 2003 to 2011; a partner at Rojas, González, de la Garza, Maldonado & Valdés from 1995 – 2003; Margáin, Santos, Rojas, González, Vargas, S.C. from 1991 to 1995; and as in house counsel in Dicex, S.A. de C.V. from 1989 to 1990.

      Education

      • Law degree from the Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey, A.C., and LLM degree from the University of Illinois and the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
      • Diplomas from Georgetown University in 1990, Harvard Law School in 2002.
      • He has been a professor of International Private Law at the Universidad de Monterrey and Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.

      Languages

      Spanish and English.

      Firm Description:

      AV&M was founded in Monterrey, Mexico on January 2001. Our goal is to provide legal services that exceed the expectations of the business community. We devote our efforts to help our clients achieve their objectives, embracing their challenges as our own. We aim to build long term relationships based on mutual trust and excellence.

      The partners of AV&M offer experience and a practical legal approach to the needs of our clients.

      AV&M We have been ranked since 2016 is currently ranked under the section Mexico General Business Law: Monterrey, of the Chambers Latin America 2022 Guide.

      Our Vision

      We aspire to boost the integral development of all of the people we relationship with so we can create value and transcend.

      Our Mission

      We create fraternal bonds through our chain of values generating certainty, security and long-term relationships.

      Our Core Values

      • Respect: Treat people with dignity.
      • Caring: We care about our people, together we will move forward.
      • Accountability: Turn our promises into reality.
      • Integrity: Make the right thing for our clients and associates.
      • Resilience: Take adversity like an opportunity to grow.
      • Innovation: Find new ways to improve and make them work.
      • Excellence: Make things right t once.

      Practice Areas:

      Corporate

      We advise both domestic and foreign companies, individuals and entities on topics relevant to the structure, setting up and day-to-day business affairs of their commercial and/or industrial operations, including assistance with all types of business agreements, transactions and negotiations, to secure both their business objectives and their legal position. On behalf of our clients, we incorporate, organize and structure all types of business entities, including corporations, trusts, limited liability companies and specific purpose legal vehicles.

      Mergers & Acquisitions

      Our mergers and acquisitions practice allows us to assist our clients in determining the most beneficial structure of a transaction from the operational, and tax perspectives; in negotiating and drafting the transaction al documents, as well as solving the contingencies and meeting the closing conditions as efficiently as possible. We closely review all relevant aspects of the transactions from the different legal disciplines in our Firm, including tax, labor, litigation, antitrust, intellectual property, real estate and environmental law, to provide our clients with the most efficient and legally secured advice.

      Our firm is a leading advisor to both public and private companies on all types of merger and acquisition transactions, including private equity investments, joint ventures, acquisitions and dispositions of subsidiaries and other assets.

      Foreign Investment, Manufacturing Incentives, Special Programs and Benefits for Exporters )Immex Prosec and Vat Certification)

      We advise our global clients in their process to establish operations in Mexico, from their incorporation, real estate purchase or lease, and assist them in their day-to-day operations. Additionally, we go hand in hand with them during the process to obtain the major benefits provided by the special programs for exporters, such as the IMMEX Program, PROSEC Program and Certification Process for Fast Credit/Reimbursement of Value Added Tax, among others.

      Corporate Finance and Securities Law

      Through our Firm’s corporate finance and securities practice, we advise and represent issuers, creditors, private equity funds, underwriters and obligors on a wide range of public and private debt and equity transactions, including:

      • Commercial Secured and unsecured loans
      • Initial and secondary public offerings
      • Debt Restructurings
      • Commercial Paper Offerings
      • Syndicated Loans

      Real Estate

      We advise our clients on real estate planning on a national scale and we review that the real estate property to be acquired or leased by our clients has a clear historic property chain, assuring a legally secured transaction. Our real estate practice frequently involves our environmental, corporate, finance and tax attorneys, which enables us to handle all aspects of a real estate property transaction.

      Probate and Estate Planning

      We have broad experience advising our clients on how to arrange their property, money and assets, for distribution among their family and loved ones after they have passed away, including the setting up of preemptive plans in case they are ever unable to care for themselves due to serious injury or illness. We go hand-in-hand with our clients on every step of this process, in order to ensure our clients are satisfied with how their estate will be distributed after their passing away, such as the drafting of all relevant documents, including trusts, wills and powers of attorney.

      Furthermore, we also assist our clients in probate proceedings, whether in our out of a court of law, in order to secure the distribution of the deceased’s estate with the least burden and strain for both our clients and their families. This includes the filing of any necessary documentation before the proper authorities, to recognize our clients as beneficiaries to the corresponding estates.

      Antitrust

      Our Firm handles relevant antitrust matters, including issues involving M&A’s, cartels, unilateral conduct, market investigations and antitrust litigation, as we work with a broad range of industries that are under constant scrutiny from the Mexican Federal Trade Commission.

      Additionally, we act as an independent third party for our clients before the Mexican Federal Trade Commission, for certifying compliance of commitments made with such authority and the members of the relevant industrial or commercial sectors. We also assist our clients in designing and implementing antitrust compliance programs.

      Environmental

      Our Environmental Law regulatory work is robust and includes thorough environmental due diligence, permits and environmental compliance. Our practice is highly experienced and recognized, due to our proactive approach to prevent our clients from environmental contingencies, which includes:

      (i) Assessment of environmental compliance and status of both companies and real estate properties, including strategies and remediation actions required to reach full environmental compliance;

      (ii) Design and implementation of environmental strategies, compliance management and approval of permits and/or authorizations for our clients’ various activities and operations, or for a specific real estate property; and

      (iii) Structure, negotiation and monitoring of remediation proposals for contaminated real estate properties.

      Furthermore, we also assist our clients in probate proceedings, whether in our out of a court of law, in order to secure the distribution of the deceased’s estate with the least burden and strain for both our clients and their families. This includes the filing of any necessary documentation before the proper authorities, to recognize our clients as beneficiaries to the corresponding estates.

      Tax Strategy and Disputes

      Our Firm provides a full range of federal, state, municipal and international tax planning, as well as the representation of our clients before government agencies and courts in tax disputes. Our services include leading-edge, innovative and creative types of transactions, within the framework of applicable laws, that allow for an efficient management of our clients’ tax burden.

      Litigation

      We have developed a special and successful practice on Civil, Commercial, Administrative, Labor, Environmental and Tax Litigation. Our litigation practice combines thorough analysis, strategy, practical skills and vast experience, to effectively represent our clients before both federal and state courts and arbitration panels, throughout Mexico. If a favorable pre-litigation solution cannot be reached, we litigate our cases vigorously to reach the desired outcome.

      Immigation Law

      We provide a full range of immigration and legal services to our international clients, which are carefully crafted out by our attorneys to acchieve each client’s goals. Our immigration services practice includes the representation of our clients in work and residence visa applications, as well as in procedures regarding immigration compliance audits.

      Oil and Gas Law

      Our Firm has been involved in operations pertaining to the oil and gas industry, particularly with clients whose main corporate purpose involves the storage, transportation and marketing of oil and gas.

       

      Rossana Chu

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      Leaders in Law endorses Rossana Chu as our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in Hong Kong. If you wish to get in touch with Rossana please use the contact information provided above.

      Practice Areas

      Education

      • University of Hong Kong, LL.M.
      • City University of Hong Kong, PCLL
      • University of London, LL.B. (with Honours)
      • City University of Hong Kong, B.A. (with Honours)

      Admission

      • Hong Kong
      • England and Wales (non-practising)

      Languages

      English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

      Managing Partner

      Rossana Chu has been practising law for more than 25 years.  She is known for her expertise across mergers and acquisitions, capital market transactions and corporate finance. She also advises on corporate restructuring, wealth management, insolvency and debt restructuring, private equity/venture capital investments with mainland China and Hong Kong elements, as well as on legal and regulatory compliance matters in relation to Hong Kong-listed companies.

      Rossana is an award-winning lawyer, international accolades include: “Leading Individual” by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2023); “Highly Regarded Leading Lawyer” by IFLR1000 (2015-2022); “Winner in M&A Law Expert of the Year in Hong Kong” at the Global Law Experts Annual Awards (2022); “Winner in M&A Law Expert of the Year in Hong Kong” at The Lawyers Network Annual Awards (2022); “Award Winner in M&A Law Expert of the Year in Hong Kong” at Leaders in Law Global Awards (2022); “A-List – China’s Elite 100 Lawyers (Foreign Firms)” by China Business Law Journal (2020, 2021, 2023); “Finalist for Managing Partner of the Year” at the ALB Hong Kong Law Awards (2022); “The Highest Rated Lawyer to work with of the Year” by asialaw Client Service Excellence (2021); “Ranked Lawyer” by Legal Media 360 (2021), “Winner in Capital Markets for Hong Kong” at the Lexology Client Choice Awards (2019); “Commended External Counsel of the Year” by the In-House Community (2017 and 2021).

      As the lead partner in a large-scale M&A transaction, Rossana led her team in winning the “Takeover Deal of the Year 2016 Award” by Lawyer Monthly. She was also recognised as an “Up and Coming” practitioner in the area of Private Equity: Buyouts (International Firms) in China by Chambers Asia-Pacific (2008 to 2013).  Rossana is an Arbitrator of China Guangzhou Arbitration Commission.

      As a thought leader in the legal industry, Rossana has been recognised as a #Lexology Legal Influencer (Individual Expert) respectively in “Future of legal services – Cross-border” and “Corporate – Asia-Pacific” for Q1 2021, “Employment – Asia Pacific” for Q2 2021, and “Infrastructure – Asia-Pacific” for Q1 2022.

      Firm Description:

      An independent law firm in Hong Kong

      LC Lawyers LLP is an independent law firm in Hong Kong providing legal services to financial institutions, corporate clients and private enterprises. Our law firm offers quality legal services to financial institutions, private enterprises and corporate clients in Hong Kong in a variety of areas including mergers & acquisitions (M&As of listed and private companies), takeovers, privatizations, corporate restructuring, corporate finance, HK IPOs, capital markets, legal due diligence, employee share-based incentive plans, private equity and venture capital investments, fund formation, asset management, wealth management, family trusts, family business, debt markets, debt restructuring (including re-financing arrangements, asset disposals and introduction of angel investors), bankruptcy, insolvency, dispute resolution (including mediation, arbitration and litigation), legal compliance and regulatory investigations (including bribery, corruption, fraud, market misconduct and money laundering), compliance training, legal & regulatory risk assessment, data privacy (including personal data, trade and state secret, data localization and data transfer laws), cybersecurity, employment law and labour law compliance, and talent management.

      What our services can offer you:

      At our law firm, together with other members of EY Law, we assist our corporate and private clients in Hong Kong with legal technologies. Our legal advice, combined with innovative technology-driven services, empowers process innovation and allows better control over legal costs. We provide services in contract lifecycle management (including contract creation, data abstraction and analysis, template design and obligations management), regulatory mapping and compliance monitoring, managed review and functional analysis (including data analysis, document redaction, audio and video file reviews and eDiscovery) and entity compliance and governance.

      Whether you represent a corporate client or a private enterprise, as a law firm based in Hong Kong we can provide you with sound strategic advice, commercial solutions as well as detailed guidance that you need to navigate the increasingly complex legal environment of the ever-changing global economy.

      If you would like to learn more about what we as a Hong Kong based law firm can do for corporate and private clients alike, you can find more information about our legal services here. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and feel free to download our brochure for more information.

       

      Mr Claude Folly ADAMA

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      Leaders in Law endorses Mr Claude Folly as our exclusively recommended M&A expert in Togo. If you wish to get in touch with Claude please use the contact information provided above.

      He is a Lawyer registered at the Bar since 28 October 1999, holder of a Master’s degree in Business Laws, Diploma of Inspector of Taxes at the National School of Administration (ENA) and a Post-Graduate diploma in Law and Taxation of environment.

      He is one of the members of the Council of the Bar Association of Togo and of the International Union of Lawyers (UIA) and an Arbitrator at the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA).

      He has a professional experience of twenty (20) years of practice and is the Head of the “Banking-Finance and Taxation” Department and Human Resources Manager

      Practice Areas

        • Legal Area
        • Tax matters
        • Environmental Law
        • Trainings

      Firm Description:

      AQUEREBURU & PARTNERS, is a Legal and Tax Law Firm, located at 777 Avenue Kleber DADJO (Immeuble ALICE) located in the heart of the commercial area on the outskirts of the administrative district. As a multidisciplinary Law Firm, it has a rich and solid base, thanks to the professional experience of its team.

      Indeed, AQUEREBURU & PARTNERS is the result of the transformation of the Firm of Mr. Alexis Coffi AQUEREBURU, created since 1985. The Firm was listed on the Registry of the Bar Association of Togo since April 04th, 2007 and includes besides seven (07) Lawyers, one (01) senior solicitor and tax expert, four (04) solicitors, one (1) legal assistant and translator and more than twenty other staff members.

      It puts its know-how at the disposal of its Clients both in the sub-region and in Europe, relying, if necessary, on a network of correspondents and confirmed consultants.

      In order to better achieve our goal of total satisfaction of our Clients, the Firm has been committed since August 12th, 2005 in the process of ISO certification which ended on May 18th, 2010 with its certification to ISO 9001:2008 renewed on April 30th, 2015. On May 25th, 2018 it successfully migrated from the 2008 version to the 2015 version of ISO 9001 certification.

      AQUEREBURU & PARTNERS is also the laureate of Quality Excellence Awards of TOGO and UEMOA   in 2010. Its commitment to the Quality approach allows it to aspire and to claim a high level of satisfaction from its national, regional and international clients. That is what made it earn the distinction of the winner of the prestigious Award “WORD QUALITY COMMITMENT” Gold category that it was awarded in October 2016 in Paris by the International Business Initiative Directions Organization (BID).

      The Firm has nine (09) different departments namely   

      1. Department of Bank-Finance and Taxation
      2. Department of Civil and Commercial Law and Arbitration
      3. Department of Social Law
      4. Department of Criminal Law
      5. Department of Maritime Law and Intellectual Property
      6. Department of Applications and Administrative Procedures
      7. Department of Sport and Health Law
      8. Real Estate Department
      9. Training Department

      The Firm’s activities cover a wide range of areas of Law 

      • Taxation and Business Law,
      • Commercial Law,
      • Maritime Law,
      • Real Estate Law,
      • Transport Law,
      • Corporate Law,
      • Banking Law,
      • Insurance Law,
      • Community law,
      • Social Law,
      • Criminal law,
      • Public freedoms,
      • Intellectual Property Law,
      • Telecommunications Law,
      • Health Law,
      • Legal, fiscal and environmental audit …

       

      Monica Di Oronzo

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      Leaders in Law endorses Monica Di Oronzo as our exclusively recommended M&A expert in Italy. If you wish to get in touch with Monica, please use the contact information provided above.

      Thanks to my solid experience in tax and company law, with more than 25 years as Managing Partner at LDP, member of the Italian institute of Certified Public Accountants and of the Italian Official Auditors Bar, I have extensive experience in providing tax advice in favour of branches and affiliated companies based in Italy and belonging to multinational group domiciled all over the world.

      In 1996, I proudly contributed to the foundation of LDP, with Giuseppe La Naia, a multidisciplinary professional Firm based in Milan with more than 27 years of experience in providing Tax, Legal and Payroll services to multinational companies.

      For my Firm, I enforce the compliance to the best practices of the Italian legal framework. Along my career, as chartered accountant, I truly engaged and empowered the members of my Firm to support and develop the best expertise.

      I provide assistance to listed and non-listed multinational groups and companies in tax, corporate and contractual matters. The main strong points of my work are:

      • advising new businesses on investments in Italy
      • M&A transactions and private equity deals
      • corporate finance
      • tax claim supporting
      • transfer pricing matters
      • application of International Treaty against double taxation
      • tax and financial due diligence

      Appointments

      Assignments carried out for companies of the ENI group from 1999 to date:

      • liquidator of several consortia
      • fiscal representation
      • support in the preparation of tax returns of controlled companies
      • appraisals
      • assistance with tax disputes (appeals, tax settlements)
      • assistance with expatriates

      Appointments to the Board of Statutory Auditors in companies of the ENI group

      • INDUSTRIA SICILIANA ACIDO FOSFORICO ISAF SPA IN LIQ. – Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors since 04/04/2019
      • HEA S.P.A. (ENI Rewind Spa – Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl) – Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors since 03/03/2021

      Appointment to the Board of Statutory Auditors in other companies:

      • CONSORZIO NAZIONALE PER LA GESTIONE, RACCOLTA E TRATTAMENTO DEGLI OLIMINERALIUSATI Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors since 29.04.2013
      • DECATHLON PRODUZIONE ITALIA SRL – Statutory Auditor since 30/04/2018
      • PLATI ELETTROFORNITURE S.P.A. Statutory Auditor since 07/06/2019
      • BRW SPA. Statutory Auditor since 08/07/2020

      Other assignments:

      • LDP PAYROLL SRL-SOCIETA’ TRA PROFESSIONISTI – Director since 30/12/2015

      Education and Training

      • 2007 Registration to the Order of Statutory Auditors
      • 2000 Registration to the Order of Chartered Accountants of Milan
      • 1995 UNIVERSITY DEGREE IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS – 110 Summa cum Laude Faculty of Economics and Business, Bocconi University of Milan
      • 1988 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTANCY – Vote 60/60 Technical Institute E. MATTEI Rho (Milan)

      Firm description:

      LDP is multidisciplinary professional Firm established in 1993 and offering a full range of professional services – Tax, Legal, Payroll, M&A, Transfer Pricing and Global Mobility – to companies based in Italy. At LDP, we work with a number of Clients from different industries, mainly multinational groups, which include 20 listed companies. As a Managing Partner and Founding member of LDP, my mission is to support my team – which counts more than 40 professionals – in helping foreign companies to step into the Italian business and guarantee them a professional support in Tax, Legal and Payroll compliance. Our services are delivered by three legal entities: LDP Tax & Law, LDP Payroll, and LDP Lab. LDP is also quality certified ISO 9001-2015.

      At LDP, we strongly believe in the importance of constantly providing fast and professional feedback to Clients. That’s our mission towards our Clients: provide them with high quality services and ensure constant proximity. Moreover, we work constantly in the name of innovation thanks to Robot Process Automation.

      LDP offices are located in Milan, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 39, close to the City Life district area. The 1600square meter building hosts our different professional divisions and includes a co-working area dedicated to innovative start-ups, a meeting room and an amphitheatre. LDP has also offices in Bologna, Rome, Florence, and soon in Turin.

       

      Giuseppe La Naia

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      Leaders in Law endorses Giuseppe La Naia as our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in Italy. If you wish to get in touch with Giuseppe’s please use the contact information provided above.

      As a Managing Partner at LDP, that I founded in 1993, I am on a mission to help multinational companies step into Italian Business and guarantee them a professional support in tax, legal and payroll compliance.

      My feedback is always fast and proactive and I work with a varied range of Clients from different industries, from 1 million to 10 billion revenue, and what remains constant and efficient is the high quality of services that we at LDP offered to multinational groups, where about 20 are listed companies.Â
      I support the clients in the application of Transfer Pricing Policy, I coordinate my staff to M&A operations, which include Due Diligence, the drafting of Share Purchase Agreement and I also support in negotiation phase.

      Through international network LEA I can provide professional consultancy in over 100 Countries.

      I am involved in attracting top talented professionals, to build a great and competitive organization motivated and working with passion and innovation.

      Experience

      • LDP TAX & LAW

      Managing Partner specialized in M&A

      Dates Employed: 1993 – Present

      Location: Milan, Italy

      LA NAIA, DI ORONZO & PARTNERS is a tax & law firm established in 1993 offering a full range of professional services for multinational companies based in Italy. These services include M&A, Tax Compliance, Accounting and Reporting, Legal Services, Payroll and TP compliance.

      • THE LEADING EDGE ALLINACE

      Dates Employed: 2008 – 2017

      Location: USA

      The Leading Edge Alliance is the second largest alliance of major independently CPA Firms with more than 600 Offices in 110 Countries.

      • BETWIXT VENTURES

      Investment Advisory Board Member

      Dates Employed: Sep 2015 – Dec 2016

      Business assessment of potential disruptive or leading edge startup investments to be presented to the investors of the fund.

      Education

      • Milan University

      Degree NameEconomic Degree

      • Univerisit Cattolica di Miliano

      Degree NameEconomia e Commercio

      Languages

      English

      Espaniol

      Firm Description:

      LDP offices are based in Milan via Buonarroti 39, close to City Life district area. The building of 1600 sm host the different professional’s division and includes a co-working area dedicated to  “innovative start-up”,  meetings room and one amphitheater at Client disposal.

      LDP has more than 27 years of experience in providing  Tax,  Legal, Payroll, M&A, Transfer Pricing and Global Mobility services. These services are delivered by three legal entities: LDP Tax & Law, LDP Payroll, and LDP Lab which provide Robot Process Automation consultancy.

      LDP provides multi Countries services thanks to LEA Global, the second-largest international association in the world www.leaglobal.com that operates in 110 different countries with 607 offices, 2.321 Partners and 17.116 Staff.

      LDP is quality certified ISO 9001-2015

       

      Omar Bassiouny

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      Leaders in Law endorses Omar Bassiouny as our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in Egypt. If you wish to get in touch with Omar please use the contact information provided above.

      Founding Partner & Head of Corporate M&A

      Omar S. Bassiouny is Partner of Matouk Bassiouny in both offices: Dubai and Cairo. He is consistently ranked in top tiers and bands by legal periodicals in the areas of corporate law and mergers and acquisitions for his considerable expertise in setting-up joint ventures and new projects in Egypt and Dubai, as well as ensuring compliance with local laws and corporate governance.

      Omar is also recognized for his negotiations skills and business sense, which enabled Matouk Bassiouny’s reputation to float globally and maintained a substantial degree of efficiency and ethics.

      Practice Focus

      Omar focuses on all corporate matters including M&A, public takeovers, restructuring and cross-borders transactions. In addition to corporate, Omar has significant experience on all aspects of investing and doing business in Egypt.

      Recent Rankings

      • Ranked as a Leading Individual – Legal 500 EMEA, 2018
      • Ranked as a Leading Individual – Chambers Global, 2018
      • Ranked in Band 1 – Chambers Global, 2018
      • Ranked as Leading Lawyer: Highly Regarded – IFLR 1000 for 2018
      • Financial and Corporate Leading Lawyer for 2017 – IFLR 1000
      • Ranked as a Notable Practitioner – Chambers Global, 2017
      • Ranked as a Leading Individual – Legal 500 EMEA, 2016.

      Select Recent Experience

      • Representation of Development Partners International “DPI”, a leading pan African private equity firm on it’s acquisition of ADP fund from GB Capital Holding for Financial Investments which constituted 25% from Mashroey and 25% from Tasaheel, forming Mashroey and Tasaheel company “MNT”. Instructions included an extensive due diligence and a full legal due diligence report as each company had more than 100 branches and the report had to be in line with the most updated regulatory framework in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Transaction Value: (Closed in August 2018).
      • Representation of Tag El Melouk ( a market leader in the production of baking powder, Vanilla and salt, among other products) as local counsel in connection with selling 100% of its shares to Dr. Oetker. Instructions included conducting a vendor legal due diligence, deal structuring, preparation of transaction documents and managing the deal closing process. Transaction Value: USD 86 million (Closed in July 2018).
      • Representation of EFG Hermes in its acquisition of a New Cairo-based elementary schools’ portfolio from Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG Holding), Egypt’s largest listed real estate developer. Instructions included conducting a legal due diligence, deal structuring, preparation of transaction document and managing the deal closure process. Transaction value: EGP 1 billion (closed in May 2018).
      • Representation of Arabian Holding Company on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the Arab Company for Services and Trading S.A.E, the affiliate of Qalaa Holdings managing the supermarket chain operating under the “Dina Farms” brand. The instructions included legal due diligence, preparing the transaction documents and negotiating the transaction terms with the sellers. Transaction value: Confidential (closed in May 2018).
      • Representation of Mubadala Petroleum as local counsel in connection with the acquisition of 10 percent stake in the Shorouk concession in Egypt’s Zohr gas field. The instructions included providing legal advices conducting legal due diligence on the Egyptian entities and review the transaction documentation. Transaction value: USD 934 million (closed in March 2018).
      • Representation of Hassan Allam Holding in their acquisition of 60% of the shares of Power Generation Engineering and Services Company S.A.E. being the largest consultancy firm in the region the field of power generation. The instructions included providing legal advices conducting legal due diligence and review the transaction documentation. The transaction value: EGP 420 million (closed in March 2018).
      • Representation of Cairo 3A in connection with the public takeover of the National Company for Maize Products (NCMP). Transaction value EGP 1.47 Billion (closed December 2017).
      • Advising SPE Capital on the exit of its investment in Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries – a leading Egyptian ophthalmic generic medicine manufacturer and one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in Egypt – through the sale of its entire stake to the American Enterprise Fund. Matter value: Confidential (closed in December 2017).
      • Representation of Maersk Drilling in divestment of its stake in the Egyptian Drilling Company – with market share of 68% – to the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) in an all-cash transaction valued at USD 100 Million. (Closed December 2017).
      • Representation of Amazon.com in connection with the acquisition of Souq.com. The instructions included providing legal advices with respect to the nature of the Egyptian subsidiaries of Souq, conducting legal due diligence on the Egyptian entities and review the transaction documentation. Transaction value: Confidential. (Closed March 2017).
      • Representation of Neptune Energy Group as local counsel (transaction internationally led by Freshfields Bruckhaus Derigner) in the acquisition of Engie E&P. Significant business acquired by Neptune includes operations in the North Sea of Norway. Matter value: USD 3.9 billion (closed in October 2017).
      • Representation of Canada-based Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. in connection with the acquisition of Amoun Pharmaceutical S.A.E. The instructions included transaction structuring, legal due diligence and drafting the transaction documentation. Transaction value: USD 800 Million plus deferred payment.
      • Representation of Abraaj Group in connection with the acquisition of a majority stake in Tiba Educational Group. The instructions included transaction structuring, legal due diligence and drafting the transaction documentation. Transaction value: USD 100 Million plus deferred payment.
      • Representation of AXA Insurance in connection with the acquisition of Commercial International Life S.A.E. The instructions included transaction structuring, legal due diligence and drafting the transaction documentation. Transaction value: EGP 763 Million.

      Publications

      • Egypt, “The Legal 500: Mergers & Acquisitions Country Comparative Guide” with Mariam Auda, 2nd edition, 2018, Legal 500.
      • Egypt, “The International Comparative Legal Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions 2016”, 10th Edition, Global Legal Group, 2016, pp. 161-165.
      • Egypt, “Mergers & Acquisitions Report”, International Financial Law Review, 2016, pp.55-58.
      • Egypt, “Equity Capital Markets Global Guide”, Thomson Reuters, 2016.
      • Egypt, “Mergers & Acquisitions Report”, International Financial Law Review, 2015, pp.55-58.
      • Egypt, “Equity Capital Markets Global Guide”, Thomson Reuters, 2015.
      • Egypt Chapter, Mergers & Acquisitions, 7th Edition, the Law reviews, 2013.
      • “Venture Capital Investment in Egypt – Legal and Regulatory Issues”, International Mergers & Acquisitions Review 2004/2005, Euromoney Publications 2004.
      • “An Insight on Doing Business in Egypt”, BCA, November 2004 Issue.
      • “Equity Transactions in Egypt – Legal Regulatory Issues Faced by Inward Investors”, International Mergers & Acquisitions Review 2003/2004, Euromoney Publications, 2003.

      Education

      • Cairo University: License en Droit – 1999
      • American University Cairo: Bachelors of Art in Public and International Law – 1998

      Languages

      • Arabic
      • English
      • French

      Professional Associations And Memberships

      • Egyptian Bar Association – Member
      • American Chamber of Commerce – Member
      • Egyptian Malaysian Business Council – Member
      • Egyptian Private Equity Association – Member
      • British Egyptian Business Association – Member
      • Egyptian Junior Business Association – Member

      Firm Description:

      Matouk Bassiouny is a leading, full-service MENA region law firm with offices in Cairo, Egypt (Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Matouk Bassiouny), Khartoum, Sudan (Matouk Bassiouny in association with AIH Law Firm), and Algiers, Algeria (Matouk Bassiouny in association with SH-Avocats), as well as a country desk covering our Libya Practice.

      The Firm prides itself on its in-depth understanding of cross-border cultural and business practices and on providing a commercial problem-solving approach to its legal services in supporting its clients in the region. Matouk Bassiouny is fully committed to understanding our clients’ businesses and needs.

      Our attorneys specialize in advising multinationals, corporations, financial institutions and governmental entities on all legal aspects of investing and doing business in Egypt and the region.

      Trained both locally and internationally in both civil and common law systems, our attorneys are fully conversant in English, Arabic and French. We are ideally placed to advise on high-profile, high-value complex matters and routinely handle cross-border and international transactions, projects and disputes in the MENA region.

      Egypt

      Our current regional headquarters, our Cairo office was established in 2005 and has developed into a premier full-service business law firm in Egypt.

      With over 150 lawyers, we pride ourselves in our people as well as in the strong and long-lasting relationships we have built with our corporate and institutional clients over the years.

      We also deeply value the bonds and synergies we have formed with numerous tier-one international law firms with whom we routinely team up with in providing the highest level of service to our clients in the most significant, high-value and sensitive transactions, projects and disputes in Egypt and the region.

       

      Dr. Johannes Hochleitner

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      Leaders in Law endorses Johannes Hochleitner as our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in Austria.  If you wish to get in touch with Johannes please use the contact information provided above.

      The practice of Dr. Johannes Hochleitner focuses on corporate law and the areas of the law related with it. In particular, Dr Johannes Hochleitner is an expert regarding group reorganisations, mergers & acquisitions, and other complex transactions.

      Johannes Hochleitner is also supporting shareholder meetings and consulting advisory boards as well as management boards on sophisticated legal questions. Moreover, Johannes is an expert in corporate litigation.

      Career History:

      Johannes Hochleitner has been an independent attorney in Eferding since September 1986.

      Johannes Hochleitner graduated from the University of Salzburg law school in July 1981. After his practical training at the Eferding district court and the Wels regional court from August 1981 to April 1982, Johannes Hochleitner worked in his father’s law firm as an associate from May 1982 to August 1986.

      Besides his activity as a lawyer Johannes Hochleitner was a member of the community board of the city of Eferding as a city councillor from 1989 to 1999, where he was responsible for the building department and the department of real estate.

      In 2002 and 2007 Johannes Hochleitner contributed to the further development of the law firm by establishing its offices in Perg and Linz.

      In 2002, Johannes Hochleitner has been appointed as examination commissioner at the Linz Higher Regional Court for bar examinations.

      Firm Overview:

      Hochleitner Rechtsanwälte is connecting tradition with innovation. Our law firm is able to look back on many years of experience, but does not hesitate going new ways with our clients.

      What makes us special is our expertise and skills in connection with individual care. This is made possible by our lawyers and employees, distributed on multiple locations in the whole economic region of Upper Austria.

       

      David Blachly

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      Leaders in Law endorses David Blachly our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in Indiana, USA. If you wish to get in touch with David please use the contact information provided above.

      David Blachly is an experienced business lawyer who represents middle-market and growth companies, their owners and management, entrepreneurs and investors. His areas of expertise include business organization, capitalizations, acquisitions and sales of businesses, succession planning and joint ventures. His clients come from diverse industries, including IT consulting, software development and distribution, internet-based businesses, manufacturing and professional services.

      David has also been involved in the insurance industry for nearly forty years, representing insurance companies, agents and brokers, third-party administrators and others in transactional, corporate and regulatory matters.

      David is a graduate of Villanova University and Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He has been recognized as an Indiana Super Lawyer by Law and Politics Magazine and a Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers. He is a past chairman for the Business Law Section of the Indianapolis Bar Association.

      Education

      • Villanova University – (B.S., Accounting, 1980)
      • Indiana University – Robert H. McKinney School of Law (J.D., 1986)

      Affiliations/Recognitions 

      • Best Lawyers in America
      • Indiana Super Lawyers
      • Past Chairman, Business Law Section, Indianapolis Bar Association
      • Metropolitan School District of Washington Township
      • Natatorium Task Force (2003-2004), Facilities Task Force (2004-2005),Fiscal Review Task Force (2004-2005), Bond Steering Committee (2006-2008) District Improvement/Strategic Planning Committee (2007-2008)
      • Neighbors for Continued (Educational) Excellence, Inc.
      • Founder, Board Member (2005)
      • Washington Township Educational Foundation
      • Board Member (2006-2012), Vice President/Development (2009, 2010)
      • American, Indiana, Indianapolis Bar Associations

      Bar Admissions 

      • Indiana

      Firm Description:

      Densborn Blachly LLP is a boutique firm of respected business, real estate, intellectual property and litigation lawyers. The firm is designed and driven to achieve desired client outcomes with practicality, economy and differentiating skill. Densborn Blachy has been recognized as a Best Lawyers® Best Law Firm in 11 practice areas. The firm concentrates its practice on the following:

      • Corporate and Business Organizations Law
      • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
      • Real Estate Law
      • Insurance Law
      • Commercial Finance Law
      • Securities Law
      • Copyright Law
      • Technology Law
      • Trademark Law
      • Patent Law

      Densborn Blachly’s mission is to address the legal needs of its clients with energy, effectiveness, creativity and a high sense of honor, integrity and respect. Learn more at dblaw.com.

       

      Charles Vernon

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      Leaders in Law endorses Charles Vernon as our exclusively recommended M&A Law expert in Romania. If you wish to get in touch with Charles please use the contact information provided above.

      Charles specializes in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and corporate finance.  He has extensive experience in M&A matters and during the last several years has completed billions of dollars in such transactions in Eastern Europe.  He has represented major oil companies, retail firms, port operators, hotel and telecommunication companies in relation to a series of mergers and divestiture projects including acquisitions, project financings, competition matters, privatizations, concession agreements, deal structuring, litigation, and post-acquisition operations and activities.

      Charles has also advised a variety of borrowers and banks in lending transactions including syndications and bonds.  He has represented some of world’s largest banks and financial institutions in lending and investing matters in Romania, Slovakia and the Middle East.

      A Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP-I), Charles has worked on numerous compliance matters as well as on fraud and employee malfeasance cases, including investigations of possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and matters before the Romanian anti-corruption authority (the DNA).  He regularly advises companies and investors on corporate best practices and the “do’s and don’ts” of good corporate governance and behavior.

      Education & Certifications

      • J.D., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
      • M.A. (Honours), St. Andrews University, St. Andrews, Scotland
      • Accounting (non-degree professional studies), University of Oklahoma, USA
      • Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP-I)

      Qualified

      • 1991 (Virginia)
      • 2008 (Register Foreign Lawyer, Bucharest Bar)

      Firm Description:

      Vernon | David is a boutique law firm specializing in complex commercial transactions and disputes, regulatory matters and compliance issues. We provide high-end bespoke legal advice to a wide array of domestic and international clients ranging from start-ups to large multinational companies and foreign governments.  Currently, we have offices in Bucharest, Romania and in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.

      Our law firm is structured to provide comprehensive, high-quality legal services to serve the domestic and international needs of our clients drawing on the combined resources and varied expertise of our lawyers.  Our goal is to accomplish the client’s objectives in a succinct and efficient manner.

      The law firm has worked on some of the largest deals and transactions in Romanian history, including advising TMK with its acquisition of Resita Steel (currently the largest steel producer in Romania), assisting Iulius Mall with the Palas Mall (one of the Romania’s largest retail centers) as well as representing Xannat (former Anglo-American group company and Romania’s largest aggregates mining company) with its management buy-out.

      Our Chisinau-based team of American and Moldovan attorneys works closely with our Bucharest office in advising clients on a range of investment-related matters, including financings, mergers and acquisitions, real estate issues, labor matters, tax, IP, environmental regulations and general commercial transactions.  We also have a dynamic commercial litigation practice.

      As active members of the local and foreign business community, we have been involved in a variety of business and legislative initiatives, including drafting the leasing laws of Moldova and taking a leading role in the reform of the Moldovan labor legislation.  In addition, members of our firm act on various local boards and charities, including being board members of the American Chamber of Commerce and the European Business Association (EBA).

      Vernon│David today has 5 partners (Charles Vernon, Daniela David, Maria Nica, Corina Tiganas and Diana Neagu) and over 25 associates and staff in both Bucharest and Chisinau.

      Our Vision

      Honesty, integrity, hard work.  Many say it, few live it.

      We are a boutique law firm that provides our clients with close one-on-one attention, in a collaborative and business-focused setting.  This allows us to offer highly skilled representation on a broad range of legal topics.  To deliver high quality cost effective services, we place a premium on common sense, creativity and experience.

      We bring enthusiasm, passion, innovation, entrepreneurial zeal, and commitment to advancing the interest of our clients.  We are results oriented and goal focused.  Honesty, integrity and hard work are core values; not just a line on a website.

      We will strive to maintain a firm culture that reflects our shared, and sometimes colorful, personalities and styles.  Our goal is to create a collegial environment in which our team members can flourish and enjoy the practice of law, while managing our clients’ matters in an efficient, caring and proactive manner.  We believe that the client’s success is our success.

      We want to continue to enhance our image as informal, collegial, hardworking and principled lawyers.

      Our Evolution

      With over 19 years on the Romanian market, Vernon | David has grown to be become a leading international commercial law firm with offices in Bucharest, Romania and Chisinau, Moldova.

      Originally established to be the associated law firm of Ernst & Young, the firm became independent in 2004.  Daniela David, a founding partner of the firm in 2001, was joined by Charles Vernon (an American lawyer working in Romania since 1997) in 2008 to form Vernon | David.

      Although active in Moldova since 2001, Vernon | David opened a full-fledged office in Chisinau in 2009.  Since then, we have become one of Moldova’s leading commercial law firms, and in 2010 we had the honor to be recognized in the Legal 500 directory as one of Moldova’s 1st tier law practices.

      Our logo suggests our strong values.  With a Scottish legacy by his mother, Charles learned from his childhood the legend of the family’s crest, a lion holding a sword with the words “fide et fortitudine” (Latin for “faith and fortitude”).  The story inspired the logo of the company as well as the firm’s ideals:  honesty, integrity and hard work.