Gide shores up its position in Asia (hktdc.com)


	Gide managing partner Stephane Vernay says the opening of the Hong Kong office was in response to client demand

French law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel (Gide) has opened a new office in Hong Kong to consolidate its activities in the Chinese mainland and expand its presence in Asia.

Managed by partner Stephane Vernay and assisted by senior associates Rebecca Silli and Fabrice Turries, the Hong Kong office will focus on Gide's traditional areas of expertise in China, which are project finance, commercial work, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investments, infrastructure and taxation.

"As Hong Kong is without question the main gate for foreign direct investment in Asia, the Hong Kong office provides Gide's clients with the advice they need to succeed in their strategic investments in this fast paced environment," Mr Vernay said.

Gide was one of the first foreign law firms granted a licence to practise law in Beijing. "We started our China practice from our Paris office in the early 80s and have been present in China since 1993. In 2002, Gide opened an office in Shanghai and now, we are one of the largest law firms practising in China," he added.

Meeting demand

According to Mr Vernay, the opening of the Hong Kong office was in response to client demand.

"Everybody knows that Hong Kong is a very competitive legal market. It is not Gide's intention to compete with existing Hong Kong law firms. Rather, we seek to offer foreign clients the expertise and knowledge that has been built up by the firm in the region as a result of over 20 years of local experience and practice."

China, added Mr Vernay, will obviously remain the point of focus for Gide. "However, our intention is to pursue international development in Asia, by both extending our network and co-operating with other leading law firms in the region."

Besides Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, Gide also has an office in Hanoi.