ESTABLISHED IN 1993
Managing Partner: Anthony Zhao
Number of partners: 420+
Number of associates: 2,500+
Firm Overview
Founded in 1993, Zhong Lun Law Firm is one of the first partnership law firms in mainland China. Today, Zhong Lun has over 420 partners, 2,500 professionals working in 18 offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Haikou, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Almaty. As the only PRC law firm member of the World Law Group, Zhong Lun has established a multi-dimensional and multi-channel rapport with overseas law firms to provide clients with unique business legal insights and an unparalleled customer experience.
Awards
• Zhong Lun has been the PRC law firm recommended by Chambers for many consecutive years. Zhong Lun has 36 practice areas obtaining rankings, of which 26 practice areas have received Band 1 recommendations and 90 lawyers have been rated as leading lawyer
(Chambers Greater China Region, 2023)
• Golden League
(Nationwide Elite Law Firms)
(China Business Law Journal 2020-2023)
• Best overall PRC law firm
(China Business Law Journal, 2013-2019)
• Beijing Law Firm of the Year
(ALB, 2021-2023)
• Asia Firm of the Year
China Firm of the Year
(asialaw Profiles, 2022)
• Firm of the Year – China
(Benchmark Litigation, 2019-2022)
Key Practice Areas
Mainland China capital markets; Hong Kong & overseas capital markets; Investment/M&A corporate governance; Cross-border investment/M&A; Construction & project development; Financing; Debt restructuring & non-performing assets; Taxation & wealth planning; Private equity & investment funds; Financial products & trusts; Litigation & arbitration; White collar crime & criminal compliance; Bankruptcy, insolvency & reorganisation; Shipping; Compliance & anti-corruption; Antitrust & competition; Trade compliance & trade remedies; Customs & import/export; Labour & employment; Health, safety and environmental protection; IP licensing & enforcement; Trademark prosecution; Patent prosecution; Cybersecurity & data protection .
Key Industry Areas
Real estate; Urban infrastructure; Transportation & logistics; Tourism & hospitality; Energy & power; Mining & natural resources; Banking & financial services; Insurance; Financial innovation & fintech; Telecommunications & internet; Information & intelligence technology; Healthcare; Pharmaceuticals & life sciences; Education & training; Media, sports & entertainment; National defense & military industry; Retail & consumer products; Industry & manufacturing; Agriculture & food.
Independent intelligence on this law firm
The following information is sourced directly from China Business Law Journal and/or Law.asia and is not part of the directory listing provided by the law firm.
Testimonials
David Gold, founding partner of David Gold & Associates and life peer of the House of Lords, says: “The service provided was professional and knowledgeable. Despite the time difference, the firm made itself available whenever needed.” Gold also recommends the firm’s partner, Gary Gao.
China Business Law Awards 2022
An engineering technology company is delighted with the firm’s services and recommended Liu Zhengyi of the firm. “The firm provided all-around services for our coal-fired power plant project in Cambodia, including cross-border M&A and international engineering contracting,” says the in-house counsel. “Liu’s positive working attitude, strong professionalism and quality work was recognised by our team members.”
China Business Law Awards 2021
Ge Yaohong, the executive president and general manager of KTK Group, is very satisfied with the corporate compliance service of Zhong Lun. “They are very professional. They would always conduct the investigation and understand the actual situation of the company first before making a move. Then they sorted out the problems, trained the professionals, proposed solutions, and regularly kept us updated on relevant sanctions and compliance information domestically and in other countries,” says Ge.
China Business Law Awards 2021
Zhang Huaici, the director of Jinmao Capital says, “Zhong Lun can indeed be considered as one of the most authoritative law firms in China in terms of REITs, and the professional opinions issued by Zhong Lun are highly recognised by regulators and investors.”
China Business Law Awards 2021
“Based on a thorough understanding of our company’s organizational structure and system, Zhong Lun assisted us to build a tailored overseas operation compliance management system that meets our requirements and the needs of developing overseas markets,” said an in-house counsel of a state-owned power company.The client also recommends Zhang Guoxun of Zhong Lun. “Zhang has rich experience on compliance and can maintain close communication with our company during a project. He can also provide targeted legal services on compliance based on our actual needs.”
China Business Law Awards 2020
Zhang Jinwei, the vice president of Sinomine, said of his own satisfaction with the law firm and the transaction: “We need professional lawyers in the field of overseas mining investment to manage the potential high risks in foreign mining mergers and acquisitions.”
China Business Law Awards 2020
Notable Deals
Recognised by China Business Law Journal as Deals of the Year
Project | Year | Money | Section | Category |
CCB sets up first housing rental fund | 2022 | RMB30 billion | Domestic | Fund establishment; real estate |
China Yangtze Power’s asset restructuring | 2022 | USD11.9 billion | Domestic | Asset restructuring; energy |
ECARX SPAC listing on Nasdaq | 2022 | USD3.82 billion | Capital Markets | De-SPAC; US listing; automobile |
Fuguiniao bonds’ misrepresentation of liability | 2022 | N/A | Disputes & Investigations | Capital markets; misrepresentation |
GAC Aion’s series A financing | 2022 | RMB18.3 billion | Domestic | Financing; automotive |
Guojin CRCC REIT raises USD687m | 2022 | RMB4.8 billion | Capital Markets | Fund establishment; infrastructure REIT |
Hong Kong Airlines’ debt restructuring | 2022 | USD6.2 billion | Cross-border | Restructuring; aviation |
Hygon’s USD1.5bn SSE listing | 2022 | USD1.5 billion | Capital Markets | Star Market; semiconductor |
LianBio offers shares on Nasdaq | 2022 | USD325 million | Capital Markets | US listing; biotechnology |
MheA of Longyuan Power and Pingzhuang Energy | 2022 | RMB10 billion | Domestic | M&A; energy |
National pipeline group acquires subsidiary equity | 2022 | RMB70 billion | Domestic | M&A; pipeline transportation |
NCG substantive consolidation | 2022 | N/A | Domestic | Restructuring; construction |
Range Intelligent’s backdoor listing on SZSE | 2022 | RMB19.6 billion | Capital Markets | Star Market listing; reverse takeover |
SenseTime’s USD740m Hong Kong listing | 2022 | HKD5.78 billion | Capital Markets | Hong Kong listing; technology |
Shenyang Dairy’s restructuring | 2022 | RMB5 billion | Domestic | Restructuring; dairy |
Tianqi Lithium raises USD1.7bn in Hong Kong | 2022 | USD1.7 billion | Capital Markets | Hong Kong listing; lithium battery |
Tims China lists via SPAC on Nasdaq | 2022 | USD1.4 billion | Capital Markets | de-SPAC; US listing; catering |
United Imaging Healthcare’s USD1.6bn listing | 2022 | USD1.6 billion | Capital Markets | Star Market listing; medical technology |
Zhangzidao Group liability dispute | 2022 | N/A | Disputes & Investigations | Misrepresentation |
‘Wuyang bonds’ securities misrepresentation | 2021 | RMB740 million | Disputes & Investigations | Capital market; litigation |
Blackstone’s airport logistics park acquisition | 2021 | USD1.1 billion | Cross-border | M&A; logistics |
CGWAM, Xingfu Industry loan agreement dispute | 2021 | N/A | Disputes & Investigations | Contract dispute; asset management |
Dalian Port’s merger with Yingkou Port | 2021 | RMB50 billion | Domestic | M&A |
Establishment of Schroder-BOCOM JV | 2021 | N/A | Cross-border | Joint venture; wealth management |
Feima International restructuring | 2021 | RMB13 billion | Domestic | Bankruptcy restructuring; logistics |
First investment arbitration against African country | 2021 | N/A | Disputes & Investigations | International arbitration; Belt and Road Initiative |
Founder Group’s USD11bn restructuring | 2021 | USD11 billion | Domestic | Bankruptcy reorganisation |
Galanz acquires Whirlpool (China) | 2021 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
GD Power, China Energy asset swap | 2021 | RMB20 billion | Domestic | Asset swap; energy |
Hengxing Gold privatisation | 2021 | N/A | Capital Markets | Privatisation |
HNA Group restructuring | 2021 | RMB41 billion | Domestic | Bankruptcy restructuring; aviation |
Infra REIT listing Shenzhen: Bosera CMS Shekou | 2021 | N/A | Capital Markets | REIT; GEM listing |
Moore Threads’ series A financing | 2021 | RMB2 billion | Domestic | Financing; semiconductors |
NavInfo electronic map case against Qihoo 360 | 2021 | RMB10.5 million | Disputes & Investigations | Intellectual property |
Sanpower Group debt restructuring | 2021 | RMB62.4 billion | Domestic | Restructuring |
Tencent’s Sogou privatised from NYSE | 2021 | USD3.5 billion | Capital Markets | Privatisation; technology |
Three Gorges Renewables’ Shanghai IPO | 2021 | USD3.5 billion | Capital Markets | Shanghai IPO; energy |
Universal Beijing Resort establishment | 2021 | N/A | Domestic | Joint venture; tourism |
Airbus Group multinational investigation | 2020 | EUR3.6 billion | Disputes & Investigations | Anti-corruption investigation |
China Merchants Commercial REIT’s HK listing | 2020 | HKD2.56 billion | Overseas Deals | REIT |
Fintech giant Lufax’s US listing | 2020 | USD2.36 billion | Overseas Deals | US listing; fintech |
Guazi.com series D financing | 2020 | USD1.7 billion | Deals in China | Financing |
Haier’s H-share issue, privatisation of Haier Electronics | 2020 | N/A | Overseas Deals | Privatisation; Hong Kong listing |
Huaxin Hydropower’s bankruptcy restructuring | 2020 | RMB6.28 billion | Deals in China | Bankruptcy/restructuring |
Huishan Dairy restructuring | 2020 | RMB30 billion | Deals in China | Merger; bankruptcy/restructuring |
Huya’s USD10bn merger with Douyu | 2020 | USD10 billion | Deals in China | M&A; games |
NetEase’s secondary listing in HK | 2020 | HKD21 billion | Overseas Deals | US listing; internet |
Ninebot’s Star market IPO | 2020 | RMB1.241 billion | Deals in China | Star market |
Smoore International’s Hong Kong listing | 2020 | USD918 million | Overseas Deals | Hong Kong listing |
Sogou, Baidu patent disputes | 2020 | RMB360 million | Disputes & Investigations | IP; litigation |
Unique case over shareholder marriage disclosure | 2020 | RMB46.9 million | Disputes & Investigations | Civil litigation |
Apple and Qualcomm’s antitrust disputes | 2019 | RMB1 billion | Disputes & Investigations | Patent litigation; antitrust |
Ascentage Pharma’s HK listing | 2019 | N/A | Overseas Deals | Hong Kong IPO; pharmaceutical s |
Canaan Technology’s Nasdaq listing | 2019 | USD400 million | Overseas Deals | US listing |
China Tianying acquires Urbaser | 2019 | N/A | Overseas Deals | M&A; environmental services |
CRSC’s A-share listing on Star board | 2019 | RMB10.53 billion | Deals in China | SSE Star board listing |
Founder Group, subsidiaries, defend in civil compensation litigation | 2019 | N/A | Disputes & Investigations | Capital market litigation n |
Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Joint venture | 2019 | RMB69.5 billion | Belt & Road | Joint venture; oil industry |
Jinxin Fertility Group’s HK IPO | 2019 | HKD3.05 billion | Overseas Deals | Hong Kong IPO; healthcare |
Nylon 66 mixed ownership co-operation | 2019 | RMB20 billion | Deals in China | SOE mixed ownership system reform; chemical industry |
SenseTime C++/C-prime round financing | 2019 | USD1 billion | Deals in China | Financing |
Sinomine acquires Cabot Corporation | 2019 | USD134.7 million | Overseas Deals | M&A; mining |
Sinotrans merges with Sinoair | 2019 | N/A | Deals in China | Merger; aviation |
Sogou and Baidu’s patent infringement disputes | 2019 | RMB360 million | Disputes & Investigations | Patent dispute |
Tianqi Lithium acquires part of Sociedad Química y Minera | 2019 | N/A | Overseas Deals | M&A; mining |
ARA Asset Management’s acquisition of Century Link in Shanghai | 2017 | RMB20 billion | Deals in China | Real estate; M&A |
China Construction Banks’ Jianyuan 2018-11 residential mortgage-backed securitization programme | 2018 | N/A | Deals in China | Asset securitization; real estate |
China National Uranium acquires from Rio Tinto Group the Rossing uranium mine in Namibia | 2018 | N/A | Overseas Deals | Overseas M&A; Minerals |
China Resources Healthcare acquires Phoenix Healthcare | 2017 | N/A | Deals in China | Healthcare; M&A |
China Tower’s Hong Kong IPO | 2018 | HKD54.3 billion | Overseas Deals | Hong Kong IPO; Telecommunications |
CNMC’s investment in African copper mine | 2017 | N/A | Overseas Deals | Overseas investment; Natural resources; PPP |
CYPA’s rental income asset-backed specific programme (quasi-REIT programme) | 2018 | N/A | Deals in China | Asset securitization; real estate |
Development of Thar Block II coal mine in Pakistan | 2016 | USD1.521 billion | Overseas Deals | Energy & natural resources; overseas investment |
Employee placement in China Overseas Property’sacquisition of CITIC Real Estate | 2016 | N/A | Deals in China | Labour |
Establishment of Shanghai Kechuang Centre equity investment fund | 2018 | N/A | Deals in China | Investment fund |
Formation of the Guotong Private Equity Fund | 2017 | RMB150 billion | Deals in China | Private equity |
Great Wall Motor and BMW form a Joint venture in China | 2018 | RMB5.1 billion | Deals in China | Sino-foreign Joint venture; new energy vehicle |
Meituan Dianping’s Hong Kong IPO | 2018 | USD4.2 billion | Overseas Deals | Hong Kong IPO; E-commerce |
NAURA Technology acquires Akrion Systems | 2017 | N/A | Overseas Deals | Overseas M&A; Semiconductor |
PE consortium acquires OmniVision | 2016 | USD1.9 billion | Overseas Deals | Overseas M&A; private equity; privatization; technology |
Ping An acquires stake in Autohome | 2016 | USD1.6 billion | Overseas Deals | Insurance; M&A in China |
PKU HealthCare’s defence against multiple investors in civil compensation litigation over false securities statements | 2018 | N/A | Disputes & Investigations | Capital market litigation |
Poland issues the panda bonds in China | 2016 | RMB6 billion | Deals in China | Debt capital market |
Powerchina Roadbridge Group in four highway projects | 2016 | RMB55 billion | Deals in China | Infrastructure |
Qingdao Haier’s D-share IPO in Frankfurt | 2018 | EUR278 million | Overseas Deals | D-share IPO |
SenseTime’s series C/C+ round financing | 2018 | USD1.22 billion | Deals in China | PE/VC; AI |
Shanghai Disneyland project | 2016 | RMB34 billion | Deals in China | Joint venture; project financing;nrecreation industry |
Shanghai Pharma’s acquisition of Cardinal Health’s China distribution business | 2018 | USD557 million | Overseas Deals | M&A; Pharmaceuticals |
Sinohydro secures financing for the Rumaila combined cycle-power station in Iraq | 2018 | USD1 billion | Belt & Road | Energy infrastructure; financing |
Suning Sports’ series A financing | 2018 | USD600 million | Deals in China | Financing; sports |
Tesla sets up a new factory in Shanghai | 2018 | N/A | Deals in China | Foreign investment; new energy vehicles |
Aokang Shoes wins anti-dumping case in EU court | 2013 | N/A | Dispute resolution | Dispute resolution |
Automotive Gate’s CKD agreement dispute at IC | 2015 | N/A | Dispute Resolution | Dispute Resolution |
Baidu’s acquisition of 91 Wireless | 2013 | USD1.9 billion | Deals in China | M&A |
Bank of China (Hong Kong) issues panda bonds | 2015 | USD1.5 billion | Debt capital marke | Debt capital marke |
Beijing Drainage Group’s sewage treatment and reclaimed water project | 2015 | USD6.23 billion | Infrastructure | Infrastructure |
China Tower acquires tower assets of three telecom companies | 2015 | N/A | Deals in China | M&A |
China Vanke’s set-up of guaranteed medium-term note programme | 2013 | USD2 billion | Debt capital market | Debt capital market |
Danone’s Joint venture with Mengniu and COFCO | 2013 | USD1 billion | Joint venture | Joint venture |
Focus Media’s delisting from Nasdaq | 2013 | USD3.7 billion | Take private | Take private |
Ford Auto China’s loan securitisation | 2014 | USD130 million | Deals in China | Equity capital market |
GF Securities’ Hengjin No. 1 financial lease asset securitisation | 2014 | USD101 million | Overseas Deals | Equity capital market |
Guangdong Zhongshan-Kaiping Highway project | 2014 | USD4 billion | Infrastructure | Infrastructure |
JD.com Inc’s IPO on NASDAQ | 2014 | USD2.05 billion | Overseas Deals | Equity capital market |
JD.com’s partnership with Tencent | 2014 | USD3-4 billion | Deals in China | M&A |
Nanjing Cenbest acquires 89% stock in House of Fraser | 2014 | USD250 million | Overseas Deals | M&A |
Pre-registered domain name dispute over ‘quna.com’ | 2015 | N/A | Intellectual property | Intellectual property |
Syndicated loan for the Guangzhou-Jiangmen Highway project | 2013 | USD1.65 billion | Banking & Finance | Banking & Finance |
Tsinghua Unigroup’s acquisition of RDA Microelectronics | 2014 | USD910 million | Deals in China | M&A |
Vertical monopoly agreement case between Johnson & Johnson and Rainbow | 2013 | USD87,000 | Dispute resolution | Dispute resolution |
WuXi PharmaTech’s privatization | 2015 | USD3.3 billion | Take private | Take private |
Yue Xiu Group’s acquisition of HK-listed Chong Hing Bank | 2013 | USD1.5 billion | Overseas Deals | M&A |
Yunnan Jinning-Hongtaqu Highway BOT concession project | 2014 | USD1.4 billion | Infrastructure | Infrastructure |
Weichai Power buys a major stake in German’s Kion | 2012 | USD976 million | Overseas Deals | M&A |
China v ConocoPhillips in a sea pollution claim | 2012 | USD269 million | Dispute resolution | Dispute resolution |
China National Agrochemical buys Israeli agrochemical company | 2011 | USD2.4 billion | Overseas Deals | M&A |
Shenzhen Huaxing Photoelectric’s syndicated loan | 2010 | USD1.28 billion | Banking & finance | Banking & finance |
First RMB loan to a non-Chinese borrower | 2010 | USD294 million | Banking & finance | Banking & finance |
AsiaAlum Group syndicated loan | 2010 | RMB4 billion | Banking & finance | Banking & finance |
Foreign-invested commercial bank issues RMB bonds in China | 2010 | RMB1 billion | Banking & finance | Banking & finance |
Joyou IPO | 2010 | EUR91 million | Overseas Deals | Capital markets;listings |
SOHO acquires prominent plot on the Bund | 2010 | RMB2.25 billion | Infrastructure, Power & Project Finance | Infrastructure, Power & Project Finance |
Shanghai Disneyland | 2010 | USD3.5 billion | Inbound M&A and FDI deals | Inbound M&A and FDI deals |
Sound Global listed in HK | 2010 | HKD1.36 billion | Environment & natural resources | Environment & natural resources |
An external guarantee case before the Supreme Court | 2010 | RMB66.5 million | Dispute resolution | Dispute resolution |
American Arbitration Association case settled | 2010 | USD2.5 million | Dispute resolution | Dispute resolution |
Contact us
Beijing Head Office
22-31/F, South Tower of CP Center,
20 Jin He East Avenue
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100020, China
Telephone
+86 10 5957 2288
Fax
+86 10 6568 1022/1838
Email
marketing@zhonglun.com
Shanghai • Shenzhen • Guangzhou
Wuhan • Chengdu • Chongqing
Qingdao • Hangzhou • Nanjing
Haikou • Hong Kong • Tokyo
London • New York • Los Angeles
San Francisco • Almaty
Website
www.zhonglun.com
WeChat
zhonglunlawfirm