Korean law firm Yulchon will launch its first Chinese office in Beijing later this month in response to increasing Sino-Korean cross-border transactions.

Norton rose has created five new partners in the Asia-Pacific – with two promoted in Canberra, one in Shanghai, one in Singapore and one in Sydney.

DLA Piper has promoted seven new partners in Asia – two in China, three in Hong Kong and one each in Singapore and Tokyo. The promotions will take effect from 1 May 2011. The promotions in Asia are part of a round that sees 53 new partners joining its ranks.

Baker & McKenzie, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Walkers, Hogan Lovells, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton and Thorp Alberga have all played a role in advising on the joint acquisition of Tongjitang Chinese Medical Company in a transaction that “opens the door for Cayman-incorporated companies that may be seeking a more flexible procedure for US delisting and going private.”

Oh Ebashi, Ashurst and Clifford Chance have advised on a significant stake acquisition in the print manufacturing sector as Tokyo-based global paper manufacturer Rengo acquires a 29.9% stake in Hong Kong-based Asia Packaging.

Linklaters, Freehills and David Ward Phillips & Vineberg have all advised Minmetals Resources’ (MMR) on the launch of its aggressive US$6.5bn acquisitional bid for Equinox Minerals – China's biggest-ever takeover bid for an Australian-listed resources company.

Rouse China has hired Jacob Chen to head its Guangzhou IP litigation team in response to the growing number of IP litigation cases being heard in the metropolis.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison has strengthened its practice capabilities in China with the addition of Gary Li to the firm’s China Practice management team, with effect from 25 Mar 2011.

Hong Kong has released the final guidelines on its first statutory minimum wage on Monday – a controversial move first announced in October 2010 amid anger from labour groups as overheads set to soar. The future bodes well for employment law practice groups; but some lawyers worry the impact on the economy will be significant.

An independent trade advisory council has been set up by cross-border supply chain specialist law firm Bryan Cave International Trade with its first member, Teng Theng Dar appointed to the board as a member, effective 25 March 2011.