Stephenson Harwood has closed its office in Guangzhou, leaving the firm with its Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong offices in Greater China.

The Guangzhou office, which opened in 1994, was led by corporate partner Hilda Chui, and advised international investors and corporations that wanted to do business in the Chinese province.

“The legal landscape in China has changed considerably and we have decided to cease operating in Guangzhou,” said Sharon White, chief executive of Stephenson Harwood, in a statement.

“Notwithstanding the cessation of our practice in Guangzhou, we will continue to maintain strong ties with the city. Our former colleagues are in the process of setting up an independent PRC law firm. We expect to maintain a close working relationship with this firm when established,” White added.

Despite the closure of the Guangzhou office, Stephenson Harwood has recently been expanding in Asia. The firm received a licence in August to open in Seoul, formed an alliance with Singapore’s Virtus Law in March, launched its Beijing office last May, and also forged an association with Myanmar’s U Tin Yu & Associates.

Stephenson Harwood now has nine offices worldwide.