Bird & Bird has announced the arrival of Sven-Michael Werner as a partner in its China corporate practice.

Shanghai-based Werner has joined the firm from Taylor Wessing. The Mandarin-speaking corporate expert has more than 12 years of experience in practising Chinese law. His experience includes M&A and foreign direct investment (FDI) transactions, with a strong focus on advising European clients in relation to their inbound investment into China. He is fluent in German and English.

Commenting on his appointment, Alexander Schröder-Frerkes, Managing Partner of Bird & Bird Germany and head of the International Corporate Group said: “His history of working with clients in Europe, Germany and China having been based in London, Munich and Shanghai will make him an invaluable asset to our international practice. Having Sven-Michael on the ground in Shanghai will also bring greater interaction and cross-referral opportunities, particularly with partners and members of the firm's China desk in Germany.”

Werner will be working closely with the firm's partners not just in China, but also across Europe, and particularly with Germany, to cultivate the growing inbound and outbound work Bird & Bird does for its European and German clients both in and out of China.

“What drew me to Bird & Bird was its strong sector focus, remarkable client base and extensive international reach. Also, key is its drive and commitment to growth in China and internationally, and for me to play a part in Bird & Bird's exciting plans for development in 2014,” said Werner.

Kanishk Verghese is North Asia journalist at ALB. Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.

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