Chongqing-based Zhonghao Law Firm and Hong Kong’s ONC Lawyer have recently signed a memorandum in Hong Kong, in which the two firms reached a deal of constructing a closely associated operation, and an agreement of intent on a possible merger in the future.
A press release stated tha "the two firms are aiming at building up an integrated legal service institution, strengthening the connection and communication between the legal markets of the mainland and Hong Kong, sharing resources, and providing high-standard services to clients across the region”.
A leading firm in west China, Zhonghao was founded in 1997. It has five offices in Mainland China, including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Beijing and Shanghai, with a total of 30 partners, 200 attorneys, and professional employees.
ONC Lawyers, formerly known as Or, Ng, & Chan, was established in 1992, and has now become one of the largest local law firms with more than 100 members of legally qualified and supporting staff.
“We are taking three steps towards an alliance: First the associated operation, pending on the approval of the Hong Kong Bar Association. Once it’s completed, they (ONC) can open in our Shanghai or Chongqing office. Then we could attempt to work on a merger in one or two years if we obtain mutual consent,” Yuan Xiaobing, managing partner of Zhonghao, told ALB.
Liu Zhen is China senior journalist at ALB. Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.
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