China Corporate Law

Client: U.S.-based industrial automation company

Issue: Establishing a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) for long-term operations in China.

The client planned to expand manufacturing support and after-sales services into China but faced uncertainty regarding investment structure, business scope approval, registered capital requirements, foreign investment regulations, and local compliance obligations before commencing operations.

Resolution: We advised on the most appropriate investment structure, prepared the complete incorporation documents, drafted bilingual corporate documents, coordinated company registration with the relevant authorities, and assisted with post-incorporation matters including tax registration, banking arrangements, and ongoing corporate compliance.

Client: German manufacturing group

Issue: Maintaining continuous compliance for its China subsidiary following establishment.

Following incorporation, the client required ongoing legal support to ensure compliance with PRC corporate regulations, including annual reporting, shareholder resolutions, changes to corporate records, government filings, and internal governance documentation.

Resolution: We acted as continuing external legal counsel, providing company secretarial services, preparing board and shareholder resolutions, handling annual compliance procedures, reviewing corporate documents, and coordinating regulatory filings to ensure uninterrupted lawful operation.

Client: United Kingdom private investment group

Issue: Acquisition of equity interests in a Chinese manufacturing company.

The client required comprehensive legal due diligence before proceeding with the acquisition, including review of corporate records, shareholder structure, contractual obligations, intellectual property ownership, employment matters, and regulatory compliance.

Resolution: We conducted PRC legal due diligence, identified material legal risks, advised on transaction structure, reviewed transaction documents, and provided legal support throughout negotiations and closing.

Client: French industrial products manufacturer

Issue: Improving contractual protection for long-term business operations with Chinese suppliers and distributors.

The client's existing English-language agreements provided limited protection under PRC law and lacked enforceable dispute resolution, payment security, confidentiality, and intellectual property provisions.

Resolution: We prepared comprehensive bilingual contracts governed by PRC law, incorporating carefully drafted provisions on payment security, product quality standards, intellectual property ownership, dispute resolution, and enforcement mechanisms, significantly reducing legal and commercial risks in future transactions.

Client: Swedish consumer products company

Issue: Orderly deregistration of a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) following the completion of its China business operations.

After several years of operating in China, the client decided to cease its local business activities and close its wholly foreign-owned enterprise. The company needed to complete the deregistration process in full compliance with PRC law, including tax clearance, employee matters, settlement of outstanding liabilities, liquidation procedures, deregistration with multiple government authorities, and the repatriation of remaining assets. The client sought legal assistance to minimize regulatory risks and ensure an efficient exit from the Chinese market.

Resolution: We advised throughout the voluntary liquidation and deregistration process, coordinated tax clearance, creditor notifications, employee settlement, liquidation filings, and deregistration with the relevant authorities, including the Administration for Market Regulation (AMR), tax bureau, customs authorities, foreign exchange authorities, and banking institutions. The company was successfully deregistered, enabling the client to complete its withdrawal from China in a compliant and commercially efficient manner.