K&L Gates lures China practice head, partner from Holding Redlich

K&L Gates has lured Holding Redlich’s China practice head Carl Hinze as well as partner Khilen Devani to its corporate team.

Hinze and Devani are being joined by senior associate Julie Ubbesen and lawyer Mitchell Riggs in K&L Gates’ Brisbane office. Jason Opperman, the firm’s regional managing partner for Australia, said that the additions are in line with the firm’s growth strategy for the year.

“Both Carl and Khilen (and their incoming team) bring significant sector experience, and the international nature of their practice aligns perfectly with our global platform and the growing needs of our clients”, Opperman said.

Over a career spanning two decades, Hinze has tackled matters involving foreign investment, cross-border corporate transactions, and complex alliance arrangements. In addition to his work in law, he also has experience with investment banking in China.

Fluent in Mandarin, he has worked with clients in multijurisdictional international arbitrations through Asia, particularly in the energy, manufacturing, resources and construction and engineering sectors. He has also guided public and private company leaders on governance matters.

Devani specialises in public and private M&A, complex joint venture arrangements, capital raisings, and corporate governance concerns. He has provided guidance on the Corporations Act and ASX listing requirements.

He has tackled issues concerning the strategy and structuring of complex transactions, due diligence, and negotiating transaction documents.