An international firm continues its Asia-Pac expansion with the appointment of a corporate and commercial team.
International law firm Withers has hired a team of Sydney and Singapore based corporate and commercial lawyers from hotel and hospitality specialist firm Ryan Lawyers as part of its Asia-Pac expansion.
Hotel expert Robert Williams will lead Withers’ Asia-Pacific hotels practice having previously headed up Ryan Lawyers’ Australian business.
Williams will be joined by partner Justin Gross, consultant Chris Greiner and associate Vivian Chen, a team specialising in acquisitions and sales of hotels and resorts, negotiating hotel management, providing capital raising and fund structuring.
“Withers has a great platform across Asia-Pacific and, importantly, Withers KhattarWong gives us terrific presence in Singapore, which is the centre of gravity for hotel deals in South East Asia,” Williams said.
“The firm's focus on high net worth investors and entrepreneurs aligns really well with our practice in the hotel and hospitality sector.
“Hotels and resort investment and development in Asia is growing steadily with S$12bn in transactions expected in 2016. We believe that combining our industry experience with Withers’ reach and reputation makes for an unbeatable proposition for us and our clients.”
Withers first entered the Asia-Pacific market in 2014, opening up its doors in Sydney.
“Not only is the sector a natural fit with the interests of our clients, but it also has huge growth potential across Asia,” managing director Margaret Robertson said of the new appointments.
“Robert and his team are leading advisors in the field and will greatly enhance our offering in the region.
“Withers has a long history of working with leading brands in the hotels and hospitality sectors, including Soho House, Levy Brothers hotel group, Balthazar and Eataly restaurants.”
