The level of FDI activity by Chinese companies investing in Europe has increased to a record high… Law firm broadens management experience… Akin Gump expands Asia investigations and compliance team… US law firms announce revenue… Law society advises Valentines pre-nup for your pup…
Chinese investment in Europe expands to record high
The level of FDI activity by Chinese companies investing in Europe has increased to a record high. Data from Baker & McKenzie shows 153 investments last year with a value of U$18 billion; more than double that of 2013 and almost twice the four-year average. Food and agriculture and real estate are among the top investment sectors with the UK the first choice destination followed by Italy and the Netherlands.
Law firm broadens management experience
International law firm RPC has hired a former global head of risk consulting and software at Towers Watson for its management team. Rory O’Brien is also a former head of insurance management consultancy at EMB Consulting and will be responsible for a move into a legal and consultancy hybrid at the firm. Managing partner Jonathan Watmough says that it’s the first step in RPC becoming a broad-based professional services firm in the City.
Akin Gump expands Asia investigations and compliance team
Akin Gump has relocated a partner from the US and hired another locally for its Hong Kong investigations and compliance practice. Tatman R. Savio is relocating from the firm’s Washington DC office to advise on US law and policy affecting international trade and business. Vena Cheng has been hired from Morrison and Foerster and specialises in anti-trust and dispute resolution.
US firms announce revenue increases
Cooley and Mayer Brown have both announced their latest revenue results with double figure growth in PEP. Cooley’s turnover increased 19 per cent to U$802 million with PEP up 11 per cent to U$1.74 million. Mayer Brown’s revenue increased 6.7 per cent to $1.223 billion with profits per equity partner rising 12.8 per cent.
Law society advises Valentines pre-nup for your pup
The Law Society in England has issued some advice to loved-up couples planning to set up home together. On what presumably has been a quiet day for the society, it is suggesting that couples spend some time on Valentine’s Day this Saturday drawing up a pre-nuptial agreement for their pets. Law Society president Andrew Caplen said: 'Valentine's Day is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged, so we are taking this opportunity to remind people that ensuring you both know where you stand from the outset is a good way to avoid heartache later on, should the worst happen.”
