INCE.L Regulatory News (INCE)

REACH

For Immediate Release

The Ince Group plc

(AIM:INCE)

Ince bolsters Chinese presence with W&H Law Firm strategic cooperation deal 

8 December 2020, London: International legal and professional services firm, Ince, has today announced it is entering into a strategic cooperation with China based W&H Law Firm.

The strategic cooperation deal acts as a formalisation of this working relationship and has been designed to allow both firms to offer expert legal advice, to the increasing number of Chinese enterprises who are investing overseas. Existing Ince clients will also benefit from access to an extensive network of trusted local lawyers, with a deep knowledge of the Chinese market and PRC law.

W&H Law Firm was set up in 1995 and has since grown to become one of China's top 10 largest law firms, with over 2,000 practicing lawyers across over 30 offices in the majority of key cities in China including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as 4 offices overseas including Tokyo, Sydney, Silicon Valley and Hanoi.

The strategic cooperation will allow Ince's expert international lawyers to assist W&H Law Firm clients on international legal matters, whilst W&H Law Firm is a full-service PRC law firm, whose legal capabilities will be available to Ince clients. Both firms have worked together on numerous occasions previously, on complex issues such as cross-border transactions and disputes, as well as cases concerning projects within Greater China.

Commenting on the deal, Adrian Biles, Chief Executive of The Ince Group said:

"Entering into a strategic cooperation with W&H Law Firm, marks a significant chapter in the growth of our business. Ince has recognised the importance of Asia for a number of years, with its existing presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore - and has today taken a further step in strengthening our global footprint."

"The full service offering of the firm is greatly enhanced by this strategic cooperation agreement which will allow Ince to bring to its client base the wealth of experience of one of China's top 10 law firms."

Ince has shown a strong commitment to developing its offering across the APAC region, including the hiring of multi-lingual expert litigator, Bonita Chan, seasoned commercial litigator, Zhao Rong Ooi as Partners in Hong Kong and the strengthening of its Singapore offer with four partner hires, by Ince's Singapore member firm Incisive law.

Paul Ho, Ince's Head of Greater China, said:

"During the past few years in China, I have been assessing local legal firms to identify the right fit for Ince to enter into a strategic cooperation with. In W&H Law Firm, we have found a firm with the same values, ethos and a commitment to high-quality service to clients that closely align with our own. Ince has long held a strong relationship with W&H Law Firm and we look forward to building on that for many years to come."

Zhang Xiaowei, Founder and Chairman of W&H Law Firm, said:

"We are excited to enter into a strategic cooperation with Ince and to build on our already excellent working relationships. Ince offers a high-level of international expertise that is often sought after by our clients and we look forward to continuing to support Ince and their clients on local matters relating to China."

The new deal comes in a celebratory year for both firms, with Ince Shanghai celebrating its 20th year and W&H celebrating 25 years of operations.  

-ENDS-

About Ince 

With a heritage reaching back nearly 150 years, Ince is a dynamic international legal and professional services firm, with offices in nine countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With over 500 people, including some 100 partners worldwide, Ince provides legal advice and strategic guidance to clients ranging from the world's oldest and biggest businesses operating across numerous industries to ultra-high net worth individuals. 

Ince is a subsidiary of The Ince Group plc.

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