James Griffiths

What do you focus on?

Corporate Acquisitions and Investments

I help clients structure and execute acquisitions, investment and joint ventures. I work with a variety of buyers, sellers and investors, including multinationals, large conglomerates, private equity and venture capital groups, private investment companies, mid-sized corporates and entrepreneurs. Finding creative solutions to structure around obstacles on complex acquisitions and investments gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment.

Investment Funds

I help mid-market private fund groups on setting up private equity and private hedge funds managed or advised out of Hong Kong. Given the recent clarificatory tax exemptions for private equity in Hong Kong, this market is likely to expand.

Securities Regulatory

Related to my investment fund practice, I help hedge fund and private equity groups with their licensing and regulatory issues in Hong Kong, both for their initial set up and ongoing compliance.

Commercial and Finance Transactions

Clients of all types turn to me for commercial advice and help on a diverse range of commercial transactions. This has me involved in corporate compliance, franchising, licensing, employment, immigration and virtually any form of commercial contract. I also cover banking, finance and security transactions.

What do you see on the horizon?

I see a significant increase in outbound acquisitions from Mainland China and a shift in the private equity and investor community towards South East Asia. I have recently been involved in deals in Vietnam and Indonesia.

Publications and presentations

• “Crowdfunding and P2P Lending in Hong Kong,” Presentation at a seminar entitled “Fintech and Cybersecurity—The Professional Perspectives” for CPA Canada, Hong Kong Chapter, hosted by Deloittes Hong Kong, December 9, 2016
• “Global Perspectives on Venture Investing and Corporate Transactions,” Seminar for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation at the Hong Kong Science Park in Hong Kong, September 11, 2012, (Co-presenter with Hans Lee, David Cheng and Robert Weikert).
• “RMB funds vs. Traditional Funds,” Seminar for the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, May 28, 2012 (Co-presenter)

Representative Experience

• Represented the founder in their continuing participation in a Hong Kong manufacturing company as part of a US$150 million secondary sale of the business from one private equity group to another
• Represented a private investment company on a multi-tiered investment in an Indonesian transportation company
• Represented a Hong Kong based fund management company on the establishment of a US$100 million private equity fund
• Represented a UK group on the establishment of a franchising business in the PRC
• Represented a Hong Kong listed company on a US$30 million issue of convertible bonds to a private equity group