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International law firm Loyens & Loeff announced today (February 15) that its new office in Hong Kong has opened and will further strengthen its presence in the fast-growing East Asia region.
The Hong Kong office is the firm's 18th globally, and a new addition in Asia to complement the offices in Singapore and Tokyo. The company also operates in the Benelux region and other major financial cities worldwide.
The Hong Kong operation is led by two senior partners: Ms Carola van den Bruinhorst, a tax adviser, and Mr Thierry Lohest, an attorney. They advise clients on international tax structuring and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, investment funds, investment management, financing and wealth management.
Ms van den Bruinhorst said that Hong Kong was chosen as a place to set up because it is "in the middle of the dynamic Asian market".
"Loyens & Loeff has been focusing on China for the past few years with a dedicated China team frequently visiting the region. Being present in the middle of the dynamic Asian market, we can act on developments proactively and promptly," she said. "Asian investors are interested in the attractive Benelux investment climate, while being protected by a network of favourable bilateral investment treaties."
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis, welcomed Loyens & Loeff's presence in Hong Kong. He said, "The business of international law firms in Hong Kong is robust, largely because the city boasts one of the highest number of corporate headquarters in the region and because it is Asia's leading financial services centre, two factors that help stimulate continual demand for legal services."
He added, "Hong Kong is the most liberal Asian jurisdiction in terms of permitting foreign lawyers to practice. There are no entry barriers for foreign law firms or foreign lawyers. That is why Hong Kong is home to a cluster of talented legal professionals, and many international lawyers in Asia choose to be based in Hong Kong."
About Loyens & Loeff
Established in 1917, Loyens & Loeff is based in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium, and has branches in 18 financial centres worldwide. The firm has built a solid reputation as an independent full-service law firm. For more information, please visit www.loyensloeff.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. Now in its 12th year of operation, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2 400 investment projects creating more than more than 29 000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$62 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:00
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