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A leading international law firm, Norton Rose, has opened its Hong Kong office as a major part of its expansion programme in the region.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, officially welcomed the company to Hong Kong at an official launch ceremony today (April 8).

The office is headed by Mr David Stannard, who was from January 1999 to September 2001 the Executive Director (Corporate Finance) of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.

Norton Rose recognises that Hong Kong is a key financial and business centre not only for Asia but also for the world. Mr Stannard noted that a presence here would allow Norton Rose and its clients to leverage the many business opportunities in Hong Kong, and also participate in the rapid expansion of the Mainland Chinese market.

Mr Stannard said, "We are very excited to open the office as Hong Kong is an important market place for us. Our presence forms a key part of the international service the firm seeks to provide its clients. While we expect to expand the Hong Kong office substantially, we shall continue to extend our Asian practice.

"I should also like to thank Invest Hong Kong for their support and assistance in our office opening."

Norton Rose previously had a presence in Hong Kong in association with, local law firm Johnson Stokes & Master. That arrangement was terminated three years ago as Norton Rose wanted to operate on an independent basis.

Mr Rowse said, "We are delighted to welcome Norton Rose back to Hong Kong. We are sure that Norton Rose will find Hong Kong continues to be the Asian hub for legal and professional service firms and that the office here will give the firm the perfect springboard from which to conduct strategic expansion across Asia. Hong Kong excels in its role as catalyst for business development in Asia."

"Hong Kong's competitive advantages include an independent judicial system based on English common law, a solid and transparent regulatory framework, jurisdiction open to foreign lawyers and a free flow of capital and information," he said.

Mr Rowse added, "Norton Rose's return certainly enhances Hong Kong's status as the international law capital of Asia and our pool of legal talent. We have more than 600 registered foreign lawyers and half of the top 50 global law firms here. We look forward to hosting Norton Rose's future success on our soil."

The new independent office in Hong Kong is an exclusively Norton Rose office with 26 lawyers specialising in corporate finance, asset finance, dispute resolution and banking. The firm will also develop a technology, media and telecommunications practice.

Invest Hong Kong is a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with attracting foreign-owned companies to set up here and retaining them by providing all the support needed to establish their business in Hong Kong.

End/Monday, April 8, 2002

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