As we have experience in the business environment of both civil law and common law countries, we are regularly consulted by clients doing business in an international environment.

We are especially consulted by client seeking advice (i) in connection with a dispute involving a common law jurisdiction and a civil law jurisdiction, or (ii) in connection with the negotiating and drafting of various cross-border business agreements. It must be highlighted that the choice of applicable law as well as the content and wording of such agreements may considerably vary according to the particular international environment of the parties involved.

French, European, and other foreign companies whishing to set up in Hong Kong, China or more generally South East Asia may do so either by incorporating a new company or through a merger or an acquisition. Furthermore, in the region, and more particularly in China, joint ventures can be a legal requirement or an economic necessity.

Thanks to our various local and international contacts throughout Hong Kong, China and South East Asia and our experience with international and local laws, we can advise on all operations relating to the legal and financial strategy of French, European and other foreign companies.

We handle the most complex law issues which may be encountered by companies and we provide assistance in all negociations.

We are capable of handling all our clients' business objectives for corporate work in an international environment. Our services to our clients encompass:

• the establishment of companies and corporations, including the consideration of tax implications and the provision of corporate services;
• general advice on corporate structures and legal obligations;
• reorganisation and restructuring of groups and share capital structures, strategic alliances;
• the establishment of joint ventures, ;
• drafting and advising on outsourcing, facilities management, distributorship, sale supply, purchase and agency agreements.

We also provide practical professional advice and assistance on a wide range of commercial agreements - from strategic planning of transactions and negotiation of contracts to deal implementation and contract management.

We have a thorough understanding of the legal issues that can impact on domestics and international transactions. We work pro-actively with clients to get the deal done whilst ensuring that their activities are soundly and securely based. We provide a first rate technical service which is commercially aware and accessible.

We handle all tax aspects of business management and strategy, as well as generally assist clients in tax matters.

• corporate financing;
• corporate regroupings and reorganisations;
• French investment abroad and foreign investment in France;
• asset financing and project financing;
• equity and debt financings of domestic and foreign issuers;
• acquisitions;
• restructurings;
• public and private real estate transactions.

Our arbitration expertise includes institutional or ad hoc arbitration, alternative dispute mechanisms and litigation before local courts to assist the arbitral process, to secure conservatory or provisional measures or in connection with the recognition and the enforcement of arbitration awards and foreign judgments.

We offer assistance, representation and advice at all stages of the arbitration process, from the drafting of efficient clauses in international contracts through the conduct of arbitral proceedings and the enforcement of arbitral awards.

• advice on contentious issues;
• anticipating and preventing disputes;
• handling existing disputes and arbitration; and
• alternative dispute resolution/mediation.

International Private Law stems from the diversity of national legal systems and from the internationality of legal situations. It deals with the international aspect of all private law issues.

We therefore advise clients on all civil controversies, both personal and commercial, arising out of situations having significant relationship to more than one nation. Our advice include understanding of the classic concepts of law in national legal systems - status, property, obligation, family law, tort- as well as substantive law, procedures, process and remedies.

Immigration Law has always been a strong element in the Firm's practice. TMA has partners with an in-depth understanding of Immigration Law, combined with knowledge and experience of its practical application and current Government practices and policies.

We advise on all manner of immigration matters, aiming at minimising the disruption to client's business and staff, arising from the international transfer and cross-border recruitment of existing and new employees. We have particular expertise in work permit applications. We also advise clients, with our associates of Lily Fenn & Partners, in all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law, with particular emphasises notably on the following aspects:

• service agreements and employment agreements;
• redundancies and dismissals;
• employment policies ranging from performance, sickness and misconduct procedures;
• executive remuneration including corporate governance;
• discrimination;
• general employment issues ranging from maternity rights to general contracting issues