Many of the deals that were closed in China last year required innovative approaches in order to succeed, due largely to the fact that China's legal and regulatory landscape is constantly changing. The 2nd annual China Law & Practice awards held on September 18 2008 acknowledged the efforts of the firms that helped close those deals.

Considering how fast China has opened its doors to international money markets, business deals and legal reforms, the very concept of innovation should be nothing new to those wishing to conduct business in China. The legal market is no different. With the introduction of new laws and a range of reforms and amendments to established laws and regulations, the process of handling transactions requires, by definition, innovative work. How else is a business expected to coordinate an IPO listing in two different money markets, or navigate new M&A laws? How can a Chinese bank invest in the US for the first time without its lawyers delivering new and rarely seen before legal manoeuvres, without drawing on innovation and pioneering legal work as part of its approach?

Congratulations to all our winners and we look forward to acknowledging and rewarding legal innovation at next year's awards.

Deals of the Year

Mergers & Acquisitions

SEB Internationale's Investment in Zhejiang Supor