Hong Kong – Paul Hastings, a leading global law firm, announced today that it has advised COSCO SHIPPING Development Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 2866.HK and 601866.SH) on its sale of 35.22% equity interests in COSCO SHIPPING Leasing Co., Ltd. for RMB1.8 billion (approximately US$278 million) to China State-owned Enterprises Mixed Ownership Reform Fund Co., Ltd. (“Mixed Ownership Reform Fund”). Mixed Ownership Reform Fund is principally engaged in equity investments and asset management, with majority of its investments being made to mixed ownership reform projects in emerging industries.

COSCO SHIPPING Leasing also proposes to carry out a potential capital increase by one strategic investor for at least RMB1 billion (approximately US$155 million) and no more than RMB3 billion (approximately US$464 million). The potential capital increase will be conducted by way of public tender on the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai-listed COSCO SHIPPING Development is principally engaged in shipping and industry-related leasing businesses, manufacturing of containers and provision of investment and financial services.

Paul Hastings has represented COSCO SHIPPING Development in various transactions. This year, we have advised COSCO SHIPPING Development on its acquisition of 16 bulk carriers under construction for approximately US$327 million. In recent years, we also represented the company in its lease of 74 vessels for US$4.62 billion, sale of A shares and H shares of CIMC for RMB6.34 billion and acquisition of ten multi-purpose vessels for US$180 million in 2020, its repurchase of A shares and H shares for up to RMB300 million in 2019, and the merger between CS Finance, a non-wholly owned subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Development, and COSCO Finance in 2018.

The Paul Hastings team was led by Raymond Li, global partner and chair of Greater China, and corporate partner Bonnie Kong, with support from associate Andy Tam and trainee solicitor Beatrice Wun.

At Paul Hastings, our purpose is clear — to help our clients and people navigate new paths to growth. With a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., Paul Hastings is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative global law firms.