Ashurst has appointed Frank Bi as a partner in its corporate practice in Hong Kong. The hire is the fourth partner hire in Ashurst's Hong Kong office in the last three months. Mr Bi joins Ashurst from Slaughter and May, where he has more than 10 years of experience. He specialises in equity capital markets, M&A and Hong Kong listing compliance work. Hong Kong office managing partner Joshua Cole says: 'We are pleased to welcome Frank to the firm. Ashurst is committed to offering our clients a full-range of China-facing legal services, and clearly our corporate coverage in Greater China is critical to that offering.  Frank's hire comes on the heels of three recent partner hires for our Hong Kong office that significantly enhance our banking and restructuring capabilities in the region.'

Strategic focus

Mr Bi commented: 'I was attracted to the opportunity at Ashurst because of its strategic focus on China. I am thrilled to be joining a firm where I can leverage strong global coverage and deep relationships with major investments banks and corporate clients to drive forward a China-facing corporate practice.' Ashurst's Hong Kong office has recently seen the addition of restructuring specialist Damien Whitehead, and banking and finance partners Eric Tan and Daniel Lau. The firm's Greater China coverage has also been strengthened by entering into a Joint Operation Office with leading PRC law firm Guantao, after a successful nine-year strategic alliance.