The acquisition helps to plug the gap left behind by the seven BLP asset finance lawyers who left the firm’s offices in Hong Kong and Singapore in March to join rival Holman Fenwick Willan. William KK Ho & Co has a five-lawyer team including partners William Ho and Jackson Chow, both of whom will be joining BLP as partners.

‘William and his team will add best-in-class capabilities around our sector focuses with knowledge and expertise in shipping and rail which will enhance our existing capabilities,’ commented BLP head of finance Adam Dann.

Boosting aviation

In particular, BLP is angling to grow its capabilities in aviation financing to capitalise on burgeoning demand. Mr Ho is an expert in aviation financing while Mr Chow has broad experience in aviation-related matters, including cross-border financing transactions, asset backed securitisations, Japanese operating leases and French tax leases.

‘The aviation financing and leasing market is booming at the moment,’ said Mr Dann, adding that approximately 35,000 new aircraft will be needed over the next 20 years to meet a projected annual 5 per cent increase in global passenger travel.

Sources: The Lawyer; Asian Legal Business