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Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised I Squared Capital Advisers on the US$1.86 billion acquisition of Hutchison Telecommunications' fixed line business, Hutchison Global Communications (HGC).

HGC provides fixed-line telecommunications services for corporate and residential users in 134 countries and territories worldwide, utilizing capacity in 33 cable systems interconnecting five continents with 25 points of presence globally, including three major hubs in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and London.

I Squared Capital is an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, and transport in North America, Europe, and select high-growth economies. The firm has offices in New York, Houston, London, New Delhi, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"This is a major transaction for both parties, and for the Hong Kong market, and we were delighted to assist I Squared on its first telco investment," said partner Hilary Lau.

"The deal reflects the changing shape of the telecoms market, where there has been significant activity recently in Hong Kong and across Asia Pacific. Telecoms companies are taking different strategies in order to invest in network upgrades and digital advances. Infrastructure funds and private equity are seeing increasing opportunities in network infrastructure."

Completion of the deal is subject to the approval of the transaction by the shareholders of HGC's parent company, HKEX-listed Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Herbert Smith Freehills has some 1,500 lawyers in Asia Pacific, advising clients on complex corporate, disputes and finance matters, from offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta*, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, and in Australia, from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The firm has leading and dedicated tech, media and telecoms experts across Asia Pacific, operating from Australia. Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta*, Singapore and Tokyo. We support tech, media and telecoms clients at all business stages, advising on regulatory, commercial, corporate, M&A, competition, IP, dispute resolution and financing.

*In Jakarta, Herbert Smith Freehills' international counsel practise alongside our affiliate firm, Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung, one of Indonesia’s leading commercial and corporate law firms.


Media contact

For further information on this article please contact

Sally Greig

Head of Communications, Asia

Hong Kong