CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre opens in Shanghai

CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre has announced on 13 May 2002 that it has opened a new office in Shanghai, China. The latest in a number of new ventures, the office marks the next step in the development of CMS' global infrastructure.

The licence to operate in Shanghai has been awarded to the French firm CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre by the Chinese authorities. It will, however, have representatives seconded to it from both CMS Cameron McKenna and CMS Hasche Sigle, and will build on the success of CMS Cameron McKenna's China office in Beijing.

The office will draw on the expertise of senior lawyers from three CMS member firms: Emmanuel Meril (CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre) and Dr Ulrike Glück (CMS Hasche Sigle) and Molly Riley (CMS Cameron McKenna) who will be seconded to the office and the office will provide an international standard of legal and tax advice across a range of sectors.

Molly Riley, CMS Cameron McKenna's lawyer seconded to the office, said: "Following China's accession to the WTO last November, we have seen a huge increase in the global business community's interest in China. Through CMS Cameron McKenna's office in Beijing and the new CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre office in Shanghai the member firms of CMS are well positioned to serve client needs in the region."