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David Norman

Partner

Offices

Hong Kong SAR

David’s practice focuses on supporting clients undertaking complex cross-border transactions, investments and strategic projects. 

He has extensive experience across the whole life cycle of private M&A transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and auction processes, joint ventures and investments, as well as private capital investments. He regularly acts for corporates, funds and major institutional investors on significant investments and strategic transactions (including establishing platforms) in Greater China and the wider APAC region. David also advises multinational clients on large-scale strategic reorganisations in APAC and private equity funds on portfolio company management, including new fund raisings and internal corporate matters.

David advises clients across a range of industries, but has a particular focus on the technology, financial services, consumer goods and real estate sectors. In recent years, he has also focused on helping clients build innovative collaborations and platforms involving new technologies across Greater China and South-East Asia. In this regard, David has represented both disrupters and incumbents in establishing a number of high-profile and successful collaborations involving electric vehicles, healthtech and fintech, amongst other areas.

David's work has been recognized by leading international legal directories, such as Legal 500, where he is ranked as a Rising Star and recommended for cross-border joint ventures, M&A, and minority investments.

Experience

Representative matters

Stellantis N.V. on its EUR1.5 billion investment to acquire a 20% stake in Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology and the creation of an industry-first global joint venture for the manufacturing, distribution and sale of NEVs. Awarded M&A Deal of the Year, IFLR Asia Pacific Awards 2024 and Law.com International Legal Awards 2024.
 
Maersk on the USD3.6bn acquisition of LF Logistics. Awarded M&A Deal of the Year, ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2022.
 
WeLab on its acquisition and transformation into a digital bank of Bank Jasa Jakarta in Indonesia. The bank is jointly acquired by WeLab together with PT Astra International Tbk.
 
Vitality Group, a leading global insuretech platform, on the establishment of a new pan-Asian digital health technology platform in partnership with AIA.
 
Nativus, a joint venture formed by Verlinvest and a leading Chinese state-owned enterprise, on its majority investment in the Oatly Group, a leading dairy-free beverage company, and on Oatly’s subsequent USD10 billion initial public offering on the Nasdaq.
 
A Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund on a USD2.5bn joint venture to acquire and operate three five star hotels in Hong Kong, the most significant hospitality transaction to date in Hong Kong, as well as the establishment of a USD5.2bn platform to invest in logistic assets in the PRC, the largest such platform in the market and multiple high-profile private capital investments.
 
Discovery Limited, a leading global insuretech and wellness provider, on its global partnerships, including a pan-European partnership with a multinational composite insurer, a pan-Asian partnership with AIA Insurance Limited and its partnerships with Ping An Health in the PRC and Sumitomo Life in Japan.
 
A global financial institution on its landmark USD5.75bn voluntary tender offer for Bank Ayudhya PLC in Thailand, along with associated branch integration and shareholder arrangements.
 
Imperial Brands on the formation of an equity joint venture in Hong Kong between Imperial Brands and China National Tobacco Corporation for the production, distribution and sale of tobacco products in China and Europe.

 

Pro bono

Advising a charitable organization on the establishment of eye-care clinics in Congo, Africa

Recognition

David Norman stands out by being extremely responsive, giving solutions fast, and takes pragmatic approaches in solving issues. He has the capabilities to work on transactions with complex structures.
Legal 500, 2023
Rising Star.
Legal 500, 2021

Awards

  • IFLR APAC M&A Deal of the Year, 2023 and 2024
  • IFLR APAC M&A Team of the Year, 2023
  • ALB APAC M&A Deal of the Year, 2022
  • ALB Indian M&A Deal of the Year, 2024

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2008

Admitted as solicitor, Hong Kong, 2017

Academic

BA (Hons), English, St Hugh's College, Oxford University, 2001

Languages

English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.