Partner

Desmond Ang

Commercial Litigation and Disputes
Global Arbitration, Trade and Advocacy
Restructuring

desmond.ang@sidley.com

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DESMOND ANG specializes in international commercial litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis on high-stakes disputes involving business relationships and investments with companies in China, Taiwan and Japan. Desmond also has a growing restructuring and insolvency practice involving the representation of debtors and creditors in debt restructurings, insolvency and distressed scenarios as well as related litigation.

Desmond has represented clients in proceedings conducted under ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, CIETAC, JCAA, ICDR and UNCITRAL arbitration rules as well as before the Hong Kong courts. He has experience in disputes involving mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, which have been heard in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, California and Switzerland.

Desmond develops practical dispute resolution strategies underpinned by a thorough analysis of the relevant facts. He crafts these strategies to fit into the overall commercial goals of his clients with the ultimate objective of providing high-quality, responsive and cost-effective legal representation. He has counseled individuals and businesses in a wide spectrum of industries, including retail (luxury and mass market), private equity, pharmaceuticals, real estate, oil and gas, technology and telecommunications, natural resources and mining, and sports.

Desmond also serves as arbitrator under both ICC and HKIAC arbitration rules in Hong Kong and London.

Desmond has been recognized in the 2021 edition of Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global. Chambers note that him as a “sensible and practical advocate” who is a “determined fighter for his cause.” The 2020 edition of Chambers Asia-Pacific praised Desmond who “always maintains an overview of highly complex proceedings, down to the smallest detail.” In the 2019 edition, Desmond was praised by clients that “he pays great attention to detail and is very good at communicating with clients.” The 2018 edition, Desmond was described as a "lawyer who can understand what his international clients really need and can provide any advice and support as they need it." Legal 500 Asia Pacific noted Desmond as one of the “very strong arbitration lawyers” who is “a pleasure to work with.” He was also recognized in the International Arbitration category by Chambers Global as “Up and Coming” (2017-2020).

Desmond is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.

Experience

Examples of Desmond’s significant experience include*:

Advising a Japanese blue-chip corporation listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in respect of matters relating to its SIAC arbitration against its P.R.C. joint venture partner concerning the renewable energy sector. The arbitration involved the proposed termination of the joint venture following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Representing a Korean electronics and information technology multinational in an approximately US$1 billion ICC arbitration in Tokyo against a U.S. multinational technology company concerning the calculation of patent royalties; New York law governs.
Representing a Taiwanese conglomerate in a US$1.1 billion HKIAC arbitration against a Japanese trading house. The parties’ dispute arose out of a series of sale and purchase agreements, which required the transfer of (i) certain shares in a Cayman corporation from the Japanese party to our client and (ii) shares in a real estate project from our client to the Japanese party.
Representing a global investment fund headquartered in New York in a US$50 million HKIAC arbitration in relation to disputes arising from its investment in the education business in China and the breaches of a shareholder’s agreement by the Chinese founder.
Representing a Taiwanese conglomerate in an ICC arbitration seated in Beijing and related litigation proceedings in the Cayman Islands against a Japanese group. The parties’ dispute arose out of a joint venture arrangement in the P.R.C.
Representing two Mongolian companies in a JCAA arbitration in Tokyo arising out of sales agreements allegedly entered into with a Japanese trading house for the purchase of mining equipment in excess of US$100 million; Japanese law governs.
Representing a P.R.C. real estate developer and its related Singapore SPV in an approximately US$100 million HKIAC arbitration concerning a Sino-foreign joint venture dispute with its U.S. private equity fund partner.
Representing a global private equity fund in a third-party intervention application before the Hong Kong High Court to amend/discharge an interim injunction in support of an arbitration commenced by a Chinese investor against the founder in respect of ownership over the fund, whose portfolio companies were valued at over US$ 800 million. The application before the Hong Kong High Court was one of several contentious proceedings between the parties across multiple jurisdictions.
Conducting an internal investigation on behalf of a hedge fund triggered by an ex-employee’s allegations of stock market manipulation and other market misconduct.

*Includes matters worked on prior to joining Sidley.

HKIAC’s List of Arbitrators
LCIA Young International Arbitration Group
JCAA Panel of Arbitrators
Co-editor, HK45/HKIAC Newsletter
Steering Committee member of HK45
Hong Kong Law Society
Law Society of England and Wales
Singapore Academy of Law

Desmond Ang

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