Kirkland & Ellis has announced that Nelson Ni will rejoin the firm as a partner in its Shanghai office, strengthening its private equity and M&A capabilities across Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Ni is a corporate lawyer with experience advising private equity sponsors, sovereign wealth funds, strategic investors, and multinational companies on complex cross-border transactions throughout Asia.
His practice covers mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, growth investments, joint ventures, carve-outs, take-private transactions, corporate governance, and other cross-border matters. He has represented global and regional investment firms on transactions across technology, healthcare, consumer products, industrials, financial services, and business services.
Ni previously served as a partner in Kirkland’s Hong Kong and Shanghai offices. More recently, he worked as assistant general counsel at a major private equity firm, where he advised on investments, portfolio company matters, and strategic initiatives throughout Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Kirkland said the combination of Ni’s private-practice and investor-side experience gives him perspective on the commercial, legal, and strategic considerations facing sponsors and companies completing transactions in the region.
His return coincides with the 20th anniversary of Kirkland’s Asia platform. The firm’s regional operation includes more than 140 legal professionals across Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.
Kirkland’s Asia lawyers advise sponsors, investors, and corporations across M&A, private equity, capital markets, finance, fund formation, intellectual property, litigation, regulatory matters, and restructuring. The firm said Ni’s return reflects its continued investment in the region and its expectations for long-term opportunities across Asian markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“Nelson brings a unique combination of top-tier private practice and investor-side experience giving him a distinctive perspective on the commercial, legal and strategic issues facing investors and companies in today’s market. Kirkland remains firmly committed to investing in Asia and building on the strong foundation we have established over the past two decades, and Nelson’s return is a reflection of that commitment and our confidence in the long-term opportunities in the region. We are delighted to welcome him back.”
Dr. Mengyu Lu, Partner At Kirkland & Ellis
“Kirkland has long been recognized as the premier destination for private equity and M&A work globally. I am thrilled to rejoin the Firm and work again alongside exceptional colleagues and friends. Kirkland’s platform, entrepreneurial culture and commitment to client service creates an exceptional environment to support clients navigating increasingly complex markets and execute every transaction with confidence.”
Nelson Ni, Partner At Kirkland & Ellis
