Armstrong Teasdale Expands in Asia

21 August 2012

Thomas Bottini Steve Yu

Armstrong Teasdale is significantly expanding its Asian practice, particularly in intellectual property, dispute resolution, transactional and franchising services. The expansion will be led by partner Thomas Bottini, who will become the firm’s chief representative of its Shanghai office, a role he previously held from 2001 to 2003; he will also continue to advise his US-based clientele.

As part of these efforts, Steve Yu, a Chinese corporate lawyer experienced in mergers and acquisitions,

technology licensing and international joint ventures, has joined Armstrong Teasdale as partner in Shanghai.

“We are taking these initial steps in response to a steady influx of international transactional business

and increasing opportunities for investments both in the United States and Asia,” said managing partner

Michael Chivell. “The explosive demand for legal services in this area, especially intellectual property, is the driver for allocating additional firm resources to Asia and adding more lawyers.”

The overseas expansion also includes the addition of two associates and business consultant. “I am excited by the prospect of shepherding the firm’s growth in the rapidly developing Asian market,” said Bottini, who spearheaded the creation of Armstrong Teasdale’s China practice in 1994. “Asia has consistently produced the highest rates of business growth for over a decade.”

Yu, one of the first Chinese lawyers to advise western clients on China’s antitrust law, has handled crossborder transactions and international investment relating to China for over 14 years. His practice encompasses mergers and acquisitions, technology licensing, international joint venture, franchising, business consolidation and restructuring. Yu also assists on cross-border intellectual property licensing, establishment and operation of research and development centers, commercialization of intellectual property rights, and enforcement by civil and criminal actions.

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