Hong Kong (14 March 2025) Further to the announcement on 22 November 2024, Loeb Smith Attorneys is pleased to announce its role as legal advisor in the successful completion of the going private merger transaction of First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd. (the “Company”), an education service provider primarily focusing on high schools in Western China. This significant transaction, effective 10 March 2025, transforms the Company to a private company and the American depositary shares of the Company are no longer quoted on the OTC market and the Company’s ADS program was terminated. The Company intends to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Form 15 suspending the Company’s reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s obligations to file with or furnish to the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will terminate once the deregistration becomes effective.

Loeb Smith Attorneys served as the Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Special Committee and the Loeb Smith team of lawyers advising on the closing of the transaction was led by Partner, Gary Smith and included team members Kate Sun and Frost Wu in Hong Kong.

Loeb Smith Attorneys looks forward to delivering more insightful and strategic advice and legal support to clients on a diverse range of M&A transactions in the APAC region.

First High-School Education Group Announces Completion of Going Private Transaction | Morningstar

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About Loeb Smith Attorneys

Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the leading offshore corporate law firms considered one of the most active and knowledgeable firms for advising on offshore investment funds formation and launch of all asset classes including public securities, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and virtual assets. Other areas of strength and growth are advising on M&A, Finance, Corporate Restructurings, Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, Investments, Logistics, Shipping and Aviation.

Considered a leading law firm in the Fintech and Blockchain Technology space, Loeb Smith also advises on token issuances, application for VASP licences for Web 3.0 businesses, Metaverse infrastructure and other virtual asset service providers, and utilising Cayman and BVI structures to develop virtual asset platforms for DAOs. Loeb Smith’s clients are investment managers, financial institutions, onshore counsels, and HNWIs who the firm advises on day-to-day legal issues and complex, strategic matters.

Some of our firm’s recent accolades are: rankings in IFLR1000, Legal 500; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Hedgeweek US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Awards 2023; recognised amongst Top 30 Asia’s Fastest Growing Law Firms in 2023 by Asian Legal Business; ranked in The A-List: Top Offshore Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal in 2022 and 2024; winning The Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service at With Intelligence HFM Asia Services Awards 2024; ranked in ALB Hong Kong Firms to Watch 2024 list.

www.loebsmith.com
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   |  CAYMAN ISLANDS  |  HONG KONG

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Overview

Vanisha Harjani brings over 17 years of robust legal experience to Loeb Smith as a Corporate and Finance Partner in the firm’s Hong Kong office. She specialises in cross border corporate and finance transactions, including securitisation, asset-based trade financing and structured products across various jurisdictions. Vanisha has a strong focus on fund formation, registration, licensing and compliance for funds and fund managers in the BVI and Cayman Islands, as well as advising on M&A , capital markets and regulatory matters. Recently transitioning from another law firm and as a director of a corporate services firm, Vanisha is dedicated to providing strategic legal advice and exceptional client service.

Her experience encompasses complex cross-border M&A deals, structured finance, and innovative fintech projects such as tokenized funds, digital assets, and RWA integrations.

Vanisha is adept at navigating regulatory compliance matters across the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, ensuring clients meet necessary legal requirements while optimising their operations. She has played a critical role in high stakes transactions, notably assisting with Templewater Bravo’s HKD3.2 billion acquisition of New World First Bus Service and City Bus as well as acting as BVI counsel in respect of Hong Kong’s first rated RMBS in over two decades which received Best Structured Finance Deal of the Year (Hong Kong) (2025) .

Vanisha has advised a diverse clientele, including banks, corporates, and funds on a wide range of legal, banking and finance matters. Her legal expertise is underpinned by strong relationship management and leadership skills, ensuring that clients receive tailored, results-driven solutions.

With a passion for helping businesses thrive, Vanisha is dedicated to fostering strong client relationships built on trust and transparency.

Vanisha is qualified in UK and in the BVI and is fluent in English and Hindi.

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Hong Kong January 28, 2025 Loeb Smith Attorneys, one of the leading offshore corporate law firms with a strong growing presence in the APAC region, has recently advised investment and securities trading group, Grit Global Capital Group Limited, among other clients, on their new share subscriptions and shareholders arrangements from British Virgin Islands law perspectives (the “Transactions”).

The Transactions were led by Partner Ivy Wong and assisted by Max Lee and Frost Wu in Hong Kong. Partner and Head of the firm’s Corporate and Investment Funds Group, Gary Smith, commented, “In view of the continuous growth of our corporate client base and deal flow in Asia Pacific, we have strategically strengthened and expanded our corporate and capital markets practice in Hong Kong to provide a strong team and help serve our clients in same time zone. This move is very well-received by our clients and able to attract new ones who seek to resort to our excellent services, as recognized by reputable legal directories with multiple awards to the firm in client satisfaction and best client services.”

Partner Ivy Wong in Hong Kong also commented, “Corporate and shareholding restructurings, new share subscriptions, investors’ collaborations and synergies building are all part of the latest mega trends. The firm is well-equipped with the necessary corporate law capability and expertise to meet those clients’ needs and market trends, which was made possible for reasons of its strong leadership, vision and commitment to the region. The team is pleased to be servicing its clients in different industry sectors that have a common goal and vision for growth and expansion.”

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About Loeb Smith Attorneys

Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the leading offshore corporate law firms considered one of the most active and knowledgeable firms for advising on offshore investment funds formation and launch of all asset classes including public securities, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and virtual assets. Other areas of strength and growth are advising on M&A, Finance, Corporate Restructurings, Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, Investments, Logistics, Shipping and Aviation.

Considered a leading law firm in the Fintech and Blockchain Technology space, Loeb Smith also advises on token issuances, application for VASP licences for Web 3.0 businesses, Metaverse infrastructure and other virtual asset service providers, and utilising Cayman and BVI structures to develop virtual asset platforms for DAOs. Loeb Smith’s clients are investment managers, financial institutions, onshore counsels, and HNWIs who the firm advises on day-to-day legal issues and complex, strategic matters.

Some of our firm’s recent accolades are: winning Leading Firm in Client Satisfaction 2024 award by Legal 500; ranked in Investment Funds category and listed as one of the Firms To Watch for Corporate & Commercial by Legal 500 in 2024; named as Recommended Firm by IFLR 1000 from 2021 to 2024; named in Offshore Client Choice List by Asian Legal Business from 2021 to 2023; ranked amongst Top 30 Asia’s Fastest Growing Law Firms by Asian Legal Business in 2023 and 2024; ranked in The A-List: Top Offshore Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal in 2022 and 2024; named as one of the ALB Hong Kong Firms to Watch 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Hedgeweek US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Awards 2023; and winning The Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service at With Intelligence HFM Asia Services Awards 2024.

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Hong Kong January 16, 2025 Loeb Smith Attorneys, one of the leading offshore corporate law firms with a strong growing presence in the APAC region, has recently acted as special offshore counsel and advised various clients on the different aspects and stages of their transactions and matters, including China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (01848.HK) on the closing of its financing transaction, Yue Xiu Securities Holdings Limited on its funds related matters and Park Capital Group on its investment-related corporate arrangements (the “Offshore Law Matters”).

The Offshore Law Matters relate to Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands law, and the advice was given and led by Partner Ivy Wong and included team members Frost Wu and Max Lee in Hong Kong. Partner and Head of the firm’s Corporate and Investment Funds Group, Gary Smith, commented, “It has been encouraging to see that Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands law regimes have remained popular and important regimes amongst corporates, funds and private wealth clients in the Asia Pacific region, and that our firm is able to deliver the different services and advice that meet the needs and demands of many respectable clients in the region. We remain positive of the outlook of the market and are committed to serving our clients in Asia and those who are seeking to build their presence in Asia.”

Partner Ivy Wong in Hong Kong also commented, “Many of our clients, both public and private clients, professional and individual clients, come to us for specific and tailored services and advice on their transactions. Apart from acting as deal counsel to a wide variety of transactions including financing, funds and corporate transactions, we also act as special counsel advising on specific aspects of offshore law and at different stages of transactions, depending on the needs of our clients and the structure of the underlying deals. We provide added value and are very client-focused and oriented so that the most appropriate legal solutions and attention can be provided to help facilitate and enable a smooth running and closing of the transactions.”

About Loeb Smith Attorneys

Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the leading offshore corporate law firms considered one of the most active and knowledgeable firms for advising on offshore investment funds formation and launch of all asset classes including public securities, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and virtual assets. Other areas of strength and growth are advising on M&A, Finance, Corporate Restructurings, Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, Investments, Logistics, Shipping and Aviation.

Considered a leading law firm in the Fintech and Blockchain Technology space, Loeb Smith also advises on token issuances, application for VASP licences for Web 3.0 businesses, Metaverse infrastructure and other virtual asset service providers, and utilising Cayman and BVI structures to develop virtual asset platforms for DAOs. Loeb Smith’s clients are investment managers, financial institutions, onshore counsels, and HNWIs who the firm advises on day-to-day legal issues and complex, strategic matters.

Some of our firm’s recent accolades are: winning Leading Firm in Client Satisfaction 2024 award by Legal 500; ranked in Investment Funds category and listed as one of the Firms To Watch for Corporate & Commercial by Legal 500 in 2024; named as Recommended Firm by IFLR 1000 from 2021 to 2024; named in Offshore Client Choice List by Asian Legal Business from 2021 to 2023; ranked amongst Top 30 Asia’s Fastest Growing Law Firms by Asian Legal Business in 2023 and 2024; ranked in The A-List: Top Offshore Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal in 2022 and 2024; named as one of the ALB Hong Kong Firms to Watch 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Hedgeweek US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Awards 2023; and winning The Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service at With Intelligence HFM Asia Services Awards 2024.

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Hong Kong (January 9, 2025) Loeb Smith Attorneys, one of the leading offshore corporate law firms with a strong growing presence in the APAC region, has recently advised Alpha Technology Group Limited (Nasdaq: ATGL), a British Virgin Islands company, and Lion Group Holding Ltd (Nasdaq: LGHL), a Cayman Islands company, in their share capital restructuring by adopting dual class shareholding structures to facilitate management decision-making, corporate governance processes and incentive plans (the “Restructurings”).

 

The Restructurings were led by Partner Ivy Wong and included team members Max Lee and Frost Wu in Hong Kong. Partner and Head of the firm’s Corporate and Investment Funds Group, Gary Smith, commented, “Many of our clients are listed companies that are incorporated in offshore jurisdictions that are subject to offshore law regime, so that our Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands law capabilities come into key play alongside local counsels advising on listing rules of different stock exchanges. We are proud to have had the opportunities to provide our best support and contribute to the ongoing development of listed companies that require efficient and effective legal solutions to achieve their corporate goals and developments.”

 

Partner Ivy Wong in Hong Kong also commented, “In this market, more so than ever, in their attempts to bring greater value to investors, listed companies are seeking flexibility in their management, with a view to maintaining their competitiveness in the market and responsiveness to changes. It is also vital for listed companies to reward their management, staff and key stakeholders with appropriate incentives and awards to align interests and incentivize long-term growth and relationships. We are glad to have different clients coming to us for advice on these types of restructurings and share grant proposals, and we are particularly pleased to have contributed to the successful completion of the Restructurings for our clients.”

 

The Restructurings are examples of corporate matters and transactions that Loeb Smith Attorneys has advised listed companies and pre-listing companies in the past year together with Loeb & Loeb LLP acting as US counsel.

About Loeb Smith Attorneys

Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the leading offshore corporate law firms considered one of the most active and knowledgeable firms for advising on offshore investment funds formation and launch of all asset classes including public securities, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and virtual assets. Other areas of strength and growth are advising on M&A, Finance, Corporate Restructurings, Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, Investments, Logistics, Shipping and Aviation.

Considered a leading law firm in the Fintech and Blockchain Technology space, Loeb Smith also advises on token issuances, application for VASP licences for Web 3.0 businesses, Metaverse infrastructure and other virtual asset service providers, and utilising Cayman and BVI structures to develop virtual asset platforms for DAOs. Loeb Smith’s clients are investment managers, financial institutions, onshore counsels, and HNWIs who the firm advises on day-to-day legal issues and complex, strategic matters.

Some of our firm’s recent accolades are: winning Leading Firm in Client Satisfaction 2024 award by Legal 500; ranked in Investment Funds category and listed as one of the Firms To Watch for Corporate & Commercial by Legal 500 in 2024; named as Recommended Firm by IFLR 1000 from 2021 to 2024; named in Offshore Client Choice List by Asian Legal Business from 2021 to 2023; ranked amongst Top 30 Asia’s Fastest Growing Law Firms by Asian Legal Business in 2023 and 2024; ranked in The A-List: Top Offshore Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal in 2022 and 2024; named as one of the ALB Hong Kong Firms to Watch 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Hedgeweek US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Awards 2023; and winning The Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service at With Intelligence HFM Asia Services Awards 2024.

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Hong Kong (December 2, 2024) – We are very pleased to announce that our Firm has been recognised in The ALB Fast 30 list for a second year in a row.

This recognition reinforces the firm’s growth strategy, the determination and dedication of our teams in Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, and the BVI to contribute to providing high quality technical legal advice and commercial solutions, and outstanding client service, and continuous drive to stay at the forefront of the fast-changing business and technological landscapes in Asia.

We value that ALB appreciates the rapid and robust growth of Loeb Smith in the past year.

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Hong Kong (November 26, 2024) Loeb Smith Attorneys, one of the leading offshore corporate law firms with a strong growing presence in the APAC region, advises in the going private merger transaction of First High-School Education Group, an education service provider primarily focusing on high schools in Western China (the “Company”). The Company has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger for the short form merger transaction (the “Merger”) on November 22, 2024.

Loeb Smith Attorneys has served as Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Special Committee and the team of lawyers advising on the transaction was led by Partner Ivy Wong and included team member Frost Wu in Hong Kong. Partner and Head of the firm’s Corporate and Investment Funds Group, Gary Smith, commented, “This is another testament of the depth and breadth of our firm’s expertise and our teams of attorneys’ ability and credentials to provide seasoned legal insights and support to clients in their different corporate actions and endeavors. It also showcases our commitment to our clients in Asia and our transactional profile involving a wide range of corporate law services in the current financial climate.”

Partner Ivy Wong in Hong Kong also commented, “It has been a pleasure working with the professional parties in the region to advise on this short form Merger to achieve the strategic goals of different stakeholders without having to go through the complexities and time required of a regular merger. We expect to see that the trend of merger transactions will continue, while others continue to seek fundraising opportunities on major stock exchanges, whether in the US or elsewhere.”

Zhongqin Asset Appraisal Co., Ltd. is acting as financial advisor to the Special Committee. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, is acting as U.S. legal counsel to the Special Committee.

The Merger is currently expected to close in the first half of 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

About Loeb Smith Attorneys

Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the leading offshore corporate law firms considered one of the most active and knowledgeable firms for advising on offshore investment funds formation and launch of all asset classes including public securities, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and virtual assets. Other areas of strength and growth are advising on M&A, Finance, Corporate Restructurings, Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, Investments, Logistics, Shipping and Aviation.

Considered a leading law firm in the Fintech and Blockchain Technology space, Loeb Smith also advises on token issuances, application for VASP licences for Web 3.0 businesses, Metaverse infrastructure and other virtual asset service providers, and utilising Cayman and BVI structures to develop virtual asset platforms for DAOs. Loeb Smith’s clients are investment managers, financial institutions, onshore counsels, and HNWIs who the firm advises on day-to-day legal issues and complex, strategic matters.

Some of our firm’s recent accolades are: winning Leading Firm in Client Satisfaction 2024 award by Legal 500; ranked in Investment Funds category and listed as one of the Firms To Watch for Corporate & Commercial by Legal 500 in 2024; named as Recommended Firm by IFLR 1000 from 2021 to 2024; named in Offshore Client Choice List by Asian Legal Business from 2021 to 2023; ranked amongst Top 30 Asia’s Fastest Growing Law Firms by Asian Legal Business in 2023 and 2024; ranked in The A-List: Top Offshore Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal in 2022 and 2024; named as one of the ALB Hong Kong Firms to Watch 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Hedgeweek US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Awards 2023; and winning The Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service at With Intelligence HFM Asia Services Awards 2024.

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Loeb Smith Attorneys is pleased to announce that our team has been rated as a Leading Firm in client satisfaction 2024 by the Legal 500.

Every year the Legal 500 team speak to clients and peers about the top law firms around the globe.

After in-depth client feedback research for over a 6-years period and all aspects of law firm practice were analyzed and measures based on client service and customer experience from responsiveness, efficiency, communications, billing transparency, through lawyer quality and industry profile, only the firms in the top percentile firms receive this kite mark badge to recognize the high level of customer satisfaction they are delivering.

Loeb Smith Attorneys is very proud to have received this ranking from the Legal 500 as it comes from direct engagement with our clients. Special thanks to our much-valued clients and partners as their continued trust and support in us are the key reasons for our achievement.

This achievement is another testament to our team’s expertise and Loeb Smith Attorneys’ commitment in client services.

With offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, Loeb Smith Attorneys has won numerous awards over this year and has achieved high rankings in well-known international legal directories.

 

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We are pleased to announce that IFLR1000 has released its 2024-2025 Hong Kong rankings and Loeb Smith Attorneys’ Hong Kong office is awarded “Recommended Firm 2024” and ranked in two categories: “Investment funds: Offshore” and “Financial and corporate: Offshore”.

About Loeb Smith Attorneys 

Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the leading offshore corporate law firms considered one of the most active and knowledgeable firms for advising on offshore investment funds formation and launch of all asset classes including public securities, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and virtual assets. Other areas of strength and growth are advising on M&A, Finance, Corporate Restructurings, Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, Investments, Logistics, Shipping and Aviation.

Considered a leading law firm in the Fintech and Blockchain Technology space, Loeb Smith also advises on token issuances, application for VASP licences for Web 3.0 businesses, Metaverse infrastructure and other virtual asset service providers, and utilising Cayman and BVI structures to develop virtual asset platforms for DAOs. Loeb Smith’s clients are investment managers, financial institutions, onshore counsels, and HNWIs who the firm advises on day-to-day legal issues and complex, strategic matters.

Some of our firm’s recent accolades are: winning Leading Firm in Client Satisfaction 2024 award by Legal 500; ranked in Investment Funds category and listed as one of the Firms To Watch for Corporate & Commercial by Legal 500 in 2024; named as Recommended Firm by IFLR 1000 from 2021 to 2024; named in Offshore Client Choice List by Asian Legal Business from 2021 to 2023; ranked amongst Top 30 Asia’s Fastest Growing Law Firms by Asian Legal Business in 2023 and 2024; ranked in The A-List: Top Offshore Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal in 2022 and 2024; named as one of the ALB Hong Kong Firms to Watch 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Hedgeweek US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Emerging Manager Awards 2023 and 2024; winning Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at Private Equity Wire US Awards 2023; and winning The Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service at With Intelligence HFM Asia Services Awards 2024.

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