Herbert Smith Freehills advises Welkin China Private Equity on US$315m IPO

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Welkin China Private Equity Limited (WCPE) on its US$315 million IPO. This is the first ever London Stock Exchange listed investment company providing direct, focused access to private equity in China and the first listed fund IPO of 2022.

WCPE is managed by Welkin Capital Management (Welkin), a highly regarded, locally-based private equity firm. 

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by Corporate partner Tim West and senior associate Ben Tooms, supported by associates James Rae and Warwick Carless and paralegal Emily Travers from the funds and asset management team.

Tim West commented:

"We are delighted to have assisted Welkin on the launch of this exciting new entrant to the London listed funds market. WCPE offers investors a unique investment proposition and highlights the strength of the listed investment company as a vehicle which can provide exposure to private equity and other illiquid assets to a broad investor audience and in a daily tradable format."

The Herbert Smith Freehills funds and asset management team is recognised in the legal directories as the leading firm for London listed closed-ended funds and counts amongst its clients funds managed by investment managers including BlackRock, JP Morgan Asset Management, Abrdn, Neuberger Berman, Baillie Gifford and Polar Capital, as well as many other boutique investment houses.