UGGC Avocats becomes the French leading law firm in China with the strategic appointment of Anne Severin (partner), ZHONG Hua (partner) and Sylvie Savoie (local partner China)

This integration represents a significant milestone in the growth of UGGC Avocats in China, consolidating its position as a top-tier law firm providing legal and strategic support to international clients.

For over thirty (30) years, she has been assisting French and European companies with their direct investment and merger and acquisition issues in the Shanghai region. In addition to her expertise in general corporate law, she also advises clients on complex corporate law matters.

Anne Severin’s professional background includes serving as a member of the Board of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China and as France’s Foreign Trade Advisor since 2009. She is currently a member of the Paris Committee of the CCEF, where she plays an active role in promoting France’s attractiveness and demonstrating her commitment to developing economic exchanges between France, Europe and China.

She regularly provides insights to delegations from major institutions such as IHEDN, ESSEC, and École Polytechnique. At the request of the French Consulate General in Shanghai, she has been asked to present the legal environment for business in China to senior French officials, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, and parliamentary delegations.

In 2019, she was awarded first prize in the French Chamber of Commerce’s Businesswomen in China awards. As the first foreign lawyer to be awarded the Magnolia Medal by the Municipality of Shanghai, which recognises foreign citizens who have contributed to the economic and social development of Shanghai, she enjoys a special relationship with these authorities. She leverages this relationship to promote the attractiveness of France as well as the interests of French and European companies.

Anne Severin joined the corporate law/mergers and acquisitions and financing team at UGGC Avocats’ Shanghai office, where she will play an active role in its development.

With a PHD in law and over a decade of experience in international legal structures, she assists clients in their cross-border operations between China, Europe and Africa. She advises them on their overseas establishment, acquisition and development projects.

She holds professional certification from the French Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and has also gained significant experience working in the legal and compliance department of ICBC Europe Paris Branch, where she acquired in-depth knowledge of European regulatory and financial requirements.

Hua Zhong has worked in Shanghai for several years, during which time she has developed a keen understanding of the Chinese and European legal, economic and cultural environments. As a result, she has established herself as a key contact for players involved in high-stakes international projects.

Her proficiency in three languages – Chinese, French and English – makes her an invaluable asset to our company, especially in the negotiation and coordination of cross-border projects.

For over 35 years, she has advised foreign companies on their establishment projects and provided legal support to companies already operating in China, assisting them daily with issues relating to contract law, employment law, commercial law, tax law, and more.

Sylvie Savoie has established herself as a strategic partner for companies seeking to establish or develop their activities in China. She has developed a recognised expertise in the structuring of establishment projects and the drafting of contractual agreements. Sylvie Savoie is an experienced negotiator, specialising in contractual agreements between foreign companies and Chinese partners. Her bilingualism in Chinese has enabled her to take on a pivotal role as an intermediary and facilitator, helping to clarify the mutual expectations of all parties involved.

 She has also coordinated numerous operational teams in the day-to-day management of their routine business or sensitive situations.

She is committed to the international legal ecosystem, having participated in numerous professional events and regularly providing insight into the evolution of the Chinese regulatory framework to audiences of international companies and organisations.

Sylvie is a France’s Foreign Trade Advisor for China and was honoured in June 2023 with the title of Knight of the National Order of Merit in recognition of her ongoing commitment to serving the business community in Beijing.

“At the start of this new year, full of challenges, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Anne Severin, Hua Zhong and Sylvie Savoie to our teams in China. The firm’s establishment in China reflects its commitment to strengthening its presence and expertise in the region. Combining leading legal expertise with in-depth knowledge of the Chinese environment, including its regulatory framework, economic conditions and institutional infrastructure. We share the same values and have complementary areas of expertise to better address all of our clients’ challenges.”

Zhen Huang, Managing Partner of UGGC Avocats in China