Clifford Chance, A&O scoop world's largest Reit flotation

Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy's (A&O) Hong Kong branches have scooped key advisory roles on the world's largest IPO for a real estate investment trust (Reit).

The Hong Kong government has relaunched the IPO, likely to raise as much as$2.8bn (£1.6bn), in its second attempt to privatise a retail and parking spaces portfolio.

If successful, Link will become the first Reit to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Magic circle firm Clifford Chance provided counsel to the Hong Kong government and A&O represented the underwriters, including Goldman Sachs and Shanghai Banking. Simmons & Simmons advised trustee HSBC Institutional Trust Services on Hong Kong and English law. Linklaters acted for Link on Hong Kong law, while Shearman & Sterling acted for Link on US law.

The Hong Kong government's first attempt at an IPO for Link in December 2004 was abandoned after two senior citizens lodged a lawsuit questioning the legality of privatising public real estate assets. The government later won court rulings in its favour, which paved the way for a relaunch.