Ashurst advised BNP Paribas and CLSA as joint sponsors and global coordinators on China Maple Leaf Education System's HK$962 million IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ('HKEx').

China Maple Leaf Education Systems has become the first PRC-based international school operator listed on the HKEx. Founded in 1995, China Maple Leaf Education Systems operates over 30 schools ranging from pre-schools to high schools throughout China.  Sequoia Capital is the pre-IPO investor, while International Finance Corporation, Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management and New China Asset Management are cornerstone investors.

The Ashurst team was led by Hong Kong-based corporate partner Jonathan Hsui, assisted by senior associate Tracy Li and associate Alistair Tso. US securities team led by partner Stuart Rubin and counsel Ethan Perry, with the assistance of associate Kailing Li, advised on the US securities law matters.

Commenting, Jonathan Hsui said:

"We were delighted to be instructed by BNP Paribas and CLSA to advise on the first ever listing of PRC-based international school operator on the HKEx.  China Maple Leaf Education Systems is a market leader of international school operator in the PRC and we are happy to see their successful listing on HKEx.  We believe this IPO also reflects our capability of advising on some of the market's most high profile and complex capital markets transactions."