Shaohui Zhang, Dentons Corporate partner; Credit: Dentons

Dentons Luxembourg has successfully advised TUS Science and Technology Service Group (TUS S&T) on the launch of its Innovation Investment Fund (CLIIF), the first Chinese equity fund domiciled in Luxembourg to support innovative and fast growing businesses.

CLIIF was launched on 26 April 2019 at a signing ceremony at the Banque Internationale de Luxembourg (BIL) headquarters, witnessed by His Excellency Mr. Changqing Huang, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Luxembourg, and Marcel Leyers, incoming CEO of BIL Group. Over 50 high level representatives from the Luxembourg Government, Luxembourg for Finance, Luxembourg Stock Exchange, European branches of Chinese banks and Chinese enterprises, and related Luxembourg financial industries, were also present.

In 2018, Tus Science & Technology Services Group, a subsidiary of Tus-Holdings, Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone, and Zhongyuan Yuzi Investment Holding Group signed a cooperation agreement on the fund aimed to create a platform under the Luxembourg-Zhengzhou “Silk Road by Air” initiative. TUS S&T will help enhance the connection between China and Europe, with the support of the global innovation network of Tus-Holdings and TusPark.

Dentons Corporate partner, Shaohui Zhang, commented: “As China's business relationship with Luxembourg is rapidly evolving, many financial institutions, multinational companies, and fund management companies are looking to Luxembourg as an ideal gateway into the European market.”

Dentons provided legal advice on the establishment and structuring of the fund. The team was co-led by Corporate partner Shaohui Zhang, Head of the Europe China Desk, partner Eduard Koster, Head of the Investment Funds practice team in Luxembourg, and Frédéric Feyten, Luxembourg Managing Partner and Head of the Tax practice. The team also included Tax managing counsel Jean-Dominique Morelli and Investment Funds associate Bruno Hrovat.