Ropes & Gray Continues Growth in Dynamic Markets With New Hong Kong Office

Two private equity partners to spearhead firm's third new office in eight months

HONG KONG, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking its continued expansion into dynamic centers of commerce and finance, Ropes & Gray announces the opening of its Hong Kong office. Two private equity partners -- Alison T. Bomberg, an expert in private equity transactions who is relocating to Hong Kong; and Scott A. Jalowayski, who brings very similar experience to Ropes & Gray as a new partner -- will help launch the firm's newest office.

As was the case with the recent establishment of offices in Tokyo and Chicago, Ropes & Gray's Hong Kong office will further enhance the firm's ability to serve important, existing clients throughout the world -- particularly private equity clients who are increasingly investing in China and Asia generally.

"Hong Kong is a cornerstone of the Asian economy," said Brad Malt, the chairman of Ropes & Gray. "With an office in Hong Kong, we will be in a better position to serve our existing and future clients in the types of cutting-edge, sophisticated matters at which Ropes & Gray excels."

Scott Jalowayski, until recently a partner at Morrison & Foerster, has considerable experience in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions (including leveraged buyouts), restructurings and venture financings. Jalowayski earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Los Angeles; his MBA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies; and his law degree from New York Law School. He is admitted to practice in New York.

Alison Bomberg, a partner who began her career with Ropes & Gray in 1994, will join Jalowayski in launching the Hong Kong office. Bomberg specializes in debt financing transactions (including leveraged buyouts and structured financings), private equity investments and private equity fund raising. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Bomberg will reside in the firm's new Hong Kong office.

Also assisting in the launch of the new office is Jim DeGraw, a corporate partner in the firm's Tokyo office experienced in technology, commercial and intellectual property transactions. While DeGraw will continue to reside in Tokyo, his experience in establishing that office in October 2007 will prove tremendously useful in Hong Kong.

"This is both an exciting challenge and terrific opportunity to enhance our service to clients in Asia and throughout the world," said Bomberg. "With a local presence in Hong Kong, as well as the addition of colleagues who are fluent in Mandarin, clients will be better able to benefit from our first-rate, innovative approach to problem-solving."

Bomberg is alluding to Brian Schwarzwalder and Jay C.S. Tai, who are also joining Ropes & Gray. Schwarzwalder specializes in private equity transactions, direct investment and venture capital. Tai concentrates on M&A and private equity transactions. Both are fluent in Mandarin. Both were formerly senior associates in Morrison & Foerster's Hong Kong office.

As is the case with Ropes & Gray's new Chicago office, the initial focus of the Hong Kong office is to serve the firm's first-rate group of sophisticated private equity clients. Ropes & Gray has a premier, internationally recognized private equity practice.

"China is the preeminent private equity market in Asia," said Al Rose, the co-head of Ropes & Gray's Private Equity Group. "While the reach of our practice capability is global, having an office in the region will help us carry out our strategic aim of strengthening our position in key markets."

     Contact:

     Chris Tofalli
     Chris Tofalli Public Relations
     t. 914.954.8737
     chris@tofallipr.com

     or

     John D. Tuerck
     Director of Communications
     Ropes & Gray
     t. 781.801.7381
     john.tuerck@ropesgray.com

SOURCE Ropes & Gray