Ashurst has hired Joshua Cole as a Hong Kong-based partner in its corporate practice from King & Wood Mallesons.

Cole, who has been in Hong Kong since 2010, specialises in cross-border M&A and joint ventures. He has advised on acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures across sectors such as energy and resources, telecommunications and financial services. Cole’s clients include Chinese SOEs, regional players and Western corporations.

“Joshua has a wealth of experience advising clients in the region and with the increase in cross-border corporate transactions throughout Asia Pacific, his arrival will help to capitalise on further opportunities. His appointment reflects our ambition to consolidate and grow the Hong Kong international M&A practice,” said Lina Lee, Ashurst’s Hong Kong managing partner, in a statement.