Listed trademark firms look to Asia for growth as Spruson & Ferguson acquires Ella Cheong in $21 million deal

Trailblazing publicly traded IP law firm Spruson & Ferguson has made its first overseas acquisition with its parent company’s HK$162 million (US$20.9 million) purchase of Hong Kong-based boutique Ella Cheong and subsidiary Ella Cheong Intellectual Property Agency (Beijing). The deal will significantly expand Sprusons’ presence in Asia – a key objective in the growth plans of firms involved in Australia’s recent flurry of IP practice initial public offerings.