Services
Industries
Education
Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 2007
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Ph.D., 2004
Fudan University, B.A., 1998
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court
- Eastern District of Michigan
Languages
- Chinese
Zhiguo Du's practice focuses on international business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, joint venture transactions, corporate governance, tax planning and litigation.
A member of Miller Canfield's Corporate and Transactions Group, Zhiguo specializes in multinational cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and he has extensive experience representing Chinese enterprises doing business in the U.S. and advising U.S. companies with operations in China.
Prior to joining the firm, Zhiguo was an associate attorney at a major Michigan law firm. He also gained experience working at the Michigan Attorney General's Office.
Representative Matters
Mergers and Acquisitions
Represented a tier one Chinese automotive parts supplier in selling its U.S. subsidiary to a Canadian automotive and manufacturing company with total transaction value of approximately $30 million.
Represented a top Chinese automotive parts manufacturer in its EUR 16 million acquisition of automotive headliners business from a Netherlands company.
Represented a global automotive parts manufacturer with headquarters in China in its $147 million acquisition of the automotive sun visors business in France, Mexico and U.S. from a Netherlands company.
Represented a top Chinese automotive parts manufacturer in its $13 million acquisition of the lighting and components assets and business of a U.S. company.
Represented a Chinese investment company in its $39.5 million acquisition of 100% ownership of a Michigan corporation which provides integrated automation and tooling solutions to the automotive industry.
Represented a U.S. vertically integrated global supplier of automotive components to sell its business to a large Chinese automotive parts supplier for $101.2 million.
Represented a U.S. company in selling its real property located in the U.S. to a large Chinese automotive parts supplier for $17.6 million.
Represented a Chinese manufacturer in its $302 million acquisition of a U.S. automation manufacturer.
Represented a Chinese public company in its $47 million acquisition of shares of a Michigan-based automotive interior parts manufacturer.
Represented a Chinese state-owned enterprise in its $572 million acquisition of an automotive sealing manufacturer with business operations in eight countries.
Represented a Hong Kong company in its $97 million acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock (or equity equivalents) of a Tennessee corporation, and certain business assets from its affiliated entities.
Represented a Chinese public company in its $130 million acquisition of a Beijing-based Sino-foreign joint venture.
Hart-Scott-Rodino Filings
Represented companies in connection with Hart-Scott-Rodino filings for mergers and acquisitions.
Research and Development Centers
Represented several top Chinese automotive OEMs in establishing subsidiaries and research and development centers in the U.S.
Litigation
Represented Chinese enterprises involved in business disputes with American corporations, including formal litigation proceedings, arbitration and mediation.
Represented client in a major white-collar criminal defense case.
Nonprofit Tax Exempt
Assisted clients in establishing Michigan nonprofit corporations and prepared the applications and obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under federal tax law for charitable purposes for clients.
Honors
State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020-present
Wayne State University Law School, Barrister's Scholarship
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Outstanding Teaching Assistant Coordinator Award
Fudan University, Tung OOCL Scholarship
Professional Activities
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Detroit Chinese Business Association
Speeches
"Cybersecurity and Legal Obligations," Co-Presented with Jeffrey Richardson, Detroit Chinese Business Association's Cyber Security Readiness Seminar, Troy, Michigan, July 21, 2022
"China/Taiwan Trade: Market Updates, Market Entry and Exit Strategies," Van Andel Global Trade Center's Michigan World Trade Week Conference, Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 4, 2022
"U.S.-China Economic and Trade Agreement – Technology Transfer," Detroit Chinese Business Association Special Event on the Economic and Trade Agreement between the U.S. and China (Phase One), Troy, Michigan, January 23, 2020
Publications
"US investment and export restrictions on Chinese military companies," co-authored with Jeffrey Richardson and Thomas Appleman, WorldECR, March 2021
