Kamsky Associates, Inc. (KAI) is a leading merchant bank, financial advisory firm, and foreign investment market consultancy. KAI was founded by Virginia Kamsky in Beijing in 1980. It was one of the first 20 American companies licensed to open an office in China. Since then, KAI has helped Western and Chinese companies to consummate deals worth over US $7.5 billion.

KAI has remained at the forefront of the Chinese marketplace responsible for a number of “firsts” including creating the first wholly foreign owned enterprise in China for a major US industrial company, attaining the first insurance license for a foreign entity, and establishing the first foreign-invested major multi-use (commercial / residential / retail) real estate development project in China. KAI has also arranged financing for major projects throughout a range of industrial sectors for foreign-invested projects in China, and also for Chinese investment in overseas markets. KAI created and acted as principal and general manager for a private equity investment fund for investment in China. In addition, KAI has acted in an advisory capacity to Chinese publicly-listed companies on overseas stock exchanges.

We are proud to say that no company has more on the ground investment advisory experience in China than KAI. KAI offers a full range of services focused on identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities, these include market-entry analysis, deal financing, identification of partners and locations, due diligence, assistance in obtaining of licenses, re-structuring existing ventures, and advising Chinese companies in overseas investments.

The Chinese written language is a series of word pictures, or ideograms. More than other scripts, oriental ideograms carry a symbolic meaning, which is why the choice of the Chinese character kai for Kamsky Associates, Inc. seems most appropriate. Kai means "openness" and implies "development," which neatly summarizes the process of reform that China has been undergoing since 1978.

KAI specialists have rich experience in dealing with a complex market. KAI understands the importance of relationships, flexibility, commitment, patience and perseverance- qualities prized in oriental cultures. With its years of experience, intimate understanding of operating in China, and extensive contacts in both government and business, KAI is well positioned to assist clients in taking advantage of the many opportunities that China has to offer.

Values

Relationships

Chinese references to longstanding relationships, or friendships, have a meaning beyond western notions of business acquaintances. After more than twenty five years, KAI has established a strong network of high level contacts in government and industry across the country. These have proved invaluable in advancing our clients' interests. Building trust takes time in oriental cultures, but once established, it endures. KAI's contacts have contributed to a number of "firsts" in a highly competitive market. These include the first wholly foreign owned venture; the first multi-use real estate megacomplex, the first insurance license; and the first compensation trade mining venture, among many others. In China, relationships count.

Flexibility

Business in Asia, and China is no exception, demands flexibility. KAI's rich experience helps it fashion solutions to the knottiest problems. China's laws and regulations are constantly under review. Dealing with a system in flux presents challenges, and also opportunities. Doors close, others open. KAI has been adept at opening doors on behalf of clients; its expertise includes assistance in market-entry analysis, identification of partners and locations, due diligence, financial advisory services, obtaining of licenses, and, where necessary, restructuring existing ventures. Flexibility and creativity are key ingredients of KAI's success.

Commitment

Success in Asia, and China in particular, requires commitment. KAI has demonstrated that commitment repeatedly. After more than twenty five years, KAI's lengthening list of successfully concluded deals reflects perseverance. China presents great challenges, but with careful preparation, due diligence and persistence, obstacles can be overcome. KAI favors a partnership approach with clients, emphasizing a joint commitment to achieving results. Its involvement with successfully realized ventures does not stop with a contract signing. Not only does KAI play an ongoing advisory role, it also takes equity, and other forms of participation, in new ventures. This is testament to its continuing involvement.

Patience

Establishing a venture in China requires patience. Many foreign companies have not had the necessary staying power and have walked away from potentially rewarding deals. Overcoming regulatory and financial hurdles takes time. KAI has a record of finding creative solutions, and a reputation for patience and firmness. Finding the appropriate structure for a new venture and thus expediting negotiations is a KAI hallmark.

Perserverance

The Chinese have a saying, chi zhi yi heng, which implies perseverance and a long-term point of view. KAI believes in taking a long view, and encourages its clients to do the same. China rarely rewards a short-term approach. While Virginia Kamsky has devoted herself to facilitating business in China, she has also taken time to build understanding through her work as the Chairman of the China Institute in America and through her work with charitable foundations, which have distributed millions of dollars worth of emergency aid in China. KAI believes there is more to doing business in China than business.

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