China Everbright Bank Co., Ltd. Beijing Pilot Free Trade Zone Business Centre Sub Branch, Previously t/a China Everbright Bank Co., Ltd. Beijing Guanghua Road Branch v. China Kingho Energy Group Ltd and Others

HCA 809/2024

[2025] HKCFI 958

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO 809 OF 2024

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BETWEEN

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DECISION ON COSTS

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1.For background of the matter, I refer to my decision handed down on 20 February 2025[1]. I adopt the same terms and abbreviations used therein.

2.I have considered P’s Statement of Costs, D4’s Statement of Objections, and P’s Reply.

3.P claims costs in the total amount of HK$347,448.

4.In my view:

(a) Items D1 (Preparation of Documents) and D2 (Perusing of Documents) for a total of 35 man-hours in the total sum of HK$149,700 are grossly excessive. I allow only HK$70,000;

(b) The un-particularized Item E of 22 man-hours of legal research in the total sum of HK$48,200 is excessive. I allow only HK$20,000;

(c) Counsel brief in the sum of HK$100,000 is in my view too high. This is particularly so when the issues involved were not new. I allow only HK$60,000.

5.Adopting a broad-brush approach, I assess P’s costs at HK$200,000.

6.I make no further costs order for this summary assessment.

Statement of Costs and Reply by Chan Ching Man & Co, for the Plaintiff

Statement of Objections by Watson Farley & Williams LLP, for the 4^th Defendant