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.