Corporate/M&A: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6438 5200Chambers Review
A&O Shearman is entrusted by major banks and domestic corporations to provide assistance with acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and related financings. The firm often works on outbound transactions into countries in South-East Asia, as well as further afield to Brazil, Australia and the UK. Skilled in bridging the cultural gap, with experts who offer a wealth of knowledge of local business dynamics, the team acts on behalf of an impressively diverse client roster that spans companies from the pharmaceutical, automotive, TMT, insurance, manufacturing, shipping and energy sectors.
Work Highlights
- A&O Shearman advised ASICS, a leading Japanese sportswear brand, on the transfer of its 100% stake in Haglöfs, a premium Swedish outdoor performance brand, to LionRock Capital, a Hong Kong-based private equity firm, involving the sale of Haglöfs and its subsidiaries in five European countries.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"A&O Shearman have good global cooperation and are able to quickly gather opinions on the laws and regulations of each country."
"A&O Shearman's response was quick, flexible and prompt."
"A&O Shearman have good global cooperation and are able to quickly gather opinions on the laws and regulations of each country."
"A&O Shearman's response was quick, flexible and prompt."
Notable Practitioners
Nick Wall has particular expertise in handling M&A transactions and joint ventures in the automotive, technology and manufacturing sectors, counting major multinational corporates among his clients.
"Nick has lived in Japan for a long time, so it is great that we can communicate in Japanese. He has deep knowledge of M&A, a cheerful personality and a tenacious negotiation style."
"Nick understands our business quickly and is very responsive."
Karl Pires is involved in a range of public and private M&A transactions including acquisitions, investments and joint ventures.
"Karl knows everything from Japanese culture, the company's operation and how we think about the M&A transaction. The advice he gives me is to the point and what we want."
"Karl's work product is excellent. He's a strong communicator and is capable of driving progress without me being involved in the minutiae of a given negotiation or contract."
Masahisa Ikeda regularly assists multinational corporations and domestic conglomerates with their cross-border M&A transactions.
Ranked Lawyers at
A&O Shearman
Japan