Corporate/M&A: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 2
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills' Tokyo-based Corporate team excels in cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and divestments across various sectors such as TMT, energy, construction, infrastructure, industrials and pharmaceuticals.
We pride ourselves on our "global reach with a local touch" approach and with over 24 years in Japan, we have cultivated strong relationships with some of the largest Japanese trading houses and international companies.
We specialise in outbound transactions for Japanese blue-chip companies, and by utilising our "Japan corridor" we offer a combination of outstanding regional experience with top quality local deal execution capability. For inbound transactions, we work in close collaboration with local counsel to ensure our clients receive the optimal blend of local insight and know-how with our signature international execution and sector strength.
Our deep understanding of our clients' business objectives, the markets in which they operate, and the dynamics of the overseas markets they target, has positioned us as their trusted advisors.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills offers a well-respected M&A team specialising in advising Japanese companies on outbound transactions including acquisitions and joint ventures into Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The firm's strong client base includes financial institutions, trading houses and companies operating in the TMT and energy and mining sectors. The team often works alongside colleagues across Europe, the UK and the wider Asia-Pacific region in order to assist clients on cross-border matters.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills supported SoftBank in relation to its majority investment in Cubic Telecom, a provider of software-defined connected vehicle solutions, in all stages of the transaction.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"HSF's ability to simplify the complex issues is very helpful. It feels like a sign of great depth and understanding in this area of work."
"Herbert Smith provide fast turnaround on urgent requests and have the depth and comprehensiveness on the advisory work."
"HSF's ability to simplify the complex issues is very helpful. It feels like a sign of great depth and understanding in this area of work."
"Herbert Smith provide fast turnaround on urgent requests and have the depth and comprehensiveness on the advisory work."
Notable Practitioners
Graeme Preston is an experienced lawyer who is noted for his work assisting clients on major M&A deals. He specialises in cross-border transactions, especially those involving the TMT, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
"Graeme Preston's service is very client-oriented and well coordinated."
"Graeme Preston is pragmatic, efficient and effective. He is sharp and has great knowledge of his sectors, often being able to give advice off the cuff."
Joseph Fisher is an active corporate lawyer who has a strong track record of advising on cross-border M&A mandates. He wins praise from clients for his impressive client service.
"Joseph Fisher has excellent knowledge in M&A, joint ventures and transactions generally and is a great negotiator. He is great to work with."