About

Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto advises a broad range of clients across key industry sectors, including blue-chip industrial companies, banks and financial institution, private equity funds etc. The firm is highly regarded for handling complex, highly regulated transactions, including transactions with novel or unprecedented characteristics.

The firm has developed expertise in cross-border transactions on a global scale. In addition to developing strong relationships with top law firms worldwide, the firm was one of the first firms to enter the Chinese market with offices in both Beijing and Shanghai and more recently opened offices in Singapore (2012), Yangon (2014), Bangkok (integrated with Chandler and Thong-ek in 2017 (Chandler MHM)), Ho Chi Minh City (2018), Hanoi (2022), Jakarta (2023, ATD Law in association with Mori Hamada & Matsumoto), New York (2023) and Manila (2024, Tayag Ngochua & Chu, a member firm of Mori Hamada & Matsumoto). The firm has also developed a broad-based network globally by dispatching lawyers to leading local law firms.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Corporate/M&A: Domestic - Japan
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto fields a highly established team with a distinguished record of acting for household-name corporations and major financial institutions on corporate structuring, acquisitions, buyouts, disposals and joint ventures. The firm is highly proficient in representing both sellers and buyers in cross-border acquisitions and has additional expertise in consolidation and business integrations under the stock exchange programme. The team boasts an impressive client portfolio of leading private equity houses, investment firms, and major and multinational domestic corporations.

Work Highlights

Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
  • Mori Hamada & Matsumoto acted for Mizuho Securities in negotiations to increase its shareholding in Rakuten Securities.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Gaku Ishiwata
1
Gaku Ishiwata
Head of Corporate/M&A: Domestic
1
Band 1

Gaku Ishiwata is a market-leading M&A lawyer with particular expertise in hostile takeovers. He also has experience acting on cross-border acquisitions and private equity transactions.

"He is one of the leading M&A lawyers, including for hostile takeovers, and is extremely reliable and trustworthy, also providing excellent explanations to clients."

"Gaku Ishiwata is strong in hostile takeover matters and has a wealth of knowledge and experience, so you can trust him."

Hajime Tanahashi
1
Hajime Tanahashi
Head of Corporate/M&A: Domestic
1
Band 1

Hajime Tanahashi remains particularly active on M&A transactions and is also experienced in private equity and corporate governance matters.

"Hajime Tanahashi has a wealth of experience and strength in private equity fund projects. In terms of customer service, he is relatively flexible with a solid understanding the client's intention."

Atsushi Oishi
4
Atsushi Oishi
4
Band 4

Atsushi Oishi remains active on mergers and has experience in corporate restructuring. He also advises on cross-border financing mandates.

"He is knowledgeable about tax matters and can handle a wide range of cases."

Hirokazu Hayashi
4
Hirokazu Hayashi
4
Band 4

Hirokazu Hayashi advises on business integrations, corporate governance and venture capital transactions.

4
Yoshihiro Kojima
4
Band 4

Yoshihiro Kojima is noted for extensive experience in handling joint venture transactions and acquisitions.

"Yoshihiro Kojima is a very experienced M&A lawyer."

5
Rintaro Shinohara
5
Band 5

Rintaro Shinohara is noted for his accomplished handling of a range of transactions. He counts among his clients a string of major companies, who appreciate his cool head in negotiations.

"Rintaro Shinohara is responsive and flexible negotiating with our counterpart. I really appreciate his client-focussed advice."

Shuhei Uchida
5
Shuhei Uchida
5
Band 5

Shuhei Uchida provides expert counsel to clients in acquisitions, private equity investments and venture capital transactions. He is especially praised for his commitment to his clients.

"Shuhei Uchida is an extremely skilled lawyer who, even without instructions, provides his clients with objective information that is beneficial for their business judgements."

"I am very grateful for Shuhei Uchida who can provide me with advice based on his understanding of our organisation, as well as the emotions involved."

5
Takayuki Kihira
5
Band 5

Takayuki Kihira advises on various corporate transactions. He is noted for his experience handling cross-border corporate and M&A transactions for major multinational technology companies.

"Takayuki Kihira understood the client's needs and provided advice, collaborating with various experts in complex M&A transactions and organising issues in an easy-to-understand manner."

Akira Matsushita
U
Akira Matsushita
U
Up and Coming

Akira Matsushita is an up-and-coming practitioner in the firm's M&A team with particular expertise regarding shareholder activism and hostile takeovers.

"Akira is a lawyer who can provide detailed advice and has a strong understanding of business."

Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Japan

Corporate/M&A: Domestic

Gaku Ishiwata
1
Gaku Ishiwata
Head of Corporate/M&A: Domestic
1
Band 1
Hajime Tanahashi
1
Hajime Tanahashi
Head of Corporate/M&A: Domestic
1
Band 1
Atsushi Oishi
4
Atsushi Oishi
4
Band 4
Hirokazu Hayashi
4
Hirokazu Hayashi
4
Band 4
4
Yoshihiro Kojima
4
Band 4
5
Rintaro Shinohara
5
Band 5
Shuhei Uchida
5
Shuhei Uchida
5
Band 5
5
Takayuki Kihira
5
Band 5
Akira Matsushita
U
Akira Matsushita
U
Up and Coming