Corporate/M&A: Domestic

southgate is a well-recognised boutique firm specialising in servicing mid-sized companies with cross-border transactions. The firm maintains a robust portfolio of work which includes assisting with venture capital transactions and joint ventures. It is particularly active assisting clients in the technology and automotive industries as well as those engaged in retail and heavy industries. The team frequently represents overseas clients in inbound acquisitions. Key clients include IBM, SoftBank Vision Fund and Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems.

"The team is excellent. Different strengths and bedside manners were brought to the discussions. They guided us with confidence, looked out for our best interests and helped us navigate tricky, tense negotiations."

"Not only do we receive high-quality output, but we also receive various support from the entire team so that we can work together well."

southgate represented IBM in the establishment of a joint venture with Resona Bank, a Japanese megabank, and NTT Data, a major Japanese listed systems integrator.

Eric Marcks is a co-founder of southgate and is well regarded in the market for his strength in cross-border M&A deals, venture capital financings and joint venture transactions. "Eric provided timely, delicate and clear advice during the trickiest moments of a tricky deal."