Corporate/M&A: International | Global

Morrison Foerster maintains its leading market position with substantial expertise in big-ticket cross-border M&A transactions. The firm acts for an enviable client roster that includes some of the world's largest conglomerates and private investment funds. It is widely admired for its ability in serving leading domestic pharmaceutical and TMT corporations in strategic acquisitions, joint ventures and business alliances. The team is skilled in working jointly with domestic counsel in supporting foreign clients on inbound transactions. Some of the firm's notable clients are Toshiba, Fujitsu and SoftBank Group.

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. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Davis Polk & Wardwell has a highly respected international transactional practice that is sought out by major domestic corporations for its cross-border capabilities. The firm regularly handles transactions spanning the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and the USA, handling a range of M&A transactions, disposals, strategic investments and business integration mandates. The team regularly acts for corporates from a wide range of sectors, and clients include Shiseido and Relo Group.

White & Case frequently assists with a range of corporate work, including joint ventures, share acquisitions and sales of subsidiaries. The firm fields both bengoshi partners and registered foreign lawyers to provide robust support to an array of domestic and international clients. Its workload spans M&A transactions in the energy and transportation sectors through to the food, technology and mobile gaming industries. The firm is sought after for its international reach and often coordinates mandates with colleagues in the UK, Singapore, Australia and the USA. Notable clients include IHI and Mitsubishi Electric.

Clifford Chance is highly active on cross-border investments and acquisitions. The firm services a portfolio of domestic and international clients from a range of sectors including energy, agriculture, manufacturing and insurance. The team assists with acquisitions and divestitures as well as business alliances. It works closely with its network of overseas colleagues across the Asia-Pacific region to provide guidance on international transactions. Notable clients include Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure and Henkel.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett fields a Hong Kong-based team renowned for its expertise in fund formations. The practice group is noted for its prowess in assisting Japanese GPs on the raising of substantial private equity and real estate funds and it demonstrates a strong bench of expert lawyers fluent in Japanese.

Baker McKenzie is sought out by household-name domestic corporations for its full-service expertise in international M&A transactions into Asia, the USA and Europe. The firm works together with domestic practitioners in handling inbound acquisitions and reorganisations. It is favoured by life science, manufacturing and technology clients, and proves a popular choice among institutional investors and private equity houses. Its expertise in M&A is augmented by its ability to handle major corporate restructurings and insolvencies. Key clients include Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Universal Entertainment and Okada Manila International.

DLA Piper has an experienced team that advises well-known Japanese companies across a range of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. The firm boasts varied sector coverage including deals in the media, telecommunications, hospitality, finance and pharmaceutical sectors. The team is knowledgeable in various domestic corporate structures, including establishing silent partnerships, and also has particular expertise in cross-border acquisitions, sales and joint ventures, including for technology and life sciences clients. The practice also receives instructions from multinationals for work on the formation of operations in Japan. Notable recent clients include Japan Bank for International Cooperation, JGC Holdings and INEOS.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer leverages its network of offices to support corporations on a range of inbound and outbound M&A transactions. The firm is deeply experienced in the infrastructure, oil and gas, chemical and technology industries. Workflow covers both public company and share acquisitions, as well as private equity-led buyouts. It offers seamless coordination on cross-border transactions and often leverages support from colleagues in Hong Kong, Singapore, a number of European jurisdictions and the USA. Notable clients include ENEOS and Toray Industries.

Hogan Lovells has a versatile team skilled in handling a wide array of M&A and joint venture transactions for both Japanese and multinational clients. The firm also advises on market exits and cross-border restructuring. It is noted for its ability in servicing multinational clients in the automotive, technology, food and drink, and life sciences sectors, and recent clients include Mitsubishi, Booking.com and Sojitz.

Jones Day has a solid track record in handling outbound acquisitions and global transactions involving assets in Japan. The firm additionally advises multinationals, investment management firms and private equity houses regarding inbound investments. It is active across a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, natural resources, insurance and technology. The team leverages its global network to provide seamless advice on cross-border transactions and offers further assistance with aspects such as antitrust and labour law. Key clients include PAG, Marubeni Corporation and Macquarie Securities Capital Japan.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison advises clients from a broad spectrum of sectors including technology, insurance, manufacturing and life sciences. The firm utilises its global network to provide seamless advice to Japanese clients buying and selling abroad, and on inbound transactions for US clients. The team is active on behalf of Asia-based private equity houses. Major clients include Apollo Global Management, Altemira and SVF Investment Corp. 3.

Ropes & Gray is highly regarded for its sophisticated private equity capabilities and singled out for its prowess in cross-border transactions. The firm is skilled in restructuring companies prior to public listings. The team maintains a focus upon servicing work for its clientele of leading US private equity firms, most notably Bain Capital.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates has longstanding expertise in tackling international M&A work on behalf of sellers and buyers. The firm is recognised for its notable activity in structuring joint ventures on behalf of major Japanese corporations and acts for both individual investors and investor consortiums on private equity-led M&A. The firm leverages its extensive international network on complex cross-border acquisitions involving Japanese companies. Notable clients include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Intel and Square Enix.