White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) > Tokyo, Japan > Firm Profile

White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) Offices

White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association)
Marunouchi Trust Tower Main
26th Floor, 1-8-3 Marunouchi
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Japan
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White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) > The Legal 500 Rankings

Japan > Corporate and M&A: International firms and joint ventures Tier 1

The corporate M&A team at White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) regularly advises on complex cross-border transactions, with recent work including advising Mitsubishi Electric Corporation on its acquisition of a Swedish-based company. Brian Strawn, who specialises in the industrial sector, jointly leads the practice alongside Jun Usami, whose experience spans the healthcare, automotive, TMT, retail, and finance industries. The team also works closely with the firm’s anti-trust, intellectual property and trade practitioners for a broader industry coverage. Nels Hansen and Shino Asayama are names to note within the team.

Practice head(s):

Brian Strawn; Jun Usami

Other key lawyers:

Nels Hansen; Shino Asayama

Testimonials

‘Very adept at guiding Japanese companies through complex legal issues outside Japan.’

‘Brian Strawn continues to be a very reliable partner who understands the kind of work product and support we need.’

‘Their experience, knowledge, and expertise in the Corporate and M&A field are impeccable.’

‘Super practical and well experienced. Always think about the client and it is fun to work with the team.’

‘Nels Hansen is super smart, and he is a trusted adviser not only for us but also other professionals.’

‘The team understands a Japanese company’s practice and culture very well and are capable of working smoothly and efficiently with Japanese clients.’

Key clients

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

gumi Cryptos Capital Fund II

IHI Corporation

BPEA EQT K.K.

double jump.tokyo Inc.

Woven Planet Holdings

Yamauchi No.10 Family Office

Thirdverse, Co.

allbear, Inc

Atlas Air / Polar Air Cargo

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan

Work highlights

  • Advised Mitsubishi Electric Corporation on its 100% acquisition of Scibreak AB, a Swedish-based company that develops direct current circuit breakers.
  • Advised IHI on its $1.2bn business collaboration arrangement and investment in NuScale Power.
  • Advised gumi on its multiple investments in approximately 30 start-ups across the globe in 2022 alone.

Japan > Projects and energy: International firms and joint ventures Tier 1

Paul Harrison leads the projects and energy team at White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association), advising on projects across the sector, from oil, gas and petrochemical projects to renewable energy projects and the energy transition. The team’s full-spectrum approach means that it is well positioned to advise on both inbound projects and overseas investment and counts lenders and sponsors among its clients; the group advises ECAs, commercial banks and private equity providers, as well as financial institutions, developers and Japanese utilities and trading companies. Kristian Bradshaw brings extensive project development expertise and senior associate Michael Richter focuses on construction and financing in the energy sector. As well as conventional power projects, such as LNG and nuclear matters, the practice is active in key developing areas, including hydrogen projects, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture. The addition of Masahiro Tanabe from Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise) in February 2023 has further strengthened the team’s expertise in battery storage projects, another recent growth area for the practice. Julien Bocobza joined the team from Norton Rose Fulbright in June 2022, bringing international experience in renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Alexander Woody left the firm in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

Paul Harrison

Other key lawyers:

Julien Bocobza; Kristian Bradshaw; Michael Richter; Joey Chan; Masahiro Tanabe

Testimonials

‘What makes W&C JPN (Tokyo Office) practice unique is that you have both ENG and JPN Law highly trained, specialised and devoted team of lawyers. Also, they always put the clients front and center above other considerations and ensure at all costs that for every matter, relevant resources are applied and available at all times, and if needed, kept on standby. Also, the team comes from a diverse set of origins, so it’s a good blend when it comes to an end-product (legal service output). In terms of innovations, the networking sessions they set-up (i.e., energy sector market players) regularly are a brilliant idea.’

‘The main partner that works for my organisation is Paul Harrison. In terms of key outstanding qualities, the main would be his synthetic nature and his custom to address immediately the potential major risks and red flags of any particular document, contract, discussion etc. so the client is always well aware of the different angles to be considered before moving ahead with any major decision. On a subsequent basis, he may move for assessment of more detailed and secondary matters. Also, he is extremely talented in devising the least-resistance solutions based on his understanding and background of the parties involved and the precedent applicable transactions. This saves a lot of resources later on as potential solution avenues are put forward for consideration.’

Key clients

Électricité de France (EDF)

EIG Global Energy Partners

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

JERA

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)

Kyushu Electric Power Co.

NEXI

Saudi Aramco

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)

Canadian Solar

Work highlights

  • Advised Kyushu Electric Power Co., Korea Electric Power Corporation and EDF on the financing of a $3.8bn high-voltage, direct current subsea transmission system in the United Arab Emirates, alongside local sponsors.
  • Advised EIG on its $2.15bn acquisition, through its MidOcean Energy platform, of the interests held by Tokyo Gas in four Australian LNG Projects.
  • Advising EIG in its joint $11.9bn bid with Brookfield Asset Management, through its MidOcean Energy platform, for Origin Energy Limited by Scheme of Arrangement.

Japan > Antitrust and competition: International firms and joint ventures Tier 2

White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) is particularly commended for its experience with the Japan Fair Trade Commission, with ‘truly astounding‘ team member Hideo Nakajima leveraging his experience as former secretary general. Toshio Dokei leads the Tokyo-based team, which also includes ‘strong competition lawyer‘ Takako Onoki. Dokei frequently advises on cases involving resale price maintenance claims, abuse of superior bargaining power, and cartels, while Onoki is a key name for global merger notifications, antitrust investigations, and related litigation. The practice is experienced at advising domestic and international companies, with clients such as Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

Practice head(s):

Toshio Dokei

Other key lawyers:

Hideo Nakajima; Takako Onoki

Testimonials

‘The team has a deeper understanding of local competition and they are great at stakeholder mapping, with a strong connection to key stakeholders within that area.’

‘Takako Onoki provides concise and effective advice with her knowledge based on her global and local perspective.’

‘The team has special talent to deliver specific knowledge and experiences related to anti-trust issues in the pharmaceutical industry.’

‘Hideo Nakajima has a truly astounding grasp of the field and is thoughtful in his analysis of issues and concepts. His experience and knowledge of the JFTC is a valuable asset.’

‘Takato Onoki is also a strong competition lawyer at the firm.’

Key clients

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Mitsubishi Electric Corporation on its acquisition of Motum AB from Accent Equity 2012 L.P.

Japan > Banking and finance: International firms and joint ventures Tier 2

White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association)‘s debt finance department is complimented by clients for its ability to ‘work seamlessly across jurisdictions‘ and for its ‘wealth of experience‘. The practice regularly advises on LBOs, restructurings, regulatory issues, buyouts and M&A financings, the latter of which practice head Zenya Onishi is the key contact. Clara Shirota, who clients commend for her ‘business minded‘ skills and ‘excellent client engagement‘, is the name to note for sponsor-side deals, and is additionally qualified in New York, England and Wales, and Hong Kong. The practice also provides advice on leveraged and structured financings, complex cross-border transactions, and private equity funds.

Practice head(s):

Zenya Onishi

Other key lawyers:

Clara Shirota

Testimonials

‘They have a wealth of experience in the field given broad deal exposure in the market.’

‘Clara Shirota is efficient and able to share useful structuring advice.’

‘Able to work seamlessly across jurisdictions, sectors, and situations bringing the same standard of care to each element of the transaction.’

‘Clara Shirota – excellent client engagement, extremely thorough, very business minded.’

‘Clara Shirota is a very commercial banking lawyer who understands private equity financing needs.’

Key clients

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

MUFG

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

CVC Capital Partners

Mizuho Bank

Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia Limited

MUFG Bank

SK ecoplant

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank

Deutsche Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised global banking and financial services institutions on the $7.5bn acquisition of Hitachi Metals by Bain Capital.
  • Represented Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank Ltd. and Aozora Bank Ltd., as Mandated Lead Arrangers in connection with the senior secured facilities provided to an acquisition vehicle of Bain Capital Private Equity, LP for its acquisition of Evident.
  • Advised Brookfield Asset Management on the debt aspects in respect of the financing for its acquisition of the Trimco Group, a leading global supplier of brand identity products, from Affinity Equity Partners.

Japan > Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures Tier 2

White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) houses a broad team which advises a broad range of real estate clients, including developers, investors, lenders and J-REITS. The team regularly handles both inbound and outbound transactions, assisting domestic and foreign clients on mandates across Japan and overseas as a result. Practice head Mizuho Yamada has vast experience in advising on significant data centre projects across Japan. Real estate expert Ayako Kawano is noted for her longstanding experience in fund formation issues, acquisitions and dispositions and financing deals.

Practice head(s):

Mizuho Yamada

Other key lawyers:

Ayako Kawano

Testimonials

‘The W&C team has long been in the real estate sector in Japan and has full coverage in terms of investment style and relevant asset classes. Has profound knowledge in this space, with good understanding of their client’s needs.’

‘Mizuho Yamada has long been a partner to my firm as well as for my previous firm and understands what our needs are inside and out. This makes the process very efficient and allows the clients to focus on other parts of the deal without unnecessary concerns.’

‘The biggest USP I felt was in depth industrial knowledge and flexibility.’

‘Technical knowledge and experience in real estate transactions.’

‘Yamada has been very supportive and responsive. Especially in times when there were market uncertainties, his experience and knowledge in the field allowed him to provide comprehensive legal advice to client.’

‘The firm is international and is familiar with laws of different countries.’

Key clients

ESR

Starts Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised ESR Group in its acquisition of an Osaka data centre asset, as part of a planned $2.15bn project.
  • Advised ESR Group in its joint venture with Stack Infrastructure to develop a new data center campus in Osaka, Japan.
  • Advised Starts Asset Management on its joint venture with Real Estate Sustainability & Energy-Efficiency Diffusion (Re-Seed), a general incorporated association established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Japan > Restructuring and insolvency: International firms and joint ventures Tier 2

Japan > TMT: International firms and joint ventures Tier 2

The team at White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) has vast experience in advising on matters involving M&A and IP, exhibiting skill when advising on emerging areas such as cryptocurrency, robotics, virtual reality, and e-sports. Practice co-head Jun Usami handles a variety of TMT transactions for both Japanese and international IT companies, while co-head Nels Hansen advises on venture capital transactions and M&A. Naoya Shiota is also recommended across the automotive, manufacturing, and entertainment sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jun Usami; Nels Hansen

Other key lawyers:

Naoya Shiota

Testimonials

‘The White & Case team has a very broad knowledge base. Our investment covers the US, EU, and Asia. The legal practices are different from each other and the White & Case team is able to help us verify the legal concerns following each market’s legal framework.’

‘I appreciate Nels Hansen’s work. He is very efficient. He is super responsive and has deep knowledge on all venture investment practices. He is able to provide me advice, not just on the legal documents, but also share his past experienced in similar situations. He can identify concerns outside of the legal documents themselves.’

Key clients

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Yamauchi No.10 Family Office

gumi Cryptos Capital Fund II, LP and gumi Cryptos Capital Fund II Parallel, LP

double jump tokyo Inc.

Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo-based) on its acquisition of Motum AB from Accent Equity 2012 L.P.
  • Advised Yamauchi No.10 Family Office in various investments.
  • Acted for gumi Cryptos Capital Fund II, LP and gumi Cryptos Capital Fund II Parallel, LP, advising on its multiple investments in approximately 30 start-ups across the globe.

Hong Kong > Banking and finance

The ‘very technical and also commercially-minded’ banking and finance team at White & Case stands out for its prowess in cross-border transactions across Greater China and the wider APAC region, boasting the ability to provide advice on US, English, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japanese law. The team excels as a strong performer in both lender and sponsor-side matters, making it a prime choice for assistance in cross-border structures encompassing leveraged finance, private credit, and pre-IPO finance. Leading the practice is Eugene Man, an expert in structured private debit and credit financing matters who also shines in leveraged financing. Other noteworthy team members include Baldwin Cheng, renowned for his robust affiliations with alternative capital providers and private equity funds throughout Asia, focusing on leveraged and acquisition financings, alongside trade and sponsor loans; Daniel Abercromby, a seasoned lawyer applauded for the breadth of his high-profile financing experience; and Clara Shirota, who splits her time between Hong Kong and Tokyo, and frequently advises private equity funds and other strategic investors.

Practice head(s):

Eugene Man; Baldwin Cheng

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Abercromby; Clara Shirota; Manley Leung; Sabrina Lee

Testimonials

‘The team is very much focused on making sure deals get done. They are super-helpful in every way, always willing to go above and beyond, and responsive. They provide a consistent quality of legal advice and deliverables, very technical and also commercially-minded.’

‘Manley Leung is very responsive and always available.’

‘Baldwin Cheng has great commercial sense and is approachable.’

‘Eugene Man has extremely strong knowledge of our business, willing to help with guiding banks and borrowers alike to a reasonable conclusion and a fair deal. Always available and open-minded.’

‘White & Case has an impressive range of clients from banks, private credit funds and PE houses, so they understand their clients and the markets well. The White & Case team is professional and very responsive to the team’s needs. They handle a significant amount of our key deals in Asia.’

‘Daniel Abercromby is a technically strong lawyer, but also very easy to work with and always adds value to a transaction.’

‘Eugene Man handles complex and sophisticated matters as he understands the commercial aspects of deals. Eugene is our first point of contact for ground-breaking matters. He is well-known in the market for his technical skills and gives sound advice at all times.’

Key clients

Advent International

Asian Development Bank

Barclays Bank

BDO Unibank

BNP Paribas

Brookfield Asset Management

Citigroup

CMOC Group Limited

Deutsche Bank

Dignari Capital Partners (HK) Limited

DigitalBridge Group

ICBC International Finance Limited

International Finance Corporation

Oaktree Capital Management

RRJ Capital

TA Associates

Work highlights

  • Advised Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited and Credit Suisse AG as original mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners on the US$1.2bn facilities to Weibo Corporation.
  • Advised Citi as sole coordinator and documentation bank (together with other investment banks leading the lender syndicate management and bookrunning processes) in connection with the maturity extension, introduction of sustainability-linked pricing terms, pricing adjustments and other amendments to the US$6.5bn dual-tranche RCF financing for Alipay (Hong Kong) Holding Limited.
  • Advised Brookfield Asset Management in respect of the approx. US$327m financing for its acquisition of the Trimco Group.

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