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Antitrust and competition: Independent local firms

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Anderson Mori & Tomotsune

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The team at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune has a workload which ranges from advising on merger control filings to representing clients involved in cartel investigations. The group routinely works with industries like manufacturing, energy, tech and aviation. Vassili Moussis is notable for his work advising on EU and international competition law, with a focus on international cartel matters and inbound and outbound merger control cases. Yusuke Nakano has expertise in both international merger control and cartel investigations. A standout team member is Etsuko Hara who has broad expertise in antitrust and competition law; Hara’s work includes advising on competition compliance, merger controls and international cartels and leniency. Another name to watch is Takeshi Suzuki who specialises in international as well as domestic competition matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Top shelf team in Japan, heads and shoulders above the rest.’

  • ‘Dedication, expertise, experience, easy to work with, amazing lawyers.’

  • ‘It's a very sophisticated and large practice in Japan, with a great level of attention to the details.’

  • ‘Takeshi Suzuki is a great lawyer and was able to assist and coordinate the pre-merger filing in various jurisdictions.’

  • ‘Etsuko Hara has not only deep expertise and experience in antitrust law but also strong business acumen, which makes it possible to provide practical support.’

  • ‘‘Takeshi Suzuki has provided exceptional service and legal advice relating to our most complex merger reviews in Japan. His advice is always pragmatic, timely and provides good explanations for the sometimes complicated Japanese rules.’

Key clients

  • Korean Air Co., Ltd.
  • Tokyu Agency Inc.
  • Lawson Inc.
  • Benesse Holdings Inc.
  • Tomoku Co., Ltd.
  • JIC Capital, Ltd.
  • Marunouchi Capital Inc.
  • M3, Inc.
  • HCL Japan Ltd.
  • Vitol B.V.
  • Qualcomm Incorporated
  • Bunka Shutter Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

Advised Korean Air in securing JFTC clearance for its acquisition of significant stake in Asiana Airlines, addressing competition concerns through innovative remedies, including divesting Asiana’s cargo business and ceding certain routes.
Represents Tokyu Agency and its employee in a high-profile bid-rigging case linked to the Tokyo 2020 Games, one of Japan’s most closely watched antitrust matters.
Advised Lawson Inc. on its February 2024 privatisation via a tender offer by KDDI Corporation, followed by a joint venture with KDDI and Mitsubishi Corporation, each acquiring a 50% stake.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Leading partners: Bengoshi

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Etsuko Hara

Other key lawyers

Vassili Moussis; Yusuke Nakano; Etsuko Hara; Takeshi Suzuki

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