Mori Hamada's team provides advice to global clients across the spectrum of financing transactions, including real estate finance, mezzanine finance, IP finance and corporate lending matters. The practice is well-regarded for its experience navigating complex cross-border cases. Team lead Masanori Sato frequently advises investment banks and securities firms, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and his practice includes advising on infrastructure funds and the privatisation of public assets. Hiroki Aoyama has expertise spanning syndicated loans, leveraged buyouts, real estate and project finance, DIP financing, and both structured and traditional banking matters. Takahiro Kobayashi advises on structured finance, securitisation, and project finance. Kei Shirakawa brings significant experience in leveraged finance and derivatives, while Yusuke Suehiro focuses on LBO financing and complex structured finance transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Mori Hamada has a large number of top-tier attorneys in its banking and finance practice, who provide clients with practical advice tailored to their business needs.'

  • ‘Even when consulting on advanced or novel matters, the attorneys at Mori Hamada provide convincing advice based on their specialised knowledge.’

  • ‘They have an extensive financial knowledge of small buyouts.’

  • 'They respond quickly and flexibly.'

  • ‘Mori Hamada & Matsumoto have more knowledge and experience in finance than any other law firm, and provide the best solutions to meet clients' needs.’

Key clients

  • The Japanese Bankers Association (JBA)
  • Japan Syndication and Loan-trading Association (JSLA)
  • MUFG Bank, Ltd.
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
  • Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd.
  • Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited.
  • Softbank Corp.
  • Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Work highlights

Advised MUFG on lending KDDI for its acquisition of Lawson.
Advised the client on an acquisition finance for a tender offer bid for JSR Corporation.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi

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

Takahiro Kobayashi
Masanori Sato
Yusuke Suehiro

Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Kei Shirakawa

Practice head

Masanori Sato

Other key lawyers

Hiroki Aoyama; Takahiro Kobayashi; Kei Shirakawa; Yusuke Suehiro