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Banking and finance: International firms and joint ventures

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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Hong Kong‘s Asia banking and credit group advises major clients, including financial institutions and asset managers, on a range of financings involving Japanese businesses and assets. Makiko Harunari, who leads the practice from Hong Kong, handles cross-border financing transactions for financial sponsors, corporate borrowers, and financial institutions. Noted for being 'extremely diligent and smart in pushing forward transactions', Atsushi Usui plays a key role in the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Makiko Harunari has an extensive and deep expertise in financing transactions involving private equity funds. While she is a tough negotiator, she is good at focusing on substantial issues and flexible at providing reasonable alternatives for the benefit of her clients.’

  • ‘Makiko Harunari knows the market well and takes a hands-on approach to assisting clients in pushing forward transactions. Her advice is very straightforward and reasonable, and easy to understand for everyone.'

  • ‘Makiko Harunari leads the STB Asia banking team. She has a strong commercial background and is an experienced acquisition finance lawyer.'
  • 'Astushi Usui is extremely diligent and smart in pushing forward transactions. Besides, he is very polite and easy to work with.'
  • 'Atsushi Usui is a key senior associate who works with Makiko. He is able to achieve ambitious goals in a short period of time.'

  • ‘STB has many very knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who can handle complex and sophisticated legal matters.’

Key clients

  • KKR & Co. Inc.
  • The Blackstone Group
  • SoftBank

Work highlights

Advised KKR (with Gaw Capital) on the acquisition of Hyatt Regency Tokyo - KKR's first ever hotel investment in Japan.
Advised Blackstone on the financing in connection with its planned tender offer to acquire I’rom Group Co., Ltd.
Advised funds affiliated with Blackstone in connection with financings related to its acquisition of a majority stake in Sony Payment Services Inc.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Gaiben

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

Makiko Harunari

Practice head

Makiko Harunari

Other key lawyers

Atsushi Usui