TMI Associates regularly advises on a broad range of matters, including large-scale cross-border deals, going-private transactions, joint ventures, responses to activist shareholders, and the development of takeover defences. The practice is jointly led by Masakazu Iwakura, known for his work on high-profile and complex M&A transactions; Tatsuhiro Takahara, who offers strategic and commercial legal support to major private equity clients; and Nobuyuki Watanabe, who represents both buyers and sellers in M&A deals. Also notable is Takashi Toichi, who provides counsel to companies undergoing restructuring, supports private equity funds, and advises on corporate governance, risk management, and dispute resolution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The TMI team is one of the most experienced, particularly in international cross-border corporate and M&A matters. They consistently deliver the highest quality of work, regardless of the monetary value of a given mandate.'
'Their research capabilities and expertise in business practices provide them with a competitive edge.’
- 'Attention to detail and care shown in handling each matter are what set TMI Associates apart from their competitors. They have a high client satisfaction quotient and are up-to-date on all relevant laws.’
Key clients
- NIDEC CORPORATION
- INFOCOM CORPORATION
- Samty Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Taiyo Pacific Partners LP
- Menicon Co., Ltd.
- Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Integrated Design & Engineering Holdings Co., Ltd.
- ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
- Marubeni Corporation
- KOKUBU Commonwealth Trading Pte. Ltd.
- ADVICS CO., LTD.
- Fuji Furukawa Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd.
Work highlights
Advised NIDEC CORPORATION on the JPY 257 billion unsolicited takeover of Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
Advised Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings Co., Ltd. on its “for sale” auction process, as a countermeasure for the preceding hostile take-over bid undertaken by AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings, resulting in the acquisition by SG Holdings Co., Ltd., the winner of the auction process
Advised Integrated Design & Engineering Holdings Co., Ltd. on the acquisition by Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
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.
Takashi Toichi
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Masanori Bito
Practice head
Masakazu Iwakura; Tatsuhiro Takahara; Nobuyuki Watanabe
Other key lawyers
Takashi Toichi