Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise) has a richly resourced corporate and M&A department, acting for a substantial proportion of technology and chemicals companies. The department draws on its global offices to provide comprehensive advice on cross-border matters, spanning corporate acquisitions, joint ventures and business restructurings. The team is led by Jiro Toyokawa, who is deeply experienced in both public and private M&A, with particular expertise in handling major outbound transactions. Co-managing partner of the Tokyo office, Akifusa Takada, focuses on domestic transactions, regularly instructing Japanese companies across the pharmaceutical, food and consumer goods industries. Kiyoshi Endo has a broad practice, advising on both inbound and outbound M&A. Within the team, Tetsuo Tsujimoto and Yutaka Kimura are other highlighted members.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Great team with a broad international experience and good understanding of the business needs behind the transaction. Diligent, efficient and very responsive.'
- 'Yutaka Kimura and Masahiro Inaba are professional, have broad international experience, and excellent proficiency in English, with a broad and business-oriented approach.'
- 'As for Mr. Yutaka Kimura, whom I worked with for a certain project, I can say he is excellent because of his full commitment to the project, proactive and diligent support, and energetic and hard-working attitude.'
- 'Even in the case of a cross-border, we can receive one-stop legal services in many cases. The team always explains in detail, even if we ask an abstract question.'
- 'Mr. Masahiro Inaba has extensive experience. We can receive advice backed by their experience.'
- 'The whole team is diligent. Smooth collaboration with local counsel. Every lawyer has a certain value.'
- 'Jon R. Ornolfsson has long experience in the energy sector in Southeast Asia, with an excellent understanding of Japanese company culture.'
- 'Safari Watanabe is a brilliant lawyer and a fabulous person who takes the time and effort to learn her client’s business.'
Key clients
- Rivulets Investments
- Seiko Epson Corporation
- Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited
- UBE Corporation
- Central Tank Terminal Co., Ltd.
- Daiwa House
- Heiwa Corporation
- J-STAR Co., Ltd., Potentia Capital
- Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company
- Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
- Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
- YAGEO Corporation
Work highlights
Advised Seiko Epson Corporation on its acquisition of Fiery, LLC, an industry-leading provider of printing-related software. The acquisition is valued at approximately USD 591 million.
Advised UBE Corporation, a leading Japanese chemical company based in Tokyo, on its acquisition of LANXESS' Urethane Systems business (LANXESS Deutschland GmbH, head office: Germany) for a purchase price of approximately EUR 460 million.
Advised Nikkiso Co., Ltd. on the sale of its continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) business to TYHC International PTE. LTD., an investment entity affiliated with Ningbo Tianyi Medical Appliance Co., Ltd., a leading company in blood purification consumables in China.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Jiro Toyokawa
Other key lawyers
Akifusa Takada; Kiyoshi Endo; Tetsuo Tsujimoto; Yutaka Kimura; Safari Watanabe; Jon R. Ornolfsson