Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's offering is reputable for its Japan-focused buyout fundraisings work. Domestic and global sponsors feature in the team's client roster, and it has strong capabilities assisting with energy, infrastructure and real estate-focused funds, in particular. David Azcue oversees the team and has considerable experience advising on the formation and launch of major funds. Hong Kong-based practitioners Adam Furber and Michael Ceulen support Azcue at the helm.
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.
‘Deep expertise in the Japanese PE market. The team has worked with almost all GPs, so they helped create the market standard.’
‘We worked closely with David Azcue. David probably has the most experience with Japanese PEs in the market.’
'David Azcue is very responsive and hardworking.'
'A dedicated Japan team. Has broad internal resources which can be relied on. A track-record of closing deals in Japan and APAC with blue-chip managers.'
Key clients
- Advantage Partners
- Ares
- Aspirant Group
- Blackstone
- D Capital
- DigitalBridge
- Endeavour United
- Integral Corporation
- JAFCO
- Japan Activation Capital
- J-INC
- J-STAR
Work highlights
Represented D Capital, Inc. (“D Capital”) in connection with the formation of D Capital II, L.P., which held its first and final closing on March 10, 2025, after four months in the market.
Represented Aspirant Group, Inc. (“Aspirant Group”) in connection with the formation of the AG IV Series Funds, which closed on December 17, 2024 with aggregate capital commitments of ¥86.7bn.
Represented Nippon Investment Company (“NIC”) in connection with the formation of the NIC III Series Funds, which held their first and final closings on June 14, 2024, after less than four months in the market.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David Azcue; Adam Furber; Michael Ceulen