Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s Hong Kong banking and finance team uniquely serves a select yet distinguished group of borrowers, with cornerstone institutional clients such as Blackstone and KKR among its exclusive clientele. Under the leadership of Makiko Harunari, who directs the Asian banking and credit team, the firm’s reach extends to encompass the expertise of lawyers located in Beijing and Tokyo, should the need arise. This specialised team’s strength lies not just in its borrower-centric approach, but also in its ability to tap into a broader spectrum of expertise, such as real estate financings. The team’s prowess is demonstrated through its involvement in pivotal financing matters across Asia, spanning vital jurisdictions such as Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Key clients
- KKR & Co. Inc.
- The Blackstone Group
- Primavera Capital Group
- SoftBank
Work highlights
- Advised KKR in financing related to the acquisition of the Hyatt Regency Tokyo by funds managed by KKR and Hong Kong’s Gaw Capital Partners from Odakyu Electric Railway Co.
- Advised Blackstone Inc. and its affiliates in connection with financing matters related to Blackstone’s acquisition of Crown Resorts Limited (ASX: CWN), representing an equity value of approximately US$6.3bn.
- Advised Blackstone in financing related to its acquisition of a majority stake in R Systems International Limited.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Makiko Harunari