Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)‘s Tokyo-based antitrust team benefits from the firm’s global network, with clients able to access antitrust advice in Europe, US, and Asia. EU competition law and anti-monopoly expert Masafumi Shikakura leads the team, which is proficient in cartel investigations, merger filings, market investigations and sector inquiries, and cases relating to misuse of market power. Experienced M&A lawyer Natsuko Sugihara regularly works with the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Masafumi Shikakura has a deep understanding of our business and the industry, and he makes himself and his team available so our needs are served.’
- ‘They are good at taking initiative to generate internal and external communication which enable satisfying legal services based on clients' interest.’
- ‘The team is quite business and client oriented - they truly try to understand our business and the industry, and they try to serve our needs.’
- ‘Natsuko Sugihara has great team management in supporting cross-border M&A transactions with deep insights on various transactions.’
- Masafumi Shikakura is outstanding and has quick performance in global antitrust practices.’
- 'Attorneys at Clifford Chance LLP looks good at taking initiative to generate internal and external communication which enable satisfying legal services based on clients' interest.'
Key clients
- Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
- ORIX Corporation
- China Baowu Group
- Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd
- Zodia Custody Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Mitsui & Co., Ltd. on its acquisition of a 28.6% minority stake in Rol-Ryż sp. z o.o., a European pulses and rice distributor and subsidiary of Italian rice company Euricom S.p.A.
- Advised ORIX Corporation in respect of the merger filing required for their acquisition of DHC Corporation.
- Advised Zodia Custody Limited on its joint venture with SBI Digital Asset Holdings Co., Ltd. to establish a Japan-based crypto assets custodian.
Lawyers
Rising stars: Bengoshi
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Masafumi Shikakura