Mori Hamada & Matsumoto‘s practice is lauded by clients for its ’extensive knowledge‘ and ’excellent lawyers‘. Leading the 150-strong team of partners and lawyers is Masanori Sato, who is especially adept at advising on issues in the energy and infrastructure sectors; this includes advice on infrastructure funds, sustainable finance, carbon credit transactions, and the privatisation of airports. For syndicated loans and LBOs, Hiroki Aoyama is a key contact, while Takahiro Kobayashi is a name to note for structured finance and securitisation work. Kei Shirakawa is adept at advising on project financing and leveraged financing issues, and Yusuke Suehiro focuses on LBO, project and structured financings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm has many excellent lawyers enrolled, but also has a remarkable attitude of aiming for the optimal solution after accurately grasping the client's intentions.’
  • ‘They have extensive knowledge.’
  • ‘Hiroki Aoyama has deep knowledge and experience about syndicated loan arrangements and documentation.’
  • ‘Yuki Matsuda has a wealth of knowledge about M&A finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and suggests ways to solve problems.’
  • ‘The most important consideration is their legal advice and capability to provide solutions, and we think they have done a great job.’

Key clients

  • The Japanese Bankers Association
  • Japan Syndication and Loan-trading Association
  • MUFG Bank, Ltd.
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
  • Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd.
  • Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.
  • Prudential Mortgage Capital Company
  • Softbank Corp.
  • GE Japan Corporation
  • Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Work highlights

  • Advised Marelli on a debt restructuring.
  • Advised on a whole business securitisation arranged by Mizuho Securities, Ltd. in respect to a nationwide telecoms tower sharing business.

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

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Masanori Sato

Other key lawyers

Hiroki Aoyama, Takahiro Kobayashi, Kei Shirakawa, Yusuke Suehiro, Yuki Matsuda