The ‘commercially oriented’ practice at Hogan Lovells Horitsu Jimusho Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo offers clients a one-stop shop for all corporate and M&A matters, ranging from advice on cross-border investments to multi-jurisdictional transactions and company restructurings. The team is jointly led by Jacky Scanlan-Dyas, who is described as an ‘outstanding business adviser’, and Wataru Kamoto, who clients commend for his ability to ‘explain Japanese practice in US terms’. The team has particular knowledge of diversified industrials, which includes the TMT, energy, automotive, infrastructure, and insurance sectors. Viet Nguyen, who was promoted to counsel in January 2023, is the key contact for restructurings and insolvency cases. Associate Raymond Dunne is also a recommended name within the practice, complimented by clients as ‘extremely responsive’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Jacky Scanlan-Dyas is an outstanding business adviser to us as a western client navigating entry into Japan. She adds value, intervening where appropriate and extending us her network also. Her lead associate Raymond Dunne is extremely responsive and very good at executing work.’

  • ‘We used the Tokyo office and they were very easy to connect with and deal with on potential business in Japan.’

  • ‘Jacky Scanlan-Dyas and her team were very good to deal with. They were commercially focused and helpful on Japanese custom as well as law.’

  • ‘Wataru Kamato understands how western lawyers think and can often explain Japanese practice in US terms.’

Key clients

  • Soijtz Corporation
  • Booking.com
  • Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Sojitz Corporation on multiple separate transactions including its purchase from Helios Investment Partners of a 25% interest in the holding company of Axxela Limited and its joint venture with Braskem America Inc. to manufacture environmentally friendly PET.
  • Advised a US headquartered, Global Clinical Laboratory Services Company on its multi-billion dollar global restructuring.
  • Advised a Japanese headquartered, global consumer products and chemical company on its investment in a US-based collaborative venture.

Lawyers

Leading associates: Gaiben
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jacky Scanlan-Dyas, Wataru Kamoto

Other key lawyers

Viet Nguyen, Raymond Dunne