Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance‘s corporate M&A team is co-led by Natsuko Sugihara and Michihiro Nishi and regularly works with the firm’s network of international lawyers to assist with the full spectrum of corporate matters. Sugihara, who is qualified in England and Wales as well as Japan, is a key name for fund investments and establishments. Nishi has a particular focus on domestic M&A, as well as public company deals, corporate governance work, and disclosure issues. The practice also covers both inbound and outbound transactions, alongside merger filings, due diligence, and M&A transactions connected to matters involving intellectual property, real estate, and employment issues, among others. Associates Shunsuke Nagae and Masafumi Shikakura are recommended for their expertise in joint ventures and renewable energy M&A matters respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team collaboration across the global footprints was valuable.’
- ‘My team worked with Natsuko Sugihara and she demonstrated her excellent leadership to organize the best team across the global team members, while having her own documentation and negotiation skill sets.’
- ‘Global yet local practice. A combination of knowing what the client needs locally and an access to the latest market practice in the centre of capital markets helped them to provide the best solution to us.’
- ‘Natsuko Sugihara is a true native speaker with a deep understanding of the client's strategic and commercial goals behind the transaction.’
Key clients
- Mitsui & Co.
- Henkel AG & Co.
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation
- Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co.
- Zodia Custody Limited
- ORIX Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Henkel on its acquisition of a professional hair care business from Shiseido.
- Advised Zodia Custody Limited on its investment in a Japanese joint venture company that will operate a crypto custody business in Japan.
- Advised Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. in relation to its acquisition of a stake in a company which operates toll roads in Europe.
Lawyers
Leading individuals: Gaiben
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Natsuko Sugihara, Michihiro Nishi