Natsuko Sugihara
Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)’s M&A team in Tokyo is widely praised for offering ‘first-class legal advice’ to domestic and international clients. Natsuko Sugihara, whose experience covers cross-border M&A, private equity, and fund investments, leads the practice alongside Michihiro Nishi, who has a strong reputation for advising on domestic and international M&A, private equity ventures, and transactions involving public companies. Masafumi Shikakura, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, is noted for his work on M&A deals in the renewables space. Other noteworthy individuals include Shunsuke Nagae, Jenny Han and Yuki Hoshinaga.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Natsuko Sugihara and Daniel Drabkin both possess the ability to lead the negotiation against the counterparty. Also, their attention to detail is excellent.’
- ‘Natsuko Sugihara has her team and the project fully under control at all times and thus ensures success. She is open, honest and transparent in her communication and outstanding in cross-border projects.'
- 'Shunsuke Nagae always maintains a very good overview and finds pragmatic solutions. He has a remarkable understanding of the needs of an in-house team.’
‘The team offer first-class legal advice and a remarkable understanding of the needs of an in-house team.'
- 'They are open to new (and sometimes unconventional) approaches to solve complex problems and negotiation situations.’
‘The team is industrious, responsive to client queries and well versed in local Japanese law. ’
- 'The team is responsive and coordinates well with clients. They are able to offer practical advice to bridge the gap between local law requirements and commercial considerations to get the deal across the line.'
Key clients
- CVC Capital Partners (CVC)
- Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised CVC on its fund's 100% acquisition of Sogo Medical Group Co., Ltd.
- Advised Mitsui on its agreement to acquire a 70% stake in Nutrinova NetherlandsB.V. from the global chemical and specialty materials company Celanese Corporation.
- Advised Mitsui on its JPY20bn acquisition of a partial stake in Italian food business Euricom S.p.A.
Lawyers
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.
Natsuko Sugihara, Michihiro Nishi