We operate based on two fundamental principles: first, that a client hires us to be facilitators, not roadblocks; and second, that we’re there to protect the value of our client’s deal. To these ends, we seek not only to identify issues and risks but to provide solutions. We focus on our client’s business and goals and the elements of value in the deal for our client. We assess the risks that affect value, negotiate to minimize those risks, structure the transaction so that the goals are accomplished, and offer practical suggestions and provide efficiencies that add real value to the deal process.
Our Experience with Japanese Companies
The corporate transactional lawyers on the Japan Business Team consist of corporate and tax lawyers with experience in representing Japanese companies on various transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, financing, outsourcing, commercial sales and joint ventures. We have the capability to advise and assist our clients in Japanese, from crafting the initial letter of intent/memorandum of understanding, through the due diligence process, contract negotiations, documentation and completion of the transaction.
The attorneys in this group also serve as general outside counsel for many Japanese companies in connection with their investments and business activities in the United States, providing advice on various corporate governance and compliance issues, and involving the firm’s various specialists from time to time as their expertise becomes necessary. Our attorneys are mindful of how corporate governance and decision-making processes work in Japanese companies, and are experienced in assisting Japanese companies and their U.S. subsidiaries within that framework.
Representative Experience
- Advised a Japanese fiber cement products manufacturer in connection with the establishment of its first U.S. manufacturing facility – a $110M plant in Macon, Georgia.
- Advised a Japanese socks manufacturer in connection with its first entry into the U.S. market through acquisition of a New York-based socks manufacturer.
- Advised a Japanese Internet company in connection with a series of equity investments in West Coast-based Internet start-up companies.
- Advised the U.S. subsidiary of a Japanese bearing cage manufacturer in connection with a series of multimillion-dollar supply contracts with key U.S.-based customers.