Takeshi partners with clients to navigate complex international transactions with commercial insight and a deep understanding of their business.
As managing partner of our Tokyo office and head of our Japan practice, he provides the strategic vision clients need to navigate both outbound and inbound transactions across global markets, from Europe and the US to Asia and Africa.
With over 25 years of experience in cross-border M&A, private equity, joint ventures and general corporate matters, Takeshi delivers comprehensive counsel that helps clients achieve their international expansion ambitions and tackle their most difficult business challenges.
He has extensive experience in a range of industries, including automotive, chemicals, consumer products, energy, healthcare, industrials and technology and is recognised for his in-depth industry knowledge and negotiation skills.
Takeshi combines his deep knowledge of Japanese law and international business practices to bridge cultural and legal divides, providing Japanese clients with the confidence and clarity they need to succeed in global markets. He has led on a number of complex public M&A deals in Japan, including for international clients on their most high-profile acquisitions in Japan.
Takeshi is a lecturer at Hitotsubashi University School of Law, where he teaches on world business law. He is a member of the Foreign Lawyers and International Legal Practice Committee of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, and serves as one of the directors of LLAN (Lawyers for LGBTQ and Allies Network).
Fluent in Japanese and English, and having worked over two decades on cross board transactions, Takeshi facilitates seamless communication across borders, ensuring effective collaboration, clear direction and tailored advice.
- Advising Kirin Holdings Company Limited and its subsidiary, Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd., on the sale of the international business of manufacturing and selling certain amino acids and Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) operated by Kyowa Hakko Bio to Meihua Holdings Group Co Ltd.
- Advising The Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited on its acquisition of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s off-the-road (OTR) tire business for $905 million in cash
- Advising Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. on the sale of its 40 per cent stake in Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Holding (UK) Ltd., a joint venture between Hitachi and Johnson Controls International plc, to Robert Bosch GmbH
- Advising Macromill on the agreement to sell its 100 percent stake in MetrixLab to the leading global insights technology and panel provider Toluna
- Advising Nippon Express Holdings, Inc. on the acquisition of the global logistics group Cargo-Partner, headquartered in Austria and consisting of 63 target companies around the world, for a total consideration of up to €1.4bn. Details of the transaction can be found here. Our news release can be found here.
- Advising The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. on its acquisition of Trelleborg Wheel Systems Holding AB, the wheel systems business of Swedish-listed Trelleborg AB, for an enterprise value of over €2bn. Trelleborg Wheel Systems manufactures and sells off-highway tires for agricultural and industrial machinery. Details of the transaction can be found here.
- Advising Knauf on its JPY7.7bn takeover bid and privatisation of Chiyoda Ute, a Japanese listed manufacturer of gypsum boards
- Advising ENEOS Corporation on its acquisition of JSR's elastomer business, which manufactures and sells synthetic rubber
- Advising Ajinomoto, Japan's largest food company, on its $532m acquisition of a 33.33 percent stake in Promasidor, a major seasonings and processed foods manufacturer that operates in 36 African countries. Read more about the deal in our case study.
- Advising Marubeni Corporation on its acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Olympus Holding B.V. (“Orffa’’), the holding company of the Orffa group from management and ING Corporate Investments for an undisclosed amount.
