Kaori specializes in competition law, investigations and compliance related to “ABC” matters. She advises clients on multi-jurisdictional investigation defence and merger reviews and provides astute advice on competitor cooperation and distribution issues. In every matter, her deep experience and meticulous attention give clients a strategic edge.
Kaori’s work spans the chemicals, consumer goods, telecom, technology, energy, transport and healthcare sectors, where she combines regulatory expertise with industry insights to help clients leverage compliance as a competitive advantage.
Drawing on extensive specialist experience practicing in Tokyo and London, Kaori brings unique insights into governmental processes and priorities. Having previously worked at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Treaties Bureau and Economic Affairs Bureau, she offers Japanese companies unparalleled guidance in their dealings with regulatory authorities.
As a thought leader in competition law, Kaori frequently contributes to publications and speaks on expert panels, offering clients a deeper understanding of emerging trends and opportunities.
Fluent in English and Japanese, Kaori bridges cultural and linguistic divides, ensuring seamless communication and tailored advice.
- Advising Yokohama Rubber on the merger control and foreign investment aspects of its acquisition of Trelleborg Wheel Systems Holding AB, the wheel systems business of Swedish-listed Trelleborg AB, for an enterprise value of over €2bn; and its US$905m acquisition of Goodyear’s off-the-road tire business.
- Advising Nippon Express on the global merger control, FDI and regulatory aspects of on its €1.4bn acquisition of Cargo Partner Group
- Advising Google on the Japan merger control aspects of its US$5.4 billion acquisition of US cybersecurity firm Mandiant and its US$2.1bn acquisition of Fitbit, a US-based wearable smartwatch manufacturer.
- Advising Viterra and its shareholders (CPPIB, Glencore, and BCI) on the Japan merger control, foreign investment, and antitrust aspects of its proposed US$8.2bn merger with Bunge, creating a US$34bn global agri-trading and food conglomerate.
- Advising Mars on the Japan merger control aspects of its US$2.9bn acquisition of a significant portion of the pet food business, including the Iams, Eukanuba and Natura brands, of Proctor and Gamble, the multinational consumer goods corporation.
- Advising Marubeni Corporation on the merger control aspects of the acquisition of a majority stake in Danish Salmon A/S; and the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Euroma Holding BV, a major Dutch-based manufacturer of spices and seasonings.
- Advising AstraZeneca on the Japan merger control aspects of its US$39bn bid for Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Advising ENEOS Corporation on its acquisition of JSR Corporation's global elastomers business on the aspects of global regulatory work involved, including making and coordinating FDI filings as well as merger control filings in a number jurisdictions across the world, including Japan.
- Advising Hitachi Global Life Solutions on the merger control aspects of the sale of its 40 per cent stake in Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Holding, a joint venture between Hitachi and Johnson Controls International, to Robert Bosch.
- Advising a number of cartel investigations in front of the JFTC, European Commission and other overseas regulators.
- Advising on a number of global compliance programmes for Japanese companies.
