Department profile
A&O Shearman

Corporate/M&A: International

Global Guide 2026 : Japan

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A&O Shearman

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: International - Japan

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

A&O Shearman is entrusted by major banks and domestic corporations to provide assistance with acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and related financings. The firm often works on outbound transactions into countries in South-East Asia, as well as further afield to Brazil, Australia and the UK. Skilled in bridging the cultural gap, with experts who offer a wealth of knowledge of local business dynamics, the team acts on behalf of an impressively diverse client roster that spans companies from the pharmaceutical, automotive, TMT, insurance, manufacturing, shipping and energy sectors.

A&O Shearman is entrusted by major banks and domestic corporations to provide assistance with acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and related financings. The firm often works on outbound transactions into countries in South-East Asia, as well as further afield to Brazil, Australia and the UK. Skilled in bridging the cultural gap, with experts who offer a wealth of knowledge of local business dynamics, the team acts on behalf of an impressively diverse client roster that spans companies from the pharmaceutical, automotive, TMT, insurance, manufacturing, shipping and energy sectors.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&O Shearman advised NYK on its majority investment in Northern Offshore Group, a provider of shipping and supply services to the offshore renewable wind industry in Europe.

  • A&O Shearman advised NYK on its majority investment in Northern Offshore Group, a provider of shipping and supply services to the offshore renewable wind industry in Europe.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Based on the understanding of the content of our consultation including business competitors and the latest business models, they presented solutions without delay.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

  • Based on the understanding of the content of our consultation including business competitors and the latest business models, they presented solutions without delay.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

  • A&O Shearman has a wide range of highly competent lawyers for Corporate and M&A matters.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

  • A&O Shearman has a wide range of highly competent lawyers for Corporate and M&A matters.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Nick Wall
    Nick Wall

    Nick Wall

    Nick Wall has particular expertise in handling M&A transactions and joint ventures in the automotive, technology and manufacturing sectors, counting major multinational corporates among his clients.
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  • Karl Pires
    Karl Pires

    Karl Pires

    Karl Pires is involved in a range of public and private M&A transactions including acquisitions, investments and joint ventures.

    • He has a deep understanding of the culture and business practices unique to Japanese companies and accurately grasps our position and objectives.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He is speedy and provides clear and reliable advice.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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  • Tokutaka Ito
    Tokutaka Ito

    Tokutaka Ito

    Tokutaka Ito heads the firm's Japan law practice and is dual-qualified in Japan and New York. He adeptly advises clients on inbound and outbound M&A matters, investment and divestment. He is particularly noted for his ability to handle transactions in highly regulated sectors such as critical infrastructure, insurance and pharmaceutical.

    • With his experience in investment banking, he considers a form of advice that is very easy to act on in line with our company's practice and is able to respond to the highly regulated industries.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He has a deep knowledge of our business, business environment and specific projects, and overall provides satisfactory services.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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  • Etienne Gelencsér
    Etienne Gelencsér

    Etienne Gelencsér

    Etienne Gelencsér of A&O Shearman represents internationally respected LP investors and sponsors in their fund-related activities.

    • He has excellent communication skills, lots of strategic solutions and is supportive of clients' needs in terms of matters that are more commercial in nature.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • Etienne Gelencsér is reliable, standing on the client's side.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at A&O Shearman (4)

Japan

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