Department profile
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Corporate/M&A: International

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Japan

Share profile

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's Tokyo-based Corporate team excels in cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances and divestments across various sectors such as TMT, energy, construction, infrastructure, industrials and pharmaceuticals.

We pride ourselves on our "global reach with a local touch" approach and with over 25 years in Japan we have cultivated strong relationships with some of the largest Japanese trading houses and international companies.

We specialise in outbound transactions for Japanese blue-chip companies, and by utilising our "Japan corridor" we offer a combination of outstanding regional experience with top quality local deal execution capability. For inbound transactions, we work in close collaboration with local counsel to ensure our clients receive the optimal blend of local insight and know-how with our signature international execution and sector strength.

Our deep understanding of our clients' business objectives, the markets in which they operate, and the dynamics of the overseas markets they target, has positioned us as their trusted advisors.

Industries (1)

  • TMT, Energy, Construction, Infrastructure, Industrials, Pharmaceuticals, Defence

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: International - Japan

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer offers a well-respected M&A team specialising in advising Japanese companies on outbound transactions including acquisitions and joint ventures into Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The firm's strong client base includes financial institutions, trading houses and companies operating in the TMT and energy and mining sectors. The team often works alongside colleagues across Europe, the UK and the wider Asia-Pacific region in order to assist clients on cross-border matters.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advised SoftBank Corp in relation to its majority investment in Cubic Telecom headquartered in Dublin.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • We choose HSFK for their extensive experience, understanding of the local market and knowledge of Japanese clients' business needs. Their strong global presence benefits our global businesses.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The team think ahead and are excellent at managing the transaction. They also make excellent use of the HSFK network to bring in specialists where required, while ensuring a seamless service.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Graeme Preston
    Graeme Preston

    Graeme Preston

    Graeme Preston is an experienced lawyer who is noted for his work assisting clients on major M&A deals. He specialises in cross-border transactions, especially those involving the TMT, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

    • His global perspective has enhanced our understanding of the global market, greatly benefiting our enterprise.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentAsia-Pacific
    View profile
  • Joseph Fisher
    Joseph Fisher

    Joseph Fisher

    Joseph Fisher is an active corporate lawyer who has a strong track record of advising on cross-border M&A mandates. He wins praise from clients for his impressive client service.

    • He is highly responsive. reliable and able to articulate well-reasoned positions.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Joe addresses our diverse concerns, blending technical skill with a keen sense of business and delivering pragmatic solutions.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentAsia-Pacific
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (2)

Japan

Members

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership