Department profile
Morrison Foerster

Corporate/M&A: International

Global Guide 2026 : Japan

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Morrison Foerster

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About

Provided by Morrison Foerster

Morrison & Foerster has the most active M&A practice of any international firm in Japan, with over 50 lawyers who are principally engaged in cross-border M&A. Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing both Japanese and non-Japanese companies in a broad range of transactions, including public and private acquisitions, complex carve-outs and divisional spin-offs, and the formation of strategic alliances and joint ventures, both in Japan and around the world. We have been involved in many of Japan’s most significant M&A transactions and our experience spans numerous industries, including technology, telecommunications, and life sciences.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: International - Japan

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Morrison Foerster maintains its leading market position with substantial expertise in big-ticket cross-border M&A transactions. The firm acts for an enviable client roster that includes some of the world's largest conglomerates and private investment funds. It is widely admired for its ability in serving leading domestic pharmaceutical and TMT corporations in strategic acquisitions, joint ventures and business alliances. The team is skilled in working jointly with domestic counsel in supporting foreign clients on inbound transactions.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Morrison Foerster advised SoftBank on numerous matters concerning its expanding partnership with OpenAI.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are familiar with deal structures, culture and market practice in the region.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

  • The firm has very strong knowledge of legal issues both in the USA and Japan and offers a practical, problem-solving approach to issues that arise during negotiations.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

  • Morrison Foerster has global capabilities augmented by local counsel as necessary.

    Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gary Smith
    Gary Smith

    Gary Smith

    Gary Smith is a prestigious figure in the market and remains highly regarded by both peers and clients. He is particularly active on M&A transactions involving life sciences and technology clients.

    • Gary Smith is particularly good at negotiation and understanding the objectives of Japanese companies.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He is a native speaker of both Japanese and English and thoroughly responds to our case by proactively identifying our needs and showing his commitment to the matter.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He responds very quickly and provides thought-provoking advice even in a short period of time.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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  • Ken Siegel
    Ken Siegel

    Ken Siegel

    Ken Siegel is a highly regarded practitioner with extensive experience and expertise in high-profile transactions. He is a frequent adviser on some of the largest M&A transactions in the market.

    • He is a visionary lawyer, has incredible ability to see the wider picture and identify risks and helps us structure the transaction to avoid such risks.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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  • Randy Laxer
    Randy Laxer

    Randy Laxer

    Randy Laxer has more than two decades of experience advising on cross-border transactions and is regularly involved in major joint ventures and acquisitions. His clients include large corporates and global private equity firms.

    • Randy is a seasoned operator in the M&A and general corporate space, who can guide you through the most complex transactions down to the easiest.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He is very professional and solution-oriented and provides expert advice to resolve issues that arise during negotiations.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • Randy is just incredible and one of the best attorneys I have worked with.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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  • Jeremy White
    Jeremy White

    Jeremy White

    Jeremy White is active on the sale and acquisition of equity and shares and is also experienced in joint venture and private equity matters.

    • I strongly recommend Jeremy to any client seeking to conduct cross-border M&A. He provides expert advice and is able to navigate complicated issues to ensure a deal moves forward.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He is highly commercial and pragmatic and always seeking the best solution for the client.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal

    • He was able to grasp our situation, make judgements with emphasis and variation, and give appropriate advice.

      Corporate/M&A: International respondentGlobal
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  • Stephen J DeCosse
    Stephen J DeCosse

    Stephen J DeCosse

    Stephen DeCosse is an active M&A practitioner at the Morrison Foerster Tokyo office advising on public and private cross-border M&A transactions.
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Ranked Individuals at Morrison Foerster (5)

Japan

Members

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Morrison Foerster has rankings in the following guides

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