Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Corporate/M&A: Domestic - Japan
What the Team is Known For
southgate is a well-regarded boutique firm specialising in servicing mid-sized companies with cross-border transactions. The firm maintains a robust portfolio of work which includes assisting with venture capital transactions and joint ventures. It is particularly active assisting clients in the technology and automotive industries as well as those engaged in retail and heavy industries. The team frequently represents overseas clients in inbound acquisitions.
Strengths
They always provide additional value, not only by performing the tasks we ask of them perfectly, but also by proactively pointing out potential risks that we are not aware of.
Their extensive experience in M&A and capital markets laws and regulations, as well as the accuracy of their advice and the speed of their responses, are their major strengths.
It is a firm that has a quality comparable to that of major law firms and is highly trusted by clients.
Work Highlights
southgate represented Nihon Kohden in its two-stage acquisition of Ad-Tech from Archimed Capital.
Notable practitioners
Eric Marcks is a co-founder of southgate and is well regarded in the market for his strength in cross-border M&A deals, venture capital financings and joint venture transactions.
He is the best lawyer I have worked with.
Eric has years of experience at an international law firm. He now runs his own boutique law firm in Tokyo, which means we get international-level service at moderate cost.
Eric is experienced and does not waste time. He is also flexible depending on clients' needs to avoid overcharge.
Akira Kawashiro is establishing a reputation as a trusted adviser to Japanese corporates. His capacity to advise on substantial transactions is underpinned by broad experience, including time spent practicing in Germany and working at the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
He is regarded as a very competent and high-performing lawyer.