Private Equity Investments

Our experience in corporate transactions and mergers and acquisitions extends to private equity transactions. We handle a range of transactions from straightforward investments in private companies and going private transactions to leveraged buyout financings and other complex investments that utilize mezzanine financing.

Since private equity investments often involve multiple entities and complex structures, we are sensitive to the needs of our clients and work with them to structure, document, and implement the scheme most appropriate for their commercial objectives.

Formation of Private Equity Funds

Our experience in private equity fund formation dates from our representation in the formation of the very first venture capital fund in Japan in 1982. We advise private equity funds on fund formation and operation, investments, exits, tax planning, and regulatory procedures.

We handle the formation and management of funds with different strategies including venture capital funds, buyout funds, and distressed investments and special situation funds, as well as specialized funds focusing, for example, on publicly traded shares, intellectual property, and real estate. Our clients include general partners, management members, and investors in funds, including Japanese and non-Japanese governmental entities, institutional investors, and corporations.

We keep abreast of the constantly evolving regulations, structures, and vehicles used in private equity fund formation and have the expertise to advise on current regulations and fund documentation and to negotiate with all relevant parties, including investors and lenders.

Our lawyers also work closely with governmental agencies in developing legislation relevant to private equity fund formation, often through participation in research committees sponsored by the Japanese government.