Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance adds Michihiro Nishi in Tokyo bolstering M&A team

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance announced today that Michihiro Nishi will join its Corporate practice as a partner in Tokyo. Michihiro has extensive corporate experience advising private equity funds and public companies on investments, corporate governance, disclosure and stock exchange matters.

Andrew Whan, Head of Corporate for Asia Pacific said, "The M&A market in Japan has witnessed sustained activity over recent years as international firms invest in the country, and as Japanese companies expand overseas, including within Asia Pacific. The addition of Michihiro shows our commitment to further developing our Japanese law capability and to investing in our regional Corporate practice."

Leng-Fong Lai, Tokyo Co-Managing Partner said, "We are delighted Michihiro is joining our Tokyo Corporate team led by partners Tatsuhiko Kamiyama and Natsuko Sugihara. His strong track record working on complex, cross border M&A transactions with public companies in particular, deepens our bench and strengthens our offering to clients."

Michihiro's headline deals include advising WeWork Companies on the Japan part of its $4.4 billion investment from SoftBank Group and SoftBank Vision Fund; Joyson Safety Systems on its $1.6 billion cross-border acquisition of substantially all of the global assets and operations of Japan-based Takata Corporation, making it the world’s second-largest airbag manufacturer; and Nikkei on its acquisition of the Financial Times.

Michihiro said, “I have seen Clifford Chance as a market leader with a truly integrated global platform and reach. I am thrilled to be joining the firm, and I look forward to working with the team, advising clients as they navigate a time of evolution and transformation.”

Michihiro joins from Skadden Arps and prior to that he was at Mori, Hamada & Matsumoto. He received his law degree from Keio University and has a master's degree in corporate governance and practice from Stanford Law School. Michihiro is qualified in Japan and New York.