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Clifford Chance advises Mitsui on European merger of crop protection distribution affiliates Certis and Belchim

18 May 2022

Clifford Chance advises Mitsui on European merger of crop protection distribution affiliates Certis and Belchim

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has advised Mitsui & Co., Ltd. on its merger of Certis Europe B.V. and Belchim Crop Protection NV/SA. The two European crop protection distribution businesses are affiliates of Mitsui's wholly owned subsidiary, Mitsui AgriScience International SA/NV.

Lead partner Natsuko Sugihara said, "We are delighted to bring our market-leading experience leading complex transactions to this strategic merger for Mitsui. Harnessing the cross-border expertise of Clifford Chance's global network, the landmark transaction will help to advance new frontiers of sustainability and environmental protection in agriculture."

Natsuko led a cross-border team across four international offices, with support from partners Jeroen Thijssen, Mark Jan Arends (Amsterdam), Xavier Remy, Richard Blewett (Brussels) and Marc Besen (Dusseldorf), counsel Masafumi Shikakura (Tokyo), Milena Robotham (Brussels), senior associates Shunsuke Nagae (Tokyo), Evert van der Kaa, Laura Stegeman (Amsterdam), qualified lawyers Yuki Hoshinaga, Machiko Ishii (Tokyo), Yvo van Bijsterveld (Amsterdam), Nathan Tulkens (Brussels) and trainee associate Sarah Van Eijk (Amsterdam).

The firm previously advised Mitsui on its 2019 investment in Belchim Crop Protection.