Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises Japan's MISUMI Group on its US$350 million acquisition and merger with Fictiv in the US

Global law firm Clifford Chance is advising global industrial automation components supplier MISUMI Group Inc. (MISUMI) and its US subsidiary MISUMI Investment USA Corporation (MIUC) on its US$350 million (approximately JPY50.1 billion) acquisition of and merger with Oakland, California-headquartered Fictiv Inc. (Fictiv).

Lead partner Jeff Schrepfer said, "This transaction highlights the firm's expertise in advising on complex US-bound M&A transactions for Japanese corporates. Our team's deep understanding of Japanese and US law and our ability to seamlessly integrate M&A, antitrust, tax, IP, labour and regulatory advice were pivotal in guiding MISUMI Group through this significant acquisition."

Jeff was supported by a team of lawyers in Japan and the US, which includes:

• Advising on M&A aspects: Associates Ryokei Abe (Tokyo), Susan Trepekli (New York), Michelle Green (New York), and Austin Johnson (Houston);
• Advising on antitrust aspects: Partner Leigh Oliver and associate Eva Kurban in Washington, DC;
• Advising on tax aspects: Partner Philip Wagman and associate Sharon Yu in New York.

The acquisition of Fictiv by MISUMI, a leading global supplier of mechanical components and automation solutions, will leverage the strengths of both companies in manufacturing, technology and distribution to enhance digital services, accelerate the development of industrial automation and expand its customer offering in equipment production and product development.

With operations in the US, China, India and Mexico, Fictiv has established itself as a key player in the on-demand procurement sector, producing and rapidly delivering custom mechanical components for the manufacturing industry.