Clifford Chance has represented Japanese paper company Hokuetsu Kishu Paper Company on its purchase of France-based peer, Financiere Bernard Dumas and its subsidiary, from shareholders and iXO private equity.

The acquirer is a papermaker that focuses on printing paper, white paperboard, specialty paper and paper processing. The target specialises in glass micro fibre sheets. According to media reports, Hokuetsu is aiming to become a global company by 2020.

A Tokyo and Paris Clifford Chance team led the transaction for the acquirer. In Tokyo, the lead partner was Miho Mizuguchi, while in Paris, it was Catherine Astory-Veyres at the helm. French firm Landwell & Associés represented the vendor.

Mizuguchi, commenting on his firm’s role in the deal, said: “We were delighted to assist Hokuetsu Kishu Paper on this transaction. While there continues to be a strong focus on China, India, and Southeast Asia, there are still some very attractive M&A opportunities in Europe for Japanese companies."

Candice Mak is North Asia Editor at ALB. Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.

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