Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu’s recent announcement of a landmark alliance with Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) – to capitalise on the Australian firm’s regional spread — indicates a long-term structural shift in Japanese business dealings as Japan’s outbound investment into Asia grows.
“These days Japanese companies are seeking to expand operations into Asia, especially into Southeast Asia ; and because Allens has 11 offices in Asia, we think it’s worth entering into an offshore core alliance relationship with them,” NO&T partner Jiro Mikami told ALB.
Conversely, AAR believes the benefit is mutual.
“This decision is in response to the growing needs of clients as they move beyond Japan – and an increasing number of Australians clients go into Japan,” AAR Japan practice lead partner Tim Lester said.
Areas AAR expects to see growth following the collaborative alliance include infrastructure and projects, energy and resources, M&A, renewable energies suppliers and agribusiness.
According to Tim Lester, this alliance will be “more structured and seeks to be a much more cohesive and collaborative arrangement” than its relationship with Slaughter and May in Asia – which he defines as more referral than collaborative.
NO&T presently has a lawyer seconded to AAR’s Jakarta office and plans to second another two to the firm’s Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok offices.
NO&T has revealed it is currently working on a big deal relating to the Asia and Oceania energy markets, of which further details remain confidential.
According to Mikami, NO&T does not intend to open any further offices in Asia for now, and plans to use AAR’s offices in Asia instead.
“The biggest reason for entering into this core alliance is our clients: the Japanese companies are seeking to expand their operations into Asia and that movement is accelerating these days,” Mikami said.ALB
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