Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance has hired M&A partner Jeff Schrepfer from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman to boost its corporate practice in Tokyo, as Japanese outbound investment into the U.S. continues to grow.

Schrepfer, who possesses two decades of experience in Japan, specialises in cross-border M&A deals across sectors, including semiconductors, energy, healthcare, and automotive. He joined Pillsbury in 2021 after almost 20 years at Morrison & Foerster, where he became a partner in 2013.

Throughout his career, Schrepfer has handled several significant cross-border acquisitions, notably representing JFE Shoji America Holdings in its purchases of Studco's U.S. and Australia operations and California Expanded Metal Products Co, advising Nomura Research Institute in its acquisition of Core BTS from Tailwind Capital, and guiding Renesas through its landmark $6.7 billion acquisition of NASDAQ-listed Integrated Device Technology (IDT).

In a statement, Clifford Chance said that the appointment strengthens the firm's M&A capabilities in Japan and expands its U.S. law services in the Asia-Pacific region.

“With the rise in M&A activity both within Japan and to the U.S., where Japan stands as the largest source of foreign direct investment, Jeff's appointment underscores our dedication to serving our clients' needs,” said Andrew Crook, head of the Asia-Pacific corporate practice at Clifford Chance, in the statement.

Added Leng-Fong Lai, Tokyo co-managing partner: “Being a member of the team here in Tokyo, Jeff will add significantly to our ability to deliver U.S. law capabilities to our clients in Japan on their most significant U.S.-bound M&A transactions.”

With Schrepfer’s hire, Clifford Chance now has 45 lawyers in Tokyo, including 10 partners.