TMI Associates

TMI Associates has broad expertise in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property. The firm is well-regarded in the consumer goods and services and media and entertainment sectors. During the research period, the firm promoted two banking and finance partners and opened a new office in Bangkok. Intellectual property practitioner Mitsuko Miyagawa and corporate and M&A specialists Masakazu Iwakura and Tatsuhiro Takahara are key figures.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Advised LaSalle Investment Management on debt financing of $310 million comprised of senior, mezzanine and junior tranches for its acquisition of a real estate and logistics facility. 

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advised the joint-lead managers on preparation and review of the subscription agreement including conditions of bonds and relevant documents relating to the issue and public offering of Westpac Banking Corporation Samurai bonds.

Key clients

Universal Entertainment Corporation, Solasia Pharma

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Advised Denso regarding notification requirements under the competition laws in various countries including Japan, the US, Canada, Brazil, the EU, Israel, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, India, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Africa arising from their joint venture.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised NTT Urban Development on the takeover of its remaining 32.7% stake by, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephones Corporation, NTT-SH.

Key clients

Ariake Japan, CVC Capital Partners, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, U-SHIN

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advised Tsuburaya Production on a global dispute spanning from Japan, Thailand, China and the US in a matter involving the rights to utilise a famous film, Ultraman.  

Key clients

Japanese Association of Turnaround Professionals, Yahoo Japan

Investment funds

Work highlights

Advised Government Pension Investment Fund of Japan (GPIF), world’s largest pension fund, on launching and investing their assets in their first global infrastructure fund of funds and real estate fund of funds.

Key clients

DBJ Asset Management, Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Asset Management (SNAM)

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Advised an industrial and manufacturing company on filing a design right infringement litigation with the Tokyo District Court.

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Advised multiple employers on issues such as harassment claims and employee disciplinary issues.

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Represented a wholesale company of women’s shoes in the application of civil rehabilitation procedure.

Key clients

SHIN-EI

Tax

Work highlights

Advising a confidential client on tax lawsuits involving stamp duties and withholding tax.

Key clients

Japan Foundation