James is a partner in the Tokyo Corporate and M&A team and has been in Japan for over five years after originally joining the firm in 1999.
James' practice covers a wide range of corporate and commercial work, specialising in securities offerings, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and auction processes. He advises international clients establishing and operating in Japan as well as Japanese clients investing and doing business overseas. His experience extends across all major industry sectors, including financial services, private equity, TMT and manufacturing industries, acting on both worldwide and Asia-specific transactions.
James is licensed to advise on English law in Japan as a Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi.
James has advised:
- Canon on the public acquisition of European listed Océ NV in a deal worth €1.5 billion which was one of the largest outbound M&A deals by a Japanese company in 2009
- NTT Data Corporation, a listed Japanese IT consulting company, on its 72.9% acquisition of IT consulting company Cirquent GmbH from BMW in Germany
- NEC Corporation on merger control issues and filling requirements arising from a European acquisition
- a SE Asian sovereign wealth fund on a US$2.2 billion Asian acquisition
- Swiss Re on the Japanese aspects of its disposal of the Fox-Pitt Kelton investment bank and on its acquisition of the GE insurance business
- Kemira Oyj on the Asian aspects of its acquisition of the paper chemical business of Lanxess AG
- a major Japanese electronics manufacturer on its cooperation and distribution arrangements with a major Chinese manufacturer
- a major Japanese trading house on its ¥9 billion acquisition of a significant stake and exclusive licensing rights in a global fashion retailer
- a leading international telecommunications provider on the Japanese aspects of its acquisition of a global communications network
- a major Japanese manufacturer on its business combination with a European counterpart
Accolades
"Recognised as a leading lawyer in Corporate and M&A: Foreign"
IFLR 1000, 2010
"The 'personable, talented and knowledgeable' James Robinson is noted for his 'vast experience…'."
Chambers Asia, 2009
"James Robinson is recommended for private equity matters"
Chambers Asia, 2009
"James Robinson's…corporate expertise also extends to advising clients on competition law issues"
Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2009
"James Robinson boasts considerable experience in M&A, and has led some significant transactions"
Chambers Asia, 2008