Australia remains an attractive destination for global investors, offering a thriving market for opportunities spanning everything from agribusiness to energy transition initiatives. With a deep understanding of the Japanese market as well as local Japanese language capabilities, we are committed to helping Japanese clients navigate the local landscape and achieve their strategic objectives.
King & Wood Mallesons has a cohesive 'single desk' approach covering a wide range of services, including foreign investment approvals, capital transactions, capital markets, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and more. With our extensive network and local connections into crucial industries, we provide valuable insights and facilitate connections with key stakeholders.
Of particular note for Japanese investors is KWM’s reputation as a trusted legal advisor to developers and investors in green energy projects. We have a deep understanding of the evolving regulatory environment and unique legal and commercial issues associated with developments in energy transition. Our team has advised some of the world's leading companies on their transition to a low carbon future. We are well positioned to support Japanese investors with their investments in the region.
In the real estate sector, Australia remains an attractive destination for Japanese investment, thanks to compelling fundamentals, a considered foreign investment regulatory framework, and tax concessions. As the market-leading practice in Australia and the Asia Pacific, our team assists global investors, developers, and managers in structuring and executing their investments into Australian real estate assets.
King & Wood Mallesons is also a market leader in the digital infrastructure sector, with a strong track record of advising Japanese clients on investments in digital infrastructure assets, both outbound and inbound. Our sector-specific knowledge sets us apart from our competitors, allowing us to understand how assets work, how they generate revenue, and how they are regulated. Whether it's in-bound investments in the Japanese market or out-bound investments across the APAC region, we leverage our deep knowledge and network to deliver the best service.
Our expertise spans many other areas of relevance for Japanese investors and financiers. With a dedicated team focused on the Japanese market, we are committed to providing seamless and comprehensive legal support to Japanese clients across all areas and supporting you to achieve your strategic and commercial objectives.
Recent highlights:
- Mitsubishi Corporation: on a number of Australian acquisitions and alliances (including for its metals business and steel products business
- Marubeni: in relation to a highly structured acquisition of Hallet 4 windfarm in South Australia
- Yuri Hydrogen Project: acting for Mitsui and ENGIE on foreign investment approvals and, separately, for a proposed project lender for the first pilot stage of developing a solar farm and electrolyser alongside an existing ammonia plant to produce green hydrogen ammonia
- Lendlease JV: on the establishment of a US$1b open-ended investment program with a capital partner to invest in and develop data centres in Asia (China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore) and Australia.
- A Japanese owned systems to services vendors: on a series of data centre outsources to customers in the banking and telecommunications sectors in Hong Kong.
- Qihoo 360 Technology Co., Ltd.: on its acquisition of a Japanese internet company Accessport Inc. We provided a range of legal services including due diligence of the target, review of acquisition contract and closing of the project.
- A large Japanese property developer: on its acquisition of a 25% share in the Sydney Pitt Street North over station development
- A large Japanese property developer: on its development fund (with Lendlease) for the One Circular Quay Sydney development consisting of residential, retail and luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel, and on the subsequent sale of the hotel and retail site
- Daibiru Corporation (Japan): on the acquisition of a 50% interest in the commercial tower at 7 Spencer Street, Melbourne from Mirvac (and who will develop the site) on a fund through basis
