Bird & Bird advises MOL on joint acquisition of Scotland's Port of Nigg
Contacts
Partner
Japan
I am the office Managing Partner of Bird & Bird Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo Houritsu Jimu Bengoshi Jimusho and a corporate/commercial partner. I advise clients on cross-border corporate matters such as M&A, JV and FDI in a variety of sectors, notably across technology and communications, energy and utilities, media and entertainment and automotive. In particular, I have a lot of experience in supporting Japanese companies in the UK and Europe on their day-to-day legal issues as well (e.g. compliance, employment, commercial contracts).
Associate
Japan
I am a Corporate associate in our Tokyo office. I work with Japanese and international clients in various sectors, notably technology and communications, energy and utilities, and automotive.
Bird & Bird has advised Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (“MOL”) on its joint acquisition with Mitsui & Co. Europe Ltd of GEG (Holding) Limited’s terminal and port operation business at the Port of Nigg. The acquisition includes the steel processing and machinery and equipment manufacturing business for the energy industry, focusing on offshore wind power generation, oil, and gas. Following successful completion, the acquired business will be operated by Global Energy Service Holding Limited in which Mitsui & Co. Europe Ltd holds a 51% stake and MOL holds a 49% stake.
As one of Japan’s largest and most recognised shipping companies, MOL is committed to developing industry-leading decarbonised supply chain business models. Through this strategic acquisition, MOL will pursue the advancement of port logistics and marine transport services for offshore wind power generation, contributing to the spread of renewable energy and the realisation of a decarbonised society.
Led by Tokyo managing partner Hiroyuki Iwamura and supported by associate Risako Hijikata, Bird & Bird provided comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction to safeguard MOL's interests and support its strategic objectives, including the negotiation and execution of Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) and Shareholders Agreement (SHA), due diligence and risk management.
“We are honoured to support MOL in this acquisition and facilitate their strategic expansion into the UK and European renewable energy business. We sincerely value their continued trust in our team.” commented Hiroyuki Iwamura, managing partner at Bird & Bird’s Tokyo office. “The transaction is another great example of us helping Japanese clients navigate cross-border deals.”
Working closely with over 1700 Bird & Bird lawyers across the network, Bird & Bird Japan provides clients with services combining local Japanese knowledge with the global expertise of the firm’s international team.