Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance has recruited M&A partner Jeff Schrepfer from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman to strengthen its corporate practice in Tokyo, as Japanese outbound investment into the U.S. continues to rise.
Schrepfer, with two decades of experience in Japan, specializes in cross-border M&A transactions across sectors such as semiconductors, energy, healthcare, and automotive. He joined Pillsbury in 2021 after nearly 20 years at Morrison & Foerster, where he became a partner in 2013.
Throughout his career, Schrepfer has led several notable cross-border acquisitions, including advising JFE Shoji America Holdings on its purchases of Studco's U.S. and Australia operations, California Expanded Metal Products Co, and guiding Nomura Research Institute in its acquisition of Core BTS from Tailwind Capital. He also played a key role in Renesas' $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 appointment, Clifford Chance now employs 45 lawyers in Tokyo, including 10 partners.