Top M&A and Private Equity Partner Joins Paul Hastings in Tokyo

September 04, 2008

Tokyo (September 4, 2008) – Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, a leading international law firm, announced today that Kenju Watanabe, formerly of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, has joined Paul Hastings as partner in the Tokyo office. Mr. Watanabe, whose practice focuses on high profile cross-border M&A, private equity, and joint venture transactions, will bolster Paul Hastings Corporate practices.

“Kenju Watanabe is an extraordinary talent who has built a stellar career advising the world’s most elite institutions,” said Ted Johnson, Paul Hastings Tokyo Office Chairman. “Kenju’s focus on providing corporate, securities, and tax advice in the context of complex cross-border M&A transactions aligns perfectly with our clients’ needs, especially given that Japanese corporations are increasingly active in strategic global acquisitions.”

Mr. Watanabe represents a wide variety of clients including industrial corporations, financial institutions, and investment funds in the U.S., Japan, Asia and Europe. Recently, he has represented both bidders and targets in prominent takeover contests involving Japanese companies. He also provides advice regarding U.S. securities law aspects of domestic Japanese transactions.

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP is one of the world's leading law firms, with over 1,200 lawyers in 18 international offices. Our practice breadth enables us to deliver innovative legal solutions to financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Please visit www.paulhastings.com for more information.