Examples of Assignments

Following are some of the typical assignments already completed by our Firm:

Comprehensive Consultation on Operations in Japan

The industrial machinery division of worldwide well-known enterprise turned to our Firm for setting complete strategy in preparation for its entering into Japanese market. First, market research was conducted, and alternative entry strategies were developed accordingly, by clarifying their advantages and disadvantages. Fourteen candidate firms were then evaluated from various points of view in order to identify the best candidate for the joint venture undertaking.

We were then asked to approach the potential partner on the client's behalf to assist in the negotiations, to consummate a joint venture agreement and a licensing agreement, to review them from a legal standpoint, and finally to supervise the newly established joint venture company as the representative of the client.

Joint Venture Agreement

A U.S. building materials manufacturer called in our Firm to obtain advice on a joint venture formation project. Review of the agreements and assistance in negotiations and strategy development for the joint venture company were the major contributions we made.

Licensing Agreement

A U.S. manufacturer of sophisticated aircraft and space equipment component had a plan to license its technology to a manufacturer in Japan. Market research and partner search were conducted prior to the U.S. executive's arrival in Japan. On the basis of these advance efforts, the U.S. manufacturer was able to begin negotiations with a Japanese partner immediately upon his arrival in Tokyo. We further assisted in the negotiations by providing necessary data and advice.

Subsidiary Supervision

A European precision machinery manufacturer operated a subsidiary in Japan. Our Firm was commissioned to supervise operation management by filing a monthly report on general corporate performance outlook to the European headquarters. We also served as management consultant to the subsidiary in its day-to-day business as well as in its long-range managerial efforts.

Agency Agreement

An international computer software company was seeking a reliable sales agent in Japan for some of its software products. Our Firm made a general survey of the market, chose five of the most promising candidates and concluded an agency arrangement on behalf of the client.

Media Relations

A U.S. major restaurant-chain company was looking for a partner to start its business in Japan. We set up a press conference to announce the restaurant's wish to enter into Japanese market and were able to win extensive media coverage in business and restaurant-related magazines and newspapers. Companies, which read those articles contacted us and thus we were able to find candidate companies for joint venture undertaking.

Feasibility Study for a New Venture

Our Firm was approached by an international group of investors to conduct a general feasibility study for establishing a new concept in the leisure industry in Japan. We provided recommendations of the best potential site, estimates of financial requirements, profit planning, and carried out a search for a Japanese partner. On the client's behalf, we also engaged in negotiations for purchase of a site and handled government validation connected with the project.

Investment Study

A European group was interested in an equity participation in a Japanese service company. Our Firm made a comprehensive analysis of the Japanese retail business as well as studies of selected retail chains. Our report enabled the client to pinpoint the investment target and to assess the potential return on the proposed investment.

Subcontracting Agreement

A well-known international office machine manufacturer planed to find a subcontractor in Japan in order to secure a lower-cost source of assembled office machines. Our Firm made a search for a suitable subcontractor and assessed its technical capabilities and production facilities prior to conclusion of the subcontracting agreement.

Feasibility Study for a Proposed European Plant

A large Japanese pharmaceutical company was interested in establishing a manufacturing facility in Europe for its proprietary products. We assisted the Japanese company in market research and in locating the most desirable site for construction. In this instance, we muchly drew on expert advice in Zurich and Franfurt.

Mergers and Acquisitions

A large American pharmaceutical company was interested in acquisition of a major pharmaceutical company in Japan. We recommended suitable candidates and assisted in the negotiations with a selected Japanese company until an acquisition agreement was conducted.

Consultation on Real Estate Acquisition

Our Firm worked for a Japanese highly diversified company in its acquisition of a large tract of land in one of the Hawaiian islands. Our consultation was provided both during the negotiation stage and in the subsequent planning phase with a view to develop a locally integrated new community on the site.