Securitizability.com

3 July, 2003 TOKYO - Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP and Nishikawa & Partners announced the addition of two new partners to the Tokyo joint enterprise. Christopher J. Lewis, an English lawyer, focuses on securitization and structured products and finance and Kazunobi Nishi, a prominent bengoshi, is an experienced corporate finance lawyer.

Mr. Lewis focuses primarily on complex financial products and structured finance transactions. Fluent in Japanese, he has worked with many leading Japanese and European investment banks, advising them on transactions involving various asset classes, derivatives, distressed assets and a range of products in Japan, Korea and other Asian jurisdictions. "Joining Sidley enables me to provide my clients with sophisticated English and Japanese law capability, coupled with the strengths of one of the strongest global firms in securitization and capital markets. I am looking forward to expanding the firm's structured finance practice in Japan and elsewhere in Asia," said Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Nishi, who was most recently regional general counsel at UBS (Japan) LTD, handles regulatory and transactional matters, including cross-border mergers and acquisitions and strategic alliances. Prior to his tenure at UBS, Mr. Nishi was senior legal counsel to Goldman Sachs in Japan. "Joining the joint enterprise of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood and Nishikawa & Partners offers a platform for me to use my knowledge of investment banking and corporate finance to represent a wide range of clients," commented Nishi. "This is a unique opportunity for me."

Tomoo Nishikawa, head of the firm's Japan Practice, said, "The addition of these respected partners to our practice is very gratifying. Chris Lewis's English law capability enhances our overall securitization strength in Asia, particularly in Japan where many transactions rely on English law. Kazunobi Nishi has a complete understanding of the numerous issues confronting investment banks and that understanding will be of tremendous value to our clients in Japan and elsewhere."

Thomas W. Albrecht, a member of Sidley's Management Committee noted, "The addition of Kazunobi Nishi and Chris Lewis dramatically expands our ability to advise our clients on a wide range of legal issues governed by Japanese and English law. Mr. Nishi's extensive corporate finance experience adds additional depth to our already strong practice in that area. Chris Lewis has practised in Japan for more than 10 years, giving him a perspective on Asia-based securitization and structured finance transactions that is virtually unparalleled."

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood and Nishikawa & Partners entered into a joint venture in October 2002 and moved offices to the newly opened Marunouchi Building earlier this year to accommodate an expanding Japanese practice.

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Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP and Nishikawa & Partners add Partners in Tokyo Office

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP and Nishikawa & Partners
add Partners in Tokyo Office