Clairfield global partners meet in Tokyo
Growth, integration, and shared opportunity
The 2025 Clairfield Global Partners Meeting took place in Tokyo from 5–7 November, hosted by Clairfield’s Japanese partner, Yamada Consulting Group. Over three days, partners from six continents met for strategy discussions, client engagements, and collaboration sessions focused on growth and crossborder opportunity.
This year’s meeting held particular significance following Yamada’s 10% investment in Clairfield, completed earlier in 2025. The investment deepens a partnership established in 2020 to support Japanese clients in outbound M&A and connect Clairfield’s international clients with strategic opportunities across Asia.
Japan in focus
Asia continues to play an increasingly important role in global M&A, and Japan remains a key market for Clairfield and its clients. Japan’s corporate landscape is one of the most dynamic in the world.
- Yamada Consulting Group ranks in the top 10 of LSEG’s league tables for transactions in Japan.
- Record M&A value has been achieved in 2025, already exceeding the total for 2024.
- Private equity investment is rising sharply as Japan attracts global funds.
- Governance reforms and shareholder activism are driving corporate change.
- Cash-rich companies are pursuing both domestic and crossborder acquisitions.
Throughout the meeting, discussions centred on Japan’s changing business environment, where reforms, succession challenges, and globalisation are reshaping the corporate landscape. Partners examined how Clairfield and Yamada can help clients navigate these trends and identify new opportunities for growth and investment.
Strategic dialogue and technology insights
The programme combined internal strategy sessions with expert presentations from business leaders in Japan. Topics included the impact of technology and AI on dealmaking and how Japanese companies are adapting to global competition.
Guest speakers such as Paul Yonamine, Tatsuo Yamasaki, Hideyuki Nakashima, and Masaki Otsuki shared valuable insights into Japan’s economy, innovation, and crossborder M&A activity. Discussions highlighted how AI is transforming due diligence and integration processes and how new technologies are reshaping competitive advantage across sectors.
Clairfield chair Alexander Klemm commented, “Our partner meetings are a microcosm of Clairfield’s collaboration and strategic dialogue. Over these days, we exchanged ideas, explored opportunities, and discovered new ways to strengthen our cooperation. I am pleased to report that we have much in the pipeline.”
Peter Brown, partner at Clairfield in Canada, added, “Another productive gathering of Clairfield professionals from around the world, occurring at a critical time with the increasing global uncertainty but also at a time of great opportunity to advance crossborder M&A and investment activity.”
A celebration of business and culture
Clairfield’s partner meetings are also an opportunity to experience the host country’s culture and hospitality. The welcome dinner took place at the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, where guests enjoyed the hotel’s famous sea of clouds effect in its illuminated garden.
A client and colleague reception was held at Tokyo Daijingu, one of the city’s most significant Shinto shrines, offering a tranquil setting for conversation and exchange. Guests enjoyed a guided sake tasting led by Yamada analyst and sake expert Yuka Hayashibara, who introduced a range of traditional varieties and explained the craftsmanship behind them.
After a productive morning of meetings, partners explored central Tokyo on foot, passing through Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, the National Diet Building, and the historic Hie Shrine.
Looking ahead
The Tokyo meeting reaffirmed Clairfield’s commitment to building strong local partnerships that create global opportunity. Japan’s economic transformation and outward investment ambitions continue to offer significant potential for Clairfield’s clients across sectors and geographies.
Clairfield thanks Yamada Consulting Group for their exceptional hospitality and all partners and speakers who contributed to the success of the 2025 Global Partners Meeting.
