Baker McKenzie Advises Gaw Capital On Its Joint Venture With Patience Capital Group To Acquire Iconic Ginza Mall In Tokyo.

Baker McKenzie has advised longstanding client Gaw Capital Partners (“Gaw Capital”) on its joint venture with Patience Capital Group (“PCG”), to acquire and manage Tokyu Plaza Ginza, a prime retail asset in central Ginza, Tokyo.

The strategic partnership comes at an opportune time, with Japan’s retail sector witnessing strong growth, fuelled by robust spending by inbound tourists and local consumers. The joint venture has been formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and managing the sizeable retail asset, with Gaw Capital owning 91% and PCG contributing the remaining 9%.

Funds Partner Jason Ng and Special Counsel Hayley Irons* led the Baker McKenzie team, together with Associate Nicola Liu. 

Commenting on the deal, Jason said: “We are delighted to have assisted Gaw Capital on another successful transaction in Japan. Gaw Capital has long been a leading APAC private equity real estate manager, and has specifically developed strong credentials in Japan, acquiring and managing assets across the full spectrum of real estate sectors. It’s also clear that Japan is going to remain as an active market, and we continue to advise many of our clients on opportunities relating to the jurisdiction. We particularly look forward to seeing the outcome of this strong strategic partnership for Gaw Capital.”

Baker McKenzie has advised Gaw Capital on many significant transactions over the years, acting on the formation and closing of its flagship Real Estate funds, including Gateway Real Estate Fund VII, which raised USD 3 billion in total equity (including sidecar co-investments), its Growth Equity Fund, Credit Fund, and various separate accounts and co-investment platforms. Aside from advising Gaw Capital on fund formation, Baker McKenzie has also advised on other key joint ventures, including its partnership with GDS to build a data center campus in Japan and its partnership with BW ESS to launch an investment platform for battery projects in Australia, among many others.