Investing in Germany – success for Japanese companies

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and Japan’s largest European trade partner. The German market is the largest market on the European continent. Owing to its advantageous geographic position and the removal of practically all trade obstacles by the European Union, Germany is furthermore an excellent springboard in particular for Japanese business expansion to Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Mediterranean region. A stable and reliable legal system and efficient administration offer a high degree of investment security. German companies are known worldwide for their high quality and cost-efficient products. Many global market leaders originate from Germany – in particular in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automotive industry and medical equipment segment. An excellent education system turns out competent professionals. Strikes are relatively seldom.

Japanese products enjoy good acclaim and excellent reputation in Germany. They are popular owing to their intelligent design, reliability and cutting-edge technology solutions. Therefore they are very attractive for buyers.

Those are reasons why a steadily growing number of Japanese companies are establishing their presence by opening their subsidiaries and branches in Germany – mainly in Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich. They benefit from investment-friendly climate, availability of well-trained skilled labour and a market with high quality awareness and financial strength.

Services offered by Rödl & Partner to Japanese companies in Germany

For years, Rödl & Partner has been providing advisory support to foreign investors in practically all legal and tax matters relevant for their presence in Germany. Our services include company establishment, support during M&A transactions (acquisitions and divestitures of businesses and companies), reorganizations, advisory assistance in respect of Joint Ventures, drafting of trade agency agreements, representation in litigations, suggestion of solutions for labour law disputes, outsourcing of the financial and tax accounting function as well as support during inspections by authorities.

Rödl & Partner is present with its wholly owned offices also in many countries outside Germany. Therefore Rödl & Partner is in a position to offer comprehensive advisory support to Japanese investors viewing Germany as a springboard for expansion e.g. to East Europe.

Our track record

Rödl & Partner has a track record of providing advisory assistance in particular to the following Japanese companies and their German subsidiaries:

NTT Data Corporation: M&A transaction in the form of acquisition of shares of IKV Technologies AG
SiCrystal AG (a subsidiary of ROHM Corporation in Kyoto): General advice on matters of civil and corporate law
NEC Germany GmbH (subsidiaries of NEC Corporation, Tokyo): General advice on matters of civil and cor-porate law
Sun Chemical Groupe (a subsidiary of DIC Corporation, Tokyo): M&A transactions, reorganizations