Natsuko Ogawa
Natsuko Ogawa

Natsuko Ogawa

Partner

Melbourne

+61 3 9679 3833 | +61 427 481 911
natsuko.ogawa@ashurstperkins.com

Introduction

Natsuko is at the forefront in the Australia Japan relationship, recognized for work in cross-border M&A and in cultural diplomacy as the chair of the Australia Japan Foundation.

Natsuko Ogawa practices in the area of mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures, acting primarily for Japanese clients investing in Australia. Natsuko leads the firm's Japan practice in Australia and is one of only a small number of senior lawyers in the Australian market who is capable of executing major transactions in Japanese and English.

Natsuko also regularly advises her clients on Australia's foreign investment framework, and provides training to Australian boards on directors' duties, Corporations Act requirements and corporate governance with a Japanese cultural lens.

Natsuko's clients include leading companies in a broad cross section of industries including insurance and financial services, real estate, logistics, mobility, infrastructure, energy (including renewables), technology and retail.

In September 2024, Natsuko was appointed the chair of the Australia Japan Foundation.

  • Nippon Life| Lead partner | 2025 | on its acquisition of the remaining interest of 20% in MLC Life from a leading Australian bank for AU$500 million; and on its acquisition of Resolution Life for US$8.2 billion.
  • Sojitz | Lead partner | 2025 | on its agreement to acquire a 50% interest in the Transport Division and the Rail, Technology and Systems Division of UGL Pty Limited (a subsidiary of CIMIC Group Limited) a 50% interest in UGL’s Transport Division from CIMIC.
  • Sojitz | Lead partner | 2023 | on its acquisition of Dutton Group, a wholesale and retail used car business.
  • Mitsubishi Corporation | Lead partner | 2025 | on its acquisition of a 20% interest in holding company which owns easyauto123 (Eagers’ independent used-car business operating in Australia and New Zealand) and a majority shareholding in Carlins Automotive Auctioneers (Eagers' used-car auction company).
  • Mitsubishi Corporation | Lead partner | 2018 | on the divestment of TRILITY to Beijing Water.
  • Japanese Trading and Investment Company | Co-Lead partner | 2022 | on its acquisition of a minority interest in a carbon farming project services-provider.
  • Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company | Lead partner | 2021 | on its investment in joint venture with major Australian multinational financial services company.
  • Toll Holdings and Japan Post | Co-Lead partner | 2021 | on its divestment of Global Express to Allegro Funds.
  • Japan Post Capital | Lead partner | 2025 | on its investment in Applied EV, a company specializing in the development of autonomous electric vehicle platforms.
  • Sumitomo Forestry Australia | Lead partner | 2024| On its joint venture with CedPac in respect of the 50 Quay St BTR project.

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