Maples Group Advises on US$500 Million Fund Formation by Japan-focused Private Equity Firm

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group’s law firm, is pleased to have advised Sunrise Capital KK (“Sunrise Capital”), the Japan-dedicated private equity strategy of pan-Asia investment firm CITIC Securities CLSA Capital Partners, in connection with the formation of its fifth fund, Sunrise Capital V (“Sunrise V”). Sunrise V, is a fund that invests in established, mid-cap companies with strong growth potential in Japan. The fund was significantly oversubscribed and closed within five months at a hard cap of US$500 million.

Established in 2006, Sunrise Capital runs a Japan-dedicated private equity strategy, capitalising on growth opportunities in the mid-cap buyout sector. The firm has raised approximately US$2 billion to date and completed investments in approximately 50 companies including both standalone and follow-on investments.

A team of lawyers based in the Group’s Hong Kong office acted as Cayman Islands counsel to Sunrise Capital. The team was led by Asia Funds & Investment Management Partner, Sharon Yap and Finance Partner, Lorraine Pao and supported by Funds Associate, Kai Liu.

Commenting on the transaction, Sharon said, “We are delighted to have assisted Sunrise Capital on this remarkable achievement. Looking ahead, we anticipate that appetite for Japan-focused fund raising will remain strong and the Maples Group has the ability to provide multi-jurisdictional legal advice and bespoke fund administration and fiduciary services support within convenient time zones. As a long-standing client of the firm, we look forward to supporting Sunrise Capital further on their continued growth journey.”