Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya on joint venture and expansion into airline catering

Global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised Japan's Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd and Gourmet Kineya Co., Ltd as international counsel on the creation of a joint venture, Meal Hub Inc., and acquisition of a leading Asia-Pacific airline catering business.

Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners is a lead counsel on the transaction and also advised Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya on Japanese law aspects of the transaction.

The investment combines Kobe Bussan’s food production and supply chain expertise with Gourmet Kineya's catering industry experience.

The joint venture will acquire LSG Asia-Pacific from private equity investor Aurelius Group, adding airline catering businesses in Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand and Canada.

"This acquisition by two of Japan's leading food industry and catering companies provides proven expertise to continue the growth of LSG Asia-Pacific," said Tokyo partner Joseph Fisher, who led the HSF Kramer advisory team.

"The deal also exemplifies our firm's ability to advise across numerous regional and global jurisdictions and work closely with Japanese counsel to achieve the clients' aims."

Joseph was assisted in Tokyo by senior associate Alexander Chuprunov; in Hong Kong by partner Jason Sung, senior associate Aaron Li and associate Camille Chai; and in Singapore by senior associate Jarry Tay.