Japanese companies have long seen the UK as a gateway into Europe. However, the daunting prospect of a no-deal Brexit has already prompted many Japanese companies to shift their operations or European headquarters from the UK to the continent. Although a deal may finally be in sight, given the ongoing uncertainties surrounding Brexit and the challenges surrounding UK/EU supply chains many of our Japanese clients have been and still are looking hard at their European footprint. Against a background of a shrinking Japanese domestic market and the removal of trade barriers thanks to the EU/Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, it’s not surprising to see that Japanese interest in European targets is significantly increasing.

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