K&L Gates Advises Tokyo Century Corporation on Cross-Border Aviation Acquisition

Tokyo – Global law firm K&L Gates has advised Tokyo Century Corporation (Tokyo Century) on its agreement to acquire a 20% stake in U.S.-based aircraft-leasing company Aviation Capital Group, a wholly owned affiliate of U.S.-based Pacific Life Insurance Company. The deal is expected to close by year-end.

The K&L Gates team advising Tokyo Century was led by Tokyo corporate/M&A partner Ryan Dwyer and Tokyo finance partner Robert Melson and included Tokyo partner Sebastian Smith and associates CJ Hoppel and Kyle de Neve. The team was further supported by Pittsburgh tax partner Stephen Barge, with Wilmington corporate and transactional partners Lisa Stark and Eric Feldman advising on Delaware law.

Melson said: "K&L Gates is pleased to have brought together a large cross-border team from Japan and the United States to assist valued client Tokyo Century achieve a very successful result. The strategic acquisition will expand Tokyo Century's offering in the midsize jets market right at a time when global demand for aircraft leasing is rising and will position the company well for future growth."