Akito Watkin has experience advising corporates and private equity funds on a wide range of cross-border and domestic acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures as well as general corporate advisory matters.

Prior to joining Akin, Akito was a corporate associate in a leading global law firm. During that time, he was seconded to the Tokyo office for six months and to Blackstone Credit (formerly GSO Capital Partners).

Representative Work

Represented Olin Corporation on its global joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The joint venture is known as the Blue Water Alliance (BWA). BWA is an independent global trader of electrochemical units-based derivatives, initially focused on globally traded caustic soda and ethylene dichloride.
Represented VPI Holdings Limited, an affiliate of energy and commodities trader Vitol S.A., in connection with the company’s proposed acquisition from Drax Group plc of four combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants in the U.K. for a consideration of £193 million.
Represented AstroBank on the establishment of Trusset Asset Management, a servicing platform for non-performing loans, and the sale of 74.9 percent of Trusset Asset Management to Qualco Group
Represented an ad hoc committee of senior secured noteholders in relation to the further deleveraging and reorganization of commodities trader Noble Group (Noble), including the transition of ownership of a significant part of Noble to the noteholders.
Represented a major international energy group on its $1.57 billion acquisition of minority interests in an Azerbaijan oil field and pipeline.*

Represented Zynga Inc., the U.S. gaming company, on its $700 million acquisition of Small Giant Games.*
Represented Energean Oil & Gas PLC on its $750 million acquisition of Edison E&P.*
Represented Energean Oil & Gas PLC on its $250 million disposal of the U.K. and Norwegian assets of Edison E&P.*
Represented Bridgepoint on its €120 million (and €70 million undrawn facilities) financing for the acquisition of cleantech leader Evac Group.*
Represented HgCapital on its investment in Mitratech, the global software provider.*

*Experience gained prior to joining Akin Gump LLP