Ashurst has advised Mitsui & Co., Ltd (Mitsui) on its subscription of up to 20% (with an option to increase to 30%) of shares in Australian-based investment fund manager, Westbourne Credit Management Limited (WCML).

Mitsui is partnering with WCML to expand its overseas investment fund management business to key Asian clients by leveraging Mitsui's strong reputation in the Asia-Pacific region and WCML's expertise in the infrastructure fund business. The agreements were signed on 30 April 2015.

This investment solidifies Mitsui's existing relationship with WCML, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Japan Alternative Investment Co. Ltd, which has been working closely with WCML to jointly establish and manage the Westbourne Infrastructure Debt Opportunities Fund, L.P, an infrastructure debt fund for institutional investors in Japan.

The Ashurst team was led by partner Mark Davies, assisted by partners Natsuko Ogawa and Con Tzerefos, counsel Arabella Dove, associates Elaine Yik and Huw Watkins, and lawyers Ana Gacis and Jared Lynch (Corporate); with partner Jane Harvey (Disputes).