Gearbulk Sees Marubeni’s Investment with Mitsui's Help
Deal News | Jun 04, 2025 | Legal Community Swiss
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a Tokyo-based corporation, has received legal advisement from Lenz & Staehelin in a transaction wherein Marubeni, another Tokyo-based enterprise, has completed an equity investment in Gearbulk Holding. Gearbulk, headquartered in Switzerland, is a globally active open hatch shipping operator, operating as a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Marubeni is involved in import, export, offshore trade, and international investment. The advisory team from Lenz & Staehelin included several M&A specialists and an employment advisor, reflecting the comprehensive legal support provided during the transaction.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Shipping and Maritime
- Investment and Trading
Geography
- Switzerland – Gearbulk Holding is headquartered in Switzerland, making it a key geographical location in the transaction.
- Japan – Both Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Marubeni are headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, making it central to the deal.
Industry
- Legal Services – Lenz & Staehelin provided legal advice in the transaction, highlighting the significance of legal services in M&A activities.
- Shipping and Maritime – Gearbulk Holding operates within the shipping and maritime sector as a globally active open hatch shipping operator.
- Investment and Trading – Marubeni is active in import, export, and international investment, defining its role within the investment and trading sector.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbulk Holding | Target Company | Company | A global open hatch shipping operator and a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. |
| Mitsui O.S.K. Lines | Selling Company | Company | A Tokyo-based company involved in shipping and logistics, the parent company of Gearbulk Holding. |
| Marubeni | Bidding Company | Company | A Tokyo-based company engaged in multiple business activities, including international investment. |
| Lenz & Staehelin | Legal Advisor | Company | A Swiss law firm advising Mitsui in the equity investment transaction. |