V&E shuts up shop in Singapore as it sets up in Tokyo

Texas-based Vinson & Elkins (V&E) has realigned its Asian operations with a new office in Tokyo and the closure of its Singapore branch.

The Tokyo base, the firm’s fifth international location, was launched primarily to assist US clients investing in non-performing loans, real estate and other assets in Japan. The office will be headed by partner William Young, co-section head, business and international and administrative partner for Tokyo.

V&E’s Chinese practice has also forged a consulting relationship with its former administrative partner Handel Lee, who will become chairman of China’s King & Wood on 18 October.

As well as Tokyo, V&E will bump up in Beijing by transferring project and structured finance associate Nicholas Song’s team from Singapore while corporate and project finance associate David Blumental has relocated from Houston.

In addition to continuing its work in the distressed asset market, V&E will no doubt hope the re-jigged Asian offices will help its international energy practice, which has suffered from the loss of key client collapsed energy trader Enron.