Baker & McKenzie Represents Gibson Guitar in Onkyo Strategic Alliance

San Francisco, USA, January 30, 2012 – A cross-border team of Baker & McKenzie attorneys recently represented Gibson Guitar Corp., the legendary maker of guitars and premier audio equipment, in executing a strategic alliance with Onkyo Corporation, a worldwide leader in consumer audio.

Through this venture, Gibson acquired a majority of Onkyo USA (Onkyo's exclusive distributor for North America and a distributor for Central and South America) and became the second largest shareholder in Onkyo Corporation. Gibson made a strategic investment in the company, and Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz will be given a position on the Onkyo board of directors. Likewise, Onkyo invested in Gibson, and CEO and President Munenori Otsuki took a position on the company's Board of Directors.  The deal was announced on January 4, 2012 and closed on January 20, 2012.

Through this alliance, Onkyo USA becomes the latest addition to the Gibson Pro Audio division, which already includes KRK, Cerwin-Vega! and Stanton.  As part of the alliance, the two companies also agreed to form a Hong Kong-based joint venture focusing on design and development of unparalleled consumer audio products.  For more information on the deal, please click here to view Gibson’s press release on the matter.

Partner Emery D. Mitchell in San Francisco led the Firm’s representation of Gibson in the U.S. aspects of the transaction, with assistance from Partner Tiffany J. Rose and Associates Justine Belytschko and David C. Rothschild.  Associate Paula R. Levy in Palo Alto assisted with tax matters.  The Firm’s team in Tokyo was led by Partners Alexander R. Jampel and Hitoshi Sumiya, and Counsel Haruhiko Ogasawara.

“This was a fast moving and complex deal, and we are very pleased to have assisted Gibson with this strategically important transaction, which we hope will be a great success for both companies,” said Mr. Mitchell.