Freshfields advises Compass Group Japan on its acquisition of Morinaga Shokken

Global law firm Freshfields has advised Compass Group Japan on its acquisition of Morinaga Shokken Co. Ltd., a company with an outstanding track record in medical and senior food services primarily in the Kyushu region. UK-based Compass Group is one of the world’s largest contract food service companies.

This transaction marks a significant strategic move for Compass Group’s Japanese business to bolster its presence and capabilities in Japan’s medical and senior care meal service market, which faces challenges like labour shortages and rising costs.

Freshfields provided comprehensive legal advice to Compass Group throughout the acquisition process, completed on 31 March 2026.

The Freshfields team was led by partner Tomoko Nakajima, with support from senior associate Junya Suzuki, associate Takahiro Sato, associate Masashi Niinomi, associate Erika Ushimaru and associate Gaku Nakano. Antitrust and competition advice was provided by partner Kaori Yamada and associate Hitoshi Nakajima.