Clifford Chance Prague has advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC Group) as the Sole Coordinator, Sole Bookrunner, and Mandated Lead Arranger on a JPY80 billion (USD528 million equivalent) Samurai loan for Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH). This landmark transaction marks the largest debut Samurai loan for a global corporate borrower since the global financial crisis and further solidifies SMBC Group’s leading role in the Samurai loan market.

A Samurai loan is a yen-denominated loan facilitated in Japan by a non-Japanese company, allowing borrowers to access Japanese institutional investors. These loans present an attractive funding option for international borrowers aiming for currency diversification and competitive financing terms, while also offering Japanese investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios through exposure to global corporates.

Miloš Felgr, managing partner of Clifford Chance´s office in Prague, commented: “This transaction underscores our ability to advise on complex and evolving banking and financing products, such as Samurai loans. Our expertise enables us to support banks but also clients as they expand from the local Czech market to international financial markets, helping them secure innovative and strategic financing solutions.”

Clifford Chance Prague’s team advising SMBC Group on this transaction was led by counsel Dominik Vojta and senior associate Hana Čekalová with support from associate Tomáš Kubala, under the supervision of managing partner Miloš Felgr.