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This document is a column written for the June 2024 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." It covers "Trends in M&A in the Manufacturing Industry and Representative Cases." The era of industry restructuring has arrived for medium-sized and small businesses as well, with examples of how M&A is being used to address issues such as the wave of carbon neutrality (GX) and the shortage of young talent capable of tackling digital transformation (DX). Additionally, trends in M&A among Japanese companies in 2023 and supply chain emissions are presented using charts and tables. We encourage you to read it. [Contents] ■ The wave of industry restructuring also affects medium-sized and small businesses ■ Representative cases of large M&A in the manufacturing industry in 2023 ■ Options for going private and improving PBR below 1 ■ Clearly defining the resources necessary for company growth *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the July 2024 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." It discusses "The management issues that M&A can solve are not limited to the lack of successors." It introduces the reasons why Spica Consulting integrated management with GA Technologies. Additionally, it explains how to effectively utilize M&A in growing companies. The content is presented in an easy-to-understand manner, so please take a moment to read it. [Contents] ■ Business succession and growth strategies in the manufacturing industry ■ The lack of successors is not the only reason for M&A ■ Commonalities necessary for growth exist even in different industries ■ Utilizing the power of shares to acquire growth drivers *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the August 2024 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." It explains the major M&A activities that took place in 2023-2024 (as of June). In the first half of 2023-2024, it covers significant large-scale M&As in the manufacturing industry, notable choices by major companies to remain unlisted, M&As with investment funds, the absence of successors, and solutions to management challenges. It has been decided that a revision of the company law, which will allow the acquisition of overseas companies using treasury stock, will be enacted by 2025, and it is anticipated that M&A activities both domestically and internationally will become increasingly active. [Contents] - Major M&As in the manufacturing industry in the first half of 2023-2024 - Notable choices by major companies to remain unlisted - M&As with investment funds - Absence of successors and solutions to management challenges *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the September 2024 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." In 2023, there were 1,145 M&A transactions in the manufacturing sector, making it the industry with the highest number of transfers compared to others. However, not all transferring companies were able to execute M&A with suitable partners. In this article, I will explain the reasons for this perspective and the challenges of M&A in the manufacturing industry. [Contents] - The difficulty of finding a suitable partner (matching) - A proper understanding of manufacturing companies - Examples of acquiring resources not available in-house through M&A - Conclusion: Careful consideration leads to happiness for both parties *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the October 2024 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." When considering M&A (mergers and acquisitions), it is natural for many business leaders to be concerned about the value of their own company (corporate valuation). Therefore, this time, I will discuss corporate value enhancement, which is highly related to corporate valuation. [Contents] ■ Strategic decision-making based on "numbers" ■ Companies that struggle with price transfer negotiations are weak in "numbers," not "sales" ■ The increasing presence of CFOs even in publicly listed companies ■ Summary - The direction in which your company should head in the future *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the November 2024 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." There are several methods for medium-sized and small manufacturing companies to enhance their corporate value. Among them, I have personally experienced that by focusing on three areas: "Financial and Accounting Analysis," "Marketing Strategy," and "Organizational Strength," and by developing strategies and implementing measures, not only can challenges be resolved, but corporate value can also be improved. This time, I will explain "Marketing Strategy." [Contents] ■ Characteristics of BtoB Marketing ■ Case Study: Companies that Started Digital Marketing from Scratch ■ Specific Marketing Measures to Undertake ■ Summary - The Direction Your Company Should Take Moving Forward *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the December 2024 issue of the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." There are several methods for medium-sized and small manufacturing companies to enhance their corporate value. Among them, I have personally experienced that focusing on "financial and accounting analysis," "marketing strategy," and "organizational strength" allows for not only the resolution of challenges but also the realization of improved corporate value through strategic planning and implementation of measures. This time, I will explain "organizational strength." [Contents] ■ What is organizational strength? ■ Case studies: Companies where improvements in organizational strength led to value enhancement ■ Key points for improving organizational strength learned from case studies ■ Conclusion - What should be tackled first? *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

This document is a column written for the January 2025 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." In 2024, there seems to be an increase in news about malicious fraud and troubles related to acquiring companies in M&A, which raises concerns for business owners considering M&A. Originally, M&A should be conducted carefully, with both parties enjoying benefits and entering into contracts. So why are such troubles increasing and seemingly never-ending? In this article, I will explain the "actual situation and points to note," as well as "measures" to avoid getting caught up in troubles. *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.*

This document is a column written for the February 2025 issue of the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." So far, we have shared know-how on enhancing corporate value in the manufacturing industry and points to consider regarding M&A. This time, we present a dialogue with President Nakamura of Shinei Holdings, who is utilizing M&A to enhance corporate value. We would like to hear about the current situation of Japan's small and medium-sized manufacturing industry and how to effectively use M&A to increase corporate value. *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.*

This document is a column written for the March 2025 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." In this article, we introduce a case where, after much deliberation on the options for business succession, a new form of business succession called a "search fund" was chosen. We present a dialogue between Shoichi Matsutani, the founder and chairman of Pine Valley (located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama), which specializes in motorcycle customization and tuning, and Naoya Tsukihara, a director of National Search Fund (located in Minato Ward, Tokyo), who took over the business. We asked them how they evaluated the options for business succession, the main reason for choosing a search fund, and their thoughts after the succession. *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.*

This document is a column written for the April 2025 issue of the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." We receive many inquiries from business owners about M&A on a daily basis. Among them are individuals who have not yet decided to proceed with a transfer and those who are considering M&A as one of their future options. Nowadays, the term M&A has gradually become more familiar. However, the specific methods for advancing M&A are not generally well understood. Therefore, I will explain the specific steps for advancing M&A in two parts, covering the process from "Understanding the Current Situation to Top Interviews, Basic Agreement Contract Signing, and Settlement/Closing Ceremony." In this first part, I will explain the flow of "Understanding the Current Situation to Top Interviews," highlighting key points. *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.*

This document is a column written for the May 2025 issue of the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." In the previous issue, I explained the specific steps for advancing M&A, dividing the process into two parts: "Understanding the Current Situation – Top Interviews – Signing of Basic Agreement – Closing and Signing Ceremony." I would like to reiterate that to achieve "successful M&A" that addresses fundamental issues, it is essential to understand the M&A process and be aware of key points in advance. In this second part, I will explain the steps involved in "Basic Agreement – Final Contract Signing, Closing, and Signing Ceremony." *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.*

This document is a column written for the May 2025 issue of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Factory Management." In order to improve Japan's industry in the future, I want to preserve the brilliant technologies held by small and medium-sized manufacturing companies for future generations. From this perspective, this series has provided information over 12 installments to deepen the correct understanding of M&A among manufacturing business owners and those working in the manufacturing sector. Even now, there are still some who perceive M&A as an "end" or a "defeat," but I hope you have come to understand that, at its core, M&A is a "choice that connects to the future." Additionally, by explaining the concept of corporate value for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and specific points for value enhancement with real examples, I hope it has provided a catalyst for considering the future of companies from various angles. In this final installment, I would like to share three perspectives on the theme of "What business owners should consider going forward" in this era of change. *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.*