スピカコンサルティング List of Products and Services

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.*

• others

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.*

• others

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.*

• others

At Spica Consulting Co., Ltd., we will hold a value-up seminar on "How to Create a Keyence-style Sales Organization." Keyence is one of Japan's leading high-profit companies. Its sales methods go beyond mere product proposals, delving into customers' potential challenges and providing optimal solutions through "value-added sales." This seminar will optimize the creation of a Keyence-style sales organization for medium and small enterprises, explaining it in a way that can be implemented starting tomorrow. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to experience actual sales consulting methods from Mr. Shinya Amano, a former top salesperson at Keyence and currently the CRO of Kakushin Co., Ltd. [Seminar Overview (Partial)] ■ Seminar Name: VALUE UP LAB for Manufacturing 2025 3rd Session "How to Create a Keyence-style Sales Organization" ■ Date and Time: August 22, 2025 (Friday) 17:30–20:00 (including networking session) ■ Venue: Spica Consulting Headquarters ■ Address: 42F Sumitomo Real Estate Roppongi Grand Tower, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• Management Seminar

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.*

• others

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.*

• others

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.*

• others

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.

• others

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.

• others

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.

• others

Spica Consulting Co., Ltd. will hold a seminar titled "Why Did the Founder of Pine Valley Choose a Search Fund?" Founded in 2008, Pine Valley Co., Ltd. specializes in customizations and tuning of the American motorcycle brand "Harley-Davidson." Its base in Kyuura, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, has established a solid brand as the "Holy Land for Harley Riders." On the day of the event, we plan to present themes (examples) in a panel discussion format as follows: [Event Overview] ■ Date: November 29, 2024 (Friday) 17:00 - 18:00, followed by a networking session (light refreshments provided) from 18:00 ■ Venue: Sumitomo Realty & Development Roppongi Grand Tower, 42nd Floor ■ Address: 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6290 ■ Format: In-person / Web streaming ■ Participation Fee: Free ■ Capacity: 50 people in-person / 50 people online *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• Management Seminar

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.

• Management Seminar

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.

• Management consultant/Small business consultant

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.

• Management consultant/Small business consultant

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.

• Management consultant/Small business consultant

We will hold seminars on "Value Up (Corporate Value) Management" in four cities: Tokyo (online), Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. In this seminar, successful companies practicing value-up management and experts from various industries will discuss the transformations required by society and the industry, as well as the challenges that companies want to solve in the near term, contributing to the corporate value that addresses both. This seminar is recommended for those who are concerned about managing their company alone in a rapidly changing society and industry, or for those who want to learn about the management strategies and specific measures of continuously growing companies. 【Event Dates】 ■ Tokyo: October 28, 2024 (Monday) 18:00 - 20:00 ■ Osaka: October 15, 2024 (Tuesday) 18:00 - 20:00 ■ Nagoya: October 21, 2024 (Monday) 18:00 - 20:00 ■ Fukuoka: October 29, 2024 (Tuesday) 18:00 - 20:00 *For more details, please refer to the related link or feel free to contact us. Book Release: "Value Up" VALUE UP: Understanding Industry-Specific M&A and Corporate Value Enhancement Strategies through Success Stories - Manufacturing Edition https://amzn.asia/d/9JRJv88

• Management Seminar

Spica Consulting is a consulting firm that provides "Value-Up Consulting" and "Industry-Specific M&A" to maximize corporate value. We have implemented a management integration with GA Technologies, which has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market within a year of its founding. We have come under the capital umbrella of GA Technologies. Additionally, we were listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market five years after our founding in 2018. After going public, we have conducted 16 M&A transactions and are a rapidly growing company with sales exceeding 146.6 billion yen in the fiscal year 2023. So, why did an M&A consulting firm choose to partner with a real estate tech company? We will introduce our management integration (M&A) as a clear example of utilizing "M&A," which is often strongly associated with addressing the successor shortage issue, as a growth strategy, highlighting several key points. *For more details, please feel free to contact us.*

• others

Our company has started offering a diagnostic service to measure employee satisfaction regarding M&A, aimed at supporting smooth PMI between companies that have undergone M&A, starting from June 4. This service involves surveying employees belonging to the acquired company about their satisfaction with the work environment, relationships, and treatment after the M&A. The survey is conducted by our company as a third-party organization, ensuring the anonymity of the employees through the aggregation and analysis of responses. The survey report, created with both quantitative and qualitative aspects and from an objective perspective, can not only be used to discover new management challenges but also to visualize the less apparent strengths of the company, such as corporate culture and communication among employees. This makes it useful as proposal material for the next potential acquisition target. 【Features】 ■ The survey is conducted by our company as a third-party organization, ensuring employee anonymity through the aggregation and analysis of responses. ■ Can also be used as proposal material for the next potential acquisition target. ■ Available for all companies facing concerns or anxieties regarding PMI after M&A. *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• others

Our company will establish a research institution called "Value Up Lab," aimed at analyzing management factors that contribute to enhancing corporate value, which varies by industry, in the five sectors of manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, energy, and food. The lab will also focus on disseminating information regarding advanced management issues. At the end of September, we plan to release a white paper specialized for the five industries as the first publication from "Value Up Lab." Please feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries. 【Main Initiatives】 ■ Analysis of management factors that contribute to enhancing corporate value, which varies by industry ■ Research presentations on advanced management issues ■ Creation of white papers on industry trends ■ Awareness-raising activities and alerts regarding legal amendments and scandals *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• others

Shin-Ei Holdings Co., Ltd. is enhancing corporate value through M&A. In this seminar, Mr. Nakamura, the representative director, will specifically discuss the M&A strategies that Shin-Ei Holdings has been working on to address management challenges. Additionally, two individuals who have remained as managers after joining the Shin-Ei Holdings group will share their experiences regarding the background of their M&A decision and the current situation after several years. 【Event Overview】 ■ Date: August 26, 2024 (Monday), 13:00-14:00 ■ Format: In-person / Web streaming * You can view it with a PC, tablet, or other devices, as long as you have an internet connection. * Please note that the streaming system may not function properly due to security software or other features. Thank you for your understanding in advance. ■ Venue: 42F, Sumitomo Realty & Development Roppongi Grand Tower, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 ■ Participation Fee: Free ■ Capacity: 50 people for in-person attendance / 50 people for online streaming For more details and to apply, please visit the page below.

• Management Seminar

In this seminar, we will have a special discussion between "Seirin International Patent and Trademark Office," which has a wealth of support experience in intellectual property strategy, and our director, Haruka Matsuei, who has extensive M&A support experience in the manufacturing industry. In Japan, the creation of innovations that can dominate the world has stagnated, and Japanese companies are falling behind in global competitiveness. The proportion of intangible assets in corporate value (market capitalization) is low, with the U.S. market (S&P 500) at 90% compared to the Japanese market (Nikkei 225) at 30%. In recent years, as the importance of intangible assets in corporate value has increased, the "Intellectual Property and Intangible Asset Governance Guidelines Ver. 2.0" was established in 2023, marking the beginning of an era where dialogue with stakeholders utilizing intellectual property investment strategies is increasingly required. Correctly understanding intellectual property strategies and strategically utilizing intangible assets in management directly leads to the creation of profitable businesses. On the day of the seminar, we hope participants will learn from specific corporate examples that have successfully monetized intellectual property and gain insights to enhance their own corporate value. ★ June 11 (Tuesday) from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM! Please check the details and apply from the page below.

• Management Seminar

In the manufacturing industry, where industry-specific business practices are deeply rooted, there is a perception that "marketing is not suitable for manufacturing" and "generating business opportunities through web marketing is difficult." FA Products Co., Ltd., which develops factory automation (FA) equipment to automate factories, has found that acquiring new customers has become an urgent task due to rapid changes in the market environment. In this seminar, we will invite Mr. Shinya Amano, an advisor to the company, for a special discussion with our director, Haruka Matsuoe, who has extensive M&A experience in the manufacturing industry, about FA Products' specific marketing strategies. We will also thoroughly explain the latest trends in the industry and the reasons why Japanese manufacturing companies must focus on marketing. [Event Overview] ■ Date: Archive video distribution ■ Format: Video viewing *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Management Seminar

Our company will start providing the "Value Up BOOK," specialized in four industries: pharmacy, logistics, manufacturing, and energy (LP gas), from January 22, 2024. This is a collection of materials for business owners that explains industry trends, basic knowledge of M&A, M&A case studies by industry, and methods for value-up consulting (increasing stock value). Consultants with extensive experience and a proven track record in the industry have carefully selected and explained information that contributes to corporate growth. We will distribute this material for free to business owners who have a one-on-one meeting with us. If you would like the materials, please apply for a one-on-one meeting. *You can view detailed information through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

• others

Spica Consulting Co., Ltd. held a seminar on "Developing Business Succession Strategies to Prepare for the Future" for members of the Nakahara Factory Association, a general incorporated association. On the day of the event, approximately 20 executives participated, and survey results showed that 86.6% of attendees responded that it was "beneficial." Additionally, we received comments from participants such as "I was able to learn the formula for corporate value," "It wasn't directly related to me, but I understood it well," and "The elements were explained clearly in a short amount of time." *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

• Management Seminar

Our company held the "M&A CONSULTANT CAREER MEETUP #01" on April 19, 2024, aimed at individuals interested in employment or career changes in the M&A brokerage industry, as well as those looking to advance their careers in M&A consulting. The inaugural event on April 19 was limited to the first 30 participants and featured a networking session themed "The Career of an M&A Consultant: Then, Now, and the Future." The discussion focused on the environment surrounding the job of an "M&A Consultant," the transformation of its image, and the skills that will be necessary for consultants in the future. *For more details, please refer to the related link. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• others

Our company has established a research team starting in March 2024, aimed at improving the quality of M&A brokerage services. By utilizing advanced technologies such as AI, we will support consultants in making more sophisticated proposals. The newly established research team aims to achieve higher quality M&A support by utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as image processing and generative AI to reduce and streamline the complex tasks of consultants. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• EAI/ETL/WEB application server

Business succession refers to the process of transferring the management of a company to a successor. However, in medium and small enterprises, the owner-president often serves as the face of the company and is a significant strength, making the question of "who will be the successor" a major management issue. There are three main points regarding the challenges of business succession: 1. Who will take over the "management" (succession of management)? 2. Who will take over the "company shares" (succession of ownership)? 3. How will the successor's "education" be conducted (succession of skills and knowledge)? While it is a significant management challenge for companies, the situation varies from one company to another, making it impossible to resolve business succession issues with general principles alone. For presidents and management teams who prioritize business growth, this becomes a challenging issue that is difficult to address immediately, and it constantly lingers as a source of concern. This book summarizes options and points to consider for business owners who are currently or will be addressing business succession in the future.

• Management consultant/Small business consultant

What purposes do companies in the manufacturing industry pursue M&A for? There are unavoidable reasons for M&A, such as the lack of successors commonly seen in small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as companies that engage in M&A as a growth strategy for development and globalization. This document will explain the background of why the manufacturing industry conducts M&A. *For more details, please refer to the "PDF Download."

• Management consultant/Small business consultant

The Value-Up BOOK is a collection of materials for business owners that explains industry trends, basic knowledge of M&A, M&A case studies by industry, and methods for value-up consulting (enhancing stock value). It is provided for four industries: the logistics industry, which is attracting attention due to the 2024 issue; the pharmacy industry, which is facing a revision of dispensing fees; and the energy (LP gas) and manufacturing industries, where the lack of successors is a serious problem. We will distribute it for free to business owners who have had individual meetings with us. If you would like the materials, please apply for an individual meeting through the URL below or the related link URL. https://spicon.co.jp/

• Management consultant/Small business consultant

We will exclusively present the necessary ICT technologies for medium and small manufacturing companies in this seminar. We will thoroughly explain case studies of companies that are utilizing AI in their business operations to improve productivity. The President and CEO of Japan System Management Co., Ltd., which offers CIO (Chief Information Officer) services, will have a special discussion with our director, who has extensive experience in supporting M&A in the manufacturing industry. 【Event Overview】 ■ Date: Archive video distribution ■ Format: Video viewing *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Technical Seminar

At Spica Consulting Co., Ltd., we provide fully industry-specific M&A support. To become the true partner of business owners, we offer industry-leading M&A through fully industry-specific consulting. Our professional players, boasting extensive achievements and experience in the industry, promise to contribute to your success. 【Features】 ■ Fully industry-specific M&A consulting ■ Providing industry-leading M&A *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Management consultant/Small business consultant