Inbound Japan M&A activity and investment is expected to increase in 2021 with several key drivers putting Japan firmly on the map for international investors. Despite this, risks, and barriers to executing transactions remain.

Japanese companies are facing increasing pressure from shareholders to use capital and resources efficiently. Covid-19 has accelerated the pace of changes to the global industry landscape, including digital transformation. The rationalisation of business portfolios and a focus on core activities, will increase the trend seen in 2020 of carve outs and divestitures from Japanese corporates. The overhaul to corporate governance codes of conduct and shareholder accountability has heightened the interest of activists and private equity investors. Taken together, these reforms and responsiveness to shareholders, has placed Japanese corporates firmly in the cross hairs of investors. PE firms have large war chests to deploy, taking advantage of lower funding costs, distressed sales and lower valuations brought about by the pandemic.

 The Financial Times, in partnership with Baker McKenzie explores the challenges and opportunities facing investors in the Japan M&A market.

Understand

Identify opportunities within the Japanese corporate landscape

Connect

Mitigate transaction risks and learn about best practices for successful deal execution in Japan, which carries certain unique elements but also evolving with new value protection techniques

Discover

Understand the latest regulatory and governance landscape in comparison with the recent developments in other jurisdictions

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