Join Syntax Partners
Syntax Partners is an independent M&A advisory firm based in Japan, specializing in cross-border M&A centered on Asia. We are seeking talented individuals at all levels, from senior bankers to entry-level candidates and interns.
We look for professionals who earn the trust of clients, share our principles, and put them into practice. The sections below describe our work and our ways of working in terms of our three core values, the three E’s.
Our Practice
We advise on cross-border transactions centered on Asia and extending to Europe and North America, with a focus on mid-market M&A of approximately JPY 1 billion to 10 billion in deal value. We work on both buy-side and sell-side mandates. We do not act as an intermediary under any circumstances. On each transaction, we act as financial advisor to one party only, working to maximize that client’s interests, and support the client throughout the process, from market research, identification of and outreach to potential counterparties, through letters of intent (LOI), due diligence, and closing.
The Three E’s: Our Values and Ways of Working
Excellence
“We hold ourselves to the highest standard of quality in everything we deliver. We respond promptly and precisely to the challenges our clients need to solve, and make no compromises, down to the last detail. We continue to develop ourselves and keep raising that standard.”
Syntax Partners is a small team of experienced professionals. Each member, with support and guidance from senior members, is expected to deliver each assignment as finished work that represents the firm. We therefore expect high productivity and a strong professional mindset from everyone. Taking responsibility for the quality of deliverables means looking beyond the immediate task, understanding the background and purpose of each request and its place in the overall transaction, and arriving at the best possible answer.
A large share of our engagements are cross-border, and our multinational team includes members based outside Japan. We do not assume that everyone works from the same office. Each member works to a high standard from an independent environment, and we operate on a fully remote basis.
Entrepreneurship
“With a pioneering spirit, we proactively identify the areas where we should create value. Each of us acts autonomously as a problem solver, and each of us embodies the firm itself. We take ownership of every piece of work and every interaction, and hold ourselves accountable for results.”
We expect our members to go beyond executing M&A procedures accurately and to generate transactions themselves. Cross-border transactions require support from the origination stage in addition to execution. Members must build their own hypotheses, drawing on global industry trends and international affairs as well as factors specific to each client, such as its business and competitive environment, and act proactively on them.
Our work also involves direct dealings with business owners and senior management. Only those who stand as independent professionals, approach client issues creatively, and take responsibility for their own judgment and work can earn trust in the true sense. Beyond carrying the work entrusted to them through to completion with full ownership, each member is expected to identify issues proactively and remain accountable for them until results are achieved.
Ethics
“We uphold integrity in all situations, as responsible members of society. We serve our clients’ interests with professionalism and accountability, and we are committed to the independence that this depends on. We work with every stakeholder with respect.”
We hold no tangible assets, and the only service we provide is advice. The trust of our clients and the market is our asset. Because we do not act as an intermediary under any circumstances, and do not engage in principal investment, lending, or underwriting, we have no structural conflicts of interest.
Our clients include industry-leading corporations across countries and regions. The discipline required to handle the highly confidential information they entrust to us rests on the daily conduct of each member.
Scope of Work
Specific responsibilities are determined according to each member’s capabilities and experience. Typical work includes the following.
Origination
- Industry and company research in Japan and across Asia
- Preparation of pitch books and other proposal materials
- Preparation of lists of potential targets and buyers, and outreach to them
- Marketing activities
Execution
- Financial analysis, valuation, comparable company analysis, and precedent transaction analysis
- Preparation of transaction materials, including information memoranda
- Execution support for cross-border and domestic M&A transactions through LOI, due diligence, and closing
- Client communication
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a leading university in Japan or overseas (any field of study)
- At least 2 years of experience in corporate finance
- Professional fluency in English and business-level communication skills in Japanese (both required; additional Asian languages are a plus)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Internship positions are open to students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a leading university in Japan or overseas. The bachelor’s degree and work experience requirements do not apply.
Engagement Terms
Engagement terms (full-time employment or independent contractor agreement, full-time or part-time arrangement, etc.) are determined individually based on the role, experience, and expected level of involvement. All positions are fully remote as a general rule.
Application Process
Applications are accepted only through our official application form. We do not respond to direct inquiries to any of our officers or employees. Applications must include a cover letter and resume.