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  • China-Japan Relations Under Strain: What It Means for Corporate Strategy and M&A

    China-Japan Relations Under Strain: What It Means for Corporate Strategy and M&A

    Recent remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on a potential Taiwan contingency have reignited diplomatic tensions between Japan and China. Beijing’s strong reaction—including an official travel advisory against Japan and sharp rhetoric in state media—has raised questions about the stability of bilateral ties. For global business leaders, the key issue is not the politics per…

  • M&A Sell-Side Process for Business Owners: Strategies for Success

    M&A Sell-Side Process for Business Owners: Strategies for Success

    Introduction M&A transactions involve the transfer of corporate control—whether through equity or an entire business unit. By nature, these deals are highly illiquid: finding qualified buyers and reaching price consensus is challenging. Consequently, M&A is rarely a “quick win”; it requires a structured process over a defined timeline. For most business owners and shareholders, a…

  • Understanding SME M&A in Japan: Key Insights for Overseas Buyers and Sellers

    Understanding SME M&A in Japan: Key Insights for Overseas Buyers and Sellers

    Introduction Japan’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by demographic shifts, succession challenges, and globalization. For overseas companies—whether seeking to acquire Japanese businesses or divest operations to Japanese buyers—understanding the unique characteristics of Japan’s M&A landscape is essential. This article explores the structural features of the Japanese SME M&A…

  • Exiting Japan: Leveraging M&A and Practical Considerations for a Successful Sell‑Side Process

    Exiting Japan: Leveraging M&A and Practical Considerations for a Successful Sell‑Side Process

    Lead Exiting Japan is not a simple shutdown. It requires a multi‑disciplinary design across employment, contracts, tax, regulatory, IT/data, and communications, plus a process calibrated to Japan’s consensus‑driven decision‑making. Compared with liquidation, leveraging share deals, business transfers, or corporate demergers can deliver speed, value preservation, and reputation protection. This article outlines key practical considerations, Japan‑specific negotiation challenges and sell‑side mitigations, and how Syntax Partners supports foreign…

  • Japan Market Entry Consulting: Navigating Your Path to Success

    Japan Market Entry Consulting: Navigating Your Path to Success

    Challenges for Foreign Companies Entering Japan Japan offers immense business potential, but entering the market requires more than ambition. Many global companies have discovered that strategies successful elsewhere often need significant adjustment to work in Japan. Key challenges include: Cultural & Language BarriersJapanese business culture emphasizes politeness, harmony, and long-term trust. Decision-making is consensus-driven, and…

  • [Complete Guide] Acquiring Japanese SMEs: A Strategic M&A Playbook for Successful Deal Execution by Foreign Buyers

    [Complete Guide] Acquiring Japanese SMEs: A Strategic M&A Playbook for Successful Deal Execution by Foreign Buyers

    Introduction: Why Acquiring a Japanese SME Makes Strategic Sense Acquiring a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Japan offers foreign companies a fast-track entry into one of the world’s most sophisticated markets. With SMEs accounting for approximately 99% of all Japanese companies, many possess advanced technologies, high-quality products and services, and loyal customer bases. However,…