M&A Transaction Execution Advisory
Syntax Partners provides full-scope M&A advisory as our core offering, and we also engage on a limited-scope basis — advising on discrete transaction phases where targeted specialist input is required in relation to Japan M&A transaction execution. We work with clients who need an experienced, Japan-focused advisor to complement their existing team or advisory relationships, whether on a standalone basis or alongside other firms, including non-Japanese advisors.
We have advised TSE Prime-listed corporates, domestic private equity funds, and leading advisory firms — both domestic and international — the latter retaining us as their dedicated Japan specialist on an ongoing basis.
All engagements are conducted under strict confidentiality. Client names and transaction details are not disclosed.
How Clients Engage Us
- Independent valuation review or second opinion on deal pricing
- LOI or term sheet review and negotiation positioning
- Local market knowledge and on-the-ground perspective on Japanese business culture, regulatory environment, and counterparty dynamics
- Industry mapping — understanding the competitive landscape, key players, ownership structures, and strategic rationale of potential targets in Japan
- Language support across negotiations, documentation, and communications with Japanese counterparties
- Full-mandate FA not viable within budget or internal approval constraints; specialist input needed at defined stages
- Senior-level presence at management meetings or key negotiation sessions
- Second opinion on an existing advisor’s analysis, recommendations, or valuation
What We Do
The list below is illustrative. We structure each engagement around the specific requirements of the transaction.
| LOI / Term Sheet | Key terms structuring, issue identification, negotiation strategy, draft review |
| Negotiation Support | Direct participation in price, rep & warranty, and adjustment mechanism negotiations |
| Valuation | Business and equity valuation across DCF, trading, and transaction multiples. Independent review of existing analyses |
| Financial Modelling | Deal-specific model build and review; synergy and scenario analysis |
| Management Meetings | Attendance and support at management presentations and interviews with Japanese counterparty |
| Sell-Side Offer Review | Assessment of inbound acquisition or capital alliance proposals — pricing, structure, and terms |
| Second Opinion | Independent evaluation of advisor recommendations, valuation, or deal terms |
| Japan Market Intelligence | Industry landscape analysis, target identification, competitor mapping, and ownership structure review |
| Cross-Border Execution | On-the-ground support navigating Japanese regulatory, cultural, and language complexity. Partner-led; English and Japanese language capability throughout |
Engagement & Fees
We work on a time-charge basis as standard, with retainer arrangements available for ongoing engagements. For clients with fixed internal budgets or approval requirements, we offer capped time-charge structures with an agreed fee ceiling. Scope ranges from a single advisory session to sustained involvement across a defined transaction phase.
Questions We Are Often Asked
We already have an FA or are working with a non-Japanese advisor. Can we still bring you in?
Yes. We regularly work alongside international advisory firms as their Japan-side counterpart, providing local market knowledge, language capability, and execution support. We are experienced operating within multi-advisor structures.
Will you sign an NDA before we share deal information?
Yes, as a matter of course. We execute NDAs at the outset of any substantive discussion, prior to the exchange of any confidential information.
How familiar are you with Japanese negotiation practice and regulatory requirements?
Japan is our home market. Partners with direct, hands-on transaction experience lead every engagement — not junior staff. We operate in both English and Japanese throughout the process.
Can we have an initial conversation before formally engaging?
Yes. We offer a complimentary initial consultation of up to one hour. No commitment required.