Acquisitions in Tokyo, Japan

Tigermed announced it has completed the acquisition of Micron, Inc., a Japan-based contract research organization focused on medical imaging and clinical trial services. Micron, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Tokyo, will be integrated into Tigermed's global network as a key entity under Tigermed Japan to strengthen Tigermed’s medical imaging and clinical services capabilities across Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

GE HealthCare completed the acquisition of Sumitomo Chemical's remaining 50% stake in Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. (NMP), resulting in full ownership. NMP, a Tokyo-headquartered radiopharmaceutical company, will operate within GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment to expand development and manufacturing of SPECT and PET radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging.

Nippon Express Holdings, Inc. (NX Group), via an investment by the NX Global Innovation Fund, acquired a stake in Spiral Inc. on August 23, 2024. Spiral is a Tokyo-based startup that develops non-SLAM autonomous indoor drone flight control systems (MarkFlex Air) for navigation in non-GPS/non-radio environments, with intended applications such as tunnel and dam inspections and planned expansion into Europe.

Nippon Express Holdings, Inc. (NX Group) made an equity investment in Spiral Inc. on August 23 via the NX Global Innovation Fund. Spiral is a Tokyo-based startup developing non‑SLAM flight control systems for autonomous indoor drones, and NX Group plans to support Spiral’s overseas expansion—particularly in Europe—through logistics support and collaboration with its Vienna-based subsidiary cargo-partner.

BPEA EQT Mid-Market Growth Fund, part of EQT, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in HRBrain, a Japan-based HR/talent management cloud software provider. The stake is being purchased from existing shareholders, with founder Hiroki Hori retaining a significant minority stake and continuing as CEO. The investment is intended to support HRBrain’s continued product development and customer expansion, with closing expected in Q4 2023.

Nidec Copal Electronics Corporation, a subsidiary of Nidec Corporation, completed the acquisition of all shares of Midori Precisions Co., Ltd. on March 31, 2023, making Midori Precisions a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal is intended to strengthen the Nidec Group’s position sensing (potentiometer and encoder) product lineup and expand global sales through Nidec Copal Electronics’ worldwide channels.

Accenture agreed to acquire Japanese data science company ALBERT Inc. following completion of a tender offer that exceeded the threshold for control. Accenture expects to purchase remaining shares and stock acquisition rights in subsequent months, after which ALBERT is expected to be delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The deal adds ALBERT’s team of data scientists and AI/big data analytics capabilities to Accenture’s Applied Intelligence practice.

VISEO, a global digital transformation and IT consulting firm, completed the acquisition of Warp Japan, a Tokyo-based boutique digital agency. The deal expands VISEO’s digital services capabilities and accelerates its growth in Japan and the broader Asia Pacific Japan region, leveraging Warp’s strengths in digital strategy, marketing, content creation, and web/mobile/e-commerce development.

An affiliate of Lone Star Funds acquired SENQCIA Corporation, a Japan-based structural building materials company headquartered in Tokyo; financial terms were not disclosed. SENQCIA designs, manufactures, distributes, and installs structural and building safety products including seismic reinforcement solutions and raised access (including clean room) floor systems.

L Catterton’s Asia fund made a strategic investment in Ci FLAVORS, the holding company for Japan-based Cosme Company, a multi-brand haircare and skincare business. L Catterton will partner with Ci FLAVORS’ management to accelerate new brand development and support international expansion.