#Japan #Sapporo #M&A Capital #Hokkaido Shimbun #Regional Collaboration

M&A Capital Partners Teams Up with Hokkaido Shimbun

On June 20, 2025, M&A Capital Partners Inc. (MACP), led by President Satoru Nakamura, announced a significant operational partnership with Hokkaido Shimbun Co., led by President Yuji Horii. This collaboration aims to launch the 12th phase of their 'Regional Co-Creation Project,' centered on fostering business succession and growth throughout Hokkaido.

Background of the Partnership

Hokkaido is not just rich in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism; it has also become a hotbed for IT industries and the support of startups. Additionally, development in sectors like renewable energy, including wind and geothermal power, is accelerating its industrial evolution. Agriculture, particularly, plays a pivotal role by contributing to Japan's food supply, boasting a remarkable food self-sufficiency rate of over 200%, marking it as the highest in the nation, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

As inbound tourism flourishes, Hokkaido's economy sees substantial support from both domestic and international travelers flocking to popular destinations like Sapporo, Hakodate, Niseko, and Furano.

However, the region faces a serious issue: a high successor vacancy rate among local businesses, standing at 65.7% according to Teikoku Databank—this is among the top four in Japan. With the dual challenges of an aging population and urban-rural dispersal, ensuring sustainable regional economic development hinges on active business succession strategies.

If these are not executed properly, we risk businesses shutting down and losing invaluable technological know-how that has been honed over the years, placing the economy of Hokkaido at significant risk. Hence, encouraging early succession planning is critical, not just for individual companies, but for safeguarding the entire industrial framework of Hokkaido.

Both MACP and Hokkaido Shimbun have proactively disseminated knowledge via seminars and other initiatives, raising awareness on business succession and growth among local entrepreneurs. The overwhelming participation in the jointly hosted 'Hokkaido Management Forum 2024' illuminated the high interest of local business leaders in these themes.

Recognizing the vital need to promote awareness of M&A and other succession strategies among local business leaders, both companies decided to forge a partnership that leverages MACP's extensive M&A advisory successes and the credibility and reach of Hokkaido Shimbun.

Overview of the Collaboration

Announced on October 4, 2023, this partnership marks a key development in their 12th Regional Co-Creation Project phase. It aims to enhance information dissemination on business succession and growth prospects in Hokkaido, particularly through the robust media channels of Hokkaido Shimbun.

Going forward, both parties will strengthen their outreach regarding available options for business succession and growth strategies, while Hokkaido Shimbun aims to identify and assist businesses facing challenges in these areas.

Inaugural Initiative Under the Partnership – Free Online Seminar

To celebrate this partnership, MACP and Hokkaido Shimbun will host a complimentary online seminar on August 21, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00. This seminar is intended for local business leaders and will provide insights into understanding the potential of M&A as a business succession option.

For more details on the free online seminar:
Free Online Seminar Details

Company Overview

• - Company Name: M&A Capital Partners, Inc.
• - Ticker Code: 6080 (Listed on Tokyo Prime Market)
• - Address: 36th Floor, Yaesu Central Tower, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Representative: President Satoru Nakamura
• - Foundation Year: October 2005
• - Business Line: M&A Brokerage Services
• - Website: M&A Capital Partners