#Japan #Kyoto #Business Succession #MACP #Kyoto Shimbun

M&A Capital Partners Joins Forces with Kyoto Shimbun

On September 9, 2025, M&A Capital Partners Inc. (MACP), headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, announced a strategic partnership with Kyoto Shimbun Holdings, based in Kyoto City, as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance business succession and growth options. This initiative is part of the "Regional Co-Creation Project", marking its 19th phase, aimed at supporting local economies in Kyoto and Shiga.

Background of the Partnership

Kyoto, a city with over a thousand years of history, is rich in cultural heritage, from historical buildings to shrines and temples. It not only preserves these traditions but also embodies creativity as a modern city where tradition and innovation coexist. Traditional crafts such as Nishijin-ori, Kyo-yaki, and Kyo-yuzhen are crafted not only to keep traditions alive but also to adapt to contemporary needs, creating a vibrant industry.

Simultaneously, Shiga, home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, boasts a diverse economy supported by numerous corporations that thrive thanks to its excellent transportation infrastructure. Key historical landmarks like Hikone Castle and Mount Hiei reflect the area's rich culture, which remains deeply respected. Shiga also leads Japan in the proportion of secondary industries and manufacturing, making it a reputable inland industrial hub.

Major global companies such as Kyocera, Omron, Nintendo, Murata Manufacturing, and Nippon Electric Glass are headquartered in the Kyoto and Shiga regions, driving high-value manufacturing and contributing to the development of advanced technology industries.

Despite this flourishing industrial landscape, over 80,000 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kyoto and Shiga face a significant challenge: a lack of successors. According to Teikoku Databank, the succession gap rates are notably concerning, with 44.2% in Kyoto and 45.9% in Shiga, indicating that more than four out of ten companies lack a designated successor. Furthermore, a survey by Japan Finance Corporation revealed that 57.4% of entrepreneurs stated they intend to cease operations unless successors are identified. The failure to transition businesses properly could lead to closures, jeopardizing jobs, partnerships, and potentially losing invaluable expertise accumulated over time.

Given these circumstances, it is crucial for business owners facing succession challenges to prepare for transitions. Business succession isn't just beneficial; it's vital for ensuring the sustainable economic development of Kyoto and Shiga.

Accelerated Outreach through Partnership

MACP and Kyoto Shimbun Holdings have proactively hosted seminars and actively disseminated information concerning business succession and growth for local business leaders. The success of the “Kyoto Business Owners Forum 2024” in 2024, which attracted interest exceeding capacity, exemplifies the high demand from local entrepreneurs eager to learn about these critical topics.

Through this partnership, MACP aims to further promote awareness of various options for business succession, particularly M&A, which is essential for economic revitalization in the region. Leveraging MACP's extensive advisory experience in M&A with Kyoto Shimbun’s trusted information dissemination capabilities will allow both companies to maximize their strengths.

Details of the Partnership

On October 4, 2023, MACP and Kyoto Shimbun Holdings formalized their partnership under the “Regional Co-Creation Project”, which aims to disseminate information about business succession and growth options in Kyoto and Shiga. They will enhance information outreach and support businesses faced with challenges related to succession plans, growth strategies, and corporate revitalization.

Launch of the First Initiative: Free Online Seminar

As a launching pad for this strategic alliance, MACP and Kyoto Shimbun will host a free online seminar titled “Understanding M&A as a Potential Option for Business Succession” on October 24, 2025. The seminar intends to provide local business leaders in Kyoto and Shiga with valuable insights regarding the M&A process as a succession strategy.

For more details about the free online seminar, please visit the following link: Free Online Seminar.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: M&A Capital Partners Inc. (TSE Prime, Stock Code: 6080)
• - Address: 36th Floor, Yaesu Central Tower, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo, Tokyo
• - Representative: President Satoru Nakamura
• - Established: October 2005
• - Business Operations: M&A brokerage
• - Website: M&A Capital Partners

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this partnership, please contact:

• - M&A Capital Partners Inc.
• - Public Relations: Munetaka Saito
• - Phone: 03-6770-4305
• - Email: [email protected]