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Skylight Consulting and Strike Join Forces

Skylight Consulting, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has entered into a strategic partnership with Strike Co., Ltd., an M&A brokerage firm based in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This collaboration aims to leverage both companies' strengths in the sports business sector, combining Skylight's consulting expertise with Strike's specialization in mergers and acquisitions. By integrating these resources, the partnership seeks to provide comprehensive support for business succession and growth strategies within the sports field.

Background of the Partnership

Despite being smaller than Western markets, Japan's sports business scene is gaining attention for its significant growth potential. The sector is ripe for innovation, with expectations for the restructuring of revenue models for professional sports clubs and leagues, as well as the integration of new market entrants and technology. Concurrently, there is an increasing demand for restructuring capital policies and management strategies for clubs facing challenges, as well as needs for ownership transfers through M&A. There is also a growing interest from new companies and investors seeking rational investment options in the sports market.

Skylight's Expertise

Since its inception, Skylight Consulting has provided a range of services focusing on business development, corporate transformation, organizational culture reform, and IT system implementation. The company has specialized in the sports business sector under the "SKYLIGHT Sports" brand, offering consulting services to professional sports teams, leagues, and athletic organizations. Skylight has also been involved in investing in sports tech companies and operating the Brazilian professional soccer club, FC SKA Brasil, providing hands-on support rooted in real-world experiences.

Strike’s Strengths

Founded in July 1997, Strike specializes in M&A support and consulting. Their services extend across various fields, including M&A brokerage, the operation of the M&A market platform "SMART", corporate valuation, and financial consulting. With a mission to "create partners who can change the world", Strike actively engages in opportunities for M&A within growth industries through startup assistance and partnerships with other firms. In the sports sector, Strike is an official sponsor of the B.LEAGUE and has supported the M&A activities of several professional sports clubs, including Ehime Orange Vikings, Levanga Hokkaido, and Sendai 89ERS.

Collaborative Efforts Ahead

Through this partnership, Skylight and Strike will provide integrated support from exploring sponsorship strategies to executing M&As and post-merger integrations (PMIs). They will work closely with sports clubs and leagues on developing medium- to long-term management strategies and executing M&A and capital partnerships based on these plans. For new entrants considering entering the sports market, Skylight and Strike will assist in crafting business plans and identifying potential investment candidates, thereby facilitating smooth market entry through M&A and PMI. Additionally, they will help sports tech companies formulate growth strategies, secure funding, and expand their businesses through M&A.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Skylight and Strike intend to explore collaboration opportunities not only within the sports business but also in other growth sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and services, using insights and networks gained from their partnership in the sports domain.

Company Overview

Skylight Consulting Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Akasaka Tamachi Tower, 2-17-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
Established: March 10, 2000
CEO: Toshiki Habutsu
For more details, visit Skylight's official website.

About SKYLIGHT Sports

Within the SKYLIGHT Sports brand, Skylight provides consulting services in the sports sector, invests in sports tech ventures, operates player development academies, and collaborates with sports teams.
Visit the SKYLIGHT Sports brand site at SKYLIGHT Sports.

Strike Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Mitsui & Co. Building 15F, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established: July 1997
CEO: Kunihiko Arai
For more details, visit Strike's official website.

For inquiries, please contact Skylight Consulting at [email protected].