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Right Brothers and Entercare's New Board Game

In a remarkable collaboration, Right Brothers Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, and Entercare Research Institute Co., Ltd., based in Nakano, Tokyo, have introduced an innovative board game titled "M&A Management Board〈Restaurant Industry Edition〉." This game aims to provide players with a simulated experience of decision-making within the M&A landscape, particularly tailored for the restaurant sector.

What is the M&A Management Board Game?

Players take on the role of restaurant chain executives, navigating the intricacies of management and M&A decisions with limited resources of time and capital. The overarching goal is to build the most valuable restaurant group amid a challenging backdrop of technological innovation through AI and robotics, alongside pressing issues like climate change and food supply shortages.

As restaurant executives managing multiple locations, players face recurrent managerial challenges each round, leading to business growth and strategic M&A (mergers and acquisitions) opportunities with competitors.

Key Features of the Game

1. Practical Management Metrics: The game incorporates realistic management indicators such as "capital," "debt," and "credit points," which are crucial in actual M&A operations. This design enables players to balance fundraising and growth investing while competing to maximize total assets (capital + credit points × 2).

2. Real-time Market Environment Adaptation: Players will contend with environmental changes via “current event cards” revealed each round, reflecting shifts in economic conditions and societal issues that influence revenue in specific categories. This feature tests one's adaptability to unpredictable circumstances.

3. M&A Negotiation Dynamics: Utilizing a „negotiation board“, players will negotiate terms within a time limit, mimicking the tension and strategies of real-world M&A deals. Factors such as proposed amounts, credit points, and timing create a complex web of negotiations that players must navigate.

4. Long-term Decision-Making in 10 Rounds: At the start of the game, players' ages and business scopes are randomly established, encouraging strategic decisions throughout 10 rounds that challenge them to choose between gradual asset accumulation and high-stake short-term wins.

Skills and Insights Gained Through Play

A Simulated Experience of M&A Decision-Making

While making judgments on acquisitions and divestitures within the constraints of time and information, players develop firsthand insight that cannot be replicated through interviews or lectures, fostering an authentic understanding of the decision-making dynamics involved in M&A.

Understanding Industry-Specific Metrics and Terminology

Players naturally learn essential foundational knowledge necessary for careers as M&A consultants, including credit points, enterprise value, and fundraising mechanisms, through experiential learning embedded in gameplay.

Mastery of Negotiation Skills

Repeated practice in condition proposals and priority assessments under time constraints equips players with a keen sense of interpersonal negotiation strategies relevant to actual M&A discussions.

Articulating Motivations Influenced by Experience

By reflecting on their decision-making experience in the game, players gain the capacity to articulate their motivations for pursuing a career in the M&A sector and how they envision their contributions.

Background of the Development

The development of this board game responds to an increasing demand for expertise in the M&A sector, highlighted by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency’s data showing a rising number of registered M&A support agencies. As of March 9, 2026, there were 3,399 such agencies, but a significant majority—approximately 74%—operate with fewer than three dedicated personnel. This indicates a substantial need for skilled professionals as rapidly emerging firms compete for limited talent.

Having addressed various talent challenges within the M&A industry through their career services and events, Right Brothers recognized the common sentiment among aspiring consultants that it was difficult to grasp the intricacies of M&A decision-making. This insight propelled the creation of the game, aiming to provide an engaging and informative experience.

Upcoming Event: Game Experience Launch

To commemorate the game's launch, Right Brothers will host an event allowing participants to experience the game firsthand. This opportunity aims to deepen understanding of the M&A industry through gameplay leading to increased engagement with actual industry professionals.

Event Details:

• - Date: September 30, Wednesday, starting at 5:00 PM
• - Capacity: Limited to the first 8 registrants
• - Venue: Right Brothers Headquarters, Tokyo
• - Eligibility: Individuals aged 25-34 seeking career transitions or graduating students from 2027-2028
• - Application: Sign up here

About Right Brothers Co., Ltd.

Right Brothers is a venture company focusing on enabling sound decision-making amid complex transformations, emphasizing excellent relationships. The company offers specialized services in the M&A sector, including the Right Brothers career platform and the media platform, The Deals.

Company Name: Right Brothers Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-10-12 Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo
Representative: Takano Takumi, CEO
Website: Right Brothers

About Entercare Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Entercare focuses on developing innovative educational and gaming solutions tailored to the eldercare sector, leveraging insights from professionals in healthcare and entertainment to tackle challenges faced by caregivers.

Company Name: Entercare Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Location: 1-24-4 Arai, Nakano, Tokyo
Representative: Takamaru Kei, CEO
Website: Entercare Lab