#Japan #Sapporo #Hokkaido #Sekisui Chemical #Architect Planning

Strategic Acquisition in Hokkaido: Sekisui Chemical Acquires Architectural Planning

In a significant move to expand its operations in Hokkaido, Sekisui Chemical's Housing Company, led by President Masahide Yoshida, has acquired 100% of the shares of Architectural Planning Co., Ltd. This company, based in Sapporo, specializes in designing and constructing wooden custom houses. The acquisition was made from companies managed by Yugen Kaisha Yugen Capital Partners, which operates investment partnerships, and other shareholders effective January 1, 2026.

Sekisui Chemical has set ambitious goals as part of its mid-term management plan titled "Drive2.0 -The 2nd phase for 2030-" aimed at further growth in the new housing sector from 2023 to 2025. The acquisition of Architectural Planning is seen as a crucial step in enhancing area management and implementing market-specific strategies to solidify the company’s presence in Hokkaido.

Background of the Acquisition

For years, Sekisui Chemical has provided steel-frame unit houses, known as Sekisui Heim, in the Hokkaido region. The company has successfully delivered homes that ensure long-term safety and comfort for its customers. However, as customers' lifestyles and values have diversified in recent years, the company has sought partners that can help them create new value propositions and cater to a broader range of clientele. Architectural Planning, known for its high-performance wooden custom homes with exceptional design, has a strong track record in the Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Tomakomai areas. Sekisui is confident that this partnership will create significant business synergies, leading to the decision for this share acquisition.

Goals Following the Acquisition

Through the collaboration with Architectural Planning, Sekisui Chemical anticipates three primary benefits:

1. Sales Effectiveness: The company intends to implement dual sales strategies utilizing both its steel-frame modular construction approach and Architectural Planning’s wooden frame methods. By leveraging the established brands of both companies in Hokkaido, they aim to create a flexible proposal and sales framework to meet diverse customer needs.

2. Construction and Logistics Efficiency: The firms plan to share their subcontractor networks to address labor shortages and standardize construction timelines, which will also help in building an efficient logistics system.

3. Purchasing and Supply Chain Benefits: By combining Sekisui's substantial purchasing power with Architectural Planning’s local networks, they aim to reduce costs through bulk procurement of housing equipment and ensure stable supply chains.

Company Overview of Architectural Planning Co., Ltd.

• - Name: Architectural Planning Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 1-15, Shin-Kotoni 10-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
• - CEO: Tetsuya Soma
• - Founded: April 17, 2003
• - Capital: 10 million yen
• - Business Focus: Design and construction of wooden custom homes; renovations
• - Revenue: 7.3 billion yen (Fiscal Year ending March 2025)
• - Employees: 76 (as of June 2025)
• - Branches: Sapporo Sales Office, Asahikawa Sales Office, Tomakomai Office, Fukuoka Branch

This acquisition balances the drive for growth with social contributions, continuing Sekisui Chemical's commitment to resolving societal issues while fostering business development in Hokkaido.