Fore Bridge Inc. Completes Business Succession with Maxim Co. Under New Leadership
Fore Bridge Inc., previously known as Growthix Investment, has made significant strides in the realm of business succession by successfully completing an investment in Maxim Co., located in Osaka, Japan. This transaction, finalized in August 2025, marks the seventh instance of using a search fund approach within Fore Bridge’s initiatives aimed at addressing Japan's pressing succession crisis in smaller enterprises. Hiroshi Hara has taken the reins as CEO of Maxim Co., a company recognized for its innovative product, the Dollman Shock—a negative charged water generation device.
This remarkable journey began in 1975 when Maxim Co. was established as a manufacturer of handprints and footprints for infants. The company saw substantial growth, particularly with its robust sales network tied to department stores. Driven by a mission to provide safer and cleaner water to children, Maxim ventured into selling consumer water purification systems, leading to the emergence of the Dollman Shock technology that transforms water into an effective cleaning agent, promising reduced chemical usage in restaurants and minimizing environmental impact—aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hiroshi Hara's appointment comes at a crucial time as Japan grapples with a lack of successors in many family-run businesses, which puts their future at risk. The search fund model promotes the idea of third-party successors, referred to as 'next-preneurs' or 'searchers,' stepping in to take leadership roles. This approach fosters trust and communication between outgoing leadership and new management, as established successors like Hara engage in meaningful dialogue about the company’s vision and objectives prior to acquisition.
Hara's professional background is extensive. He has held executive positions at several renowned companies, including Coca-Cola and Hoshizaki Co., driving significant business results. His first-hand experience in managing within large organizations has assisted him in recognizing the unique challenges faced by small to medium-sized businesses, particularly concerning succession. Hara’s connection to Fore Bridge has equipped him with the necessary tools to pilot Maxim Co. towards greater heights.
In his own words, Hara expresses deep gratitude towards the current chairman, Yoshinobu Higashi, whose trust in him to lead the company during this transitional phase is a significant honor. Hara's vision extends beyond immediate profit; it encompasses fostering a stimulating working environment for employees of all ages. He believes in building a positive company culture where individuals feel proud and motivated, thereby attracting a new wave of talent for the future.
On the other end, Yoshinobu Higashi shares his reflections on stepping down as CEO after a remarkable 50-year journey. Under his leadership, Maxim Co. transitioned through various challenges, especially during the mid-80s economic downturn which prompted a strategic pivot towards the water treatment industry. Higashi’s insight has been invaluable in shaping the company’s direction, and he views Hara as an ideal successor, equipped to lead Maxim into its next chapter focusing on innovation and youth engagement in the workforce.
As Fore Bridge’s CEO, Tomohiro Takeuchi, reiterates, the collaborative efforts between the firms and the community represent a shared commitment to long-term business sustainability and societal value. Maxim continues to innovate with the Dollman Shock, which has found widespread application in industries ranging from healthcare to hospitality. As the company embeds itself deeper into the fabric of society, it emphasizes maintaining its core values and relationships with stakeholders while advancing to meet new demands.
In conclusion, the transition of leadership at Maxim Co. encapsulates the evolving narrative of Japanese business – a narrative that leans on innovative approaches like search funds to ensure continuity in leadership and legacy while addressing the ever-growing need for capable successors in a rapidly changing marketplace. Maxim is poised to make exponential strides under Hara’s stewardship as they look to further expand their impact and contributions toward a sustainable future.
This remarkable journey began in 1975 when Maxim Co. was established as a manufacturer of handprints and footprints for infants. The company saw substantial growth, particularly with its robust sales network tied to department stores. Driven by a mission to provide safer and cleaner water to children, Maxim ventured into selling consumer water purification systems, leading to the emergence of the Dollman Shock technology that transforms water into an effective cleaning agent, promising reduced chemical usage in restaurants and minimizing environmental impact—aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hiroshi Hara's appointment comes at a crucial time as Japan grapples with a lack of successors in many family-run businesses, which puts their future at risk. The search fund model promotes the idea of third-party successors, referred to as 'next-preneurs' or 'searchers,' stepping in to take leadership roles. This approach fosters trust and communication between outgoing leadership and new management, as established successors like Hara engage in meaningful dialogue about the company’s vision and objectives prior to acquisition.
Hara's professional background is extensive. He has held executive positions at several renowned companies, including Coca-Cola and Hoshizaki Co., driving significant business results. His first-hand experience in managing within large organizations has assisted him in recognizing the unique challenges faced by small to medium-sized businesses, particularly concerning succession. Hara’s connection to Fore Bridge has equipped him with the necessary tools to pilot Maxim Co. towards greater heights.
In his own words, Hara expresses deep gratitude towards the current chairman, Yoshinobu Higashi, whose trust in him to lead the company during this transitional phase is a significant honor. Hara's vision extends beyond immediate profit; it encompasses fostering a stimulating working environment for employees of all ages. He believes in building a positive company culture where individuals feel proud and motivated, thereby attracting a new wave of talent for the future.
On the other end, Yoshinobu Higashi shares his reflections on stepping down as CEO after a remarkable 50-year journey. Under his leadership, Maxim Co. transitioned through various challenges, especially during the mid-80s economic downturn which prompted a strategic pivot towards the water treatment industry. Higashi’s insight has been invaluable in shaping the company’s direction, and he views Hara as an ideal successor, equipped to lead Maxim into its next chapter focusing on innovation and youth engagement in the workforce.
As Fore Bridge’s CEO, Tomohiro Takeuchi, reiterates, the collaborative efforts between the firms and the community represent a shared commitment to long-term business sustainability and societal value. Maxim continues to innovate with the Dollman Shock, which has found widespread application in industries ranging from healthcare to hospitality. As the company embeds itself deeper into the fabric of society, it emphasizes maintaining its core values and relationships with stakeholders while advancing to meet new demands.
In conclusion, the transition of leadership at Maxim Co. encapsulates the evolving narrative of Japanese business – a narrative that leans on innovative approaches like search funds to ensure continuity in leadership and legacy while addressing the ever-growing need for capable successors in a rapidly changing marketplace. Maxim is poised to make exponential strides under Hara’s stewardship as they look to further expand their impact and contributions toward a sustainable future.
Topics Business Technology）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.