#Japan #Okuizumo #MAYA Holdings #Maitake Okuizumo #Mushroom Production

MAYA Holdings Expands Its Reach by Acquiring Maitake Okuizumo

MAYA Holdings, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has marked a significant milestone by acquiring 100% of the shares of Maitake Okuizumo, a third-sector company in Okuizumo, Shimane Prefecture. This strategic move is not merely a business acquisition but a step toward ensuring the sustainability of the region's mushroom cultivation, particularly the famed Maitake and Eringi varieties.

Background of the Acquisition

The acquisition was made official on August 1, 2023, after the Okuizumo Town Assembly gave its approval on June 23, 2023. The town, which had been facing economic difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, sought to stabilize the operations of Maitake Okuizumo. Under the “Management Stabilization Policy” established in September 2022, the town sought private sector partners to take over the operations of this local treasure.

MAYA Holdings, which operates the Shimane IT Design College in the area, was regarded as a fitting candidate due to its established relationship with the community and its previous efforts to promote local specialty products. This led to their selection as the successor for Maitake Okuizumo.

Details of the Acquisition

• - Type of Shares Acquired: 100% of issued shares of Maitake Okuizumo
• - Acquisition Price: Confidential, as per mutual agreement
• - Date of Agreement Execution: August 1, 2023
• - Assembly Approval: June 23, 2023
• - Employee Contracts: All existing contracts remain unchanged
• - Funding: Combination of self-funding and loans from financial institutions

Future Plans and Strategies

Post-acquisition, MAYA Holdings plans to focus on leveraging the capabilities of Maitake Okuizumo by enhancing production efficiency and establishing systems for increased output. The introduction of digital transformation (DX) and artificial intelligence applications (AX) is also on the agenda, aiming to boost profitability while preserving the traditional methods that have made these mushrooms famous.

MAYA Holdings remains committed to maintaining the direct sales operations to ensure that the local specialties, Maitake and Eringi mushrooms, continue to thrive and resonate with consumers.

Leadership Insights

Naito Ken, the CEO of MAYA Holdings, expressed a deep sense of responsibility and passion for the region's agricultural heritage. He emphasized that the integration of Maitake Okuizumo into the MAYA family represents a new chapter in not just safeguarding employment but enhancing the cultivation practices and business models associated with these mushrooms. The company aims to transition from merely ‘protecting’ local specialties to ‘enhancing’ and ‘expanding’ them in the market.

In a statement, the Mayor of Okuizumo, Yasushi Itohara, applauded the decision, expressing optimism about MAYA's involvement in steering Maitake Okuizumo toward greater success and stabilization, ensuring it remains an integral part of the town's culture and economy.

Company Profiles

Maitake Okuizumo Co., Ltd.

• - Business Name: Maitake Okuizumo Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 889-2 Hachikawa, Nita-gun, Okuizumo, Shimane
• - Established: March 2011
• - Capital: 990 million yen
• - Website: Maitake Okuizumo

MAYA Holdings Co., Ltd.

• - Mission: “Change the World with People and Technology”
• - Location: 44F Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, Nishi-Shinjuku 2-6-1, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Founded: February 2018 (MAYA Group established in February 2011)
• - Website: MAYA Holdings
• - Core Business Areas: Human resource solutions, ICT solutions, agricultural and welfare collaboration, restaurant and beauty salon operations, and educational support services.