A Historic Clock Shop in Iwate Passes Its Business to a New Owner

Transition of a Historic Clock Business in Iwate

An Overview of the M&A Deal

In a significant move, a well-established clock store in Iwate, operated by TM Planet, has successfully transitioned its e-commerce business, "Abbey Road for Watches and Bands," through the collaboration of BATONZ and Rakuten's business succession support service. The challenge of a lack of successors led TM Planet to seek assistance in transferring their operations. This process culminated in April 2025, with the completion of the business acquisition facilitated by BATONZ, connecting the company to a new owner, Aseek.

TM Planet’s representative, Masaru Taguchi, expressed his deep commitment to preserving the shop he has nurtured for 25 years. His desire to find a responsible successor was fueled by his respect for Rakuten's dedication to supporting local businesses. During the negotiations, he felt a strong connection to the vision of Rakuten's CEO, Hiroshi Mikitani, reflecting on their shared belief in empowering local businesses through e-commerce.

Aseek's Vision for the Future

Taking over the clock business is the couple behind Aseek, who are passionate about supporting their home region, Tohoku. Their decision was driven not only by the belief in the value of investing in such a reputable e-commerce shop but also by their desire to positively impact the local community. Aseek plans to honor the legacy of Abbey Road while pursuing aggressive growth strategies in the e-commerce market.

They aim to explore synergies between online and physical sales channels and identify new opportunities within similar product categories. This multifaceted growth strategy is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and development of the business.

Insights from the M&A Process

The successful intermediary in this acquisition, BATONZ, has highlighted the importance of the personal dynamics involved. Both Taguchi and the Aseek couple exhibited a strong commitment to maintaining good relations throughout the M&A process. Key to this transition was obtaining the necessary approvals for the transfer of TM Planet's selling account on Rakuten, highlighting the complexities involved in merging businesses in the e-commerce sector.

Yoshio Hamamoto from Rakuten emphasized the importance of supporting businesses through succession planning. He spoke about the potentially detrimental losses to the e-commerce market when businesses shut down due to a lack of successors. By proactively supporting these transitions, they aim to strengthen the ecosystems around their platforms.

BATONZ's Role in Business Succession

BATONZ has established itself as a leader in facilitating M&A processes, aiming for a society where M&A activities are accessible and straightforward for all companies. Their innovative platform integrates expert support with digital solutions, making them the top player in the industry regarding total registered projects and completed deals. Leveraging advanced technologies and dedicated support efforts, they help bridge the gap between sellers and potential successors, showcasing the dynamic nature of the e-commerce landscape today.

Looking Ahead

As the e-commerce industry faces generational shifts, BATONZ will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that laid foundations do not crumble under the weight of succession issues. The successful transition of TM Planet serves as a case study for many other businesses considering succession plans. The future is bright for Abbey Road and its new proprietors, who are determined to navigate the challenges ahead with the same passion and dedication that built the brand over the past quarter-century.

Whether it’s investing in local businesses or pursuing innovative strategies, the formation of a partnership between Rakuten, BATONZ, and the new owners exemplifies the collaborative spirit necessary for evolving industries. The aim is not just to preserve but to innovate, ensuring that cherished legacies can flourish in the new digital age.