#Japan #Tokyo #Corporate Growth #SBI Securities #Sourcing Brothers

Strategic Partnership Announcement

In a significant move towards enhancing corporate value and supporting startup growth, SBI Securities and Sourcing Brothers have officially announced their strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive support for corporate growth through both organic and inorganic means, particularly focusing on M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and venture capital operations.

1. Background and Purpose of the Partnership

SBI Securities, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, boasts a robust collection of financial data and access to over 80 million customers across various sectors. Their diverse offerings span banking, securities, insurance, asset management, and digital assets, positioning them uniquely in the market. On the other hand, Sourcing Brothers, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has demonstrated expertise in M&A processes and CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) operations since establishing a capital business alliance with SBI Holdings in February 2023.

In recent years, the business landscape for listed companies has dramatically evolved. The execution of inorganic growth strategies, via M&A and CVC, has become crucial for enhancing corporate value, alongside traditional organic growth methodologies. However, many listed companies still face challenges in building a seamless support system for strategic planning, deal sourcing, execution assistance, and post-merger integration (PMI).

Moreover, the demand for support within the startup ecosystem is on the rise, encompassing capital strategies, business growth, partnership development, and execution of M&A strategies tailored to various growth phases. This partnership will leverage SBI Securities' extensive customer base and financial expertise alongside Sourcing Brothers' competence in facilitating mergers and acquisitions and venture capital execution support.

2. Key Aspects of the Partnership

(1) Inorganic Growth Support for Listed Companies

The collaboration will involve offering a series of support services aimed at enhancing corporate value, starting from the planning of growth strategies using M&A and CVC, to sourcing potential candidates, execution support, and further assistance in growth post-investment or acquisition.

(2) M&A and Inorganic Growth Support for Startups

For startups, the partnership will focus on strategies for business growth, supporting capital policies, facilitating financing opportunities, and assisting in M&A processes to create growth opportunities and enhance corporate value.

(3) Strengthening Matching and Project Creation

Utilizing the networks and customer bases that both companies possess, the partnership aims to create optimal collaboration, investment, and acquisition opportunities for both listed companies and startups.

3. Future Developments

Moving forward, both SBI Securities and Sourcing Brothers are committed to leveraging this partnership to promote long-term corporate value growth for listed companies through M&A and CVC strategizing. They also aim to further bolster support for the development of startups, fostering a robust ecosystem for sustainable growth and innovation.

Additionally, the companies plan to build a comprehensive support system that spans capital markets, business growth, and open innovation, contributing to the ongoing success of Japanese enterprises and the evolution of the startup ecosystem.

4. Statements from Leadership

Masato Takamura, President of SBI Securities

"Since our capital partnership with Sourcing Brothers in February 2023, we have recognized their agility and capacity for execution support. As demand for inorganic growth increases, we hope to strengthen our collaboration to assist clients in achieving their inorganic growth objectives across the SBI Group."

Sota Ozawa, Co-Founder of Sourcing Brothers

"With the recent strict regulations on maintaining listings in the Tokyo Growth Market, there is an unprecedented demand among listed companies for inorganic growth. By partnering with SBI Securities, we aim to provide advisory services to a greater number of clients to facilitate their inorganic growth needs."

Shotaro Watanabe, Co-Founder of Sourcing Brothers

"Our partnership with SBI Holdings marks our second founding phase. We have been focusing on inorganic growth advisory for improving corporate value. In an era where rapid market changes are common due to AI adoption, we advocate for leveraging partnerships with external firms instead of adhering to traditional 'self-reliance' strategies."

Company Profiles

SBI Securities

• - Name: SBI Securities Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 1-6-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Masato Takamura
• - Established: March 30, 1944
• - Business: Online comprehensive securities services

Sourcing Brothers

• - Name: Sourcing Brothers Co., Ltd.
• - Location: 1-11-30 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Co-founders: Sota Ozawa, Shotaro Watanabe
• - Established: October 21, 2019
• - Business: Inorganic growth advisory

Through this strategic alliance, both organizations are poised to set new standards in corporate growth strategies and innovation support within Japan's financial landscape.