Cross-Border M&A with Japan is more than international expansion. It is the bridge between cultures, values and growth.
Japan is one of the largest and most stable economies in the world – with a strong industrial base, high purchasing power and long-term oriented investors. Particularly attractive for German SMEs: many Japanese companies are specifically looking for technology and market leaders in Europe to expand their global presence and secure their innovative strength. Culturally, both countries share a high appreciation for quality, precision and sustainable business relationships – an ideal basis for trusting partnerships.
Japanese buyers are often strategic industrial companies from the fields of mechanical engineering, automotive, electronics, chemicals or high-tech components. They think long-term, invest sustainably and attach great importance to integration into existing structures. Decisions are carefully prepared, based on mutual respect and thorough due diligence. Personal relationships and trust play a central role – often several meetings and a gradual approach are crucial for success.
For German SMEs, transactions with Japanese partners open up access to new markets in Asia, technological cooperation and a stable, capital-strong ownership structure. The combination of German engineering and Japanese long-term strategy can not only leverage growth potential, but also ideally solve succession issues. Companies benefit from investors who value continuity and the retention of locations and jobs – an important factor for entrepreneurs who want to know that their life's work is in good hands.
Medium-sized companies that we support
between 5 and 250 million euros
between 10 and 2,500
positive as well as negative
DACH region, Europe and worldwide
From the first meeting to the handover
The search for investors for a company is a unique step – with great opportunities, but also far-reaching decisions. Our structured M process offers orientation, reliability and negotiating power – from the first meeting to the successful handover.
At the start of the process, we analyze your company holistically: market position, financial figures, strengths, weaknesses, potential. We think from the perspective of potential investors – as a basis for a realistic company valuation and targeted positioning.
We create all relevant M project documents – including an anonymized teaser and a detailed information memorandum. Clear, structured and precisely tailored to your target group. In this way, we create interest and trust among potential investors.
Based on our network and targeted research, we identify suitable investors – strategic investors, financial investors or succession solutions. The approach is anonymized and professional – with a sensitive touch for sensitive M processes.
We conduct initial discussions with interested parties, coordinate Q processes and obtain indicative offers. You will receive a well-founded assessment from us on the seriousness, suitability and perspective of each potential investor – economically and culturally.
We coordinate the due diligence of your company by potential investors and manage the negotiations together with specialized lawyers. Our goal: to create clarity, secure trust and create optimal conditions for the conclusion of the contract.
We will accompany you until the successful conclusion of the contract – and beyond, if desired. Because especially in the handover phase, a sensitive touch, clear communication and reliability are important. So that the baton is passed on safely.
MA with Japan – Challenges, Solutions, Added Value
Cross-border transactions with Japan require a deep understanding of cultural differences, communication styles and decision-making processes. Negotiations often take longer because Japanese companies make decisions carefully and by consensus. Linguistic nuances, different expectations regarding contract content and due diligence processes, and often restrained negotiation tactics can be unfamiliar to German SMEs. Anyone who does not take these aspects into account risks misunderstandings, delays or the failure of a promising deal.
We combine many years of experience in MA with a sensitive feel for the special requirements of the Japanese market. Our team and our Japanese partner on site accompany the entire MA process – from the targeted approach of suitable Japanese partners to the moderation of discussions and the structured transaction implementation. In doing so, we ensure cultural fit on both sides, create clarity in negotiations and ensure that the company’s strategic goals and values are preserved.
- Building cultural bridges: Translating business practices, expectations and communication styles
- Targeted investor identification: Access to strategic buyers in Japan via our direct network on site
- Local presence: Collaboration with an experienced MA partner on site in Japan with direct access to listed companies and large corporate groups
- Efficient process design: Clear structure and moderation to secure schedules and results
- Sustainable partnerships: Focus on continuity, site preservation and long-term value enhancement
Successfully implemented M mandates
We are Focused on Medium-Sized Companies in Transformation and Special Situations
We were very satisfied with the approach proposed and implemented by the “starkpartners team” in our case. The industry experts at starkpartners were crucial to the success and complex implementation.
— Manfred Krimpmann
Founder CEO, Alphatec GmbH
Mr. Stark and his team managed the structured M process of Schäfer HPS GmbH and, together with us, were able to transfer the essential assets to two investors in record time. The focus was not only on the purchase price but also on maintaining the location in Ratingen
— Dr. Dirk Andres
Insolvency Administrator Schäfer HPS
Insolvency Administrator, AndresPartner Rechtsanwälte
We experienced starkpartners as a very professional, solution-oriented and fair negotiating partner in the context of an M transaction. The cooperation was always extremely respectful, transparent and goal-oriented.
— Ilhan Brcvak
Authorized Signatory, MIH Group
Our specialists
Thorsten Stark, Senior Partner
Visionary Entrepreneur with over 25 Years of Experience in Leadership, Corporate Planning, Engineering and Finance – Specializing in Transformations and Strategic Development.
Lars Stark, Associate Partner / Authorized Officer
MA Specialist with a Focus on Medium-Sized Companies and Distressed Mandates - Experienced in Handling Complex Transactions in ICT, Automotive and Mechanical Engineering.
Dr. iur. Johannes Marcel Offergeld, Associate Partner
Business Lawyer with a Focus on Insolvency Law and Turnaround – with Management Experience in Medical Technology, Venture Business and International Training.
Avoid costly experiments and get the right partners on your side right away
Don’t hesitate too long to contact experienced specialists, because the more serious the situation becomes with regard to your liquidity and solvency as well as other contractual obligations, the more your chances of an out-of-court restructuring dwindle.