M&A Support

M&A Support

M&A Support

M&A Support

M&A Support

Reassuring Factors

  • Non-Disclosure Agreements
  • Expert Network (Tax/Legal/Labor)
  • Multi-Faceted Support

Mission Why

Trust and Philosophy

Among 21st-century technologies, the IT industry sees trends shift rapidly due to economic fluctuations and paradigm shifts. The pandemic accelerated digitization and efficiency efforts. Japan is now advancing IT infrastructure to catch up with other nations, creating strong demand for Japanese IT companies.

In this fiercely competitive industry where establishing mid-to-long-term strategies is exceptionally challenging, M&A represents a significant and cautious decision for IT companies. Precisely for this reason, it is essential to conduct a thorough, multi-faceted analysis of the company’s technological capabilities, future potential, market value, and other key aspects. From the initial consultation through to deal closure or withdrawal, we provide comprehensive support, meticulously considering the optimal strategy while ensuring full compliance.

Furthermore, we provide management support to IT companies by utilizing various investment methods, including startup investments and debt/equity financing. Rather than simply holding cash, we act as a partner, accompanying you from the front end—management advice, investment target selection, and negotiations—all the way through to exit strategies like sales or exits.

Above all, we strive wholeheartedly to be a company with strong analytical capabilities in all aspects, including technology and market potential, for the management of our portfolio companies. The unique strength we have cultivated in analyzing the potential of IT companies through our management support process is unparalleled within the industry. We continuously challenge ourselves to actively leverage these capabilities within the context of M&A support.

Target individuals

Target Individuals

Sellers (Business Owners)

  • No successor available
  • Desire to retire from the business
  • Seeking to sell a company for early retirement

Buyers (Companies/Individuals)

  • Seeking to enter new business areas
  • Seeking synergies with existing operations
  • Interested in investing in M&A

Value Proposition

Value Proposition

Benefits for Sellers (Business Owners)

  • No successor available
  • Desire to retire from the business
  • Seeking to sell a company for early retirement

Benefits for Buyers (Companies/Individuals)

  • Gain M&A experience
  • Rapidly acquire a brand before launching operations
  • Support with negotiations and procedures

Fee Structure

Fee Structure

EPIC PARTNERS’ M&A advisory services operate on the principle of “no fee charged without results.” We align with the owner’s vision and the company’s future, proposing the optimal fee plan based on the nature and scale of the deal to achieve truly valuable M&A.

Our company designs flexible fee structures based on the project’s content and objectives, while maintaining a “success-based fee” model as our foundation. We offer all initial consultations, company analysis, and M&A direction planning free of charge.

1. Upon signing the advisory agreement: Initial fee (optional)

Set according to the project’s scale and duration (typically ¥500,000 to ¥1,500,000).
*For business succession and small-scale projects, we may provide services free of charge.

2. Success Fee (Lehmann Method)

This is a performance-based fee that is only incurred when the M&A is formally completed. It is based on the following Lehmann table according to the transaction amount (share transfer, business transfer, merger, etc.).

Fee Commission Rate (excluding tax)
Portion up to ¥500 million 5%
Portion over ¥500 million to ¥1 billion 4%
Portion over ¥1 billion to ¥5 billion 3%
Portion over ¥5 billion to ¥10 billion 2%
Portion over ¥10 billion 1%

*The minimum fee is assumed to be ¥10 million (excluding tax).

3. Other Expenses

When conducting due diligence (accounting, legal, human resources, etc.) or PMI support in collaboration with external experts, actual expenses may be charged separately. We will provide a clear estimate of all expenses in advance and proceed only after your approval.

Actual example

Case Studies

IT Company / Representative Director (40s)

I was considering transferring the company due to the absence of a successor, but I was anxious about finding someone I could entrust with the business and employees I had nurtured so carefully. EPIC PARTNERS went beyond mere intermediation; they deeply understood our technical capabilities and corporate culture to find the optimal buyer candidate. From negotiations to contract signing, they consistently supported me from a management perspective, enabling me to achieve a satisfactory business succession.

Software Development Company / Corporate Planning Department Manager (50s)

We were considering business expansion through M&A to enter new business areas. EPIC PARTNERS, as experts well-versed in the IT industry, provided consistent support from evaluating the target company’s technical capabilities to analyzing synergy effects and conducting due diligence. Their technical evaluations were particularly accurate, allowing us to proceed with decision-making with confidence.

System Integrator / Director (30s)

While considering a business transfer, we consulted multiple M&A advisors. Unlike others, EPIC PARTNERS provided proposals grounded in IT industry-specific market trends and technological developments. Their success-based fee structure also offered significant peace of mind, allowing consultation without upfront costs. Ultimately, we completed the transfer under terms exceeding our expectations.

Customer Feedback

Customer Voices

Web Service Company / CEO (40s)

As a rapidly growing startup, we were exploring M&A-driven expansion to reach the next stage. EPIC PARTNERS leveraged their startup investment experience to propose multiple acquisition candidates aligned with our growth strategy. The negotiation process was exceptionally smooth, enabling us to achieve an ideal M&A deal within a short timeframe.

Cloud Services Company / CFO (50s)

When considering selling the company, we needed extensive expertise across finance, legal, and tax areas. EPIC PARTNERS leveraged their network of specialists to provide comprehensive support. Their proposals, especially during valuation calculations and contract negotiations, consistently prioritized our management perspective, which was immensely reassuring.

AI Technology Venture / Founder (30s)

While confident in our technical capabilities, we struggled to find the right partner for business expansion. EPIC PARTNERS accurately assessed our technological strengths and identified a buyer who could maximize their value. They also ensured an environment where we could continue R&D post-M&A, leaving me, as the founder, extremely satisfied.

Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

A. We operate under the principle of “value-creating M&A,” providing support that goes beyond mere transaction brokerage. We assist in designing integrated solutions encompassing management strategy, talent, and capital structure. Our strength lies in integrated post-merger integration (PMI) support, leveraging our executive search-cultivated network of management talent combined with specialized expertise in finance and business restructuring, all with a focus on ensuring corporate growth after the M&A.

A. Our primary clients are listed companies, owner-managed businesses, venture companies, and investment funds with annual sales ranging from ¥1 billion to ¥30 billion. We frequently receive inquiries from companies in transitional phases of growth or restructuring, particularly regarding “succession planning for the next generation,” “meeting listing requirements,” and “pre-IPO capital alliances.”

A. In the initial phase, we conduct corporate valuation, strategic planning, and identification of acquisition/sale candidates based on financial data and business plans. We then present a “strategic matching proposal” that prioritizes management intent and organizational culture. After signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), we proceed with the process carefully and efficiently.

A. Yes. We have extensive experience in restructuring M&A to meet the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s new listing standards (market capitalization, free float, governance requirements, etc.). We specialize in “business integration M&A,” which combines multiple companies to simultaneously achieve listing maintenance and business expansion.

A. Of course. EPIC PARTNERS places great importance on post-M&A PMI (integration support) and, if necessary, utilizes headhunting services to introduce senior executives such as CFOs, CHROs, and executive officers. We believe that the success of an M&A is determined by “post-integration management” and provide consistent support for the optimization of people and organizations.

A. The initial consultation and company analysis are free of charge. After signing a formal advisory agreement, we adopt a performance-based fee structure (Lehmann method) or a fixed + performance-linked fee structure. We design our fees flexibly according to the scale and purpose of the project, so please feel free to consult with us first.