Kyoden Joins Forces with Carlyle for Global Expansion

Deal News | Nov 05, 2024 | The Carlyle Group

Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, has acquired Kyoden Co., a prominent Japanese manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Established in 1983 and headquartered in Nagano Prefecture, Kyoden has made a name for itself in the PCB industry by focusing on small-lot, high-variety products that can be quickly produced. Boasting approximately 2,100 employees and operations spanning Japan and Thailand, Kyoden supplies PCBs for a variety of applications, from automotive devices to semiconductor equipment. With the acquisition, Carlyle aims to drive Kyoden's growth by enhancing its manufacturing processes for high-multilayer and build-up PCBs and fostering its international expansion. Carlyle’s Co-Head of Japan, Kazuhiro Yamada, noted that the partnership will allow Kyoden to meet increasing demands for compact and multifunctional devices. Kyoden's President, Hiroshi Naganuma, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to refine the company's business model and accelerate growth in the global PCB market. Carlyle's Japan buyout platform has a proven track record of success, having invested over JPY 450 billion in the region across 40 private equity investments since 2000.

Sectors

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturing
  • Private Equity
  • Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)

Geography

  • Japan – Kyoden is headquartered in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and the transaction involves Carlyle's Japan buyout platform.
  • Thailand – Kyoden has manufacturing operations in Thailand as part of its regional presence in APAC.

Industry

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturing – This industry involves the design and manufacture of printed circuit boards for use in electronic devices. Kyoden, as a PCB manufacturer, operates within this industry.
  • Private Equity – This industry involves investment firms acquiring or investing in companies. Carlyle Group's acquisition of Kyoden is a prime example of private equity activity.
  • Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) – This sector provides comprehensive electronic design, manufacture, testing, and distribution services. Kyoden's deep experience in EMS positions it within this sector.

Financials

  • JPY 450 billion – The total investment made by Carlyle's Japan buyout platform across 40 private equity investments since 2000.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Kyoden Co.Target CompanyCompaniesA Japanese manufacturer of printed circuit boards, founded in 1983 and known for its small-lot, high-variety product offerings.
Carlyle GroupBidding CompanyCompaniesA global investment firm that acquired Kyoden as part of its strategic portfolio expansion.
Hiroshi NaganumaPresident of KyodenPeopleLeader at Kyoden who expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Carlyle.
Kazuhiro YamadaCo-Head of Carlyle JapanPeopleCarlyle executive involved in the acquisition and strategic planning for Kyoden's growth.