Proto: Auto Marketplace Taken Private in $611M Deal
Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | Aim Group
On June 16, Proto Corporation, a Japan-based auto marketplace business, was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Nagoya Stock Exchange following its acquisition by Foresight Co., Ltd. The acquisition deal was valued at approximately $611 million, covering 41 million shares. This transaction marks a major shift in the auto marketplace sector as Proto transitions from a publicly traded company to a privately held entity under Foresight's ownership.
Sectors
- Automotive
- Private Equity
- Financial Services
Geography
- Japan – Proto Corporation and the Tokyo and Nagoya Stock Exchanges are based in Japan, making it the primary geography for this transaction.
Industry
- Automotive – Proto Corporation operates in the automotive marketplace sector.
- Private Equity – The acquisition of Proto Corp. by Foresight Co., Ltd. involves a private equity transaction.
- Financial Services – This transaction involves financial activities, including acquisition funding and stock exchange delisting.
Financials
- $611 million – The amount estimated to have been paid by Foresight Co., Ltd. for 41 million shares of Proto Corp.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proto Corporation | Target Company | Company | Proto Corporation is a Japan-based auto marketplace business. |
| Foresight Co., Ltd. | Bidding Company | Company | Foresight Co., Ltd. is the company that acquired Proto Corp., taking it private. |