Scott Adelson Predicts Rise in Japan's PE Fund M&A Activity

Deal News | Feb 24, 2025 | Houlihan Lokey

Scott Adelson Predicts Rise in Japan's PE Fund M&A Activity

Scott Adelson, the Chief Executive Officer of Houlihan Lokey, has projected an increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions between private equity (PE) funds in Japan. In an interview with Nikkei, Adelson highlighted the surge of interest among global investors seeking opportunities within the Japanese PE market. The driving force behind this trend is Japan's maturing economy coupled with evolving corporate governance practices that are conducive to such investment activities. Adelson emphasized the strength of Japan's market fundamentals and its growing appeal to international investors. Furthermore, the article cites Houlihan Lokey's involvement in a significant transaction where Potentia Capital Management, in collaboration with J-STAR, acquired an HR software-as-a-service (SaaS) company named jinjer, showcasing active participation in the burgeoning Japanese M&A sector.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions

Geography

  • Japan – The primary focus of the article is the increase in M&A transactions involving private equity funds within Japan.
  • Global – The article mentions global investors' growing interest in the Japanese PE market, highlighting an international geographic context.

Industry

  • Private Equity – The article discusses M&A transactions specifically focused on private equity funds, signifying an increase in such activities in Japan.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS) – The HR SaaS company jinjer's acquisition is a focal point of the article, indicating the relevance of the SaaS industry.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions – The discussion centers on M&A transactions between PE funds, showcasing this industry as pivotal in the current Japanese market context.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    Scott AdelsonChief Executive OfficerPeopleCEO of Houlihan Lokey, providing insights into the Japanese PE market.
    Houlihan LokeyAdvisorCompaniesFinancial advisory firm involved in the M&A transaction of jinjer and providing market insights.
    jinjerTarget companyCompaniesHR software-as-a-service (SaaS) company acquired by Potentia Capital Management and J-STAR.
    Potentia Capital ManagementBidding companyCompaniesPrivate equity firm involved in the acquisition of jinjer.
    J-STARBidding companyCompaniesPartner in the acquisition of jinjer alongside Potentia Capital Management.