M&A process: a carefully structured and systematic approach reduces the risk of failure

Cross-border acquisitions with Japan need careful preparations and flawless execution even more than acquisitions or investments within the same country.

The process needs to start with a clear view of the business strategy and the purpose of acquisitions in Japan, and support from top executive management, including in most cases the CEO.

In our experience most cross-border acquisitions with Japan will include all or most of the following steps:

1. M&A process
2. Understand the industry: research
3. Find and approach partners
4. Build cooperation
5. Stakeholders
6. Due diligence
7. Finance
8. Negotiate and close agreements
9. Post merger
10. Sale of a company by auction in Japan, or cross-border