Funai Soken Agata FAS Launches YouTube Series Explaining Business Succession and M&A Practices for Manufacturers

【How to Watch】Please watch via the link below. URL: https://youtu.be/Bo_U4aF0cmE?si=Dfbu-JKbRHBy1RP5

Funai Soken Agata FAS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Takashi Mitsuda) has launched a series on its official YouTube channel where experts explain the practical aspects of business succession and M&A for manufacturing company executives. The sources of value in manufacturing, such as technology, equipment, and human resources, differ by industry, and factors not reflected in financial statements significantly influence corporate value. Because general explanations make it difficult for executives to apply them to their own companies, this series was created to delve into specific issues relevant to the manufacturing industry. The first episode focuses on how a company's operations, recruitment, capital investment, and corporate value change when it joins a group, from the perspective of an executive considering a sale.

Key Points of This Release

Launch of a series where experts explain the practical aspects of business succession and M&A specifically for the manufacturing industry. It delves into the unique sources of value in manufacturing, such as technology and equipment, and addresses issues not covered in general explanations.

The theme of the first episode is "How Operations and Corporate Value Change When a Manufacturing Company Joins a Group." It will organize changes in recruitment capabilities, long-term capital investment, and how corporate value is viewed by buyers, from the perspectives of both the selling and acquiring companies.

The guests for the first episode are Itaru Kagami, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Director of Funai Soken Agata FAS Co., Ltd., who has experience in over 30 M&A deals in the manufacturing sector, and Shogo Fujiwara, Managing Director of Funai Soken Co., Ltd., who is well-versed in the operations and industry structure of manufacturing companies through his many years of consulting experience.

Why Launch a Commentary Series for Manufacturers Now?

While the basics of business succession and M&A are common across industries, the key points for decision-making vary greatly by industry. In manufacturing, factors that are difficult to discern from financial statements, such as technological capabilities, depreciated equipment, land conditions, and labor management, influence corporate value. In reality, it is difficult for executives to apply general explanations to their own company's situation. The program highlights that M&A deals in the manufacturing sector continue to increase in number, and the demographic of executives considering a sale is expanding from those in their 60s and 70s to second and third-generation owners in their 40s. This series was launched to provide decision-making materials tailored to the manufacturing industry.

Overview of the Series and the First Episode's Theme

This series will feature two experts explaining the practical aspects of business succession and M&A for each industry, and will be released sequentially on the official YouTube channel. Each episode will feature a consultant who understands the on-site operations of the industry and an M&A expert, working together to organize the issues faced by executives in a practical manner. The theme of the first episode is "How Operations and Corporate Value Change When a Manufacturing Company Joins a Group," delving into how the value of technology and equipment is perceived.

Funai Soken Fujiwara (right on screen) explains real-life examples of operational changes after joining a group in the video.

Features of the Series—Explaining Industry Operations and M&A Practices from Both Perspectives

This series is characterized by the consistent presence of a consultant familiar with industry operations and an M&A expert. It goes beyond general M&A theory to address industry-specific issues, such as where value is generated in that industry, what is evaluated, and what needs to be prepared.

The first episode, for example, covered manufacturing-specific issues such as how recruitment and capital investment change after joining a group, and how the value of technology and fully depreciated equipment is viewed by buyers. In future episodes, two individuals well-versed in their respective industries will provide explanations with the same approach.

Significance of Funai Soken Agata FAS Explaining This Theme

Our group, with a total of 1,039 professionals and expertise in over 180 industries, supports M&A and business succession. M&A in the manufacturing sector presents unique challenges for each deal, requiring expertise in both industry knowledge and advisory services. Since the sources of value differ by industry, we believe the commentary should also be industry-specific. The significance of this series lies in its approach of combining an on-site operations consultant with an M&A expert to provide insights that go beyond numbers to encompass management decisions.

Future Developments and Recommendations for Executives

Following the manufacturing sector, other industries will be covered sequentially. Our recommendation for manufacturing executives is to organize their company's value and decision-making criteria while they still have options, rather than waiting until they decide to sell. To have their company's value correctly assessed, a team combining experts with experience in manufacturing M&A and consultants knowledgeable about the industry is essential. The program recommends that even executives who feel "this doesn't concern me yet" should organize their options at an early stage.

Profiles of Participating Experts

Itaru Kagami / Senior Managing Executive Officer and Director, Funai Soken Agata FAS Co., Ltd. After working at a major listed consulting firm, he participated in the establishment of MI Consulting Co., Ltd. in 2022 and became its Representative Director. The company grew into one of the leading M&A consulting firms in the Tokai region. In July 2025, it became part of the Funai Soken Holdings Group, and in March 2026, he was appointed Senior Managing Executive Officer and Director of Funai Soken Agata FAS Co., Ltd. He is an expert with practical experience, having been involved in over 30 M&A deals in the manufacturing sector, primarily in the Tokai area. In this video, he will explain corporate valuation and advisor selection for manufacturers.

Shogo Fujiwara / Managing Director, Funai Soken Co., Ltd. After working in a major manufacturing company, he joined Funai Soken. He has improved the performance and productivity of clients through BPO services for sales and marketing strategies for manufacturers and trading companies in the manufacturing market. He is a co-author of Funai Soken's books "Zukai Yoku Wakaru Korekara no Digital Marketing" (Dohbunkan Publishing) and "Growth Companies' Strongest Digital Transformation Tool 'Zoho'" (Cross Media Publishing). He is well-versed in the operations and industry structure of the manufacturing sector and oversees consulting for manufacturers. In this video, he will explain the current state of the industry and changes in operations after joining a group.

Watch This Series Here

You can watch the videos in this series here.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1o7lTlMUtBXe-AQbOZi9HMrPWyi2f0k

Click here for the official Funai Soken Agata FAS YouTube channel. You can also watch other videos.

https://youtube.com/@funaisoken-ma-youtube?si=8L7hpWfSqYzJNv7i

About Funai Soken Agata FAS

Funai Soken Agata FAS is a comprehensive FAS company jointly established by the Funai Soken Group (Funai Soken Holdings: listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market), one of Japan's largest consulting firms, and Agata Global Management Group, a professional group in finance and tax.

Location: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, Yaesu Central Tower, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Takashi Mitsuda, President

Business Activities: M&A Advisory, Business Succession Advisory, Due Diligence, etc.

<Official Website of Funai Soken Agata FAS Co., Ltd.>

https://ma.funaisoken.co.jp/

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

TEL: 0120-901-080 (Business Hours: Weekdays 9:45 - 17:30)

<Inquiries from Media Representatives Regarding This Matter>

Funai Soken Agata FAS Co., Ltd. Public Relations: Sakakibara

MAIL: funai-ma-toiawase@funaisoken.co.jp