Nihon M&A Center Malaysia

12/05/2026

35 years ago, Nihon M&A Center Inc. was founded with a single philosophy: Assisting companies to continue and prosper through M&A.

That philosophy has never changed since our founding in 1991, and that purpose - to connect hopes and dreams for the best M&A experience in Japan and then the world - has guided us through Japan, Southeast Asia's economic cycles, through thousands of M&A transactions, and it remains unchanged today.

But this year, 2026, is a truly meaningful year for us as a Group. It marks 35 years of Nihon M&A Center Inc. in Japan and the 10th anniversary of our Overseas Division, a decade of bringing this philosophy beyond Japan's borders and across ASEAN. And as we celebrate, we are also stepping into something bigger - a whole new chapter we call the Next Genesis (Second Founding).

Genesis, by definition, means the beginning of something new. And for us, it is not a departure from who we are, it is a deeper commitment to where we are going.

And as we are stepping into our second founding phase, we are building toward a bold new vision:
💪 To revitalize local communities, reshape Japan and beyond, and become the World's No. 1 Holistic M&A Company.

This means expanding our reach, from SMEs, to mid-sized companies, to leading enterprises pursuing global growth. It means strengthening our ASEAN footprint with a long-term eye toward the US and Europe. It means building stronger ecosystems with partners who share our commitment to purposeful M&A.

And it starts from within, with three core values that define how we work:

🤝 Utmost Respect for Our Clients:
A company is where lives intersect. We face every client with absolute sincerity, even when it means difficult conversations, because truly meaningful outcomes demand nothing less.

🎯 Fully Engage:
If you are serious, elevate your actions and thinking to the highest level. When pushed to the extreme, effort compounds, then potential is maximised.

✅ The Right Things, The Right Way:
Without integrity, even strength can spiral out of control. We speak up when something feels wrong. As individuals, as a company, as a member of society, we always strive to do what is right, the right way.

The Next Genesis is more than a new phase for the Group. It is our shared commitment, our promise - to the business owners who trust us, the communities we serve, and the world that the best M&A is one that creates lasting, meaningful value.

Here's to the next chapter. 🌱

12/05/2026

Should I sell, or should I buy? Maybe the better starting point is by asking what kind of future do you want for yourself and your business? And are you actually building towards it?

That's exactly the question we set out to answer in our full-day workshop jointly organised with Chia, Ka & Partners PLT. yesterday. Themed "𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰," we had the pleasure of hosting a group of business owners from a diverse mix of industries to explore what can truly mean for their business, and what it takes to be ready for it.

The day was packed with actionable, practical insights:

📌 Ryosuke Sakamoto-san opened with a deep dive into M&A as a strategic option, covering both sell-side and buy-side perspectives, market and succession trends, deal processes, and valuation methods with industry-specific examples.

📌Jeremy Chia, Managing Partner of CKP walked the participants through financial due diligence, real data-driven valuations, and insights drawn from completed deals in Malaysia, emphasising on why strong financials are the foundation of any successful transaction.

📌Jason Chan wrapped up the day with real case studies completed by our Malaysia team, Nihon M&A Center Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., bringing everything full circle.

One key takeaway echoed clearly across all three sessions is that, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲, so that when the opportunity comes, you're in the best position to make the right move. And our goal has always been simple - to help SME business owners in this region see that is not something distant or complicated, but a real and strategic option available to them, especially when their financials and numbers are in right order.

What truly made the day special was the level of engagement, participation, and quality of questions from our attendees throughout the day, which was beyond what we expected. In fact, some of the owners even shared that it was by far the most useful and quality workshop they've attended, as it helped them gain a deeper understanding of what M&A is and think about their next steps. 💪

A big thank you to our partner Chia, Ka & Partners PLT. for making this happen together. It's always great to work with a like-minded partner who shares the same vision of helping SME owners navigate their next chapter with the right guidance.

Once again, a huge shoutout to Rio-san, Jeremy, and Jason for delivering such an impactful session. 🤝

This is just the beginning, and we're already looking forward to the next one. (Yes, it's already in the works. So...Stay tuned!)

01/05/2026

If you walked into our office on any given day, you would probably hear us going back and forth about deal structures, valuation methods, EBITDA numbers, managing clients' expectations. That is just how our days go.

It is tough work. Sometimes we face hard conversations. Sometimes we get stuck when both sides just cannot come to an agreement.

But that does not stop us. Because deep down, we know that every transaction we take on is something deeply personal. A business owner who spent decades building something from the ground up. A team that showed up every day to make it work. A family whose livelihood depends on the right decision being made.

The work we do is not just about closing deals, it is about making sure that what someone has spent a lifetime building gets passed on to the right hands. That the legacy continues. That the story does not end here - it evolves.

And that takes more than expertise. It takes heart. It takes the late nights, the back-to-back meetings, the flights across cities and borders. All of these driven by the belief that every SME business owner deserves the best possible outcome.

To our incredible Malaysian team and not forgetting our counterpart offices across Japan and Southeast Asia - we see the effort you put in, day in and day out. Thank you for always going above and beyond - not just to get deals done, but to make sure they are done right. None of this is possible without each one of you. 🤝

Happy Labour Day from all of us at Nihon M&A Center Malaysia. 🧑‍💼👩‍💼

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

29/04/2026

In our previous post, we talked about common deal structures, why structure matters just as much as price in a transaction, and how it shapes control, risk, and payment.

Now that we know the options out there, then the next question should be: 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒐 𝑰 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚?

Because in practice, there is no fixed formula here.

Some SME owners want a clean exit. Others may open to staying on for a few more years. Some buyers want full control immediately, while others prefer to take a phase approach.

Yes - on paper, almost all structures can look workable.

But once you start looking a bit deeper, what seems straightforward and attractive can come with hidden liabilities or unclear responsibilities. What feels flexible can become complicated when it comes to integration, governance, or even decision-making after the deal is done.

And when the deal crosses borders, it gets even more complex. Different regulations. Different expectations. Different ways of doing business. All of which can influence how a deal should be structured.

That's why choosing the right deal structure should not be about following what is common or what works for others in your industry. It is about finding what truly works for both sides - not just to close the deal, but to carry the business forward and realize its full value and synergies.

In our latest article, we explored what business owners should consider before deciding on a deal structure, especially in situations.

Because at the end of the day, getting the deal done is one thing. Making sure it works and delivers what it was meant to is another.

👉 https://nihon-ma.com.my/choosing-the-right-ma-deal-structure/

The right M&A deal structure shapes deal success, especially in cross-border transactions. Explore what SME owners should consider before deciding what works best.

29/04/2026

If someone offered to buy your business tomorrow, would you know which deal structure actually protects you? Or...if you are the one looking to acquire , do you actually know which structure gives you the right level of control without taking on more risk than you need to?

Most business owners walk into conversations focused on one thing - the price. And that makes lots of sense because knowing what a business is worth is a natural starting point.

But...price is just one piece of the whole puzzle.

Think of an M&A deal like building a bridge between two buildings. A good deal is just a lot like a well-built bridge. You need it to be the right size, of course - but more importantly, you need it to be solid enough to carry the weight, and designed in a way that lets both sides cross over smoothly.

Get the price right but the structure wrong, and you might find cracks sooner or later, regardless of how promising the deal is.

And that is where many business owners overlook, whether they are buying or selling.

Share purchase or asset purchase? Full cash upfront or an earn-out tied to future results? Majority control from day one or a minority stake to start? These are decisions that shape how risk is shared, how payment flows, and how both sides move forward long after the deal is closed.

We put together this article to break it all down, covering five common deal structures and three key payment approaches that every SME business owner should know before starting the conversation, whether you are buying, selling, or simply exploring what is possible.

Because the best deals are not always the ones with the highest price or EBITDA numbers. They are the ones built on a structure solid enough for both sides to move forward with clarity and confidence. 🌉🤝

🔗Read the full article - https://nihon-ma.com.my/5-types-of-ma-deal-structures/

Not all M&A deals are won on price alone. Discover the 5 key deal structures every SME business owner should understand before entering a transaction.

29/04/2026

We are proud to share that Batonz, an equity-method affiliate within our holding group Nihon M&A Center Inc., has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange ( ) Growth Market! 📈🔥

As part of the Group’s ecosystem, Batonz has been playing an important role in strengthening how and business are supported, combining digital matching technology with professional advisory expertise. It was built in response to a growing challenge faced by many and in Japan, where valuable businesses risk closing down simply because the right successor or partner cannot be found.

And these small, community-based businesses do far more than contribute economically. They are the ones who preserve local livelihoods, traditions, skills, and ways of life that sustain everyday life across the region. Helping them to continue requires not just efficient transactions, it requires a platform grounded in trust, transparency, and sustainability.

As Batonz enters its next chapter through its , this meaningful milestone marks an important step in strengthening its role as social infrastructure - something these , business owners can truly rely on.

Not just to facilitate transactions, but to help them navigate succession and growth with confidence, and ultimately, contributing to the long-term vitality of communities and the wider economy.

Congratulations again to the Batonz team for achieving such remarkable milestone!💪

Read more here 👉 https://nihon-ma.com.my/batonz-lists-on-tse-growth-market/

Batonz, an M&A and business succession platform backed by Nihon M&A Center Holdings, is now listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market.

01/04/2026

※Application for this position have been closed.

𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠! 📢

Our team is growing, and we are looking for a reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented Business Support Executive who enjoys supporting teams and keeping daily operations running smoothly. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, adaptable, and curious about how a professional services firm operates, especially within the M&A industry.

✨ 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: If you are interested, you will also get exposure to how M&A works in practice and learn how cross-border deals are supported behind the scenes!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨:
• As part of our Malaysia team, you will play a key supporting role across administration, finance, and people operations:
• Provide day-to-day office and administrative support to ensure smooth operations
• Maintain an orderly office by ensuring files, records, and office supplies are well organized and readily accessible
• Assist with basic bookkeeping tasks, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and data entry
• Support HR administration, including employee documentation, attendance tracking, and leave management
• Assist with payroll preparation and process, including collecting and verifying employee related information, such as working hours
• Coordinate meetings, travel arrangements, and company events when required
• Support the preparation of M&A-related materials (e.g., pitch deck, presentations, documents and financial data entry) when required

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮:
• Malaysian citizen
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• At least 1-2 years of experience in an administrative, office management, HR support, or similar role
•(Nice to Have) Basic understanding of accounting and payroll processes
•(Nice to Have) Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Good written and spoken communication in English and Mandarin
• Strong organizational, attention to detail, ability to handle confidential information, and excellent multitasking skills
• A positive attitude and willingness to support a fast-paced, professional team

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
• This is a full-time, on-site position based in Q Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
• Standard working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬?
At Nihon M&A Center Malaysia, we value teamwork, reliability, and a hands-on mindset. You will be part of a close-knit team where your contributions are visible and appreciated, working alongside experienced professionals from Japan and across Southeast Asia in a supportive, international environment.

We are looking for someone who wants to grow with us, take ownership of their role, and build something meaningful together. If you enjoy learning and working across cultures, we would love to connect with you!

31/03/2026

For many business owners, it is very natural to reach a point where growth starts to feel...limited.

The business is doing good. The team is capable. Customers and suppliers are loyal.
Yet expansion through "business as usual" feels slower than before.

This is a moment we often see among owners - when organic growth alone may no longer be the fastest or most practical way forward.

That’s when you may want to start considering a different path:
👉 acquiring an existing business.

Because sometimes, growth doesn’t have to start from zero.

Through , you are not just buying a company. You are stepping into something that already works - an existing customer and supplier network, proven operational systems, an established team - and building on it to reach the next stage of growth.

But becoming a buyer is not as simple as finding a target company and closing a deal.

It requires clarity, preparation, and a clear plan for what comes after the deal completion:
📌 Why you want to acquire
📌 What you can realistically invest
📌 What kind of business truly fits your strategy
📌 And how you will manage and grow it post-acquisition

Because in , closing isn't the end of the story - it's the start of the next chapter.

In our latest blog, we break down how owners can prepare to become strategic buyers, what to think about before making the first step, and why preparation matters more than the deal itself.

If growth feels slow or if growth through acquisition has been on your mind, this might be a useful read.

Learn how to become a buyer through M&A and use acquisitions as a strategic growth tool. A practical guide for SMEs to prepare, evaluate, and succeed in business acquisitions.

27/03/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐌&𝐀 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝.

For many business owners, especially in , business is never just a business. It is their "𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺."

When they start thinking about selling or stepping down, the decision carries far more weight than most people would realize. Because behind it are years of effort, sacrifice, risk-taking, and relationships built over time. It is something they have poured a big part of themselves into.

So when the time comes to consider the next chapter, the question becomes much bigger than “Who wants to buy?”

It becomes "𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝?"

Because of this, are not just about price or structure. At its core, it is also about whether the business will end up in the right hands - someone who truly understands what has been built, respects the people behind it, and is capable to take it forward in the right way.

That is why the Top Management Meeting matters so much in the process. It is often the first time both sides sit down face-to-face, look beyond the numbers, and ask:

• Are we aligned in what we value?
• Can we work well together?
• Do we share the same business vision for the future?

This becomes even more critical in transactions, where differences in culture and communication style can easily create gaps if not addressed early.

Therefore, this meeting is not simply a business presentation. It is an opportunity for both sides to better understand each other's perspectives, align on intentions, and build the trust needed for a successful, lasting partnership.

👉 We share more on why Top Management Meeting matters in (and how to prepare for it) in our latest blog: https://nihon-ma.com.my/top-management-meetings-in-ma/

Preparing for a Top Management Meeting? Learn what to expect, why it matters, and how to ensure alignment for a successful M&A transaction.

26/03/2026

Imagine raising a child for decades. You nurture it from the day they are born, guide them through challenges, celebrate their growth, and slowly watch them become someone greater than what you first imagined.

And one day, the time comes to let them step into the next chapter of their life.

For many founders, passing on their company can feel a little like that.

Because a business is never just a business. It carries years of effort, sacrifices, relationships, and the people who helped build it along the way.

That is why at Nihon M&A Center Inc., we have a tradition that we hold close to the heart of what we do - the 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚.

When a deal is finally completed, we come together to mark the occasion. Not for the paperwork or the formalities, but for the people and the journey behind the business.

It is a moment to acknowledge the years of dedication that built the company, to thank the founders who entrusted their life’s work to the next chapter, and to honour the journey that led both companies to this new beginning.

In many ways, we like to think of this moment as a “wedding ceremony for companies.”

Because just like a wedding, it is not simply about the union itself. It is about bringing people together, honouring the past, and stepping forward into a shared future with trust and commitment.

For us, this tradition reflects something fundamental about how we approach every partnership. It is a reminder that behind every transaction are people, histories, and responsibilities that deserve care and respect.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful deals are not the end of a story -
but the beginning of its next chapter.

👇👇 Watch our latest brand video 👇👇