Dining Out: Japan Takes its Appetite for M&A Overseas

Left to right: Michael Braun, Richard S. Kelly Jr., Nobuhiko Masuto, Herbert Lash.

Recently, the mention of Japanese M&A activity conjured up images of Steel Partners, Ripplewood and Cerberus feeding on undervalued Japanese assets, often to the consternation of the target firm’s directors. Thanks to the credit crisis, the tables have turned swiftly and dramatically. A strong yen and limited access to capital now deter would-be U.S. and European buyers from targeting Japanese firms, and depressed foreign share values have cleared the way for cash-rich Japanese firms to make major strategic and opportunistic acquisitions. While domestic and out-in M&A figures involving Japan are down, in-out M&As have hit record volumes, notably in the healthcare and financial sectors. Our experts examine the current trend and future outlook for Japanese M&A, and contrast present activity with previous ill-fated real estate and technology buying sprees in the 1980s and ’90s.

Panelists:
Michael Braun, Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP
Richard S. Kelly Jr., Senior Managing Director, The Bridgeford Group, Inc.
Nobuhiko Masuto, Managing Director, GCA Savvian Advisors, LLC

Moderator:
Herbert Lash, Global Markets Correspondent, Reuters

Agenda:
12-12:30 pm Registration & reception
12:30-1 Luncheon
1-2:30 Panel discussion

Admission: Corporate members are entitled to a designated number of free admissions to this event, based on their company’s current membership level. These reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Additional corporate registrants and Japan Society individual members at the Patron Circle level and above pay the discounted corporate member rate of $45 for lunch and lecture, $10 for lecture only. Nonmember admission: $65 for lunch and lecture, $15 lecture only. The academic and government admission rate is $30 for the luncheon and $10 for lecture only. When payment is required, prepayment must be made, or registration secured, with a credit card. All registrations and cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Substitutions are welcome.

This event is SOLD OUT.

For information only, please contact the Corporate Program at 212-715-1208.