Japan’s M & A report on Australia: Key Findings

Japan’s M & A report on Australia: Key Findings

AJBCC member Herbert Smith Freehills has released its analysis of Japanese M&A activity in Australia based on “39 announced and completed M&A deals from Japan into Australia between January 2017 and February 2018.” What the analysis demonstrated was that:

  • minority interests in joint ventures to secure minerals, energy and food for export to Japan was the hallmark of the period up to the mid 2000s
  • the last 10 years have seen the development of a ‘second trend’ characterised by acquisitions which are targeting revenue and profit growth opportunities in overseas markets.

The report lists the remarkable diversity of the sectors in which Japanese M&A in Australia has occurred during the period reviewed.

Here is the significant sectoral spread in Australia of the 39 M&A deals by Japanese investors.

  • Chemicals
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Financial services
  • Food and dairy
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Industrials
  • Leisure / hotels
  • Manufacturing
  • Natural resources and energy
  • Professional services
  • Real estate
  • Technology, Media, and Telecom
  • Utilities