Advantage Partners
Japan’s Advantage exits GTA TeleGuam to US investor
Japan-based Advantage Partners has agreed to sell its controlling stake in GTA TeleGuam, the principal telecommunications provider on the US island of Guam, to US-based family office Huntsman Family Investments (HFI).
Japan succession deals: The long game
Succession planning opportunities are growing in Japan’s middle market as a generation of founders bend to the will of time and commercial pressure. For GPs seeking buyouts, it is all about who you know
The crystal ball: Predictions for 2017
From LPs looking for realizations from GPs as well as paper gains, to the factors contributing to more buyout opportunities in China, industry participants give their perspectives on the year to come
Careful targeting key to Philippines M&A – AVCJ Forum
Efforts to increase foreign M&A activity in the Philippines at later investment stages depend on targeting the right kinds of companies and understanding their needs, industry participants told the AVCJ Philippines Forum.
Japan's middle market: Simmering prosperity
GPs are finding opportunity in Japan’s economic stagnancy and dramatic demographic trends, but embracing this massive market will require a sharper focus on planning, as well as patience and poise
Telkom Indonesia abandons acquisition of PE-owned TeleGuam
State-controlled telecommunications company Telkom Indonesia has terminated its acquisition of TeleGuam on the US island of Guam from Japan’s Advantage Partners.
Advantage acquires Japan's Ishii Sports
Advantage Partners has acquired Tokyo-based outdoor sports equipment retailer Ishii Sports.
GP communication strategies: Clearing the air
Communication strategies are becoming more important within PE as expectations for transparency grow. GPs must demonstrate an ability to maintain the trust of a range of stakeholders, not just LPs
The crystal ball: Predictions for 2016
From Australia to China and buyouts to venture, industry participants give their perspectives on the year to come for fundraising, investments, and exits
AVCJ Awards 2015: Deal of the Year - Mid Cap: SBI Life Living
Advantage Partners leveraged its expertise in corporate carve-outs to acquire SBI Life Living. It plans to split the business in two so that each half can achieve its full potential
GPs see potential in SE Asia mid-market buyouts - AVCJ Forum
Southeast Asia will see more mid-market buyout opportunities, industry participants told the AVCJ Singapore Forum, although the onus remains on GPs to forge partnerships with entrepreneurs.
Q&A: Advantage Partners' Emmett Thomas
Emmett Thomas, head of Asia at Advantage Partners, explains why helping Japanese firms enter other markets in the region and bringing Asian companies into Japan has become an important investment thesis.
MBO no longer a 'dirty word' in Japan - AVCJ Forum
The term management buyout (MBO) is no longer considered a "dirty word" among Japanese company founders, according to local GPs who are eyeing more succession deals.
Portfolio: Advantage Partners and Riraku
By undercutting its competition, massage salon Riraku was able access a broader segment of the domestic market. But achieving growth on a national scale required support from Advantage Partners
Japan consumer: Big spenders
Japan’s gradual economic recovery could deliver a wealth of new opportunities in the consumer space. But to realize true value, private equity firms must look deeper, or in certain cases, further
Japan's Advantage to launch $400m Asia fund
Japanese mid-market GP Advantage Partners is looking to raise a $400 million fund targeting investments opportunities in Asia ex-Japan.
Deal focus: Advantage rings up TeleGuam return
Ties between Japan and the US territory of Guam go back a long way. Much of this is do with their relatively proximity, and the fact Japan held the island during the Second World War. But visitors coming from Japan are much more welcome today. Guam is...
Advantage exits GTA TeleGuam to Indonesian trade buyer
Japan's Advantage Partners has exited GTA TeleGuam - the former state-owned telephone company based on the island of Guam - to Telkom Indonesia. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed.
CVC adds to Japan team
CVC Capital Partners has boosted its Japan team with two hires from domestic GP Advantage Partners. Atsushi Akaike and Yukinori Sugiyama have joined as partner and senior managing director, respectively.
VIDEO: Advantage Partners' Richard Folsom
With an increasing number of Japanese companies looking to expand overseas, strategies to support these efforts feature more prominently in Advantage Partners' investment theses, according to Richard Folsom, the Tokyo-based GP's representative partner
AVCJ Awards: Exit of the Year - Mid Cap: United Cinemas
United Cinemas was struggling in the face of macro headwinds and low consumer confidence, but Advantage Partners’ saw the bigger picture and delivered blockbuster returns
Succession-planning deals: A matter of legacy
Long a feature of the developed markets private equity, succession-planning opportunities are beginning to pop up in emerging Asia. Regardless of geography, convincing a founder to sell his business is a challenge
Marunouchi exits Japan supermarket chain to Lawson for $501m
Marunouchi Capital - the private equity arm of Mitsubishi Corp - has exited Japanese high-end supermarket chain Seijo Ishii to convenience store operator Lawson for JPY55 billion ($501 million) including debt.
Profile: Advantage Partners' Richard Folsom
For the past 30 years Advantage Partners co-founder Richard Folsom has enjoyed a front-row seat on the inner workings Japan's corporate world - here he shares his insights.