Bain sells Japan's Bellsystem24 stake to Itochu

After the transaction Bain will hold a 50.1% stake in the company. The GP had acquired Bellsystem24 from Citigroup Capital Partners Japan for JPY100 billion (then $1.16 billion) in 2009.

Established in 1984, Bellsystem24 claims to one of the first companies to set up a customer relationship management (CRM) outsourcing model through call center and is now one of the country's leading CRM solution providers. Its offerings include: e-commerce and e-support services; CRM and e-CRM support services; research and marketing services; information services; and medical support services.

With 20,000 operators in 22 call centres nationwide, it is Japan's largest call center operator. The company has clients in various industries, including telecommunications, cable, broadband, satellite broadcasting, Internet services, technology, and financial services.

"Since Bain Capital acquired Bellsystem in 2009, our investment in the company's advanced IT infrastructure, and implementation of significant operating improvements, have transformed the business into a world-class operation," said David Gross-Loh, a Managing Director at Bain Capital, in a statement. "The continued improvements in service quality and productivity have enabled Bellsystem to strengthen its leading industry position."

Itochu is engaged in engaging in domestic and overseas trading of various products. According to a release, the acquisition is in line with Itochu's strategy to strengthening its business in the non-resources sector and making better use of its extensive IT expertise.

Bain has more than $75 billion of assets under management and has had a presence in Asia since 2007 with offices in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Melbourne. It Asia portfolio also includes MYOB, Skylark, ASIMCO, Feixiang, GA Pack, GOME, Hero Investments and Jupiter Shop Channel.

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• Topics
• North Asia
• Technology
• Japan
• Technology
• Bain Capital Asia