Unison Capital
Unison launches Japan hospital roll-up platform
Unison Capital has made the first investment from a newly created platform that will pursue a roll-up strategy in Japan’s hospital industry, with JPY50-60 billion ($467-560 million) set to be committed over the next five years.
Unison buys Japanese hair treatment specialist
Unison Capital has acquired Pyuru, a Japanese producer of hair care and cosmetics products best known for a naturally-derived treatment for graying hair.
Japan secondary buyouts: Between friends
Negative perceptions and local sensitivities have stymied the development of secondary buyouts in Japan. International GPs – plus some of their domestic peers – have the firepower to drive change
Japan PE fundraising: Upsizing
Japanese private equity firms are looking to raise larger funds, based on what is described as a blossoming investment opportunity. Do they risk biting off more than they can chew?
Korean GPs worry about valuations, wage hikes - AVCJ Forum
South Korean private equity investors warned the AVCJ Forum that valuations and an increase in the minimum wage could play havoc in the market next year following what has so far been a relatively benign 2018.
Japan PE outlook: Slow and steady
GPs have built strong ties with corporate Japan by demonstrating value-add capabilities. These networks should serve them well as the market becomes more active
Activism not yet a key driver of Korean corporate divestments - AVCJ Forum
Shareholder activism is becoming more prevalent in Korea among the country’s chaebol groups, but it still trails distress sales and divestments of non-core divisions as sources of private equity deal flow.
Unison buys Japanese restaurant chain
Unison Capital has acquired Sukesan, a Japanese udon noodle restaurant operator, for an undisclosed sum.
GPs must be selective in targeting Korea divestments – AVCJ Forum
Korea's push for chaebol reform is expected to create more PE investment opportunities as conglomerates are pressured to divest assets, but GPs told the AVCJ Korea Forum that they have to be careful in picking the right deals because asset quality varies.
Q&A: Unison Capital's Tatsuo Kawasaki
Tatsuo Kawasaki, co-founder and partner at Unison Capital, discusses why deal flow is growing in Japan’s middle market – not only in terms of volume, but also in seller type and sector scope
Japan's Unison buys local bar and restaurant chain
Unison Capital has acquired Dinamix, an operator of Japanese-style bar and restaurants, for an undisclosed sum.
PE-backed Gong Cha Korea to acquire global parent
Gong Cha Korea, the Unison Capital-backed franchise of the global bubble tea franchise Gong Cha, will take a controlling stake in the Taiwan-based parent company.
Korea exits: Seller central
Foreign buyers and restless chaebols could help deliver more exit opportunities for private equity firms in Korea – provided it is the right asset, at the right price, at the right time
Volatility drives opportunities in Southeast Asia - AVCJ Forum
Southeast Asia is expected to maintain a strong level of private equity investment opportunities thanks to continued regional volatility, leading industry players told the AVCJ Singapore 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
Portfolio: Unison Capital and Gong Cha
Bubble tea chain Gong Cha’s Korean franchise started out with an entrepreneurial approach that suited its needs. Now Unison Capital is transforming management style and building a regional lifestyle brand
Korea middle market: Behind the curtain
Korea’s middle market continues to blossom thanks to succession issues, restructuring and ambitions to expand overseas. But deals are struck in strict confidence – and GPs say that is how it should remain
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
Q&A: Unison Capital's Tatsuo Kawasaki
Unison Capital is in the process of raising its fourth Japan-focused fund. Tatsuo Kawasaki, a partner at the firm, discusses how government policy and market dynamics might impact its deployment
Fund focus: Unison hones in on South Korea
Comparisons can be drawn between Unison Capital’s debut Korea buyout fund and its first Japan vehicle raised more than 15 years ago. The targets are small- to mid-size companies that have growth potential but need help realizing it, particularly in...
Unison closes debut Korea fund at $280m - update
Japan-based private equity firm Unison Capital has closed its first-ever Korea-dedicated buyout fund at approximately KRW300 billion ($280 million).
Unison sells Asahi Tec casting assets to India's Amtek Auto
Asahi Tec, a Japanese auto-parts supplier controlled by Unison Capital, has agreed to sell a portfolio of companies covering casting and forging to India's Amtek Auto.
Unison to exit Japan wine retailer Enoteca to Asahi
Japanese mid-market GP Unison Capital has agreed to exit wine retailer Enoteca to brewing giant Asahi Group. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Unison holds $428m first close on Fund IV, eyes $714m
Unison Capital has reached a first close on its latest Japan buyout vehicle - Unison Capital Partners IV(F) - of JPY45 billion ($428 million), with the fund expecting a final close of JPY75 billion.