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Equity Participation in Osakamaeda-Revitalizing an Iconic Local Manufacturer of Traditional Confectionery

We are pleased to announce that Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments Ltd. (“MCPI”, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Nobuyuki Goto) has invested in Osakamaeda Co., Ltd. (“Osakamaeda”, Head Office: Fujiidera-shi, Osaka Prefecture, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Shigekazu Maeda) through the Chiiki Meika Kasseika Kikou (the Regional Specialty Confectionery Activation Organization), in which an investment limited partnership managed by MCPI has invested.

Osakamaeda is a long-established manufacturer of iconic high-quality baked sweets and traditional Japanese confectionery products, such as Chichi Bolo and Tamago Bolo. Since its founding in 1918, it has put down deep roots in the Osaka region, combining tradition with innovation, and has also been operating the Amato Maeda chain of dessert restaurants in Osaka Prefecture. Having acquired FSSC22000 certification, the international food safety standard, it has been engaging in stringent food quality management, while contributing to the development of the regional food culture.

MCPI has prioritized the revitalization of iconic local and traditional confectionery manufacturers with the aim of contributing to regional development in Japan. There are many companies with excellent product manufacturing and development capabilities in this sector. However, some face issues affecting their medium- to long-term prospects, such as the need to expand into overseas markets and adapt to digital transformation (DX), as well as succession planning challenges. MCPI aims to help iconic local companies to achieve sustainable growth by using the Mitsui & Co. Group’s extensive networks and knowledge in the food industry, as well as its management improvement expertise, management talent, and M&A know-how to overcome these issues. Through this investment, MCPI will work with Osakamaeda as a business partner and further accelerate its initiatives to address these challenges.

Following this investment, MCPI will help Osakamaeda to improve its corporate value by appointing a part-time director and providing support for frontline human resources. The present CEO, Mr. Shigekazu Maeda, will continue to be involved in the management of the company as the Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer. With the company’s officers and employees and MCPI working together closely, we aim to achieve further growth and contribute to the revitalization of traditional local confectionery manufacturers.

MCPI will continue to focus on helping traditional local confectionery manufacturers to achieve sustainable development of their business. Any business owner or M&A advisor interested in forming a partnership that will provide access to the Mitsui & Co. Group’s networks, knowledge, and management improvement expertise is invited to contact the following MCPI staff members. We can provide flexible responses to your needs and offer optimized solutions, including succession planning and access to growth funds.

For further information, please contact:

Hironori Nakamura
Phone: +81-80-6285-5055
E-mail: Hiron.Nakamura@mitsui.com

Mitsuhide Kitamura
Phone: +81-80-5162-1530
E-mail: Mit.Kitamura@mitsui.com

Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments Ltd.