”A” of M&A represents “Acquisition” and due diligence is the gateway to investment opportunities. In short, pricing the investment opportunity is our job. We investigate and analyze all sorts of investment opportunities such as the claims (credits), real estates and shares of a company, and work out the amount to be invested and investment policy with investors (Goldman Sachs is the major investor.). When acquiring a company, we evaluate their financial status by reviewing the financial statements and conduct interviews with management. Then we make judgment from diversified angles, e.g. probing the profitability, comparison with other companies and others based on our findings. It is prerequisite to work with outside experts for collecting data such as consulting firm and appraisal firm whom are expert in the industry. We are, so to speak, the arranger who accurately orchestrates the outside resources for the successful acquisition.
Constantly knowing new markets fascinates me. New asset type and industries emerge every year such as hotel, non-bank, and apparel business, and it forces you to polish your skills even if you have no knowledge or experience on the industry. Venture business even gives us a lot of incentives. Of course, it is not an easy job, for example when I went to Osaka to collect data, I had to work long hours every night for a week. However, each one of us effort bears fruit and contributes to a successful investment thus we have never felt that we are just a mechanical parts of the company.
I used to work in a consulting firm giving advices for disposing of the non performing loans of the banks. Because I was advising the seller in those days, I could not have the chance to understand the investment method of the buyer and the investment result. I wanted to know the buyer side of the business. Moreover, I was always wondering about the ability of the consultant who is deemed to be the “specialist”. Are consultant really a “specialist” or they are making general comments and not responsible for the results. The chance to join this company was given by my boss. Currently, I can focus on one item and work deeply. My team members are keen to be professional and I am now working in the environment where I can improve my skills with experience I have gained in my previous environment.
It hinges on how I can exhibit my value. I am here and what am I doing? I clarify and evaluate myself objectively to effectively utilize myself. Of course, certain study is required to gain knowledge but verifying what is necessary and unnecessary is important. Furthermore, being a good judge of character is important as well. The presidents of many Japanese companies tend to be the autocrat and no harmony exists among directors and employees is often disclosed. Companies which can be revitalized properly by just replacing the president are many, and I always try to be a good judge of character and evaluate situation by naturally communicating with the top management. I want to set up my own enterprise someday with my experience and knowledge of management nurtured through the present business.
Will to challenge to new sphere is what required first. Then, having the knowledge of the finance and the real estate. Of course, no one has all skills required in this business from the beginning. You obtain new skills through the business here in GSRJL based on your existing skills and experience gained at previous environment. Logical thinking and advanced negotiation ability are also required as many people involve in the acquisition item and negotiations are frequently required.
