Cross-border M&A Advisory with Insight and Integrity
We provide strategic advisory services to domestic and international corporations, universities, and public-sector organizations, including business succession, strategic M&A, support for overseas organizations expanding into Japan, and strategic advisory for cross-border partnerships and international initiatives.
Drawing on extensive international experience and a broad global network, we support both domestic and cross-border engagements, connecting Japan with partners around the world.
Services
M&A Advisory
Advisory services for domestic and international corporations, including sole proprietors, covering target sourcing, valuation, negotiation support, and end-to-end transaction management.
Business Succession Support
M&A and succession planning for companies without designated successors, with carefully tailored advice aligned with the goals and intentions of business owners.
Cross-border M&A / Strategic Advisory
Strategic advisory for overseas corporations, universities, and public-sector organizations seeking to establish partnerships or expand their presence in Japan. Services include Market entry strategy and business development, M&A, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities, stakeholder engagement and relationship building, strong networks across Asia and North America, with English-language support
Strategic M&A & Growth Advisory
Advisory services on leveraging M&A as part of mid- to long-term growth strategies, including new business development, strategic partnerships, and broader corporate growth initiatives. Our advice is tailored to each client's strategic objectives, management priorities, and long-term vision.
Profile
Kosei Kobayashi, President & CEO
Kosei Kobayashi earned a B.A. in Economics from Keio University in 1987 and completed studies in Journalism at New York University’s School of Professional Studies in 1998.
He began his career at The Sanwa Bank, now MUFG Bank, where he worked in international finance in Tokyo, the International Division, and the New York branch. His responsibilities spanned a broad range of international financial activities involving governments and corporations across Asia, the United States, and Latin America, providing him with early hands-on experience in global business and management advisory.
In 1996, he joined Sekai Bunka Publishing Inc. as a New York-based executive officer, overseeing international editorial coverage and sales for multiple publications while collaborating with leading global luxury brands. After returning to Japan, he held cross-functional responsibilities across advertising, editorial, and finance, gaining broad management experience.
In 2016, he founded KK Holdings Inc., providing M&A advisory, business succession support, assistance for overseas companies and organizations expanding into Japan, and international strategic advisory services. In addition to domestic and cross-border M&A engagements, he advises on strategic partnerships and international projects involving overseas corporations, universities, and public-sector organizations. Drawing on his long-established international network and diverse professional experience, he specializes in complex cross-border engagements connecting Japan with partners around the world.
Since 2020, he has served as a Board Member of the International House of Japan, and since 2022 as Managing Director, where he is also involved in international and cultural exchange initiatives, fundraising, and community building.
Network & Affiliations
Key Roles & Appointments
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Senior Advisor, overseas investment advisory firm
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Managing Director, International House of Japan (Development & Membership)
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Managing Director, Value Creation Forum 21
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Trustee, Grew Bancroft Foundation
Professional Memberships & Networks
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Japan–U.S. relations and international exchange organizations
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Asia-Pacific policy, business, and intellectual networks
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University alumni leadership and advisory networks
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Major private membership clubs in Tokyo
Maintains a broad and diverse network across finance, culture, education, and public policy, both in Japan and internationally.
Recent Strategic Engagements
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Strategic advisory for an international higher education initiative involving a leading U.S. university and a public-sector organization in Japan.
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Cross-border M&A advisory for domestic and international clients.
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Strategic support for overseas organizations expanding into Japan.