Seeking the Driver's Seat

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Seeking the Driver's Seat Institutional Investors – Industry: Automobile Institutional Investor – Industry: Automobile Seeking the Driver’s Seat Japan’s automakers seize upon opportunities arising from In response to such groundbreaking revolutionary changes in the global auto industry changes since automobiles replaced horse-drawn carriages more than a century ago, Japanese auto players have been actively seizing upon this Key Points rare opportunity with the hopes of regaining their glorious past. In the to Grab is the sum allocated ● Toyota’s US$1 bn commitment single largest two decades between 1970 and 1990, by an to a car-hailing operation automaker Japan had successfully established ● Automakers in Japan are seizing upon opportunities from groundbreaking itself as a major car manufacturer, changes in the global auto industry, in which autonomous, electric vehicles then surpassing the US in terms of (‘EVs’) and shared mobility are core features the number of automobiles made. Significantly, thecar industry, as a pillar ● South Korea’s auto players are also joining Japan’s peers in pledging active in the country’s economy, was one commitments to the EV sector to reduce reliance on China of the sectors that catapulted Japan’s economy to be the largest in Asia during une 13, 2018: the US$1 billion in taking a stake in the car-hailing those two decades. earmarked by Japan’s Toyota Motor segment. They included Honda Motor Currently, Toyota is believed to be JCorp (‘Toyota’) for its minority stake Co Ltd (‘Honda’), Tokyo Century Corp mulling a partnership with SoftBank in Grab Holdings Inc (‘Grab’), Southeast and Yamaha Motor Co Ltd. Group Corp (‘SoftBank’) in a proposed Asia’s leading O2O mobile platform, US$1 billion investment in Uber carried far-reaching implications for To Regain the Driver’s Seat Technologies Inc (‘Uber’). When Japan’s auto industry. The amount was According to PwC, in its Five Trends it materialises, it would be Toyota’s not only the “largest-ever investment Transforming the Automotive Industry, the second commitment to Uber. Its first globally by an automotive manufacturer consultancy reckons that by 2030, was a US$500 million commitment in the ride-hailing sector”, as described autonomous and shared mobility will back in August 2018. by Grab’s public statement, but also be a common transportation mode, drew attention to the pool of major with electric vehicles being a feature, Charging EVs – Japanese automakers that joined Toyota especially in Europe. At Home & Abroad With autonomous electric vehicles Reprint of article published in the (‘EVs’) set to be the next feature in 27th Mar, 2019 Subscribers’ Weekly mobility, it is the supply of lithium and solid-state batteries rather the manufacturing of EVs that is the priority for Japanese investors. In the EV market, Japan has already firmly established its leading position. In addition to Nissan Leaf, which is one of the best known brands, Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Honda have all courted consumers with their own brands and achieved encouraging results. According to Compelo, a UK- based news portal, around 60% of UK buyers opted for Japanese car brands in the first eight months of 2018. April 2019 ASIA PRIVATE EQUITY REVIEW 19 Institutional Investors – Industry: Automobile In response to this “Mobility In an earlier interview with Reuters, The active commitments Revolution”, investors from Asia’s Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of undertaken by automakers in both largest developed economy actively Industry, Harjanto, disclosed that Japan and South Korea are seen as acquired EV battery assets during 2018, Hyundai is planning to deploy strategies to reduce their reliance on both at home and abroad. US$880 million to set up its first auto China, which has not only advanced In North America, SoftBank took plant in Indonesia. It will boast an to become the world’s largest EV a 9.9% stake in Nemaska Lithium annual production capacity of 250,000 market, but is also the biggest buyer and Inc for around C$99.1 million units that includes the production of investor of raw materials for lithium (US$77.6 million). The target is a electric vehicles. batteries for EVs. n lithium miner. In the US, ITOCHU Corp joined Kyocera Group to lead Japan’s Investors in New Auto Industry a US$21.8 million investment in 24M Car-Hailing Technologies Inc. The latter is engaged Japanese in the research and development of Total Deal Date Selective Investor(s) Investee Investors’ semisolid lithium-ion batteries. Size Commitment When Alliance Ventures made its maiden investment in early 2018, Honda Motor Co Ltd, it committed an undisclosed amount Tokyo Century Corp, Toyota Motor Corp, to the US-based Ionic Materials Inc, Jun 2018 – Yamaha Motor Co Ltd, Grab >2,610 4,500 which focuses on developing solid-state Mar 2019 SoftBank Vision Fund, Holdings Inc battery materials. Alliance Ventures is Lightspeed Venture a venture capital fund established by Partners, Mirae Asset - Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, among Naver Asia Growth Fund the most powerful alliances in the Uber global auto industry. Its fund has no Aug 2018 Toyota Motor Corp Technologies 500 500 less than US$1 billion in capital and Inc focuses on seeking opportunities in Honda Motor Co Ltd, Grab Dec 2016 Undisclosed Undisclosed mobility technologies, including vehicle Tokyo Century Corp Holdings Inc electrification, autonomous systems Mar 2015 Rakuten Inc Lyft Inc 300 530 and car connectivity. At home, the government- Lithium & Solid-State Batteries sponsored INCJ Ltd (‘INCJ’) Total Deal Date Selective Investor(s) Investee also joined corporate investors Size in undertaking one of the largest INCJ Ltd, Maxell Holdings Ltd, Hitachi Vehicle Dec 2018 196.1 buyouts in the lithium-ion batteries Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd Energy Ltd manufacturing sector. Just before (1) the end of 2018, INCJ committed to Jan 2018 Alliance Ventures Ionic Materials Inc Undisclosed the ¥21.5 billion (US$196.1 million) Autonomous Driving takeover of Hitachi Vehicle Energy Total Deal Date Selective Investor(s) Investee Ltd (‘HVE’). A subsidiary of Hitachi Size Ltd (‘Hitachi’), HVE is a manufacturer INCJ Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid- Dynamic Map Feb 2019 Corp, Japan Infrastructure 198.6 Platform Co Ltd electric vehicles. According to Hitachi, Initiative Co Ltd HVE, under the new ownership, (1) is expected “to provide high- Alliance Ventures , Qiming Oct 2018 Venture Partners, Hanfor Capital WeRide.ai Undisclosed performance and highly reliable Management Co Ltd automotive lithium-ion batteries for the expanding electrified vehicle Miscellaneous (Energy Storage & Auto Retail) market” (Fig. 13). Total Deal Date Selective Investor(s) Investee Size Comments Feb 2019 Mitsubishi Corp OVO Energy Ltd Undisclosed South Korean automakers are also driving into the car hailing lanes to Jan 2019 Alliance Ventures(1) Tekion Undisclosed join this mobility revolution. Grab has All amounts in US$ m = general partners/institutional investors based in Japan or affiliated with Japanese investors also enlisted both Hyundai Motor Co = corporate investors based in Japan (‘Hyundai’) and KIA Motors Corp as (1) Alliance Ventures is co-located in major countries in the world including Japan strategic investors. Fig. 13 Source: ASIA PRIVATE EQUITY REVIEW 20 ASIA PRIVATE EQUITY REVIEW April 2019.
Recommended publications
  • Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ)
    Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) 2017 February 8 Our philosophy ○ The basic philosophy of Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is "open innovation". By promoting open innovation, Japanese companies can escape from the pyramid type industrial structure and will dramatically strengthen the productivity and competitiveness of Japanese industry. ○ In order to advance open innovation, it is important to utilize not only debt but also equity as risk money. ○ INCJ has promoted open innovation through (1) investment in venture companies, (2) restructuring and integration of business, and (3) utilization of overseas management resources. 【Basic policy】 In investing, INCJ emphasizes on the following matters, unlike the private sector. Focus on not only profitability and feasibility but also social significance (investment impact) Provide relatively mid- to long-term risk money (emphasis on long-term investment collection ratio (MoC), not investment return rate (IRR)) Investment in areas where risk is high only for private sector (private enterprises, collaboration with private funds) 【Investment criteria】 (1) Alignment with social needs, (2) Growth and (3) Innovation Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) 1 Overview Innovation Network Corporation of JAPAN (INCJ) Structure Launched July 2009 with a 15-year lifetime Established under the Law on Special Govt. investment: ¥286bn Private investment: ¥14.01bn Measures for Industrial Revitalization Govt. guarantee: ¥1,800bn (26 companies & 2 individuals) Overall investment capacity of ¥2 trillion Collaboration , cooperation Shareholders Private enterprises Government of Japan (investment of ¥286bn) Private funds 26 Corporations (¥14bn in total, ¥500m each*) In alphabetical order Asahi Kasei Corporation Mitsubishi Corporation Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Canon Inc. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Corporation Management Development Bank of Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • Renesas Electronics Announces Share Issue Through Third-Party Allotment, and Change in Major Shareholders, Largest Shareholder W
    Renesas Electronics Announces Share Issue through Third-Party Allotment, and Change in Major Shareholders, Largest Shareholder who is a Major Shareholder, Parent Company and Other Related Companies TOKYO, Japan, December 10, 2012 – Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723, hereafter “Renesas” or “the Company”), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, at a meeting of the board of directors held today, resolved to issue shares through Third-Party Allotment to The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Keihin Corporation, Denso Corporation, Canon Inc., Nikon Corporation, Panasonic Corporation and Yaskawa Electric Corporation, and (hereafter the “scheduled subscribers”). In implementing the Third-Party Allotment, one of the scheduled subscribers, INCJ, is required to file for regulatory approval in relation to business mergers with competition authorities in various countries, and the payment pertaining to the Allotment of Third Party Shares is subject to approval from all the applicable regulatory authorities. Furthermore, implementation of the Third-Party Allotment will result in changes to major shareholders, the largest shareholder who is a major shareholder, the parent company and other related companies, as outlined herein. I. Outline of the Third-Party Allotment 1. Outline of the offering February 23, 2013 through September 30, 2013 (Note 1) The above schedule takes into account the time required by the competition authorities of each country where INCJ, one of the (1) Issue period scheduled subscribers, files application, to review the Third-Party Allotment. Payment for the following total of shares is to be made promptly by the scheduled subscribers after approval from all applicable antitrust authorities, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Innovation Network Corporation of Japan Hitachi, Ltd
    NEWS RELEASE Innovation Network Corporation of Japan Hitachi, Ltd. Sony Corporation Toshiba Corporation Four Companies Sign Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses - To establish a leading global company by integrating three companies’ businesses - TOKYO, August 31, 2011 – Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Hitachi,Ltd. (“Hitachi”), Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) announced today that they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to integrate their small- and medium-sized display businesses, which are operated by subsidiaries of Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba, in a new company to be established and operated by INCJ (“NewCo”). INCJ, Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba are aiming to sign definitive and legally-binding agreements in the Autumn of 2011 and to complete the business integration in the Spring of 2012, subject to the receipt of any necessary government approvals. All of the issued shares of subsidiaries of Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba engaged in the small- and medium-sized display business (i.e., Hitachi Displays, Ltd., Sony Mobile Display Corporation and Toshiba Mobile Display Co., Ltd., collectively referred to as the “Subject Subsidiaries”) and other assets are planned to be transferred to NewCo, and INCJ, as a public-private partnership that provides financial, technological and management support for next-generation businesses, plans to invest a total of 200 billion yen in NewCo in exchange for shares to be newly issued to INCJ by NewCo as a third-party allotment. Eventually, INCJ expects to hold 70% of the shares with voting rights of NewCo, while Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba each expect to hold 10% of such shares.
    [Show full text]
  • E Pressrelease INCJ DMP 20
    News Release INCJ to make follow-on investment in Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. ・Decision to invest up to JPY18 billion to support the global expansion of Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. (“DMP”), which engages in the creation of high definition 3D map data. ・DMP will enhance its position in the growing market for mapping to support autonomous driving through the acquisition of US-based Ushr Inc. (“Ushr”). ・Establishing a data platform applicable to autonomous driving and advanced driver- assistance systems (ADAS), as well as infrastructure management, snow removal, and i- Construction*. Tokyo, February 13, 2019 – INCJ Ltd. (“INCJ”) announced today its decision to make a follow-on investment of up to JPY18 billion to fuel new growth in Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. (“DMP”), a company which provides high definition 3D map data. This additional investment will be used to fund the acquisition of US-based Ushr Inc. (“Ushr”) by DMP, which acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions pursuant to a definitive agreement between the parties, including receipt of regulatory approval, and also to fund the growth of DMP’s North American operations. In addition to INCJ, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, an existing shareholder of DMP, and Japan Infrastructure Initiative Company Limited, will also invest in DMP during this round of funding. Ushr is engaged in developing and providing high definition maps of roadways for autonomous driving, and its high definition 3D map data was first launched in General Motors’ Super CruiseTM, the auto industry’s first true hands-free driving technology for the highway, and first to market in the US in the 2018 Cadillac CT6.
    [Show full text]
  • Restructuring of Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery Business Shift to Joint-Stock Partnership Structure with INCJ and Maxell
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Restructuring of Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery Business Shift to Joint-stock Partnership Structure with INCJ and Maxell Tokyo, December 25, 2018 --- Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced that it had concluded an agreement with INCJ, Ltd. and Maxell Holdings, Ltd. to restructure the capital affiliation of Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd., Hitachi’s wholly owned subsidiaries in the automotive lithium-ion battery business, to form a joint-stock partnership structure with these companies, and had concluded both a basic agreement and share transfer agreement with them. Specifically, the stocks of Hitachi Vehicle Energy owned by Hitachi, Ltd. will be transferred to INCJ and Maxell. Hitachi Automotive Systems, Hitachi’s wholly-owned subsidiary in automotive components and related businesses, will spin off a part of its lithium-ion battery management system business etc. to Hitachi Vehicle Energy through an absorption-type company split, and acquire shares in Hitachi Vehicle Energy equivalent to the value of the spun-off business. After this transaction, Hitachi Vehicle Energy will become a joint-stock partnership company with an ownership ratio of 47% held by INCJ, 47% by Maxell and 6% by Hitachi Automotive Systems, and will be excluded from the consolidated companies of Hitachi*. * The percentage of voting right is expected to be 76.2% held by INCJ, 14.0% by Maxell and 9.8% by Hitachi Automotive Systems. Hitachi and Hitachi Automotive Systems will pursue further growth by accelerating the strengthening of Social Innovation Businesses, such as advanced mobility, by providing electrification technologies including electric motors and inverters, and autonomous driving technologies such as advanced vehicle control.
    [Show full text]
  • INCJ, Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba Sign Definitive Agreements Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INCJ, Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba Sign Definitive Agreements Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses Tokyo, November 15, 2011 --- Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”), Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) announced today that they have signed definitive agreements to integrate their small- and medium-sized display businesses in a new company to be established and operated by INCJ as attached. About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com. # # # Attached NEWS RELEASE Innovation Network Corporation of Japan Hitachi, Ltd. Sony Corporation Toshiba Corporation INCJ, Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba Sign Definitive Agreements Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses TOKYO, November 15, 2011 – Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”), Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and
    [Show full text]
  • Creating New Value Perfecting the Art of Electronics Environmental
    Creating New Value Environmental Management Perfecting the Art of Electronics Environmental Accounting Environmental Impact Material Balance (Site Reports) Environmental Plan Earth-Friendly Product Design Preventing Global Warming Reducing Waste Environmental Risks Improving Product Quality Corporate Governance Improving Customer Satisfaction Compliance Mutual Development with Suppliers Risk Management Contributing to Industry Information Security Contributing to Society For Stockholders and Investors Utilizing Human Resources Globally Education and Training Employee Communication A Safe and Healthy Workplace Corporate Vision Alps Philosophy Alps creates new values that satisfy stakeholders and are friendly to the Earth. Alps Business Domain Perfecting the Art of Electronics. – User-friendly communication and relationships between people and media. – Alps Business Approach Pursuit of Value We will constantly pursue new value creation. Harmony with Nature We will seek harmony with the Earth's environment. Partnership with Customers We will learn from customers and respond quickly to their needs. Fair Management We will act fairly and from a global perspective. Respect for the Individual We will draw upon the unique enthusiasm of every employee. Alps Action Guidelines 1. Alps people will realize new values through flexible thinking and bold actions. 2. Alps people will preserve the natural environment and treat precious resources with great care. 3. Alps people will meet customers' expectations by making decisions quickly and implementing them speedily. 4. Alps people will act fairly, working to adhere to world rules and to understand different cultures. 5. Alps people will function as teams of professionals seeking to refine their specialist skills. Corporate Vision Alps Precepts (Founding Spirit) The ALPS Precepts – Alps Electric's business spirit – were established on our 10th anniversary of the company foundation.
    [Show full text]
  • Resilient Industries in Japan
    Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized ©2020 The World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development The World Bank Group 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 USA October 2020 RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; e-mail: [email protected]. CITATION Please cite this report as follows: World Bank. 2020. “Resilient Industries in Japan: Lessons Learned in Japan on Enhancing Competitive Industries in the Face of Disasters Caused by Natural Hazards.” World Bank, Washington, D.C. ii Resilient Industries in Japan Resilient Industries in Japan iii DISCLAIMER This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Companies Sign Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Japan: Atsushi Konno U.S.: Mickey Takeuchi Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi America, Ltd. +81-3-5208-9325 +1-914-333-2987 [email protected] [email protected] Four Companies Sign Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses Tokyo, August 31, 2011 --- Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”), Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) announced today that they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to integrate their small- and medium-sized display businesses, which are operated by subsidiaries of Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba, in a new company to be established and operated by INCJ (“NewCo”) as attached. About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com. # # # Attached NEWS RELEASE Innovation Network Corporation of Japan Hitachi, Ltd. Sony Corporation Toshiba Corporation Four Companies Sign Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Integration of Small- and Medium-Sized Display Businesses - To establish a leading global company by integrating three companies’ businesses - TOKYO, August 31, 2011 – Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Hitachi,Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • [English Translation] Notice Concerning the Partial Redemption of 1St Series Unsecured Convertible Bonds with Stock Acquisition
    [English Translation] June 26, 2018 Notice Concerning the Partial Redemption of 1st Series Unsecured Convertible Bonds with Stock Acquisition Rights (Subordinated) and the Loan Procurement in Connection with the Transfer of Nomi Plant and Related Assets, and Conclusion of Basic Agreement on Capital and Business Tie-Up with JOLED Inc. Japan Display Inc. ("JDI") announced that its Board of Directors decided at a meeting as of today to transfer its Nomi Plant and the related assets (plant operations were discontinued in December 2017) to Innovation Network Corporation of Japan ("INCJ") on June 29 in exchange for 20 billion yen, redeem 1st Series Unsecured Convertible Bonds with Stock Acquisition Rights (subordinated) (hereafter, "Convertible Bonds with Stock Acquisition Rights") issued to INCJ for the face value of 20 billion yen and procure 20 billion yen in loans from INCJ. Details are discussed below. Also today, JDI entered into a Basic Agreement on a capital and business tie-up (hereafter, "Basic Agreement") with its equity-method affiliate JOLED Inc. ("JOLED"), a developer, maker and seller of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays using printing technology (hereafter, "printing OLED"). 1. Transfer of Nomi Plant and related assets to INCJ, partial redemption of Convertible Bonds with Stock Acquisition Rights and loan procurement As stated in the March 30, 2018 announcement concerning the third-party allocation of newly issued shares, JDI planned to receive approximately 20 billion yen from INCJ in exchange for the transfer of
    [Show full text]
  • Japan in the Bay Area: Collaboration and Transformation
    Japan in the Bay Area Collaboration and Transformation December 2019 Acknowledgments This report was developed and written by Sean Randolph, Shinnosuke Kameyama, Director General, Senior Director at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, NEDO Silicon Valley and Kenji Kushida, Research Scholar at the Japan Program, Kazuki Kaneuchi, Manager of Business Development, Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) at Softbank Telecom America Corp. Stanford University, with support from Niels Erich, a Sumito Kimura, Director of Technology Research, consultant to the Institute, and Economic Institute Research Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. Associate Isabel Monteleone. Mitch Kitamura, Managing Director, DNX Ventures We deeply appreciate the encouragement for this project Yas Kohaya, former Chief Liaison Officer of Toyota provided by the Consulate General of Japan in San Research Institute and current VP of Corporate Francisco, and the support given by World Innovation Development, Toyota AI Ventures Lab (WiL) for the Institute’s Japan research activity. Larry Yoichi Koyanagi, COO, Fujitsu Laboratories of America Greenwood, President of the Japan Society of Northern California, contributed valuable expertise on trade and Duncan Logan, Founder & CEO, Rocketspace community issues. Kanetaka Maki, Associate Professor, Waseda Business School Hiroshi Menjo, Managing Partner, NSV Wolf Capital The Economic Institute also wishes to thank the following individuals who contributed their time and ideas to this Seiji Miyasaka, Head of US Investment Team, Sparx Asset effort through personal interviews: Management Co., Ltd. Yushi Akiyama, Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Mack Nakagawa, Vice President, NEC Corporation Business Development, Hitachi America, Ltd. of America Patrick Bray, Senior Director, Pacific Vision Partners Norio Nakazawa, Chief Executive Director, JETRO San Francisco Chris Burry, Co-CEO, US Market Access Center Eiji Namba, Head of San Francisco Corporate Banking, Dennis Clark, Managing Director, Strategic Venture MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
    [Show full text]
  • INCJ Resolves to Make Joint Capital Investment in Renesas Electronics Corporation
    INCJ resolves to make joint capital investment in Renesas Electronics Corporation TOKYO, December 10, 2012 – The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) today announced its decision to invest jointly in Renesas Electronics Corporation (“Renesas”) with Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Keihin Corporation, Denso Corporation, Canon Inc., Nikon Corporation, Panasonic Corporation and Yaskawa Electric Corporation, (hereafter, ‘the Consortium”). The total investment amount is ¥150 billion (hereafter, ‘the capital investment’). Subject to approval of all the relevant matters at a Renesas shareholders meeting, INCJ and the Consortium will underwrite an issuance of new shares using the third-party allotment method, acquiring 75.0% of the total shares issued and outstanding in Renesas, of which the INCJ will acquire 69.2% of the total shares issued and outstanding. This capital investment will provide Renesas with ample funding for growth. The INCJ has agreed to provide additional capital funding up to a maximum of ¥50 billion should further growth capital become necessary. The core products produced by Renesas are Micro Control Units (MCU), which are widely used in automobiles, electronic and high precision devices and general industry, and which support Japan’s manufacturing industry on a wide front. Renesas has particular strength in MCU products for the automotive industry, and through working in collaboration with automakers has accumulated very high levels of skill and experience as the longstanding global market leader in this sector, recognized worldwide. Renesas also operates in the field of analog & power semiconductors, and is working to grow operations in this area by investing in R&D to strengthen product development and conducting M&A to expand and optimize its product line-up.
    [Show full text]