DC FEST Tokyo 2025: Cross‑border M&A panel discussions
Date
7 min read
For the first time, DC Advisory brought its global DC FEST programme to Tokyo, creating a forum for practical discussion on cross-border M&A between Japan and international markets.
As the global corporate finance advisory business of Daiwa Securities Group Inc., DC Advisory operates as one global team, combining deep local insight with international reach. DC FEST Tokyo, co-curated with Daiwa Securities Group, reflected this partnership in practice, bringing together bankers from Japan, Europe, and the US, to share real world experience of advising Japanese corporates on overseas acquisitions in an increasingly complex deal environment.
The program featured two panel sessions, available to watch below.
Accelerating Japanese Success in Western Advanced Manufacturing M&A
Accelerating Japanese Success in Western Advanced Manufacturing M&A
At DC FEST Tokyo 2025, this panel examined how Japanese corporates can compete effectively in Western advanced manufacturing transactions and position themselves for long term success.
The session was moderated by Tosh Kojima, Managing Director, Global Head of Asia Access, UK, and featured Manish Gupta, Managing Director, US; Tom Krasnewich, Managing Director, US; Philipp Sebbesse, Managing Director, Germany; and Michael Mariaz, Managing Director, UK.
The discussion focused on how cross-border M&A is being used by Japanese companies to accelerate growth, access critical technologies and strengthen resilience as global supply chains continue to evolve.
The panel explored:
- Key macro and geopolitical trends shaping Advanced Manufacturing M&A, including reshoring, the energy transition, and regulatory complexity
- Innovation across sub sectors such as MedTech outsourcing, smart industrial equipment, automation, and digital infrastructure
- The growing role of AI in product development, manufacturing efficiency, predictive maintenance, and sustainability
- Portfolio optimization strategies, including corporate carve-outs, divestitures, and consolidation
- Practical strategies for Japanese buyers to compete successfully in Western-led M&A processes by preparing early, building relationships, and aligning governance with deal timelines
The session highlighted how DC Advisory, working closely with Daiwa Securities Group, supports Japanese clients through complex cross-border advanced manufacturing transactions, helping to bridge cultural and process differences and deliver successful outcomes across international markets.
Unlocking Global Tech M&A Opportunities
Unlocking Global Tech M&A Opportunities
Moderated by Satoshi Ishiguro, Head of Global Access at DC Advisory Tokyo, this panel brought together senior members of DC Advisory’s global technology team, including Vik Sharma, Managing Director, US; Eric Wagner, Managing Director, US; Emanuel Bischofberger, Managing Director, Germany; and Ana Segurado, Managing Director, Spain.
The discussion centered on how Japanese corporates are approaching cross-border technology M&A to support global expansion, access innovation and navigate increasingly competitive and fast moving deal processes.
The panel explored:
- Key global technology megatrends shaping M&A activity, including AI, cybersecurity, intelligent supply chains, and sustainability
- Current tech M&A dynamics across the US and Europe, including valuation trends, sector hotspots, and regional process differences
- Core value drivers in software and IT services transactions, from revenue quality and scalability to talent and delivery models
- Practical considerations for Japanese acquirers competing in Western-led processes and how DC Advisory and Daiwa Securities support clients across the full transaction lifecycle
DC Advisory has prepared this material solely for informational purposes and it is not a research report. This material does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, or any recommendation with respect to, any securities. For other important information, please read our Insights & Publications disclaimer >
*For important information about these presentations, read our full disclaimer >
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