03M&A
M&A policy
Welcoming partners who make the pieces of a way of living with us.
Liiivv sees M&A not as a goal, but as a means of delivering our philosophy. By meeting companies, businesses and people who share it, and joining hands with them, we aim to bring our Mission — “to become one piece of someone’s way of living” — further and faster.
01Basic view
Our basic view
Liiivv is an Ikikata Company whose Purpose is “to make people’s lives more interesting” and whose Mission is “to create as many ways of living as there are lives.”
Our aim is to become a brand group where people in towns across Japan and the world can encounter pieces of a way of living. To get there, we believe it is powerful not only to build everything ourselves from scratch, but also to join hands with companies that already have the skills, bases, brands and people they have built up.
M&A is one way of joining hands. Growing in size is not the goal in itself. What we want is to deliver our philosophy faster and more widely — that is why we take on M&A.
02Criteria
Our criteria
When we consider an M&A, we look at the following three things, in this order.
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①Shared philosophy
Whether Liiivv’s philosophy and what the other company has cherished point in the same direction. We confirm this before any terms or numbers.
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②People we can entrust
Whether there are people we can entrust with that business and that region, who bring real passion. After the M&A, we think together about how the strengths of those who know the front line can keep working.
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③A path to keep going
We never judge on current results alone. Even a company that is in deficit or facing challenges will be considered positively if it shares our philosophy and, by walking together, a path to keep the business going becomes clear. We value forms that are sustainable and can last a long time.
03Partners
Partners we hope to welcome
We are looking to meet companies that share our philosophy in areas such as the following.
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Overseas bases
Starting with Asia: businesses rooted in their local communities, and people we can entrust them to.
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Making
Production sites such as sewing factories where we can check quality with our own eyes. Business succession enquiries are welcome.
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Logistics
Companies with the know-how to reliably deliver products and experiences.
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IT and systems
Companies that build the systems connecting brands and customers.
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Platforms
Companies with places where people meet people, and people meet brands.
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Spaces and real estate
Companies with spaces where people gather and find a place to belong.
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Brands in our field
Companies with similar values that can build markets with us.
Areas we do not consider
Under Liiivv’s policy, we do not consider businesses such as the following.
- Contract-based or regional trading-company businesses
- Businesses centred on acting as agents or wholesalers for other companies’ brands
- Businesses related to politics or religion
04After joining
After joining
M&A does not mean “dyeing” the other company in Liiivv’s colours. What things look like after joining is decided case by case, through conversations with each other. Within that, we hold to the following.
What each company keeps
Respecting the brand
We approach the names and worlds of brands nurtured over many years with respect. Whether to keep them as they are or change their form is decided together, looking for what is best for both of us.
Respecting the voice of the front line
We value the views of those who know the front line best above all. Management and organisation are decided through discussion, case by case. Liiivv does not aim to put itself in front.
Aligning only the minimum
Management systems such as accounting, legal and HR, and a shared customer ID platform, are common across the group. Products, planning and creative remain with each company, as before. Customer information is handled in line with the law, through proper procedures such as obtaining consent and publishing joint-use notices.
Joining in a sustainable way
Our basic approach is acquisition for cash, decided within a range that protects the financial soundness of the group as a whole.
05Process
How we proceed
From the first conversation to integration after joining, we proceed through the following steps. At every step, if either side is not convinced, we can stop there.
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01
Enquiry
Please contact us through the enquiry form. From this stage, all information is handled in strict confidence.
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02
First conversation
We talk openly about each other’s philosophy, what we value and our thoughts for the future.
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03
Mutual understanding
We deepen our understanding of the business, the numbers, and the people and organisation.
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04
Basic agreement
We agree on how to proceed and on the main terms.
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05
Due diligence
We review finance, legal, business and other areas.
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06
Final agreement
Once all terms are agreed, we sign the contract.
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07
Integration
The first period after joining is handled with particular care, listening to the front line.
Between every step, either side can stop if not convinced
The road ahead
- NowConversations and preparation
- Around 2030Starting with small deals
- BeyondGrowing our circle of partners, step by step
Liiivv plans to begin M&A around 2030, focusing on small deals. Enquiries before then are welcome, but we would like to discuss timing individually.
06Governance
Decision-making and governance
Decisions on M&A are made by the directors and the executive management meeting, and the process and reasons for each decision are recorded in minutes. Each case is considered carefully, in line with the criteria above.
07FAQ
FAQ
Can I consult you about business succession?
Yes, you are welcome to. Whether you have no successor or do not want the business to end with your generation, if you share our philosophy, please start by telling us your story.
Can a company with difficult results consult you?
Yes. We never judge on current results alone. Let us think together about shared philosophy and a path to keep the business going.
Will the company name or brand change?
This is decided case by case through discussion. We respect brands nurtured over many years and never change them unilaterally.
What happens to employees?
We believe the people who have supported the front line are the very value of a company. Specific terms are discussed for each individual case.
Can a small company consult you?
Yes. We do not judge by size. Each case is considered in line with the criteria above.
Will what I share be kept confidential?
Everything you share is handled in strict confidence.
Can we approach you through an intermediary or adviser?
Yes. Please contact us through the same enquiry form.
08Contact
Please send any M&A enquiries or proposals through our enquiry form. Writing “M&A enquiry” in the subject line helps the person in charge respond quickly.
Disclaimer
This page sets out Liiivv Inc.’s basic policy on M&A. It is not an offer to acquire any specific company or business, nor a commitment to any transaction. The policy may change without notice depending on the business environment and management decisions.