Bain Capital is stepping up private equity deals in Japan, bringing its investment tally to more than $40 billion as the buyout giant boosts its presence in the world’s third-largest economy.
The U.S. firm is on a buying spree, sealing a multi-billion dollar deal last month to acquire Hitachi's metals unit, while it is involved in a bidding war for Toshiba. Bain is also hiring more people in Japan as it prepares to open an office in Osaka — home to a number of high-profile technology companies.
The expansion underscores a significant shift in Japan Inc.’s sentiment toward buyout firms following years of a frosty reception. Bain, along with Carlyle Group and KKR & Company, is increasing its footprint in the country as competition heats up to win deals from Japanese businesses undertaking overhauls.