AZ-Star

AZ-Star is a Tokyo-based private equity firm specializing in buyout investments in the domestic market. It seeks to acquire controlling stakes in small- to mid-cap Japanese companies, catering to various needs such as business succession, management buyout (MBO) as well as corporate restructuring/carve-out. The firm focuses on cross-border businesses with business ties with other Asian companies or growth potential in the Asian market. While being sector agnostic, focus areas of its investment include IT, automotive, infrastructure, retail, service sectors, and those that are favorable given the current economic conditions in Asia. AZ-Star operates as a joint venture between Aozora Bank, Tokyo Star Bank, Kanematsu Corporation and ES Networks. Leveraging the vast network of its shareholders across Asia, the firm strongly supports the overseas expansion on its portfolio companies by assisting with their partner sourcing, joint venturing, capital alliance and M&A activities.