Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE: HLI), a global investment bank, has released its latest sector report providing unique insights into M&A trends, specifically focusing on the real estate industry following the FY2025 earnings season.

Summary of Findings: In 2025, the real estate industry faced upward pressure on construction costs, leading companies to become more selective with development projects, resulting in a generally cautious outlook on financial performance.

Conversely, capital has flowed into renovation and real estate investment sectors, where the impact of construction cost inflation is more limited, leading to a clearer bifurcation within the industry.

(Report Details: https://japan.hl.com/insight/real-estate-hotels-and-leisure/131875)

M&A has been defined by three key themes. Amidst the coexistence of favorable real estate market conditions and rising cost pressures, companies have actively engaged in strategic actions aimed at restructuring business portfolios and improving capital efficiency.

1. Functional Complementarity through Capital Alliances East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Itochu Corporation entered into a capital alliance. JR East seeks to expand its development business and asset classes, while Itochu focuses on rigorous project selection amid rising procurement and construction costs.

2. Expansion of Business Domains and Asset Classes Seibu Holdings acquired E-Grand to gain renovation capabilities with faster inventory turnover. Additionally, Daito Kentaku acquired THE Global Co., Ltd. to expand its development asset classes.

3. Improvement of Capital Efficiency Sapporo Holdings sold Sapporo Real Estate Co., Ltd. to PAG and KKR.

About Houlihan Lokey: Houlihan Lokey (NYSE:HLI) is a global investment bank that provides independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, institutional investors, investment funds, and government agencies. The firm provides innovative and integrated solutions in M&A, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey
  • Organizations: PAG / KKR