M&A Intermediaries Association Opens Applications for 'M&A Award 2026' Seeking Meaningful M&A Cases Contributing to the Japanese Economy

The M&A Intermediaries Association, a self-regulatory body for the M&A industry (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo / Representative Director: Taku Miyake / URL: https://www.maa-a.or.jp/), has opened applications as of Friday, May 1, 2026, for the 'M&A Award 2026', which will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2026.

Organizer: M&A Intermediaries Association

This award aims to highlight meaningful M&A deals, regardless of transaction size, that satisfy both the transferring and receiving parties and bring value to society. A total of 15 nominated deals, selected through primary and secondary screening processes, will be presented at the 'M&A Award 2026' held at JP Tower Hall & Conference (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) on Thursday, December 10, where the winning deals will be determined and announced.

Member companies of the M&A Intermediaries Association are eligible to apply, and the application deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026. Official site: https://ma-award.com/

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Background of 'M&A Award 2026'

In the Japanese economy, the importance of business succession due to the aging of business owners and M&A as a growth strategy is increasing. The number of business suspensions, closures, and dissolutions is expected to reach approximately 68,000 in 2025, with 'profitable closures'—where about 50% of closures occur while the business is still turning a profit—becoming a major issue. On the other hand, there are concerns that some inappropriate cases may undermine trust in the industry, making the establishment of a sound transaction environment an urgent task.

Under these circumstances, the association is holding this award with the aim of promoting the 'sound development of the industry' and 'improvement of social status,' and to evaluate the essential value that M&A brings. By widely disseminating exemplary execution cases, the association envisions a future where M&A functions as an option contributing to the maintenance and development of the Japanese economy.

Overview of 'M&A Award 2026'

<Application Eligibility> Member companies of the M&A Intermediaries Association *Among member companies, those engaged in the 'M&A support business (brokerage/FA)' in-house, regardless of membership type.

<Application Requirements> 1. M&A transactions executed between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2025. 2. Consent for 'company name disclosure' has been obtained from the parties involved (transferor, transferee, and support institution). 3. The transferee is not registered on the specified business operator list, and the release of management guarantees has been completed.

<Application Fee> Free

<List of Awards> - Grand M&A Award - Business Succession M&A Award - Growth and Innovation M&A Award - Regional Contribution Special M&A Award - Audience Special Award - Corporate Special Award *Award categories are planned as of May 22 and are subject to change.

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<Judging Panel with Diverse Perspectives> A judging panel composed of experts will conduct rigorous screening from four perspectives: 'Management,' 'Academia,' 'Finance,' and 'Administration.'

[Judges] Hiroshi Nojima: Representative Executive Officer and President, Nojima Corporation (Chief Judge) Kenji Kutsuna: Specially Appointed Professor and Center Director, Center for Applied Capital Markets Research, The University of Tokyo Masumi Choi: Representative Director, Good News and Companies Inc. *The 'Administration' judge is currently being finalized.