A consortium led by private equity firms KKR and PAG has agreed to acquire Sapporo Holdings' real estate subsidiary in a deal valued at about $3 billion, marking another high-profile transaction as Ja... ...

Group 1 - The consortium has agreed to acquire the real-estate subsidiary of the Japanese beer maker, which is valued at approximately $3 billion [1]

Investment giant KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) is advising investors to look past the crowded trades of the U.S. large-cap market for the next phase of growth.In its “High Grading” Outlook for 2026, the firm argues that while the S&P 500 valuations appear stretched, significant opportunity remains for those willing to diversify into Asian corporate reforms, a resurgent biotechnology sector, and critical infrastructure.Asian Reform TradeKKR identifies a structural shift in Asia as a top conviction for 2026, driv ...

PAG, a leading Asia-based alternative investment firm and KKR (KKR) have signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Sapporo Real Estate Co., Ltd. from Sapporo Holdings (SOOBF). Sapporo Holdings said that the consideration amount for the sale of Sapporo ...

Core Viewpoint - PAG and KKR have signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Sapporo Real Estate from Sapporo Holdings, with the first tranche of 51% expected to close on June 1, 2026, facilitating a smooth transition [1] Group Overview - Sapporo Holdings has a history of over 140 years and operates in three main sectors: alcoholic beverages, food and soft drinks, and real estate. The company aims to focus on its alcoholic beverages business by divesting its real estate segment [2][5] - Sapporo Real Estate manages a diverse portfolio of commercial, office, hotel, and residential assets primarily in Ebisu and Sapporo. Post-transaction, it will operate as an independent entity under PAG and KKR [3][7] Strategic Intent - Sapporo Holdings plans to reinvest proceeds from the sale into growth initiatives within its alcoholic beverages business, enhancing customer experiences and focusing on capital efficiency [2] - PAG and KKR intend to leverage their extensive global networks and operational expertise to enhance the value of Sapporo Real Estate's portfolio and contribute to urban development [3][4] Investment Firms Overview - PAG is a leading alternative investment firm in the Asia-Pacific region, managing over USD 55 billion in assets and having invested more than USD 48 billion in real estate across the region [8] - KKR is a global investment firm that focuses on alternative asset management and aims to generate attractive investment returns through a disciplined approach and support for portfolio companies [9]

Core Viewpoint - KKR has successfully completed its tender offer for Forum Engineering Inc., acquiring a significant ownership stake and planning further consolidation to achieve full ownership [1][2][3]. Group 1: Tender Offer Details - KKR's tender offer for Forum Engineering was completed on December 23, 2025, through KJ003 Co., Ltd., an entity owned by KKR-managed funds [1]. - The Offeror is set to acquire 29,761,258 shares, which equates to a 55.89% ownership ratio on a fully diluted basis [2]. - Settlement for the shares acquired in the tender offer will begin on December 30, 2025 [2]. Group 2: Self-Tender and Future Plans - Forum Engineering will initiate a self-tender offer, with major shareholder La Terre Holdings expected to tender its entire 37.07% stake [3]. - Following the self-tender, KKR aims to consolidate shares to achieve full ownership of Forum Engineering, with an extraordinary shareholders' meeting planned for late February 2026 [3]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - KKR's investment in Forum Engineering is primarily sourced from its Global Impact Fund II, indicating a focus on impactful investments [4]. - KKR's Managing Director emphasized the strategic partnership's goal to enhance engineering talent development in Japan and create lasting impacts for engineers and clients [5].

Core Viewpoint - Sapporo Holdings is planning to divest its real estate business to a consortium led by KKR for 400 billion yen ($2.6 billion) to focus on its core beer brewing operations [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Strategy - Sapporo aims to concentrate management resources on its primary operations, specifically its beer business, by negotiating the sale of its real estate assets [2] - The funds generated from the sale will be reinvested into the beer business and other areas to enhance corporate value [3] Group 2: Real Estate Business Details - The real estate holdings include the Yebisu Garden Place in Tokyo, which features the Yebisu Brewery along with dining and shopping options [2] - The investment consortium, which includes KKR and PAG, plans to increase property profits by attracting new tenants and considering future redevelopment of Yebisu Garden Place [3] Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the sale, Sapporo's shares increased by 2.86% [4]

Beauty brand Coty has named Markus Strobel as executive chairman of the board and interim CEO. The appointment will take effect on 1 January 2026. Strobel arrives at Coty after more than three decades at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he most recently headed the company’s global skin and personal care division as president. Over his 33-year tenure, he held a series of senior posts across beauty & grooming, spanning fine fragrance, hair care and grooming. At P&G, Strobel oversaw category and organisatio ...

Core Insights - Coty has agreed to sell its remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to KKR for an upfront cash payment of $750 million, completing its divestment plan initiated in 2020 [1] - The transaction is expected to enhance Coty's financial position by lowering its net leverage to around 3x by the end of CY25, with a long-term goal of achieving a leverage ratio of 2.0x [2][3] - Coty plans to use the majority of the cash proceeds to reduce both short- and long-term debt, alongside anticipated free cash flow of over $350 million in the first half of FY26 [3] Financial Performance and Strategy - Coty anticipates additional cash inflows from the Wella transaction, which could bring total gross returns closer to the book value of its investment [2] - The strategic partnership with KKR has been beneficial, allowing Coty to capitalize on Wella's growth and strengthen its financial foundations [4] Business Review - In October, Coty initiated a strategic review of its consumer beauty segment, focusing on its $1.2 billion mass color cosmetics business and its Brazilian operations generating close to $400 million in revenue [5]

Core Viewpoint - Green Mobility Partners (GMP) and KKR have formed a strategic partnership to establish a leading European rail leasing platform aimed at addressing the increasing demand for sustainable rail infrastructure in Europe [1] Company Overview - GMP is a Vienna-based electric locomotive leasing company that supplies electric locomotives to both freight and passenger rail operators throughout Continental Europe [1] - The company is focused on supporting the rail sector's transition towards electrification [1] Industry Context - There is a growing demand for sustainable rail infrastructure across Europe, which is driving the need for electric locomotives [1] - The partnership between GMP and KKR is positioned to capitalize on this trend by creating a robust leasing platform [1]