In 2009, Advantage Partners is proud to mark its 17th year since founding and 12th year in the private equity business. The funds to which we provide our services have cumulatively carried out investments in a total of 28 companies, the most in Japan thus far.

As a result of the economic downturn precipitated by the disastrous financial crisis of the past year, the world economy is facing negative growth. Although the overall pace of M & A has slowed, with decreases in both the number and size of transactions, we are seeing a growing number of new investment opportunities, some of which are reaching a stage where an investment may soon be completed. We also continue to work toward refining and improving our business to achieve our mission of promoting and advancing investment funds dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese companies.

We also continue to strive diligently to provide the funds’ portfolio companies with the type of support of which we are uniquely capable to assist them in such areas as more precisely managing cash flow and accelerating sales growth, including sales throughout Asia, to enable them to continue to increase employment opportunities and added value to their customers to the fullest extent possible despite the ongoing severe economic environment.  While funds generally have a term of 10 years, we take a medium to long-term approach and provide multi-faceted support that enables portfolio companies to be competitive and maintain growth long after the funds have exited.

To more effectively execute our corporate mission, this year alone we have added 14 new personnel to our staff.  As of June 2009 we now have an organization totaling 90 members and we continue to be the largest in Japan.

Since establishing the first specialized buyout fund in Japan in 1997, we have continued to contribute to the development of Japan’s private equity market.  We feel we have been fortunate in being able to share with fund investors and all other related parties the economic value created through our services and efforts.

At Advantage Partners we will continue to do our utmost to become your most effective partner and look forward to your future support.