KKR Completes Acquisition of Leading Software Provider Yayoi

Rhea-AI Summary

KKR has completed its acquisition of Yayoi Co., Ltd., a leading software provider for SMEs in Japan, from ORIX Corporation. All necessary regulatory approvals have been secured. Yayoi, recognized as Japan's top provider of cloud accounting software for six consecutive years, boasts over 2.5 million registered users. KKR aims to leverage its global expertise to support Yayoi in enhancing its offerings, especially as Japanese companies increasingly pursue digital transformation.

Positive

• Acquisition of Yayoi enhances KKR's position in the growing SME software market in Japan.
• Yayoi's established user base of over 2.5 million provides a strong growth foundation.
• KKR plans to leverage its global experience to foster Yayoi's growth in digital transformation.

Negative

• None.

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the completion of KKR’s acquisition of Yayoi Co., Ltd. (“Yayoi”), a software developer, distributor, and support service provider for small- and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) in Japan, from ORIX Corporation. All regulatory approvals have been obtained.

Yayoi is the largest financial and accounting software provider for SMEs and sole proprietors in Japan, best known for its namesake accounting and tax filing software that is widely used by Japanese SMEs. According to MM Research Institute and BCN Inc., the Yayoi Series has been Japan’s number-one cloud accounting software for six consecutive years by number of users, and the number-one desktop business software for 22 consecutive years, with over 2.5 million registered users. In Japan, Yayoi plays a leading role in assisting SMEs as they adopt greater digital solutions into their operations and migrate more functions to the cloud.

Eiji Yatagawa, a Partner on KKR’s Private Equity team, said, “Upon closing this deal, we look forward to working closely with the Yayoi team to help them further build their business. This comes at an important time when Japanese companies are looking to digitally transform their businesses, and we look to draw on KKR’s global experience and best practices to help Yayoi become a leader in offering thoughtful solutions.”

KKR is making its investment from its Asia IV Fund.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220228006240/en/

KKR Media Contacts

Anita Davis

+852 3602 7335

Anita.Davis@kkr.com

Wei Jun Ong

+65 6922 5813

WeiJun.Ong@kkr.com

Source: KKR

FAQ

What is the significance of KKR's acquisition of Yayoi?

KKR's acquisition of Yayoi enhances its influence in the SME software market in Japan, leveraging Yayoi's large user base and established reputation.

How many users does Yayoi have?

Yayoi has over 2.5 million registered users, making it a leading provider of software solutions for SMEs in Japan.

What impact does this acquisition have on KKR's strategy?

The acquisition aligns with KKR's strategy to invest in and support digital transformation within SMEs, utilizing its global expertise.

When was KKR's acquisition of Yayoi completed?

KKR completed the acquisition of Yayoi on the date of the press release, with all necessary regulatory approvals in place.

Who did KKR acquire Yayoi from?

KKR acquired Yayoi from ORIX Corporation.