Current Affairs Communication Social Department2024年09月08日07時13分配信
A company in Tokyo has filed a fraud complaint with the Metropolitan Police Department, claiming that two executives of the investment company Lucian Holdings, which repeatedly engages in M&A (mergers and acquisitions) of small and medium-sized enterprises, deceived them out of over 500 million yen worth of their own shares. This was revealed on the 7th through interviews with related parties.
Regarding M&A of small and medium-sized enterprises, there have been a series of cases where acquiring companies have trouble due to not adhering to the contract terms agreed upon with the selling companies. The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency is taking measures, such as formulating guidelines to eliminate 'malicious buyers.'
According to those involved, this company agreed to sell itself to Lucian Co. in 2022. In exchange for all its shares worth over 500 million yen, it was supposed to receive a check for the same amount, but after the transfer of shares, they lost contact with Lucian Co.
Regarding the "manager's guarantee" where the manager is liable for debt repayment in the event of bankruptcy, the contract to transfer this obligation to Lucian Corporation after the share transfer was not upheld. Subsequently, Lucian Corporation has been purchasing land under this corporate name, and the company's president was reportedly asked to make some payments.
The complaint submitted by this company was accepted in early July. The Metropolitan Police Department is expected to proceed with the investigation on suspicion of fraud.
According to another source, it is believed that there are more than 30 small and medium-sized enterprises that have encountered troubles, such as having their funds taken out, after being acquired by Lucian Corporation. Some companies have also been forced to go bankrupt.
The Lucian company stated in an interview, "It is not a problem for the parent company to use the funds of the acquired company. Rather, (the companies introduced as acquisition targets) are all troubled companies, and Lucian has also suffered losses."
According to the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, due to the aging of business owners and a lack of successors, M&A for business succession among small and medium-sized enterprises is on the rise. In 2022, it reached 4,304 cases, marking the highest number for two consecutive years.
Last updated: September 8, 2024 07:13