Japan’s licensed professional firms — "shigyo" practices run by tax accountants (zeirishi), social-insurance labor consultants, judicial and administrative scriveners, lawyers and other qualified professionals, some 300,000 practitioners nationwide — are seeing deal volumes climb fast. Principals are aging without successors, leaving practices with loyal advisory clients but no one to take over, so most transactions are succession-type M&A that pass on the client book, staff and brand. The sector has its own ground rules: only licensed professionals may perform the regulated work, each profession’s licensing law governs the transfer procedures, and client trust must be handed over with care. Practices are also deeply local, so fit with the buyer’s territory and specialty deserves close attention. On MANDA you can search Japanese professional practices for sale nationwide.
Automobile & Marine Parts Sales and Repair / Oita Prefecture
KyushuOther Wholesale
Asking price¥150M
MANDA
30+ days ago
Transfer Listing for an Electrical Equipment Business in Okinawa
KyushuEquipment Installation
Asking priceNegotiable
MANDA
30+ days ago
Automobile Maintenance Business with National Certification and Designation
KyushuAuto Repair & Maintenance
Asking price¥50M
MANDA
15 days ago
【乗馬クラブ事業】馬主・リース会員を中心とした高付加価値型乗馬クラブ
KantoOther Amusement Facilities
Asking price¥50M
MANDA
30+ days ago
YouTube Business for Sale
KyushuConsulting
Asking price¥7.2M
MANDA
30+ days ago
Life Hacks Roundup on IT, AI and the Latest Tech & Information
KantoInformation Services
Asking price¥400,000
Who is it for
Who uses MANDA
👤
Owners considering business succession
For owners without a successor who want to pass on a healthy business. MANDA helps you find the right partner among buyer candidates nationwide.
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Buyers looking to grow
For companies seeking scale by acquiring strong businesses in the same industry. Advisors with sector expertise match you with the right deals.
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Companies entering new markets
For companies exploring entry into a new industry. Many deals let you acquire an existing business together with its people and customer base.
How it works
The M&A / business succession process
STEP 01
Consult an advisor
An advisor with industry expertise hears your goals and requirements.
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STEP 02
Deal matching
Shortlist candidates anonymously and align intentions with the other party.
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STEP 03
Due diligence
Detailed financial, legal, and business review, with terms negotiated in parallel.
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STEP 04
Agreement → Closing
Sign the letter of intent and the definitive agreement, then close.
FAQ
FAQ
QWhat matters most in a professional-practice acquisition?⌄
The roster of licensed professionals and their intention to stay, the form and retention rate of client engagements, and whether each profession’s licensing law permits the transfer. Where the practice leans heavily on the principal personally, a phased succession with generous time for client handovers is essential — as is checking termination clauses and fee levels in advisory contracts.
QWhen should a professional-practice succession start?⌄
Early consideration is recommended once the principal is in their 60s with no successor candidate. Building client trust with the new owner typically takes one to two years, so allow a generous handover period. Starting discussions three to six months before the fiscal year-end lets the financials be tidied first and keeps the process smooth.
QHow are professional practices priced?⌄
Two to five times annual operating profit is the usual guide, varying with client retention rates, the employment terms of licensed staff and the rarity of the specialty. Incorporated practices such as tax-accountant corporations tend to command higher valuations. The quality of the client base and post-transfer stability weigh heavily on the price.
Professional Firms M&A & business succession consultation
MANDA-certified advisors with deep industry knowledge help you find the best match, including off-market deals. Consultations are free — as many as you need.
