TKP Corporation acquires Esクリ to establish a major bridal group through a merger with Novarese, aiming to optimize resources and expand market share amid industry challenges.

Target Information

TKP Corporation (Ticker: 3479), a leading provider of rental conference rooms in Japan, has successfully acquired Esクリ (Ticker: 2196), a company specializing in wedding services. This acquisition was formalized on November 14, when TKP exercised a portion of its conversion rights associated with Class A shares, thereby making Esクリ a subsidiary of TKP. Following this acquisition, TKP's subsidiary, Novarese (Ticker: 9160), has decided to merge with Esクリ on April 1, 2026. Both companies are publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and are recognized for their operations in the wedding industry. The merger is set to create one of the largest bridal groups in Japan.

Industry Overview in Japan

The bridal industry in Japan is experiencing a long-term contraction due to various factors including declining birth rates, a decrease in marriage rates, and shifting societal values. These trends pose significant challenges for companies in the wedding sector, compelling them to strategize on how to sustain and grow their market share in a continuously evolving landscape.

Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for growth by leveraging economies of scale. By consolidating operations, the newly formed entity can expand its venue network, red