Advantage Partners, Inc. has acquired shares in Epoch Japan, a pioneer in family funerals, aiming to strengthen its market position and support future growth in Japan's evolving funeral services industry.

Target Information

Advantage Partners, Inc. (referred to as "AP") has entered into a share transfer agreement with the shareholders of Epoch Japan, Inc. (referred to as "Epoch") and has acquired shares of Epoch as of November 30, 2015. Founded in 2000, Epoch is a funeral service company that has established a firm foothold in the industry as a pioneer of family funerals under the brand name "Famille," which means "family" in French. With the mission of revitalizing Japan through family funerals, Epoch operates 46 dedicated ceremonial halls in Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Hokkaido, offering a unique service model by conducting "one group per day" ceremonies. Additionally, they provide high-quality funeral services through partnered ceremonial halls primarily in the Kanto region.

Industry Overview in Japan

The funeral services industry in Japan has seen a significant transformation in recent years driven by changing societal norms and the increasing demand for personalized ceremonies. Long-standing traditions are evolving, and families are increasingly seeking more personalized and intimate funeral experiences as opposed to larger, more traditional services. This shift in demand is reinforcing the growth of companies like Epoch, which specialize in family-oriented ceremonies.

Moreover, Japan's aging population is contributing to a rise in demand for funeral services. As the demographic trends indicate a growing number of elderly individuals, t