Mizuho CEO Sees Global Boom in M&A Activity

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., one of Japan's largest financial institutions, is bullish on the global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market. In a recent interview, Mizuho's President and Group CEO, Masahiro Kihara, expressed his optimism about the prospects for M&A activity worldwide. This article explores the reasons behind Kihara's optimism and the potential opportunities for investors in the M&A space.

Mizuho's historical performance and new Purpose have positioned the company well for the current M&A boom. The company's strong results in 2022, driven by its Customer Group, have given it the confidence to pursue strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Mizuho's new Purpose, "Proactively innovate together with our clients for a prosperous and sustainable future," reflects the company's commitment to driving growth through innovative solutions and strategic alliances.

One of Mizuho's key strategies in its new business plan is to expand its global presence, as seen in the acquisition of the M&A advisory firm Greenhill. This acquisition will enable Mizuho to tap into the growing M&A market in the Americas and strengthen its global footprint. Additionally, Mizuho is investing in Rakuten Securities to build a new retail business model that combines online and offline assets, further diversifying its revenue streams.



Mizuho's new medium-term business plan (FY2023 to FY2025) aligns with its long-term vision for the world by focusing on personal well-being and a sustainable society and economy. The plan aims to achieve this through specific aims for the world in 10 years and identified business focus areas for achieving these aims. The plan emphasizes expanding the base for asset formation, asset management, and wealth management, supporting the doubling of asset-based income, and improving customer experience in Japan. Additionally, it aims to enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies by creating sustainability-driven businesses and providing innovative companies with risk capital and solutions.



Mizuho's new Purpose and business plan address past challenges by focusing on improving customer experience, expanding asset management, and enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese companies. The plan aims to double asset-based income, improve customer experience across channels, and create sustainability-driven businesses. Additionally, Mizuho is strengthening its strategic alliances, such as with Rakuten Securities, and expanding its global presence through acquisitions like Greenhill. These initiatives address past underperformance by diversifying revenue streams, enhancing customer satisfaction, and expanding market reach.

In conclusion, Mizuho's CEO sees a global boom in M&A activity, driven by the company's strong historical performance and new Purpose. Mizuho's strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as the acquisition of Greenhill and the investment in Rakuten Securities, position the company well to capitalize on this boom. The company's new medium-term business plan aligns with its long-term vision for the world, focusing on personal well-being and a sustainable society and economy. Investors should consider Mizuho as a potential beneficiary of the global M&A boom, given its strong financial performance and strategic initiatives.