SBC Medical Dives into Bitcoin, Buys $6.7M Worth

SBC Medical, a Japan-based medical services provider, has announced plans to purchase Bitcoin (BTC) worth 1 billion yen ($6.7 million) as part of a long-term strategy aimed at asset diversification and inflation hedging. The company's holding company in the US will execute the purchase through Coinbase, with careful consideration given to accounting, tax, and cybersecurity factors.

SBC Medical described Bitcoin as a store of value with long-term appreciation potential due to its fixed supply and increasing adoption. The company stated that this purchase is a critical step towards establishing a financial structure that can flexibly adapt to various economic environments and support sustainable growth. SBC Medical provides management services to cosmetic treatment centers, including advertising, franchise operations, and IT solutions, and has expanded its presence in the healthcare and aesthetic services sector.

This move by SBC Medical follows a growing trend among corporations diversifying their assets with Bitcoin holdings. In Japan, the success of Tokyo-based Metaplanet, which first announced its Bitcoin acquisition plans in April 2024, has inspired other companies to follow suit. Metaplanet, initially a hotel industry investor, transformed its strategy in 2024 to focus on Bitcoin and accumulated 1,762 BTC, valued at over $185 million, leading to a 3,500% surge in its stock price over the past year. The firm plans to increase its holdings to 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026, aiming to become one of the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holders.

SBC Medical plans to complete the Bitcoin purchase between February and May 2025 and will provide updates on its website. The company did not disclose whether additional crypto acquisitions are planned. While corporate Bitcoin adoption has gained momentum in recent years, the healthcare sector has seen limited participation in the trend. SBC Medical's move follows similar investments by technology firms and asset management companies seeking alternative stores of value amid global economic uncertainty.