Thursday, November 27, 2008
Paradigm change of the global mobile phone business and opportunities for Japanese mobile phone makers
presentation by Gerhard Fasol, at the Industry Association of Japanese telecom and networking equipment makers, Friday November 27, 2008, 15:00-16:30
Presentation was fully booked several weeks before the talk, attended by about 100 managers and executives of Japan's telecom equipment makers, and included also the Vice-Minister/Secretary of State of Japan's General Affairs Ministry, which is responsible for telecom regulation in Japan.
Download the presentation as a pdf-file here (in Japanese language)
Presentation was fully booked several weeks before the talk, attended by about 100 managers and executives of Japan's telecom equipment makers, and included also the Vice-Minister/Secretary of State of Japan's General Affairs Ministry, which is responsible for telecom regulation in Japan.
Download the presentation as a pdf-file here (in Japanese language)
Labels: international business, japan, MIC, mobile phones, telecom equipment
Monday, November 03, 2008
"Four critical factors for Japanese corporates making major international acquisitions", Stuart Chambers, CEO of NSG Group
Stuart Chambers, CEO of NSG Group, gave a press conference on October 16, 2008, here are some notes and thoughts.
On February 16th, 2006, Nippon Sheet Glass' offer for the 80% of Pilkington plc it did not already own, for US$ 3.14 billion in total, was accepted by Pilkington's share holders and the acquisition was completed in June 2006. At the 142nd Annual Shareholder Meeting on June 27th 2008, Stuart Chambers was appointed Representative Executive Director, President and CEO of NSG Group.
Here some essential points of Stuart Chambers' presentation, entitled "Four critical factors for Japanese corporates making major international acquisitions".
The four critical factors in the title are:
1. Integration (share holders and customers demanded integration, because the value of the combined NSG + Pilkington after the acquisition must become bigger than the sum of its parts -> must change HR management, and board)
2. Repaying debt -> senior management must understand the balance sheet
3. Identifying growth opportunities for the future (glass for solar energy)
4. Succession
From the outset the aim was not to create a Japanese company with overseas subsidiaries, but to create an international company, headquartered in Japan and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Therefore the greatest changes needed to be made in Japan.
NSG Group changed from an exclusively Japanese Board, to a new Board structure:
Board of Directors: 12 (7 Japanese + 5 non-Japanese) and
Executive Officers: 23 (11 Japanese + 12 non-Japanese)
These changes were necessary in order to retain non-Japanese management talent from leaving the acquired company after the merger.
The Board structure was changed from the traditional Kansayaku (Corporate Auditor) structure to a Board with Committees.
HR management changes from internal promotion according to time served in each job level to the international practice of combining internal and external hiring according to capability and demonstrated performance ignoring age as a factor.
On February 16th, 2006, Nippon Sheet Glass' offer for the 80% of Pilkington plc it did not already own, for US$ 3.14 billion in total, was accepted by Pilkington's share holders and the acquisition was completed in June 2006. At the 142nd Annual Shareholder Meeting on June 27th 2008, Stuart Chambers was appointed Representative Executive Director, President and CEO of NSG Group.
Here some essential points of Stuart Chambers' presentation, entitled "Four critical factors for Japanese corporates making major international acquisitions".
The four critical factors in the title are:
1. Integration (share holders and customers demanded integration, because the value of the combined NSG + Pilkington after the acquisition must become bigger than the sum of its parts -> must change HR management, and board)
2. Repaying debt -> senior management must understand the balance sheet
3. Identifying growth opportunities for the future (glass for solar energy)
4. Succession
From the outset the aim was not to create a Japanese company with overseas subsidiaries, but to create an international company, headquartered in Japan and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Therefore the greatest changes needed to be made in Japan.
NSG Group changed from an exclusively Japanese Board, to a new Board structure:
Board of Directors: 12 (7 Japanese + 5 non-Japanese) and
Executive Officers: 23 (11 Japanese + 12 non-Japanese)
These changes were necessary in order to retain non-Japanese management talent from leaving the acquired company after the merger.
The Board structure was changed from the traditional Kansayaku (Corporate Auditor) structure to a Board with Committees.
HR management changes from internal promotion according to time served in each job level to the international practice of combining internal and external hiring according to capability and demonstrated performance ignoring age as a factor.
Labels: acquisition, japan, japanese, nippon sheet glass
Friday, October 03, 2008
Paradigm change of the global mobile phone business and opportunities for Japanese mobile phone makers
Presentation at the CEATEC Conference, talk NT-13, Meeting Room 302, International Conference Hall, Makuhari Messe, Friday October 3, 2008, 11:00-12:00.
The emergence of iPhone, Android, open-sourcing of Symbian, and the growth of mobile data services are changing the paradigm of the global mobile phone business opening new opportunities for Japanese mobile phone makers. Japan's mobile phone handset makers have missed most opportunities during the first wave of mobile phone opportunities. The developing paradigm change opens new opportunities for Japanese makers. The talk will explain the paradigm shifts and trends of the global mobile phone handset market, and resulting opportunities for Japanese mobile phone makers, and will indicate how these opportunities can actually be realized.
Download the presentation as a pdf-file here (in Japanese language)
The emergence of iPhone, Android, open-sourcing of Symbian, and the growth of mobile data services are changing the paradigm of the global mobile phone business opening new opportunities for Japanese mobile phone makers. Japan's mobile phone handset makers have missed most opportunities during the first wave of mobile phone opportunities. The developing paradigm change opens new opportunities for Japanese makers. The talk will explain the paradigm shifts and trends of the global mobile phone handset market, and resulting opportunities for Japanese mobile phone makers, and will indicate how these opportunities can actually be realized.
Download the presentation as a pdf-file here (in Japanese language)
Labels: android, japan, maker, mobile phone, panasonic, sharp
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A European perspective on M&A in Japan
Presentation at the lunch meeting of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (DCCJ) on June 4, 2008.
Announcement
Photos of the event
Announcement text:
With the very high EURO and low valuations of many Japanese companies, and with changing attitudes in Japan, now is an excellent time for European companies to start or expand business in Japan.
There are many ways to start or expand business in Japan, and acquiring a Japanese company is one of the paths often selected by European companies to grow in Japan.
Some acquisitions of Japanese companies by European corporations have led to fantastic successes - while others have led to catastrophic failures.
The presentation will discuss the key factors for European companies to succeed in acquiring a Japanese company, and some of the key reasons for failure, based on the speakers 23 years of experience with Japan's high-tech sector.
Announcement
Photos of the event
Announcement text:
With the very high EURO and low valuations of many Japanese companies, and with changing attitudes in Japan, now is an excellent time for European companies to start or expand business in Japan.
There are many ways to start or expand business in Japan, and acquiring a Japanese company is one of the paths often selected by European companies to grow in Japan.
Some acquisitions of Japanese companies by European corporations have led to fantastic successes - while others have led to catastrophic failures.
The presentation will discuss the key factors for European companies to succeed in acquiring a Japanese company, and some of the key reasons for failure, based on the speakers 23 years of experience with Japan's high-tech sector.
Labels: acquisitions, dccj, japan, mergers
Friday, March 16, 2007
"Help - my mobile phone does not work!" - Why Japan's mobile phone sector is so different from Europe's
Presentation at the Lunch meeting of the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (FCCJ) on March 16, 2007 at the Westin Hotel, Tokyo.
Find the summary and photos of the meeting here
Download the presentation here
From the Announcement:
In his presentation, Dr. Fasol will explain the essentials of Japan's mobile phone market, why and how it is so different to Europe's. He will also talk about some of the reasons why it is so difficult for European companies to succeed and uncover opportunities and the keys to success for European companies in this important market.
Find the summary and photos of the meeting here
Download the presentation here
From the Announcement:
In his presentation, Dr. Fasol will explain the essentials of Japan's mobile phone market, why and how it is so different to Europe's. He will also talk about some of the reasons why it is so difficult for European companies to succeed and uncover opportunities and the keys to success for European companies in this important market.
Labels: docomo, handy, japan, KDDI, keitai, mobile phone, nokia, Softbank
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Briefing TeliaSonera top management
The day before the Finland-Japan Ubiquitous Society Conference in Tokyo, I briefed the top-management (CEO, CTO and other top managers) of TeliaSonera, on October 26, 2006.
The next day, October 27, 2006, the Finland-Japan Ubiquitous Society Conference was held. Tero Ojanpera, Exec VP and CTO of NOKIA, gave an overview of NOKIA's vision of communications, other speakers and panelists included Juho Lipsanen, Finland CEO of TeliaSonera, KDDI Chairman Murakami.
Panel discussion with TeliaSonera CEO Juho Lipsanen and KDDI-Chairman Murakami.
The next day, October 27, 2006, the Finland-Japan Ubiquitous Society Conference was held. Tero Ojanpera, Exec VP and CTO of NOKIA, gave an overview of NOKIA's vision of communications, other speakers and panelists included Juho Lipsanen, Finland CEO of TeliaSonera, KDDI Chairman Murakami.
Panel discussion with TeliaSonera CEO Juho Lipsanen and KDDI-Chairman Murakami.
Labels: finland, japan, KDDI, nokia, teliasonera, Tero Ojanpera, ubiquitous
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Japan's Mobile Phone Industry and u-Japan (Talk announcement)
Title: "Japan's Mobile Phone Industry and u-Japan"
Date and Time:
Thursday, 12th October 2006, 17:00-19:00
Location (tentative, please check closer to the date for changes):
Main Conference Room 4F, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo
Click for a map
Download PowerPoints of the presentation here:
(pdf-file, 50 pages, 19 figures, 12 photographs)
Agenda:
Japan's mobile phone and broad-band markets are about 3-6 years ahead of Europe: new services are typically invented or first brought to market in Japan, 3-6 years earlier than in Europe. Internet in Japan is generally much faster and much cheaper than in Europe. For this reason and because of it’s size, Japan’s telecom markets are full of opportunities for European companies with the right products and the right strategy, and for investors with the necessary knowledge.
Japan’s mobile phone industry is notoriously difficult to understand for Europeans because it’s
market logic is very different from Europe’s, and because the pace of innovation and structural change is much faster, and because of the language barriers.
This talk will explain the driving forces behind recent dramatic changes in Japan’s mobile telecom sector, and will explain new changes that the “ubiquitous-Japan” (“u-Japan”) policy will bring in the near future.
Do you need to know what Europe’s mobile phone and internet markets will look like in 2010 or 2015? – Come to this talk and you will get a good look into Europe’s IT future about 5 years ahead, as well as Japan’s telecom markets today.
Download detailed announcement and registration form:
Seminar invitation (pdf-file) Seminar invitation (MS-Word file)
Background
Following Vodafone's decision to end business in Japan and the announcement of the sale of Vodafone-Japan to SoftBank, this author has been asked to brief the Technology Attaches of the 25 EU Embassies in Tokyo on Japan's mobile phone and telecom sector (download the presentation as a pdf-file here).
The EU Technology Attaches were particularly interested in the impact on Europe by the termination of by far the biggest ever European investment in Japan. Clearly it is also important to determine, what other European companies can learn from Vodafone's experience.
Eurotechnology Japan KK has been awarded a contract by the European Union to benchmark Japan's telecom sector vs EU and make recommendations.
More about Japan's telecom sector:JCOMM report (pdf-file)
Date and Time:
Thursday, 12th October 2006, 17:00-19:00
Location (tentative, please check closer to the date for changes):
Main Conference Room 4F, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo
Click for a map
Download PowerPoints of the presentation here:
(pdf-file, 50 pages, 19 figures, 12 photographs)
Agenda:
Japan's mobile phone and broad-band markets are about 3-6 years ahead of Europe: new services are typically invented or first brought to market in Japan, 3-6 years earlier than in Europe. Internet in Japan is generally much faster and much cheaper than in Europe. For this reason and because of it’s size, Japan’s telecom markets are full of opportunities for European companies with the right products and the right strategy, and for investors with the necessary knowledge.
Japan’s mobile phone industry is notoriously difficult to understand for Europeans because it’s
market logic is very different from Europe’s, and because the pace of innovation and structural change is much faster, and because of the language barriers.
This talk will explain the driving forces behind recent dramatic changes in Japan’s mobile telecom sector, and will explain new changes that the “ubiquitous-Japan” (“u-Japan”) policy will bring in the near future.
Do you need to know what Europe’s mobile phone and internet markets will look like in 2010 or 2015? – Come to this talk and you will get a good look into Europe’s IT future about 5 years ahead, as well as Japan’s telecom markets today.
Download detailed announcement and registration form:
Seminar invitation (pdf-file) Seminar invitation (MS-Word file)
Background
Following Vodafone's decision to end business in Japan and the announcement of the sale of Vodafone-Japan to SoftBank, this author has been asked to brief the Technology Attaches of the 25 EU Embassies in Tokyo on Japan's mobile phone and telecom sector (download the presentation as a pdf-file here).
The EU Technology Attaches were particularly interested in the impact on Europe by the termination of by far the biggest ever European investment in Japan. Clearly it is also important to determine, what other European companies can learn from Vodafone's experience.
Eurotechnology Japan KK has been awarded a contract by the European Union to benchmark Japan's telecom sector vs EU and make recommendations.
More about Japan's telecom sector:JCOMM report (pdf-file)
Labels: japan, mobile phone, u-japan, ujapan
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Briefing the President of Germany, Horst Koehler
On Sunday, April 3, 2005, The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Koehler, - and about 30 VIPs accompanying him - on the first day of his visit to Japan was briefed by four outside experts at the Embassy of Germany in Tokyo in the areas of Economics, Politics, Culture and Technology of Japan.
I was asked to brief the President of Germany about Japan's technology sector. I prepared a 9 page document entitled "Japan is a technology superpower full of creativity and power to innovate", which was distributed to the press after the briefing.
Download my briefing in German language here (pdf file).
The President of the European Business Council (EBC), Richard Collasse, asked for an English translation - download the English language version of the briefing paper here.
I was asked to brief the President of Germany about Japan's technology sector. I prepared a 9 page document entitled "Japan is a technology superpower full of creativity and power to innovate", which was distributed to the press after the briefing.
Download my briefing in German language here (pdf file).
The President of the European Business Council (EBC), Richard Collasse, asked for an English translation - download the English language version of the briefing paper here.
Labels: bundespraesident, japan, klaus koehler, president
Friday, September 20, 2002
Briefing about Japan's high-technology business world for Mme Nicole Fontaine
Briefing about Japan's high-technology business sector for Mme Nicole Fontaine, Vice-Minister for Industry of France
Tokyo, Friday, September 20, 2002, at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan.
Tokyo, Friday, September 20, 2002, at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan.
Labels: fontaine, france, french, japan, minister, nicole
Thursday, April 11, 2002
Bio-Nanotechnology in Japan - Impact on Foreign Corporations
Presentation at the EU-Japan Center Tokyo and at Stanford University on April 11, 2002 in the SPRING 2002 Seminar/Public Lecture Series
Topics in International Advanced Technology of the US-Asia Technology Management Center.
Topics in International Advanced Technology of the US-Asia Technology Management Center.
Labels: bio, japan, nano, stanford university, technology
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
M-Commerce in Japan
Presentation given by Gerhard Fasol, to the Asia/Pacific - Midwest Business Conference
Panel Presentation "E-commerce in Asia", on Wednesday April 10, 2002, 8:00-9:30am, organized by the US Department of Commerce and the Illinois District Export Council.
Panel Presentation "E-commerce in Asia", on Wednesday April 10, 2002, 8:00-9:30am, organized by the US Department of Commerce and the Illinois District Export Council.
Labels: chicago, department of commerce, japan, m-commerce
Thursday, March 21, 2002
i-Mode: business models for mobile communications
Full day tutorial by Gerhard Fasol, organized by Seminario Internacional Prisma, held at the Hotel Metropolitan, Lisboa, March 21, 2002.
Attendance: about 50 executives from Portugal's telecom operators, major consulting firms, and IT professionals attended the full day tutorial.
Download and update presentation as a pdf-file
Attendance: about 50 executives from Portugal's telecom operators, major consulting firms, and IT professionals attended the full day tutorial.
Download and update presentation as a pdf-file
Labels: i-mode, imode, japan, portugal, wireless business, wireless internet
Thursday, October 28, 1999
New opportunities versus old mistakes: Foreign companies in Japan's high-tech markets
Labels: business in japan, failure, japan, market entry, stanford, strategy, success
