Japanese company 金宝堂ホールディングス has become involved in the management of Belgian second-division club K Beerschot VA. Comments from its local representative reveal the background and overall plan behind the company's move into European club management, building on its core funeral services business.
A new rebuilding phase has begun at historic Belgian club K Beerschot VA, with Japanese company 金宝堂ホールディングス becoming involved in its management. In an interview, local subsidiary Representative Director Ohno Yusuke (大野祐介) provides details on the circumstances behind the acquisition of the European club and the background to the decision.
金宝堂ホールディングス is a corporate group originating in Chiba whose core business is funeral services. It has indicated a policy of expanding into the European sports sector as part of its efforts to expand its brand and develop new markets. Ohno Yusuke (大野祐介) explains the aim of encouraging Japanese players to pursue opportunities in Europe while raising the group's profile.
The reasons given for targeting Belgium include the ease with which clubs in the country can be acquired and brought under new management through share purchases, as well as the relative openness to foreign investment. The local environment for accepting foreign owners and the flexibility of club owners are also considered favorable to operation by a Japanese company.
One reason for choosing Beerschot was the view that, rather than being a club rushing to gain promotion to the top division, it offered greater scope to use the winter reinforcement window. The acquisition could also reduce costs on the assumption that the club faced relegation risk. The club's history and dedicated supporters were cited as further factors indicating room for a rebuilding effort.