Resonac Holdings President Takahashi Hidehito (髙橋 秀仁) looks back on his journey and the strategy he has pursued, prioritising bringing about “change” over the company’s growth through his acquisition experience during the Showa Denko era and his knowledge of M&A techniques in the United States.
In early spring 2019, Takahashi Hidehito (髙橋 秀仁) moved to Showa Denko and was asked to make an immediate decision when Hitachi Chemical emerged as a potential sale candidate. The acquisition proposal was based on a sales level of approximately ¥750 billion, and negotiations proceeded with the financing plan sketched out in figures on a paper napkin.
In April 2020, Showa Denko was acquired for approximately ¥960 billion, and the company was renamed Showa Denko Materials. The strategy was to combine the strengths of Hitachi Chemical and Showa Denko Materials to enhance competitiveness in the semiconductor materials sector. Takahashi Hidehito (髙橋 秀仁) aimed to bring about “change” rather than simply expand the company’s scale.
Through his experience on secondment to Knox and Company, he developed negotiation skills with funds and learned how funds assess transaction prices as multiples of sales. Having experienced the demands of the U.S. market firsthand, he developed a perspective for competing in global markets.
Even today, he continues to pursue new business transformation without fearing change, guided by the idea that “the world means the United States, and the United States means New York.” The experience of Takahashi Hidehito (髙橋 秀仁) is presented as an example of leadership that drives corporate change.