Houlihan Lokey Advises Karita & Company Inc.

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Shinsen Foodtec Co., Ltd. (Shinsen Foodtec), a portfolio company of Karita & Company Inc. (Karita & Company), has been acquired by JR East Cross Station Co., Ltd. (JR East Cross Station) in a sale process led by Houlihan Lokey. The transaction closed on March 14, 2025.

Founded in 2007, Karita & Company is a private equity firm that has created five target funds and two blind-pool funds. The company provides multifaceted support to its portfolio companies, fostering competitive growth.

Founded in 2008, Shinsen Foodtec is a leading company with annual sales of ¥8.9 billion. It specializes in the planning, manufacturing, and sale of osechi, a traditional Japanese New Year’s feast. Its operations also include marine food processing and Japanese-style ready-made meals.

JR East Cross Station is a core group company of JR East with ¥363.8 billion in sales. The company engages in the retail, food manufacturing, and vending machines businesses. It operates one of the largest shopping center brands located within railway stations in Japan, encompassing approximately 2,000 retail and dining outlets throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The transaction will enable Shinsen Foodtec to lead future developments by creating synergy value with JR East Cross Station’s retail and food manufacturing businesses.

Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive sellside financial advisor to Karita & Company, leading a comprehensive deal process. This successful outcome underscores the firm’s deep expertise in the food and beverage sector.

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