Amid US uncertainty, Japan Inc. turns its M&A attention to Asia

Growth-hungry companies inked more deals in SE Asia and China than North America in 2019

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Japan Inc. is increasingly looking abroad for new markets and new talent. © Getty Images

JADA NAGUMO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- For the first time in four years, Japan logged more outbound mergers and acquisitions in Asia than in North America, a sign of growing unease over U.S. trade policy and ongoing friction with China.

Japan Inc. sealed a record number of foreign M&A deals in 2019, though total value was down, as companies sought young, fast-growing markets to offset an aging population and stagnant growth at home.

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