Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd.

Sugi Holdings announced on the 9th that it will raise 16 billion yen through a new share issuance to GIC Private Limited, a Singapore sovereign wealth fund. By welcoming a globally recognized institutional investor as a shareholder, the company aims to increase visibility among investor segments that have not previously held its shares, and to create opportunities for overseas business expansion. Reasons cited include GIC's approach of respecting the uniqueness of its investee companies, and expectations for GIC to serve as a partner for co-investment and financing in future M&A and other activities. The funds raised are planned to be used for store openings, artificial intelligence-related investments, and M&A.