Blackstone’s private equity funds are to acquire a 60% majority stake in CMIC, one of Japan’s leading contract research organisations (CRO) with CMIC Holdings retaining the remaining 40% ownership of the drug trials company.
In a press statement, Atsuhiko Sakamoto, Head of Private Equity at Blackstone Japan, said: “This investment marks another step in our commitment to Japan, one of our fastest-growing markets globally. We see tremendous potential in life sciences-related services, where Blackstone has built a strong portfolio both in Japan and worldwide. Our goal is to help accelerate the development and delivery of critical medicines and technologies, ultimately transforming the industry and improving patient outcomes. CMIC’s pioneering role in Japan’s CRO industry makes it an ideal partner for us.”
Founded in 1992 as Japan’s first CRO, CMIC has been at the forefront of clinical research and drug development, supporting pharmaceutical and biotech companies in bringing new treatments to market efficiently. Today, it is recognised as a leading player in Asia, working closely with industry stakeholders, healthcare institutions, and government bodies.
Blackstone continues to be one of the most active private equity investors in Japan, having completed a series of high-profile transactions across multiple sectors in recent years. Recent deals include: I’rom Group – Japan’s leading Site Management Organisation (SMO); Infocom – a major player in digital comics, one of Japan’s largest deals in 2024; and Sony Payment Services – a carveout of Sony’s payment service provider.
In real estate, Blackstone also made headlines recently with the acquisition of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, marking the largest-ever real estate investment in Japan by a foreign investor.
