29 July 2014, Tokyo – Bain Capital Private Equity today announced an agreement to transfer 49.9 percent of Bellsytem24 Holdings (Bellsystem) in a strategic partnership with ITOCHU Corporation (Itochu), one of the leading trading companies in Japan. Following the close of the transaction, Bain Capital Private Equity and Itochu will own 50.1 percent and 49.9 percent of Bellsystem, respectively.
Bellsystem, one of the first companies to set up a customer relationship management (CRM) outsourcing model through call centers, was acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity in 2009. In the 30 years since its incorporation, the company has become the leading CRM solution provider in Japan.
David Gross-Loh, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity, commented, “Since Bain Capital acquired Bellsystem in 2009, our investment in the company’s advanced IT infrastructure, and implementation of significant operating improvements, have transformed the business into a world-class operation. The continued improvements in service quality and productivity have enabled Bellsystem to strengthen its leading industry position.”
Itochu is one of the leading trading houses in Japan engaging in domestic and overseas trading of various products. Today’s announcement is in-line with Itochu’s strategy to strengthen its business in the non-resources sector and better utilize its extensive IT expertise.
“Bain Capital’s resources and global call center expertise have greatly supported and strengthened the company’s operations. We now look forward to working collaboratively with Itochu to further unlock growth opportunities for Bellsystem by leveraging Itochu’s large network of companies and IT expertise,” added Mr. Gross-Loh.
About Bain Capital Private Equity
Bain Capital Private Equity has partnered closely with management teams to provide the strategic resources that build great companies and help them thrive since our founding in 1984. Our team of more than 400 investment professionals creates value for our portfolio companies through our global platform and depth of expertise in key vertical industries including consumer/retail, financial and business services, healthcare, industrials, and technology, media and telecommunications. In addition to private equity, Bain Capital invests across asset classes including credit, public equity and venture capital, and leverages the firm’s shared platform to capture opportunities in strategic areas of focus.
About Bellsystem24 Holdings
Established in 1982, Bellsystem24 Holdings (www.bell24.co.jp) has provided high quality marketing and customer service solutions to its clients for the past 30 years, including traditional call center services as well as BPO services. With 20,000 operators in 22 call centres nationwide, Bellsystem24 is the largest call center operator in Japan. The company's service offering includes e-commerce and e-support services; customer relationship management ("CRM") and e-CRM support services; research and marketing promotional services; content planning, production, distribution, and information services; pharmaceutical and medical support services; and communication-based marketing services. These services are offered to clients in various industries, including telecommunications, cable, broadband, satellite broadcasting, Internet services, technology, and financial services.
About ITOCHU Corporation
With approximately 130 bases in 67 countries, ITOCHU (http://www.itochu.co.jp/en/), one of the leading trading houses, is engaged in domestic trading, import/export, and overseas trading of various products such as textiles, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, information and communications technology, realty, general products, insurance, logistics services, construction, and finance, as well as business investment in Japan and overseas.
This press release has been updated to reflect the new business unit name, "Bain Capital Private Equity," which was changed from "Bain Capital" or "Bain Capital, LP."
