UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM CB
TENDER OFFER/RIGHTS OFFERING NOTIFICATION FORM
Please place an X in the box(es) to designate the appropriate rule provision(s) relied upon to file this Form:
Securities Act Rule 801 (Rights Offering) | o |
Securities Act Rule 802 (Exchange Offer) | x |
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(h)(8) (Issuer Tender Offer) | o |
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(c) (Third Party Tender Offer) | o |
Exchange Act Rule 14e-2(d) (Subject Company Response) | o |
Filed or submitted in paper if permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(8) | o |
AEON Mall Kabushiki Kaisha |
(Name of Subject Company)
|
AEON Mall Co., Ltd. |
(Translation of Subject Company’s Name into English (if applicable)) |
Japan |
(Jurisdiction of Subject Company’s Incorporation or Organization) |
AEON Co., Ltd. |
(Name of Person(s) Furnishing Form) |
Common Stock |
(Title of Class of Subject Securities) |
N/A |
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities (if applicable)) |
AEON Mall Co., Ltd. 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku Chiba-shi, Chiba Japan +81-43-212-6450 Attn: Mr. Eiichi Yokoi |
(Name, Address (including zip code) and Telephone Number (including area code) of Person(s) Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications on Behalf of Subject Company) |
N/A |
(Date Tender Offer/Rights Offering Commenced) |
PART I – INFORMATION SENT TO SECURITY HOLDERS
Item 1. Home Jurisdiction Documents
Exhibit Number |
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99.1 | Notice of Convocation (English Translation) |
99.2 | Matters Not Included in Paper-Based Documents Delivered to Shareholders (English Translation) |
Item 2. Informational Legends
The required legend is prominently included in the document(s) referred to in Item 1.
PART II – INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED TO BE SENT TO SECURITY HOLDERS
N/A
PART III – CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
AEON Co., Ltd. submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission a written irrevocable consent and power of attorney on Form F-X dated March 3, 2025. |
SIGNATURES
After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
AEON Co., Ltd. | ||
/s/ Hiroaki Egawa | ||
Name: | Hiroaki Egawa | |
Title: | Executive Officer, | |
Date: April 28, 2025 | Finance and Business Management | |
of the Company |
The business combination described in this document involve securities of a Japanese company. The business combination is subject to disclosure requirements of Japan that are different from those of the United States. Financial information included in this document, if any, was excerpted from financial statements prepared in accordance with foreign accounting standards that may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies. It may be difficult for you to enforce your rights and any claim you may have arising under the U.S. federal securities laws, since the issuer is located in Japan and some or all of their officers and directors reside outside of the United States. You may not be able to sue a Japanese company or its officers or directors in a Japanese court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a Japanese company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court's judgment. You should be aware that the issuer may purchase securities otherwise than under the business combination, such as in the open market or through privately negotiated purchases. |
Message from the President
Aiming
for further development of local communities by leveraging the economies of scale of the AEON Group Keiji Ohno President
To the Shareholders of AEON MALL Co., Ltd.:
AEON MALL Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) has established as its 2030 Vision “AEON MALL, Co-Creating With Our Communities” and has implemented the Medium-Term Management Plan ending in fiscal 2025 as an interim goal in achieving this vision. In our FY2023-FY2025 Medium-Term Management Plan, we are pursuing continuous growth through realizing “truly integrated ESG management” to create economic, social, and environmental value for stakeholders in order to seize the changes to the business environment as an opportunity to grow together with local communities as a sustainable company. To achieve this Medium-Term Management Plan, we opened four new malls overseas and implemented floor space expansion and renovation at two malls in Japan in fiscal 2024.
In providing business opportunities through the development of shopping centers, the Company serves as a core presence in the AEON Group, which is centered on retail, and one of our biggest strengths is our ability to maximize synergy within the AEON Group. On top of the mall platform, the AEON Group has a GMS* platform as well as Group companies that provide a range of functions such as finance, credit, and facility maintenance. We believe that major opportunities to leverage Group resources to further drive profit growth for the Company lie in wait. Through Group collaboration, such as conducting facility-wide renovations coordinated with GMS to attract more customers, going cashless through stronger partnerships with financial services, and constructing a Group ecosystem, we aim for profit growth. We will leverage the economies of scale of the AEON Group, to help build lives of well-being for local customers affected by rising prices.
The social environment has changed significantly, as has the role of shopping malls. I recognize that my role as President is to redefine, with a new perspective, the value that shopping malls provide communities as places where people gather to ensure that our facilities remain relevant to communities in the future.
Putting the customer first, I will strive to increase the corporate value of AEON MALL and help communities develop by going back to the roots of commerce—bringing customers joy through the time they spend at shopping malls.
* Stands for general merchandise store.
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Management philosophy
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Basic Philosophy
Customer First
Management Philosophy
AEON MALL is a Life Design Developer
Life Design involves producing ways for people to live in the future — work that drives AEON MALL to create and nurture opportunities for people to meet and engage in cultural activities. Beyond the development of commercial facilities, this work requires our company to expand ways for us to serve people throughout various stages of their lives.
Management Vision
Becoming a company that will touch the hearts of
● As Life Design Producers, we will go beyond working in a conventional commercial context and keep our company growing by opening up business opportunities to produce future ways of living. ● Ultimately, our challenge is to be consistent in localization to enhance the attractive aspects of various regions by working in tandem with partners. ● We will solidify and strengthen our financial and business foundations by taking full advantage of our company’s assets, including our worldwide malls and capabilities to continue our growth. ● We are a company of professionals that continue to innovate. ● We see and consider life from customers’ perspectives so that we can share the best, most memorable moments of life with those customers. |
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Note: This document has been translated from a part of the Japanese original for reference purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy between this translated document and the Japanese original, the original shall prevail. |
Stock code: 8905
May 1, 2025
Start date of measures for electronic provision: April 28, 2025
AEON MALL Co., Ltd.
1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
President: Keiji Ohno
To the Shareholders of AEON MALL Co., Ltd.:
Notice of the 114th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders
You are cordially informed of the 114th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AEON MALL Co., Ltd. (the “Company”), to be held as described below:
In convening this Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, the Company has taken measures to provide the contents of the Reference Documents for the General Meeting of Shareholders (matters to be provided electronically) electronically, and has made these available on each of the following websites. Please access any of these websites to review the documents.
[The Company Website]
https://www.aeonmall.com/ir/event/meeting/ (in Japanese)
[General Meeting of Shareholders Materials Website]
https://d.sokai.jp/8905/teiji/ (in Japanese)
[TSE Website (Listed Company Search)]
https://www2.jpx.co.jp/tseHpFront/JJK010010Action.do?Show=Show (in Japanese)
(When accessing the TSE Website above, please enter or search for “Aeon Mall” under “Stock Name (Company Name),” or use the Company’s stock code, “8905,” under “Code.” Select “Basic Information” then “Documents for Public Inspection/PR Information,” and review the “Notice of General Meeting of Shareholders/Reference Documents for General Meeting of Shareholders” listed under “Documents for Public Inspection”).
In lieu of attending the meeting in person, you may vote in writing or on the Internet. Please cast your vote by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 after reviewing the Reference Documents for the General Meeting of Shareholders.
[For those voting on the Internet]
To vote online, please visit the website designated by the Company (https://soukai.mizuho-tb.co.jp/), enter the “Voter Code” and password displayed on the enclosed Form for Exercising Voting Rights, and follow the instructions displayed onscreen to record your votes either for or against the agenda items before the deadline indicated above.
When voting on the Internet, please refer to the “Guide to Exercising Voting Rights on the Internet” (in Japanese only).
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[For those voting in writing (by postal mail)]
Please indicate your vote either for or against the agenda items on the Form for Exercising Voting Rights and return it to us by postal mail to reach us by the deadline indicated above.
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1. | Date and Time: | Thursday, May 22, 2025; 10:00 a.m. |
2. | Location: | 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba Multi-purpose hall, 3rd floor, AEON TOWER |
3. | Objectives of Meeting Matters to be reported: |
1. |
Business Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the 114th fiscal year (from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) and Reports of Audit on the Consolidated Financial Statements by Accounting Auditor and Audit & Supervisory Board
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2. | Nonconsolidated Financial Statements for the 114th fiscal year (from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) |
Matters to be resolved:
Agenda Item 1: Approval of the share exchange agreement between the Company and AEON CO., LTD.
Agenda Item 2: Election of eight (8) Directors
4. | Matters prescribed for convocation |
a. | When voting in writing (by postal mail), in the event a vote either for or against is not indicated for any of the agenda items on the Form for Exercising Voting Rights, this will be treated as a vote in favor of the agenda item in question. |
b. | If you exercise your voting rights by proxy, you may designate one other shareholder holding voting rights of the Company to attend the meeting. Please note, however, that it is necessary to submit a document proving the authority of proxy. |
c. | If you make a diverse exercise of voting rights, please notify the Company of your intention to do so and state your reason for this no later than three (3) days before the meeting. |
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[For those attending the meeting]
Attendees are kindly requested to present the enclosed Form for Exercising Voting Rights to the receptionist on the day of the meeting (no signature or affixing of seal necessary). Please bring this document as well, as it contains the agenda for the meeting.
[For those voting in writing]
Those voting in writing should indicate “for” or “against” for the agenda items and return the completed enclosed Form for Exercising Voting Rights by postal mail to reach us by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
[For those voting on the Internet]
Please access the online voting site through a computer or smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions. The deadline for online voting is 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
If you exercise your voting rights twice, once by mail and once via the Internet, etc., the Company will treat your Internet vote as the valid exercise of your voting rights. If you exercise your voting rights several times via the Internet, the Company will treat the most recent vote as the valid exercise of your voting rights.
* | Please note that no gift will be provided for attendees at the General Meeting of Shareholders. |
1. | Attendees are kindly requested to present the Form for Exercising Voting Rights sent together with this Notice to the receptionist on the day of the meeting. |
2. | Among the matters to be provided electronically, pursuant to laws and regulations and Article 15 of the Company’s Articles of Association, “System to Ensure the Appropriate Operations and Overview of Its Implementation,” notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Nonconsolidated Financial Statements, and “Details of nonconsolidated financial statements, etc. for the most recent business year of AEON CO., LTD.” in “Agenda Item 1: Approval of the share exchange agreement between the Company and AEON CO., LTD.” of Reference Documents for the General Meeting of Shareholders are not included in the documents delivered to shareholders who have requested physical copies of the documents, but are available on each of the websites as “Matters Not Included in Paper-Based Documents Delivered to Shareholders Who Have Made a Request for Delivery of Such Documents Based on Laws and Regulations and the Articles of Association for Notice of the 114th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.” |
3. | The Consolidated Financial Statements and Nonconsolidated Financial Statements audited by the accounting auditor and Audit & Supervisory Board Members consist of “Notice of the 114th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders,” “System to Ensure the Appropriate Operations and Overview of Its Implementation,” and the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Nonconsolidated Financial Statements available on each of the websites. |
4. | If circumstances arise that necessitate revisions to the matters provided electronically, a statement to that effect and the matters before and after revision shall be posted on each of the websites. Even if you plan to attend the meeting in person, please check in advance the respective websites where the information is posted. |
A Notice of Resolutions will not be sent. After the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders has ended, the results of exercise of voting rights will be published on the Company’s website (https://www.aeonmall.com/en/ir/s_meeting.html). |
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Notes:
1. | This English version is a translation of points summarized from an original notice written in Japanese. When discrepancies in interpretation arise, the content of the Japanese notice shall take precedence. |
2. | Please note that Internet voting is not available to such persons as those who are not residents of Japan and who have appointed a custodian in Japan for handling of their shares according to the Rules for the Handling of Shares of the Company. |
3. | AEON MALL Co., Ltd.’s ordinary share issue | Local code: 8905 |
SEDOL# 6534202 JP | ||
ISIN# JP 3131430005 |
[Electronic Voting Platform for Institutional Investors]
Institutional shareholders, including standing proxies such as master trust banks, who have applied in advance to the ICJ Proxy e-Voting Platform Service (the Platform Service) offered by ICJ Inc., a joint venture established by Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc., Japan Securities Dealers Association and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., are entitled to use the Platform Service to exercise their votes.
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Reference Documents for the General Meeting of Shareholders
Agenda Item 1: Approval of the share exchange agreement between the Company and AEON CO., LTD.
As a result of discussions in accordance with the memorandum of understanding concluded on February 28, 2025 (the “MOU”), the Company and AEON CO., LTD. (“AEON”) (the Company and AEON referred to collectively as “Companies”) decided, through a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company on April 11, 2025 and a decision made by the Representative Executive Officers of AEON on the same date, to conduct a share exchange in which AEON will be the wholly owning parent company resulting from the share exchange and the Company will be the wholly owned subsidiary resulting from the share exchange (the “Share Exchange”), and concluded a share exchange agreement between the Companies (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) on the same date.
Accordingly, this agenda item proposes approval of the Share Exchange Agreement.
The Share Exchange is scheduled to be conducted with an effective date of July 1, 2025, without obtaining approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders of AEON in accordance with the simplified share exchange procedure pursuant to the provision of Article 796, paragraph (2) of the Companies Act (Act No. 86 of 2005; includes subsequent amendments. The same applies hereinafter), and subject to obtaining approval of the Share Exchange Agreement by this General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company.
In addition, if this agenda item is approved, prior to the effective date of the Share Exchange (scheduled for July 1, 2025), the Company’s common stock (the “Company’s shares”) will be delisted from Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “Tokyo Stock Exchange”) as of June 27, 2025 (the last trading day will be June 26, 2025).
The reason for implementing the Share Exchange and the overview of the content of the Share Exchange Agreement are as follows.
1. | Reason for implementing the Share Exchange |
As announced in the press release dated February 28, 2025, titled “Notice Concerning Execution of Memorandum of Understanding to Begin Discussions on Making AEON MALL Co., Ltd. a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of AEON CO., LTD. Through a Share Exchange” (“February 28, 2025 Press Release”), the Company and AEON entered into the MOU on the same date.
This was an agreement between the Company and AEON to commence discussions on making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary, based on the recognition that making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary of AEON could contribute to the rapid and fundamental promotion of growth initiatives by the Companies, ultimately further enhancing the corporate value of the Company as well as the AEON Group (meaning AEON and its subsidiaries and equity-method affiliates) in the future.
Since then, the Company and AEON have engaged in full-scale discussions of the possibilities of measures to enhance the corporate value of the Company and the methods for making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary, in line with the details announced in the February 28, 2025 Press Release under section 1. “Purpose of making AEON MALL a wholly owned subsidiary of AEON through the Share Exchange.”
As a result of these discussions, the Company and AEON have reached a common understanding that by making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary, the Company can leverage the scalability of the AEON Group, and the AEON Group can leverage the talent and expertise of the Company, to primarily implement the following measures to enhance corporate value.
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(1) | Expanding business opportunities for the Company through utilization of real estate owned by the AEON Group. This includes increasing revenue through the revitalization of existing real estate, which could be particularly effective amid rising construction and labor costs (the Companies will also consider amending the contracts concerning the AEON Group’ real estate, whose facilities are operated and managed by the Company, to address structural issues, including ownership rights.) |
(2) | Driving growth of the entire developer business of the AEON Group including the Company by clarifying the Company’s role as the core company in the developer business of the AEON Group, which will allow the Company to leverage its cross-functional capabilities to consolidate information, standardize know-how, and develop integrated development strategies. |
(3) | Enhancing retail support provided to the Company’s direct customers, its tenants, and expanding revenue through unified digital marketing efforts across the AEON Group, by connecting the customer data platforms held by various AEON Group companies and analyzing and utilizing its extensive customer data. |
(4) | Acquiring new revenue sources through demand consolidation and internalization of activities such as events, promotions, and revitalization projects within the AEON Group. |
(5) | Establishing, through the above measures, a financial foundation that boosts domestic cash flow and supports proactive investments, including overseas investments, even in a climate of rising interest rates. |
Additionally, the Companies chose a share exchange as the method for making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary, considering that (i) common stock of AEON (“AEON shares”) will be delivered to the minority shareholders of the Company as consideration in the Share Exchange, and through the ownership of AEON shares, such shareholders will have the opportunity to benefit from, among others, the anticipated effects of various measures to be implemented after the Share Exchange, the business development and profit expansion of the AEON Group resulting from such effects, and the consequent increase in the market price of AEON shares, and that (ii) AEON shares, which are highly liquid, can be traded in the market for cash at any time.
The Company and AEON also discussed the challenges and countermeasures related to making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary and implementing the aforementioned measures. As a result, the Companies reached a common understanding on specifics such as measures to secure human resources and funds, measures to enhance employee motivation and provide employees with growth opportunities, and measures to prevent a decline in governance after delisting.
Based on the above, the Company has determined that making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary of AEON is one of the means to more rapidly and reliably enhance the Company’s corporate value through the prompt and fundamental implementation of growth initiatives jointly pursued by the Company and AEON, while AEON has determined that this will contribute to the further enhancement of the corporate value of the AEON Group in the future. Consequently, the Companies concluded that this transaction will be beneficial for the shareholders of both the Company and AEON, and have decided today to implement the Share Exchange through a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company on April 11, 2025 and a decision made by the Representative Executive Officers of AEON on the same date, and enter into the Share Exchange Agreement.
2. | Overview of the content of the Share Exchange Agreement |
The content of the Share Exchange Agreement is as follows.
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Share Exchange Agreement (Copy)
AEON CO., LTD. (“A”) and AEON MALL Co., Ltd. (“B”) entered into the following share exchange agreement (the “Agreement”) on April 11, 2025 (the “Agreement Date”).
(Share Exchange)
Article 1
In accordance with provisions of the Agreement, A shall conduct a share exchange (the “Share Exchange”) in which A becomes the wholly owning parent company and B becomes a wholly owned subsidiary, with A acquiring all of the issued shares of B (excluding the shares of B owned by A; the same applies hereinafter) as a result of the Share Exchange.
(Trade Names and Addresses)
Article 2
The trade names and addresses of A and B are respectively as follows.
A (Wholly owning parent company)
Trade name: AEON CO., LTD.
Address: | 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba |
B (Wholly owned subsidiary)
Trade name: AEON MALL Co., Ltd.
Address: | 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba |
(Shares Delivered in the Share Exchange and Allotment Thereof)
Article 3
1. | In the Share Exchange, A shall deliver shares of A’s common stock to B’s shareholders (meaning the shareholders after cancellation of B’s treasury stock pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1), and excluding A; the “Shareholders Eligible for the Allotment”) who are shareholders at the time immediately before A acquires all of the issued shares of B as a result of the Share Exchange (the “Record Time”), with the number of shares of A’s common stock constituting the number obtained by multiplying 0.65 by the total number of shares of B’s common stock held by such shareholders, in exchange for shares of B’s common stock held by such shareholders. |
2. | In the Share Exchange, A shall allot to the Shareholders Eligible for the Allotment shares of A’s common stock set forth in the preceding paragraph at a proportion of 0.65 shares of A’s common stock per share of B’s common stock held by such shareholders. |
3. | Any fractional shares of less than one share of A’s common stock that are to be allotted by A to the Shareholders Eligible for the Allotment in accordance with the preceding two paragraphs shall be handled by A pursuant to Article 234 of the Companies Act and other applicable laws and regulations. |
(Matters Related to Capital and Reserve)
Article 4
The amounts by which A’s capital and reserve increase as a result of the Share Exchange are as follows.
(1) | Capital |
¥0
(2) | Amount of legal capital surplus |
The amount that A determines separately in accordance with the provision of Article 39 of the Regulation for Corporate Accounting
(3) | Amount of legal retained earnings |
¥0
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(Effective Date)
Article 5
The date on which the Share Exchange is to take effect (the “Effective Date”) shall be July 1, 2025. However, the date may be changed upon mutual discussions and agreement between A and B if required due to reasons such as the necessity of procedural progress related to the Share Exchange.
(Shareholders Meeting to Approve the Share Exchange Agreement)
Article 6
1. | A shall implement the Share Exchange without obtaining approval by a resolution of a shareholders meeting as set forth in Article 795, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act with respect to the Agreement, pursuant to of Article 796, paragraph (2) of the Companies Act. However, A shall seek such approval by the day immediately preceding the Effective Date if approval by a resolution of a shareholders meeting becomes necessary for the Agreement pursuant to Article 796, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act. |
2. | B shall seek approval by resolution of a shareholders meeting as set forth in Article 783, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act with respect to the Agreement by the day immediately preceding the Effective Date. |
(Management of Company Assets, Etc.)
Article 7
During the period from the Agreement Date extending to the Effective Date, A and B shall respectively execute their own business operations and also carry out property management and administration with the due care of a prudent manager, while also ensuring that their respective subsidiaries do the same. Accordingly, with the exception of actions separately set forth under the Agreement, if A or B intends to take action or cause a respective subsidiary to take action such that could significantly affect their property or rights and obligations, or that could significantly affect execution of the Share Exchange or conditions of the Share Exchange, such action shall be taken or caused to be taken upon mutual discussions and agreement beforehand.
(Dividends of Surplus, Etc.)
Article 8
1. | A may distribute dividends of surplus of up to ¥20 per share, with February 28, 2025 as the record date. |
2. | B may distribute dividends of surplus of up to ¥25 per share, with February 28, 2025 as the record date. |
3. | Neither A nor B shall distribute dividends of surplus with a record date constituting any day from the Agreement Date extending until the Effective Date, nor shall they acquire treasury stock constituting any day from the Agreement Date extending until the Effective Date (except where A or B is required to acquire its own shares in response to the exercise of shareholder rights in accordance with applicable laws and regulations). |
(Treatment of Treasury Stock and Stock Acquisition Rights)
Article 9
1. | B shall cancel all treasury stock it holds as of the Record Time (including treasury stock acquired in response to dissenting shareholders’ exercise of the right to demand the repurchase of shares pursuant to Article 785, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act in connection with the Share Exchange) effective as of the Record Time by resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by the day immediately preceding the Effective Date. |
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2. | B shall acquire without consideration and cancel all of the issued stock acquisition rights by the day immediately preceding the Effective Date (however, this excludes stock acquisition rights exercised on any day up to the Effective Date). |
(Amendment and Termination of the Agreement)
Article 10
1. | A and B may amend conditions of the Share Exchange and other content of the Agreement or otherwise may terminate the Agreement upon mutual discussions and agreement if a significant change arises in the financial position or business situation of A or B, if a situation arises or comes to light that would significantly impede execution of the Share Exchange, or otherwise if a situation arises or comes to light that would make it difficult to achieve objectives of the Agreement, during the period from the Agreement Date extending until the day immediately preceding the Effective Date. |
2. | If either party breaches any provision of the Agreement during the period from the Agreement Date extending until the day immediately preceding the Effective Date, A or B may demand that the other party rectify the matter within a reasonable period of time, and may accordingly terminate the Agreement if the other party does not rectify the matter within such period of time. |
(Effectiveness of Agreement)
Article 11
The Agreement shall cease to be effective if approval of the Agreement by resolution of a shareholders meeting of A as set forth in the proviso of Article 6, paragraph (1) (provided, however, that this shall apply only if approval of the Agreement by A’s shareholders meeting becomes necessary pursuant to Article 796, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act) or approval by resolution of a shareholders meeting of B as set forth in Article 6, paragraph (2) is not obtained by the day immediately preceding the Effective Date, or if approval, etc. of the relevant authorities as set forth in Japanese and overseas laws and regulations necessary for execution of the Share Exchange is not obtained by the day immediately preceding the Effective Date (including, but not limited to, the effectiveness, etc. of any filings made with the relevant authorities), or if the Agreement is terminated in accordance with the immediately preceding Article.
(Governing Law and Court with Jurisdiction)
Article 12
1. | The Agreement shall conform to and be construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. |
2. | Any and all disputes arising in connection with the performance or interpretation of the Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tokyo District Court in the first instance. |
(Matters for Discussion)
Article 13
Matters not stipulated in the Agreement and other matters necessary in connection with the Share Exchange shall be determined by A and B through sincere mutual discussions and agreement in accordance with the purport of the Agreement. In the event that doubt arises regarding interpretation as to the content of the Agreement, A and B shall accordingly seek to resolve such matters upon sincere mutual discussions and agreement.
(Remainder of page intentionally left blank)
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This Agreement has been prepared in duplicate, with each of Party A and Party B retaining one original as evidence of the Agreement upon having affixed their signatures and seals thereto.
April 11, 2025
A: 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
AEON CO., LTD.
Akio Yoshida
Director, President and Representative Executive Officer
This Agreement has been prepared in duplicate, with each of Party A and Party B retaining one original as evidence of the Agreement upon having affixed their signatures and seals thereto.
April 11, 2025
B: 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
AEON MALL Co., Ltd.
Keiji Ohno
President
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3. | Overview of the Content of Matters in Article 184, paragraph (1) of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Companies Act |
(1) | Matters regarding the appropriateness of consideration for the exchange |
1) | Matters regarding the appropriateness of the total number and allotment of consideration for the exchange |
(i) | Details of the allotment in the Share Exchange |
AEON (Wholly owning parent company resulting from share exchange) |
The Company (Wholly owned subsidiary resulting from share exchange) | |
Allotment ratio for the Share Exchange | 1 | 0.65 |
Number of shares to be delivered upon the Share Exchange | Common stock of AEON: 61,889,400 shares (scheduled) |
(Note 1) Share allotment ratio in the Share Exchange
AEON will allot and deliver 0.65 AEON shares per the Company’s share. However, no shares will be allotted in the Share Exchange for the Company’s shares held by AEON at the Record Time (as defined below). Please note that the above allotment ratio for the Share Exchange (the “Share Exchange Ratio”) in the table above is subject to change by mutual agreement made between the Company and AEON after their negotiations if there are significant changes in the conditions based on which the Share Exchange Ratio was calculated.
(Note 2) Number of AEON shares to be delivered in the Share Exchange
In the Share Exchange, AEON plans to allot and deliver to the Company’s shareholders (meaning the shareholders after cancellation of the treasury stock described below and excluding AEON) at the time immediately before AEON acquires all of the issued shares of the Company (excluding the Company’s shares owned by AEON) (the “Record Time”), the number of AEON shares calculated based on the Share Exchange Ratio, in exchange for the Company’s shares held by such shareholders. The AEON shares to be delivered will be sourced from AEON’s treasury stock in part (6,000,000 shares) and through the issuance of new common stock.
Prior to the effective date of the Share Exchange, and by a resolution of the Board of Directors, the Company plans to cancel all of its treasury stock it holds as of the Record Time (including the shares acquired by the Company through the share purchase in response to dissenting shareholders’ exercise of the right to demand the repurchase of shares pursuant to the provisions of Article 785, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act in connection with the Share Exchange) effective as of the Record Time. Therefore, the above number of shares to be delivered in the Share Exchange does not assume that AEON shares will be delivered in exchange for the treasury stock held by the Company (4,896 shares as of February 28, 2025). The total number of AEON shares to be allocated and delivered in the Share Exchange is subject to change due to the Company’s repurchase and cancellation of its treasury stock or other reasons.
(Note 3) Handling of shares less than one unit
The shareholders of the Company who will own shares of AEON that are less than one unit (or less than 100 shares) as a result of the Share Exchange may use the following programs for their AEON shares. Please note that shares less than one unit cannot be sold on a financial instruments exchange market.
(i) | Program for purchasing additional shares to form one unit (100 shares) |
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 194, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act and AEON’s Articles of Incorporation, shareholders who own shares of AEON that are less than one unit may request AEON to sell them the number of AEON shares necessary to make their holdings equal to one unit (100 shares) by combining their existing shares with the additional shares purchased.
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(ii) | Buyback program for shares less than one unit (the sale of shares less than one unit (100 shares)) |
Pursuant to Article 192, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, shareholders who own AEON shares that are less than one unit may request AEON to purchase their shares less than one unit.
(Note 4) Handling of fractions less than one share
For the shareholders of the Company who will otherwise be allotted and delivered fractions of less than one share of AEON shares in the Share Exchange, AEON will, pursuant to Article 234 of the Companies Act and other relevant laws and regulations, sell AEON shares in the number equivalent to the total number of such fractions (with any fraction less than one share in the total number to be rounded down) and pay these shareholders the proceeds from such sale in cash in proportion to their respective numbers of fractional shares.
(ii) | Basis for the details of allotment in the Share Exchange |
a. | Basis and reasons for the details of the allotment |
To ensure the fairness and appropriateness of the Share Exchange Ratio and other aspects of the Share Exchange described above in (i) “Details of the allotment in the Share Exchange,” the Company and AEON decided to each independently appoint third-party valuation institutions, independent of the Companies, to calculate the share exchange ratio, and the Companies also decided to each independently seek legal advice from independent legal advisors. AEON selected Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. (“Nomura Securities”), and the Company selected Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd. (“Mizuho Securities”) as their respective financial advisors and third-party valuation institutions, independent of the Companies. The Special Committee selected Plutus Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Plutus Consulting”) as its financial advisor and third-party valuation institution, independent of the Companies. Furthermore, AEON selected Nishimura & Asahi, and the Company selected Mori Hamada & Matsumoto as their respective legal advisors.
The Companies each engaged in careful consideration, referring to the valuation results of the share exchange ratio calculated by their respective third-party valuation institutions for the Share Exchange and the advice from their legal advisors, and taking into account matters such as the results of the due diligence conducted on the other party. The Companies had multiple rounds of careful discussions and negotiations on the share exchange ratio, comprehensively taking into account their financial conditions, asset conditions, future prospects and other factors.
AEON, as a result of careful discussions and deliberation as described below in (4) “Matters taken into consideration to avoid conflicts of interest with the Company’s shareholders,” based on, among other things, the valuation report on the share exchange ratio obtained from its third-party valuation institution Nomura Securities on April 11, 2025, the advice from its legal advisor Nishimura & Asahi, and the results of the due diligence conducted on the Company by AEON, concluded that the Share Exchange Ratio is appropriate and contributes to the interests of the shareholders of AEON. Therefore, AEON determined that it is appropriate to implement the Share Exchange based on the Share Exchange Ratio.
On the other hand, the Company had careful discussions and deliberation as described below in (4) “Matters taken into consideration to avoid conflicts of interest with the Company’s shareholders,” based on, among other things, the valuation report on the share exchange ratio obtained from its third-party valuation institution Mizuho Securities on April 10, 2025 (the “Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Mizuho Securities)”), the advice from its legal advisor Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the results of the due diligence conducted on AEON by the Company, the instructions and advice from the Special Committee, which is comprised of independent members without interest with the Company and AEON, and the report received from the Special Committee on April 10, 2025 (the “Written Report,” as detailed below in (iii) “The Company having obtained a written report from the disinterested special committee” under
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(4) “Matters taken into consideration to avoid conflicts of interest with the Company’s shareholders”), and the valuation report on the share exchange ratio obtained on April 10, 2025 from Plutus Consulting, the third-party valuation institution independently appointed by the Special Committee, (the “Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Plutus Consulting)”). Consequently, the Company concluded that the Share Exchange Ratio is appropriate and contributes to the interests of the minority shareholders of the Company. Therefore, the Company determined that it is appropriate to implement the Share Exchange based on the Share Exchange Ratio. As described above, the Companies concluded that the Share Exchange Ratio is appropriate and contributes to the interests of the respective shareholders of the Company and AEON.
Accordingly, the Companies decided, based on the decision made by AEON’s representative executive officers on April 11, 2025 and the resolution at the meeting of the Company’s Board of Directors held on April 11, 2025, to implement the Share Exchange based on the Share Exchange Ratio.
Please note that the Share Exchange Ratio is subject to change by mutual discussions and agreement between the Company and AEON if there are significant changes in the conditions that form the basis for its calculation.
b. | Matters concerning valuation |
i. | Names of valuation institutions and their relationships with the Companies |
Nomura Securities, the third-party valuation institution for AEON, Mizuho Securities, the third-party valuation institution for the Company, and Plutus Consulting, the third-party valuation institution independently appointed by the Special Committee, are all valuation institutions independent of the Company and AEON. None of these valuation institutions is a related party to the Company and AEON and has any material interest that should be disclosed in relation to the Share Exchange.
Although Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (“Mizuho Bank”) and Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. (“Mizuho Trust Bank”), which are group companies of Mizuho Securities, hold shareholder positions in the Company and AEON, and they also engage in loan and other transactions with the Company and AEON as part of ordinary banking transactions, according to Mizuho Securities, Mizuho Securities established and implemented appropriate conflict of interest management systems, including information barriers between Mizuho Securities, Mizuho Bank, and Mizuho Trust Bank, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations including the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (Article 36, paragraph (2)) and the Cabinet Office Order on Financial Instruments Business, etc. (Article 70-4), and Mizuho Securities conducted the valuation of the share exchange ratio independently of the positions of Mizuho Bank and Mizuho Trust Bank as shareholders and lenders. The Company, considering the track record of Mizuho Securities as a valuation institution and the appropriate preventive measures taken between Mizuho Securities and Mizuho Bank and Mizuho Trust Bank, determined that sufficient independence is maintained at Mizuho Securities in its role as the financial advisor and third-party valuation institution for the Company in the Share Exchange, and that there are no particular issues in requesting Mizuho Securities to perform the valuation of the share exchange ratio. Additionally, while the fees payable to Mizuho Securities include a success fee contingent upon the successful completion of the Share Exchange and other conditions, the Company selected Mizuho Securities as its financial advisor and third-party valuation institution based on the above fee system, taking into account such factors as general business practices in similar transactions.
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Furthermore, fees payable to Plutus Consulting for the Share Exchange consists solely of fixed fees, which are payable regardless of the successful completion of the Share Exchange, and do not include any success fee contingent upon the successful completion of the Share Exchange.
ii. | Overview of valuation |
(a) | Valuation by Nomura Securities |
Nomura Securities conducted the valuation of AEON shares employing the average market price analysis, since AEON shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and their market price is available.
Nomura Securities conducted the valuation of the Company’s shares employing the average market price analysis, since the Company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and their market price is available, as well as the discounted cash flow method (the “DCF Analysis”) to reflect the future business activities in the valuation.
The following are the results of the share exchange ratio calculation, where the per-share value of AEON shares based on each valuation method is 1.
Method used | Calculated range of share exchange ratio |
Average market price analysis (1) | 0.52 to 0.54 |
Average market price analysis (2) | 0.56 to 0.62 |
DCF Analysis | 0.55 to 0.91 |
In the average market price analysis (1), with the reference date set at February 27, 2024 (the “Reference Date (1)”), which is the business day before the execution date of the MOU, and eliminating the impact on the share price of speculative reports by certain media outlets regarding the Shares Exchange (before the close of trading hours on February 28, 2024), the closing prices of AEON shares and the Company’s shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Reference Date (1), as well as the simple average closing prices over the periods of five business days, one month, three months, and six months immediately preceding Reference Date (1), were used, and the reference date was set at April 10, 2025 (the “Reference Date (2)”), and the closing prices of AEON shares and the Company’s shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Reference Date (2), as well as the simple average closing prices over the periods of five business days, one month, three months, and six months immediately preceding the Reference Date (2), were used.
In calculating the share exchange ratio, Nomura Securities assumed that all published information and all information provided to Nomura Securities is accurate and complete. Nomura Securities did not conduct independent verification of the accuracy or completeness of the above information. Nomura Securities did not perform independent valuation, appraisal or assessment of the assets or liabilities (including financial derivatives, off-balance-sheet assets, off-balance-sheet liabilities, and other contingent liabilities) of AEON, the Company or their respective affiliates, including analysis and evaluation of individual assets and liabilities, nor did Nomura Securities engage any third-party institution to appraise or assess any of the above assets or liabilities. Nomura Securities assumes that the Company’s financial forecasts (including profit plans and other information) were reasonably examined or prepared by the Company’s management team based on the best and good-faith estimation and judgment which could be obtained at this point in time. Nomura Securities’ valuation reflects the information obtained by Nomura Securities and the economic conditions existing up to April 10, 2025. Nomura Securities’ valuation is intended solely to serve as reference for AEON’s decision-making body in considering the share exchange ratio.
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In the Company’s financial forecasts, which Nomura Securities used as a basis for the valuation using the DCF Analysis, there are no fiscal years in which a substantial increase or decrease in profit is expected; however, there are certain fiscal years in which a substantial increase or decrease in free cash flow is expected. Specifically, primarily due to increase or decrease in capital investment related to new mall investments and the expansion and revitalization of existing malls in Japan and overseas, compared to the previous fiscal year, the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 saw an increase of 84.1 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year, the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026 is expected to see a decrease of 60.5 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year, the fiscal year ending February 28, 2029 is expected to see an increase of 63.8 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year, the fiscal year ending February 28, 2030 is expected to see an increase of 51.5 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year, and the fiscal year ending February 28, 2031 is expected to see an increase of 39.9 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year. These financial forecasts do not assume the implementation of the Share Exchange.
(b) | Valuation by Mizuho Securities |
Mizuho Securities conducted the valuation of AEON shares employing the market price method, since AEON shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and their market price is available.
Mizuho Securities conducted the valuation of the Company’s shares employing: (i) the market price method since the Company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and their market price is available, (ii) the comparable company analysis because there are multiple comparable companies, and it is possible to estimate the stock value by comparing with similar companies, and (iii) the DCF Analysis to reflect the future business activities in the valuation.
The following are the results of the share exchange ratio calculation, where the per-share value of AEON shares based on each valuation method is 1.
Method used | Calculated range of share exchange ratio | |
AEON | The Company | |
Market price method (Reference Date (1)) |
Market price method (Reference Date (1)) |
0.52 to 0.54 |
Market price method (Reference Date (2)) |
Market price method (Reference Date (2)) |
0.56 to 0.62 |
Comparable company analysis | 0.50 to 0.66 | |
DCF Analysis | 0.44 to 0.83 |
In the market price method, with the reference dates set at February 27, 2025 (Reference Date (1)), which is the business day before the execution date of the MOU, and eliminating the impact on the share price of speculative reports by certain media outlets regarding the Share Exchange (before the close of trading hours on February 28, 2025), as well as at April 10, 2025 (Reference Date (2)) to take into account the market’s evaluation based on the share price situation over the period from the execution of the MOU to the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, the closing prices of AEON shares and the Company’s shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Reference Dates (1) and (2), as well as the simple average closing prices over the periods of one month, three months, and six months up to the Reference Dates (1) and (2), were used.
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In the comparable company analysis, Mizuho Securities selected companies that operate businesses relatively similar to that of the Company, specifically, Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., Katakura Industries Co., Ltd., and Kabuki-za Co., Ltd. Mizuho Securities then calculated the valuation using the EBITDA multiples relative to the enterprise value of these companies.
In the DCF Analysis, the enterprise value and equity value were calculated by discounting the future cash flow expected from the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 at a certain discount rate to the present value based on the financial forecasts prepared by the Company for the period from the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 through the fiscal year ending February 28, 2031 and recent business performance trends. The going concern value under the DCF Analysis was calculated using the perpetuity growth rate method and the multiple method. Specifically, a discount rate of 4.27% to 4.47% was used, with a perpetuity growth rate of 2% under the perpetuity growth method and an EBITDA multiple of 7.55 times to 8.05 times under the multiple method. In the financial forecasts of the Company, which Mizuho Securities used as a basis under the DCF Analysis, there are no fiscal years in which a substantial increase or decrease in profit is expected; however, there are certain fiscal years in which a substantial increase or decrease in free cash flow is expected. Specifically, the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026 is expected to see a decrease of 93.3 billion yen from the previous fiscal year, and the fiscal year ending February 28, 2029 is expected to see an increase of 90.9 billion yen from the previous fiscal year, primarily due to increase or decrease in capital investment related to new mall investments and the expansion and revitalization of existing malls in Japan and overseas.
As it is difficult to specifically estimate the impact on earnings of the synergies anticipated to be realized through the implementation of the transaction at this time, these synergies have not been incorporated in the financial forecasts or the valuation calculations conducted by Mizuho Securities for which the financial forecasts were used as a basis.
Mizuho Securities has conducted the valuation of the share exchange ratio above, principally using publicly available information and information provided to Mizuho Securities as is, and on the assumption that such materials and information are all accurate and complete. Mizuho Securities has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information and is not obligated to do so. Mizuho Securities has not independently evaluated or assessed the assets or liabilities (including financial derivatives, off-balance-sheet assets, off-balance-sheet liabilities, and other contingent liabilities) of AEON, the Company, or their respective affiliates, nor has it requested any third-party appraisals or assessments. Mizuho Securities assumes that the business plan, financial forecasts, and other forward-looking information provided by the Company were reasonably prepared by the Company’s management team based on the best estimation and judgment which could be obtained at this point in time. Mizuho Securities has relied on the above-mentioned information without independently verifying the accuracy, reasonableness, or feasibility of the Company’s business plan. Mizuho Securities’ calculation of the share exchange ratio reflects the information obtained by Mizuho Securities and the economic conditions existing up to April 10, 2025. Mizuho Securities’ valuation is intended solely to serve as reference for the Company’s Board of Directors in considering the share exchange ratio.
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(c) | Valuation by Plutus Consulting |
After considering which calculation method to use from among multiple calculation methods, Plutus Consulting selected the market price method for AEON shares, since AEON shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and their market price is available.
Plutus Consulting conducted the valuation of the Company’s shares employing the market price method since the Company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and their market price is available, and the DCF Analysis to reflect the future business activities in the valuation.
The following are the results of the share exchange ratio calculation, where the per-share value of AEON shares based on each valuation method is 1.
Method used | Calculated range of share exchange ratio | |
AEON | The Company | |
Market price method (Reference Date (1)) |
Market price method (Reference Date (1)) |
0.52 to 0.54 |
Market price method (Reference Date (2)) |
Market price method (Reference Date (2)) |
0.56 to 0.62 |
DCF Analysis | 0.41 to 0.71 |
Under the market price method, with the reference dates set at February 27, 2025 (Reference Date (1)), which is the business day before the execution date of the MOU, and eliminating the impact on the share price of speculative reports by certain media outlets regarding the Shares Exchange (before the close of trading hours on February 28, 2025), as well as at April 10, 2025 (Reference Date (2)) to take into account the market’s evaluation based on the share price situation over the period from the execution of the MOU to the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, the closing prices of AEON shares and the Company’s shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the Reference Dates (1) and (2), as well as the simple average closing prices over the periods of one month, three months, and six months up to the Reference Dates (1) and (2), were used.
Under the DCF Analysis, the enterprise value and equity value of the Company were calculated by discounting the free cash flow expected to be generated by the Company from the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 at a certain discount rate to the present value based on the financial forecasts prepared by the Company for the period from the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 through the fiscal year ending February 28, 2031 and recent business performance trends. The discount rate was based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and set at 4.5% to 5.1%. The going concern value was calculated using the perpetuity growth rate method with a perpetuity growth rate of 0%.
In the financial forecasts of the Company, which Plutus Consulting used as a basis under the DCF Analysis, there are no fiscal years in which a substantial increase or decrease in profit is expected; however, there are certain fiscal years in which a substantial increase or decrease in free cash flow is expected. Specifically, the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026 is expected see a decrease of 108.1 billion yen from the previous fiscal year, and the fiscal year ending February 28, 2029 is expected to see an increase of 91.3 billion yen from the previous fiscal year, primarily due to increase or decrease in capital investment related to new mall investments and the expansion and revitalization of existing malls in Japan and overseas.
As it is difficult to specifically estimate the synergy effects anticipated to be realized through the implementation of the Share Exchange at this time, these synergy effects have not been incorporated in the business outlook used by Plutus Consulting in the valuation under the DCF Analysis.
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Plutus Consulting has conducted the valuation of the share exchange ratio above, principally using information provided to Plutus Consulting and publicly available information as is, and on the assumption that such materials and information are all accurate and complete. Plutus Consulting has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information. Plutus Consulting has not independently evaluated or assessed the assets or liabilities (including financial derivatives, off-balance-sheet assets, off-balance-sheet liabilities, and other contingent liabilities) of AEON, the Company, or their respective affiliates, nor has it requested any third-party appraisals or assessments. Plutus Consulting assumes that information concerning the Company’s financial forecasts was reasonably prepared by the Company’s management team based on the best estimation and judgment which could be obtained at the time of valuation. However, Plutus Consulting has confirmed the content of the Company’s business plan which used as a basis of the valuation by exchanging questions and answers with the Company. Furthermore, as described below in (iii) “The Company having obtained a written report from the disinterested special committee” under (4) “Matters taken into consideration to avoid conflicts of interest with the Company’s shareholders,” the Special Committee has reviewed the contents and key assumptions of the business plan, the process of their preparation, and other details, and confirmed that the business plan is reasonable.
2) | Matters regarding the appropriateness of AEON’s amount of capital and reserves |
AEON’s amount of capital and reserves to be increased through the Share Exchange will be as follows. Such handling was decided within the scope of laws and regulations after comprehensive consideration of AEON’s financial position, capital policy and other circumstances, and was determined to be appropriate.
(1) | Capital | ¥0 |
(2) | Amount of legal capital surplus | The amount that AEON determines separately in accordance with the provision of Article 39 of the Regulation for Corporate Accounting |
(3) | Amount of legal retained earnings | ¥0 |
3) | Reason for selecting the relevant type of property as consideration for the exchange |
The Company and AEON selected AEON shares as consideration for the exchange.
Delivering AEON shares to the Company’s minority shareholders (excluding AEON; the same applies below in this paragraph) as consideration for the Share Exchange will, through the ownership of AEON shares, provide the minority shareholders of the Company with the opportunity to enjoy the expected benefits of implementing various measures envisaged after the Share Exchange, the business development and revenue expansion of the AEON Group that will result from the realization of such benefits, and the resulting rise in the share price of AEON shares. At the same time, this method also provides the possibility for converting AEON shares, which have a high level of liquidity, into cash at any time by trading them on the market. For these and other reasons, it was determined that selecting AEON shares as consideration for the Share Exchange is desirable from the perspective of the interests of the Company’s minority shareholders and is therefore appropriate.
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As a result of the Share Exchange, the Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of AEON on the effective date (scheduled on July 1, 2025). Consequently, in accordance with the delisting criteria of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, after the prescribed procedures are completed, the Company’s shares are expected to be delisted on June 27, 2025 (with the final trading day being June 26, 2025). After delisting, the Company’s shares will no longer be tradable on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. If the current effective date of the Share Exchange is changed, the delisting date will also be adjusted accordingly.
Even after the delisting of the Company’s shares, the AEON shares allotted to the Company’s minority shareholders through the Share Exchange will remain listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. Although some shareholders may receive allotment of shares less than one unit, shareholders holding at least one unit will still be able to trade their shares on the financial instruments exchange market, and the Companies believe that the liquidity of the shares will continue to be provided.
Although shares less than one unit cannot be sold on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, shareholders may utilize AEON’s program for purchasing additional shares to form one unit or the buyback program for shares less than one unit, should they wish to do so. For details on these procedures, please see (Note 3) “Handling of shares less than one unit,” to (i) “Details of the allotment in the Share Exchange” under 1) “Matters regarding the appropriateness of the total number and allotment of consideration for the exchange.”
Additionally, for details on the handling of fractions less than one share, please see (Note 4) “Handling of fractions less than one share” to (i) “Details of the allotment in the Share Exchange” under 1) “Matters regarding the appropriateness of the total number and allotment of consideration for the exchange.”
The Company’s minority shareholders will be able to trade their Company’s shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market as usual until the last trading day of June 26, 2025 (scheduled). They will also be able to exercise their legal rights under the Companies Act and other relevant laws and regulations until the Record Time.
4) | Matters taken into consideration to avoid conflicts of interest with the Company’s shareholders |
As of April 11, 2025, the Company is a consolidated subsidiary of AEON, with AEON holding 132,351,781 shares of the Company’s shares, which represents 58.16% (rounded to two decimal places; hereinafter the same) of 227,566,243 shares (calculated by subtracting the number of treasury stock (4,896 shares) as of February 28, 2025, from the total number of issued shares of the Company as of February 28, 2025 (227,571,139 shares)). Accordingly, the Company and AEON determined that it is necessary to ensure the fairness of the Share Exchange, and implemented the following measures to ensure fairness (including measures to avoid conflicts of interest):
(i) | Obtaining valuation reports from independent third-party valuation institutions |
AEON selected Nomura Securities that is independent of the Companies, the Company selected Mizuho Securities that is independent of the Companies, and the Special Committee selected Plutus Consulting that is independent of the Companies, as their respective third-party valuation institutions, independent of the Companies. Each of AEON, the Company and the Special Committee obtained valuation reports concerning the share exchange ratio.
For an overview of the valuation reports, please see b. “Matters concerning valuation” under (ii) “Basis for the details of allotment in the Share Exchange” above. It should be noted that none of AEON, the Company, or the Special Committee has obtained a fairness opinion from its respective third-party valuation institution to the effect that the Share Exchange Ratio is appropriate or fair from a financial viewpoint.
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(ii) | Advice from independent law firms |
AEON selected Nishimura & Asahi as its legal advisor and received legal advice from this firm regarding the procedures of the Share Exchange and the methods and processes of AEON’s decision-making. Nishimura & Asahi is independent of both AEON and the Company and does not have any material interests with either company.
The Company selected Mori Hamada & Matsumoto as its legal advisor and received legal advice from this firm regarding the procedures of the Share Exchange and the methods and processes of the Company’s decision-making. Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is independent of both AEON and the Company and does not have any material interests with either company.
(iii) | The Company having obtained a written report from the disinterested special committee |
a. Background of establishment
The Company received a letter of intent from AEON on January 9, 2025, expressing a desire to commence specific discussions towards making the Company a wholly owned subsidiary of AEON. In response, in order to ensure the fairness of the Share Exchange as mentioned above when considering the Share Exchange and discussing and negotiating the Share Exchange with AEON, the Company decided to have the Governance Committee, which is comprised of five Independent Outside Directors of the Company (Mr. Kunihiro Koshizuka, Ms. Chisa Enomoto, Mr. Hironobu Kurosaki, Ms. Junko Owada, and Ms. Junko Taki), act as the Special Committee for the Share Exchange and provide recommendations, given the fact that those Independent Outside Directors are independent of AEON, the Company, and the success or failure of the Share Exchange, and that the Governance Committee is responsible for appropriately reflecting the opinions of stakeholders, including minority shareholders, to the Board of Directors from a standpoint independent of the management and the controlling shareholder of the Company. The Special Committee began its review of the reasonableness of the Share Exchange, the appropriateness of the transaction terms, and other issues on January 16, 2025. Accordingly, at the Board of Directors meeting held on January 28, 2025, the Company confirmed that the Special Committee would be asked to: (a) examine whether the Board of Directors of the Company should approve the take-private transaction of the Company by AEON and provide recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Company, and (b) examine whether the decision of the Board of Directors of the Company to implement the take-private transaction would be disadvantageous to the minority shareholders of the Company and provide the Special Committee’s opinion to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Consultation Matters”).
Additionally, the Board of Directors of the Company confirmed that (i) the Board of Directors of the Company would make decisions regarding the take-private transaction by fully respecting the judgment of the Special Committee, and (ii) if the Special Committee determined that the transaction terms of the take-private transaction were not appropriate, the Board of Directors of the Company would not approve the take-private transaction under those transaction terms. Furthermore, the Board of Directors confirmed to grant the Special Committee the authority to (i) negotiate the transaction terms, etc., with AEON (including indirect negotiations through the Company’s officers, employees and advisors),
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(ii) appoint or designate its own financial advisor or third-party valuation institution and legal advisor as necessary for the review and judgment of the Consultation Matters (with the costs to be borne by the Company), or designate or approve (including post-approval) the Company’s financial, legal or other professional advisors, and (iii) receive information reasonably necessary for the review and judgment of the Consultation Matters from the Company’s officers, employees and other persons deemed necessary by the Special Committee, as necessary.
In making the above Board of Directors resolution, considering that the Company is a subsidiary of AEON and that the Share Exchange constitutes a transaction inherently involving issues of structural conflicts of interest and issues of information asymmetry, from the perspective of eliminating the risk of the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors being affected by these issues, the resolution was made unanimously by nine out of 12 Directors of the Company, which excludes Mr. Motoya Okada, who currently serves as Director, Representative Executive Officer and Chairman of AEON, and Mr. Keiji Ohno and Mr. Hideki Hayami, who are from AEON. Additionally, at the above Board of Directors meeting, two Audit & Supervisory Board Members of the Company, excluding Mr. Masato Nishimatsu, who concurrently serves as an advisor to AEON, and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama, who is from AEON, expressed their opinions that they had no objections to the resolution.
Furthermore, considering that the Share Exchange constitutes a transaction inherently involving issues of structural conflicts of interest and issues of information asymmetry, from the perspective of eliminating the risk of being affected by these issues, Mr. Motoya Okada, Mr. Keiji Ohno, and Mr. Hideki Hayami, among the Directors of the Company, and Mr. Masato Nishimatsu and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama, among the Audit & Supervisory Board Members of the Company, did not participate in the deliberations and resolutions of the Board of Directors concerning the Share Exchange, including the above Board of Directors meeting, and did not participate in the discussions and negotiations of the Share Exchange from the Company’s standpoint.
The compensation for each member of the Special Committee is included in the remuneration for Outside Directors of the Company, as all members of the Special Committee are Outside Directors of the Company and their duties as committee members are considered part of their responsibilities as Outside Directors. Therefore, no success fees contingent on the announcement or successful completion of the Share Exchange are included in their compensation.
b. Background of the review
The Special Committee convened a total of 19 times (approximately 24 hours in total) between January 16, 2025 and April 10, 2025. Additionally, during the intervals between meetings, the Special Committee carried out its duties related to the Consultation Matters by reporting, sharing information, deliberating, and making decisions as necessary through email communications. Specifically, the Special Committee confirmed that there are no issues with the independence and expertise of Mizuho Securities, the independent financial advisor and third-party valuation institution appointed by the Company, and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the legal advisor appointed by the Company, and approved their appointment. The Special Committee appointed Plutus Consulting as its own financial advisor and third-party valuation institution in light of factors such as its independence, expertise, and track record.
The Special Committee then received explanations from AEON regarding the background and purpose of the Share Exchange, the growth strategy after the Share Exchange (including synergies from the Share Exchange), the advantages and disadvantages of the Company’s delisting, the management policy after the Share Exchange, and their position on the Share Exchange Ratio and other terms, and engaged in a Q&A session with AEON. Similarly, the Special Committee received explanations from the Company regarding the background of being offered the Share Exchange proposal, the purpose of this transaction, the business environment, and business plans, and engaged in a Q&A session with the Company.
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Furthermore, the Special Committee reviewed and approved the business plans to be presented to AEON and the business plans that Mizuho Securities and Plutus Consulting would use as the basis for evaluating the value of the Company’s stock to ensure that their contents, key assumptions and the process of their preparation are reasonable.
Additionally, the Special Committee received legal advice from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the Company’s legal advisor, on measures to ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest in the Share Exchange as well as other general matters related to the Share Exchange, in light of Mori Hamada & Matsumoto’s independence and expertise.
Furthermore, the Special Committee received explanations from Mizuho Securities, the Company’s financial advisor and third-party valuation institution, and Plutus Consulting, the Special Committee’s own financial advisor and third-party valuation institution, regarding the reasons for selecting the methods used to calculate the consideration for the Share Exchange (including the Share Exchange Ratio), the valuation processes for each method, the material assumptions, and the valuation results. The Special Committee exchanged questions and answers with Mizuho Securities and Plutus Consulting and confirmed the reasonableness of the above.
Additionally, considering the independence and expertise of Mizuho Securities, the Company’s financial advisor, the Special Committee received explanations from Mizuho Securities at the Company’s request, and also received explanations from Plutus Consulting, the Special Committee’s own financial advisor. Taking into account the valuation and analysis results of the share exchange ratio provided by Mizuho Securities and Plutus Consulting, the results of the due diligence conducted on AEON by the Company, and other considerations, the Special Committee deliberated on and examined the negotiation strategy to obtain a higher share exchange ratio from AEON.
Additionally, the Special Committee substantially participated in the discussions and negotiations with AEON regarding the share exchange ratio, such as by (i) receiving timely reports each time the Company received a proposal regarding the share exchange ratio from AEON, (ii) receiving explanations from Mizuho Securities, the Company’s financial advisor, and Plutus Consulting, the Special Committee’s own financial advisor, at the Company’s request, (iii) providing the Company with its opinions multiple times that the Company should request AEON to increase the share exchange ratio, and (iv) deliberating on and examining the strategy for the negotiation with AEON.
As a result, on April 9, 2025, the Company received a proposal from AEON to set the share exchange ratio at 1:0.65 (allotting 0.65 share of AEON for each of the Company’s shares). Consequently, the share exchange ratio was raised from the initially proposed ratio of 1:0.57 (allotting 0.57 share of AEON for each of the Company’s shares) to 1:0.65 (allotting 0.65 share of AEON for each of the Company’s shares).
The Special Committee also received explanations from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto regarding the content of the draft of the press release on the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, which the Company and AEON plan to disclose, and confirmed that comprehensive information disclosure is expected.
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c. Content of the Decision
Under the circumstances described above, after careful discussions and consideration of the Consultation Matters based on the legal advice received from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the financial advice received from Mizuho Securities, and the contents of the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Mizuho Securities) received on April 10, 2025 and the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Plutus Consulting) received on April 10, 2025, the Special Committee submitted the Written Report to the Company’s Board of Directors on April 10, 2025, with unanimous consent from all committee members. The main points of the Written Report are as follows.
(a) | Contents of the report |
i. | It is appropriate for the Company’s Board of Directors to approve the transaction. |
ii. | It would not be disadvantageous to the minority shareholders of the Company for the Company’s Board of Directors to decide on the implementation of the transaction. |
(b) | Reason for the report |
i. | Whether the transaction will contribute to enhancing the corporate value of the Company |
The Special Committee carefully deliberated and considered whether or not the transaction will contribute to enhancing the corporate value of the Company, taking into account the question-and-answer session conducted in the form of writing and interviews with AEON and interviews with the Company. For the following reasons, the Special Committee concluded that the management strategy and specific measures proposed by AEON are one of the means to swiftly and reliably grow the corporate value of the Company, although careful consideration and handling will be required when implementing individual measures.
• | (i) By leveraging the scalability of the AEON Group and the human resources and know-how of the Company, the transaction will expand the management resources available to the Company and have the potential to achieve sustainable growth for the Company; (ii) By integrating demands within the AEON Group, the Company’s sales and profits would increase through the internalization of sales promotion, event planning, advertising business, revitalization and repair work, etc.; (iii) By clarifying the function of the Company as a core company in the AEON Group’s developer business, the services provided by the Company may evolve or expand through vertical integration of the real estate value chain with the Company at its core and the creation of new businesses through this; (iv) By linking the customer data bases of the AEON Group companies, the Company will be able to expand its earnings by developing digital marketing as a group; and (v) It will be difficult to implement these measures more quickly and reliably under the current capital relationship. |
• | With regard to the PM properties(Note) entrusted to the Company by AEON Group companies, although there will be certain uncertainties and their impact on the asset efficiency of the Company, if the Company will succeed the PM properties from the AEON Group companies and directly manage them as the owners of the properties, the Company’s performance is expected to improve due to increased business opportunities even in light of the possibility of rent review by the AEON Group companies. |
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(Note) | “PM properties” are the properties owned by AEON Group companies whose property management operations are outsourced to the Company. |
• | In order to enhance the corporate value of the Company, it is considered essential to develop business in overseas markets where growth is expected. Through the question-and-answer sessions, by effectively utilizing the AEON Group’s management resources while strengthening the financial base through the consolidation of the AEON Group’s demand, etc., the continued development of the business in overseas markets can be expected. |
• | On the other hand, there has been concern that as a result of the Company ceasing to be a listed company, there may be a loss of freedom in the procurement of funds required for future growth investments by the Company in that the Company must rely on parent company-subsidiary loans provided through AEON. However, AEON believes that the transaction is generally viewed positively by financial institutions and credit rating agencies and that the AEON Group’s ability to procure funds will be strengthened, and that this does not mean that AEON will deny the Company from conducting its own fund procurement such as borrowing from financial institutions and issuing corporate bonds after the transaction. |
• | There was also concern that the execution of the transaction could adversely affect the relationships with the Company’s stakeholders, such as tenants and employees, who are direct customers of the Company. However, since the execution and announcement of the MOU, there have been no signs of the deterioration of such relationships. |
ii. | Procedural fairness |
Based on the following points, it is believed that fair procedures have been implemented in the transaction from the perspective of benefiting general shareholders.
1) | Establishment of the Special Committee |
• | In light of the fact that the transaction is a transaction that typically involves the issues of structural conflicts of interest and information asymmetry, to address these issues and ensure the fairness of the transaction, it has been confirmed that this Special Committee, consisting of five Independent Outside Directors of the Company, will be consulted for the Consultation Matters. |
• | The Special Committee consists of the following five members who are deemed to possess the experience and knowledge necessary for examining the matters subject to consultation: (i) Ms. Chisa Enomoto, who has extensive knowledge in the disclosure of sustainability information and the promotion of brand strategies, which are crucial issues for the Company, through her abundant experience and achievements as a leader at multiple companies, including foreign companies, and wide range of activities and networks, including outside directors at other companies and initiatives at universities; (ii) Mr. Kunihiro Koshizuka, who has been engaged in technological strategies, new business creation, and large-scale acquisition projects as a director at other companies, and has advanced knowledge in digital and scientific technology cultivated as an engineer; (iii) Mr. Hironobu Kurosaki, who has management experience in business expansion cultivated as a manager (president) of overseas business activities and local subsidiaries as well as advanced knowledge in risk management; (iv) Ms. Junko Owada, who has advanced knowledge in personnel recruitment education, including human resource utilization, human resource solutions, diversity, and work-style reforms; and (v) Ms. Junko Taki, who has business experience in business strategy planning, the restructuring of business management infrastructure, and the establishment of accounting internal control as an executive officer close to management at other companies, and has advanced knowledge cultivated as a certified public accountant as an expert in accounting auditing, accounting consulting, corporate governance, etc. |
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• | During the period from January 16, 2025 to April 10, 2025, the Special Committee held a total of 19 deliberations for a total of approximately 24 hours. |
2) | Advice from an independent law firm for the Company |
• | The Company has appointed Mori Hamada & Matsumoto as legal advisor, independent from the AEON Group and the AEON MALL Group (the “Group”), to ensure the fairness of the share exchange ratio and other aspects of the transaction. The Special Committee confirmed that there were no issues with its independence, expertise, track record, etc., and approved the appointment. Furthermore, fees payable to Mori Hamada & Matsumoto are calculated by multiplying hourly rates by the hours worked, regardless of the successful completion or failure of the transaction, and since there is no success fee contingent on the completion of the transaction, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto’s independence is considered to be ensured. |
• | On that basis, the Company received legal advice from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto regarding the measures to be taken to ensure the fairness of the procedures in the transaction, the procedures for the transaction, the method and process of the Company’s decision-making regarding the transaction, and points to note in other decision-making, etc. |
3) | Obtaining a valuation report on the share exchange ratio from a third-party valuation institution independent from the Company |
• | To ensure the fairness of the share exchange ratio and other aspects of the transaction, the Company appointed Mizuho Securities, a financial advisor to the Company, as a third-party valuation institution independent of the AEON Group and the Group. The Special Committee confirmed that there were no issues with its independence, expertise, track record, etc., and approved the appointment. |
• | Mizuho Bank and Mizuho Trust Bank, which are group companies of Mizuho Securities, have a position as shareholders of the Company and AEON. Although they engage in financing transactions, etc., with the Company and AEON in the ordinary course of banking business, considering that they do not have a material interest in the Share Exchange that involves conflicts of interest, Mizuho Securities has established and is implementing an appropriate conflict of interest management framework, and the Company and Mizuho Securities are executing transactions on the same terms as general business partners and ensures the independence of Mizuho Securities as an independent third-party valuation institution, and Mizuho Securities has a track record as an independent third-party valuation institution in similar cases in the past, it has been confirmed that the independence of Mizuho Securities as a third-party valuation institution is ensured. Fees payable to Mizuho Securities for the transaction include a success fee contingent on, among others, the successful completion of the transaction. However, considering the general practice in similar transactions, it is believed that the inclusion of a success fee contingent on the successful completion of the transaction does not necessarily negate the independence of Mizuho Securities. |
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• | On this basis, the Company obtained advice from Mizuho Securities on the calculation of the share exchange ratio and the negotiation policy for the transaction from a financial perspective, and obtained the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Mizuho Securities) dated April 10, 2025. |
4) | Obtaining a valuation report on the share exchange ratio from a third-party valuation institution independent from the Special Committee |
• | In considering the Consultation Matters, the Special Committee appointed Plutus Consulting, a financial advisor and third-party valuation institution independent of AEON and the Group, to provide advice from a financial perspective. Fees for Plutus Consulting consist solely of a fixed fee payable regardless of the successful completion or failure of the transaction, without success fee contingent on the completion of the transaction. Accordingly, Plutus Consulting’s independence is considered to be ensured. |
• | The Special Committee received the calculation of the share exchange ratio, and advice from a financial perspective, including advice regarding negotiations with AEON, as well as obtaining the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Plutus Consulting) dated April 10, 2025. |
5) | The Company’s establishment of an independent review framework |
• | After the Company received the letter of intent from AEON on January 9, 2025, the Company considered and established a project team to consider the transaction (including the preparation of a business plan that would form the basis for the valuation of the Company’s shares) and to conduct discussions and negotiations with AEON. The project team was to be composed of the Company’s officers and employees who do not hold concurrent positions as AEON officers and employees and who have never held positions as officers and employees of the AEON Group (excluding the Company) in the past. |
• | On January 28, 2025, based on legal advice from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the Board of Directors decided that, for considering, deciding, and negotiating this transaction within the Company, Mr. Keiji Ohno and Mr. Hideki Hayami (who are both Directors), and Mr. Masato Nishimatsu and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama (who are Audit & Supervisory Board Members), who are from AEON or AEON Group, would not be involved in any discussions or negotiations related to the transaction. |
• | The Special Committee has also confirmed that there are no issues with the Company review framework (including the scope of the Company’s officers and employees involved in the review, negotiation, and decision-making of the transaction and their duties), from the perspective of independence and fairness. |
6) | Non-participation of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members with interest at the Company |
• | Of the 12 Directors of the Company, Mr. Motoya Okada is currently a Director and Representative Executive Officer and Chairman of AEON. Mr. Keiji Ohno and Mr. Hideki Hayami are from AEON. Given that the Company is a consolidated subsidiary of AEON and the transaction falls under a category of transactions that typically involve structural conflicts of interest and information asymmetry issues, it is essential to eliminate the risk that deliberations and resolutions by the Board of Directors will be affected by these issues. For this reason, they have not participated in the Board of Directors’ deliberations and resolutions regarding the transaction until April 10, 2025, and they do not plan to participate in the Board of Directors’ deliberations and resolutions scheduled to be held on April 11, 2025, regarding the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement. Additionally, they have not been involved in the deliberations, consultations, or negotiations concerning the transaction from the position of the Company. |
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• | As Mr. Masato Nishimatsu and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama, who are Audit & Supervisory Board Members, are also from AEON, they have not participated in the Board of Directors’ deliberations regarding the transaction until April 10, 2025. They do not intend to participate in the Board of Directors’ deliberations scheduled for April 11, 2025, regarding the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement. Furthermore, they have not participated in the deliberations, consultations, or negotiations regarding the transaction from the position of the Company. |
7) | Ensuring that other acquirers have the opportunity to make acquisition proposals (Market Check) |
• | The Company and AEON have not entered into any agreement that restricts other bidders from contacting the Company, such as an agreement that includes a deal protection clause that prohibits the Company from contacting a bidder other than AEON. |
• | According to the draft of the press release regarding the transaction and the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, the annual shareholders meeting of the Company to approve the Share Exchange Agreement is scheduled to be held on May 22, 2025, which is more than one month after the announcement of the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement. Given that the MOU to initiate negotiations on the transaction was publicly announced on February 28, 2025, it cannot be said that the opportunities for counterbidders to make proposals is less than in other corporate acquisition cases. |
• | The Company has not conducted an active market check, but it is acknowledged that an indirect market check has been performed for the transaction as stated above. Given the implementation of sufficient fairness measures as detailed in 1) to 6) above, it is concluded that the absence of an active market check in and of itself will not compromise the fairness of the procedures for the transaction. |
iii. | Appropriateness of transaction conditions |
1) | Method of the transaction and type of consideration for acquisition, etc. |
The transaction is scheduled to be implemented through the Share Exchange in which AEON will be the wholly owning parent company and the Company will be the wholly owned subsidiary. In the transaction, AEON shares will be delivered to minority shareholders of the Company. The effects of this delivery are that (i) through holding AEON shares, minority shareholders of the Company will be provided with opportunities to enjoy synergies expected through the implementation of various measures envisaged after the Share Exchange, the business development and earnings expansion of the AEON Group through the realization of synergies, and the consequent price increase in of AEON shares, (ii) minority shareholders of the Company will be able to trade highly liquid AEON shares at any time in the market for cash, and
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(iii) there may be minority shareholders of the Company who will have less than one unit of AEON shares and not be able to sell AEON shares on a financial instruments exchange market as a result of the Share Exchange, but they will be guaranteed an opportunity to recover their investment by using the program that allows them to purchase AEON shares in an odd lot, or the program of having such shares bought back. Given these effects, the Special Committee finds that there are no unreasonable points in the method of the transaction and the type of consideration for acquisition, and considers them appropriate.
2) | Share exchange ratio and other transaction conditions |
The Special Committee considers the Share Exchange Ratio of 1:0.65 (allocation of 0.65 AEON shares for each of the Company’s shares) to be a reasonable ratio for the following reasons.
(i) | With respect to the Share Exchange Ratio, having the Special Committee that is independent from the Company and AEON negotiate it ensures a situation where reasonable efforts would be made to strive for a Share Exchange conducted under the most advantageous transaction terms possible for general shareholders, in other words, a situation that could be regarded as a transaction between independent parties. On that basis, the ratio was agreed upon after a total of six proposals made by AEON, from 1:0.57 (allocation of 0.57 AEON shares for each of the Company’s shares) as the ratio for the initial proposal, to 1:0.65 (allocation of 0.65 AEON shares for each of the Company’s shares) as the ratio for the final proposal. The Share Exchange Ratio is therefore considered to be a ratio reached after repeated sincere negotiations. |
(ii) | The amount that is equivalent to the consideration, 2,607 yen, which is calculated based on the market price of AEON shares on the day before the announcement of the Share Exchange Ratio and the Share Exchange (April 10, 2025), exceeds the highest price of the company’s shares, including intraday prices, from July 11, 2014 to April 10, 2025. Therefore, it is at a price level that does not cause economic disadvantage to shareholders who acquired the Company’s shares in the market during this period. |
(iii) | The business plan of the Company (from the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026 to the fiscal period ending February 28, 2031), used as the basis of which Plutus Consulting and Mizuho Securities calculated share values, expects the maximum growth of the Company within the scope reasonably deemed at present achievable, and thus is a reasonable plan to use for this transaction as the basis for calculating the Share Exchange Ratio. In addition, the plan contains no unreasonable points, such as an assumption from which the Share Exchange Ratio would be calculated to be unreasonably low. |
(iv) | In Mizuho Securities’ calculations of the share exchange ratio, the share exchange ratio is calculated to be 0.52 to 0.54 under the market price method with the valuation reference date being the day before the announcement of the execution of the MOU (February 27, 2025), 0.56 to 0.62 under the market price method with the valuation reference date being the day when the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Mizuho Securities) was submitted (April 10, 2025), 0.50 to 0.66 under the comparable company analysis, and 0.44 to 0.83 under the DCF Analysis. Therefore, the Share Exchange Ratio is above the upper limit of the valuation results based on the market price method, and it is within the range of the valuation results based on the comparable company analysis and the DCF Analysis, exceeding the median of these results. |
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(v) | In Plutus Consulting’s calculations of the share exchange ratio, the share exchange ratio is calculated to be 0.52 to 0.54 under the market price method with the valuation reference date being the day before the announcement of the execution of the MOU (February 27, 2025), 0.56 to 0.62 under the market price method with the valuation reference date being the day when the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Plutus Consulting) was submitted (April 10, 2025), and 0.41 to 0.71 under the DCF method. Therefore, the Share Exchange Ratio is above the upper limit of the valuation results based on the market price method and within the range of the valuation results based on the DCF Analysis, exceeding the median of these results. |
(vi) | The Share Exchange Ratio of 0.65 shares of AEON for each share of the company is the ratio calculated with the valuation reference date being the day before the announcement of the execution of the MOU (February 27, 2025), and based on the closing price ratio on the valuation reference date and the simple average of the closing price ratios over the period of one month, three months, and six months immediately preceding the valuation reference date, to which premiums of 22.24%, 23.94%, 20.98%, and 20.48% have been added, respectively. These premiums exceed the median premiums of 18.4%, 18.0%, and 20.7% for the closing price ratios on the day before the announcement, the simple average of the closing price ratios for the most recent one month, and the simple average of the closing price ratios for the most recent three months, respectively, for similar cases announced after June 28, 2019, when the “Fair M&A Guidelines” formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry were published (these similar cases exclude those where the target company was a listed subsidiary of the acquirer before the reorganization, and the premium on the business day before the announcement was a discount, unsuccessful cases, REIT cases, and cases where a share exchange was conducted as a method of making the target company a wholly owned subsidiary following a tender offer). Additionally, the premium is at the same level as the median premium of 21.4% for the simple average of the closing price ratios for the most recent six months. Therefore, it is considered that an appropriate premium has been applied. |
(iv) Establishment of an independent review system within the Company
The Company has established an internal system to review, negotiate, and make decisions regarding the Share Exchange independently of AEON. Specifically, after receiving a letter of intent from AEON on January 9, 2025, the Company considered and formed a project team to review the Share Exchange (including the preparation of business plans that form the basis for evaluating the value of the Company’s shares) and to engage in discussions and negotiations with AEON. The members of this project team are the Company’s officers and employees who do not hold concurrent positions at AEON and have never held officer or employee positions within the AEON Group (excluding the Group). This arrangement has been maintained.
The Special Committee approved at its meeting held on January 16, 2025, based on legal advice from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, that three Directors, Mr. Motoya Okada, Mr. Keiji Ohno, and Mr. Hideki Hayami, and two Audit & Supervisory Board Members, Mr. Masato Nishimatsu and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama, who are considered to have interest regarding the Share Exchange, will not participate in any discussions or negotiations related to the Share Exchange in the course of the review, negotiation, and decision-making related to the Share Exchange at the Company. The Company confirmed this review system at the Board of Directors meeting held on January 28, 2025.
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The Special Committee has approved that there are no issues from the perspective of independence and fairness regarding the Company’s review system, including the scope of officers and employees involved in the review, negotiation, and decision-making related to the Share Exchange and their duties.
(v) | Unanimous approval by all disinterested Directors and unanimous opinion of all disinterested Audit & Supervisory Board Members that they have no objection at the Company |
The Company carefully discussed and examined whether the Share Exchange with AEON will contribute to the enhancement of the Company’s corporate value and whether the transaction terms of the Share Exchange, including the Share Exchange Ratio, are appropriate, based on the legal advice received from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, the financial advice received from Mizuho Securities, the content of the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Mizuho Securities), the content of the Share Exchange Ratio Valuation Report (Plutus Consulting), the Written Report received from the Special Committee, the content of the multiple ongoing discussions between the Special Committee and AEON, and other relevant materials. As a result, the Company resolved at the Board of Directors meeting held on April 11, 2025 to enter into the Share Exchange Agreement.
Given that the Company is a subsidiary of AEON and that the Share Exchange inherently involves issues of structural conflicts of interest and issues of information asymmetry, from the viewpoint of eliminating the risk of the deliberations and resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company being affected by these issues, the deliberations and resolutions at the Board of Directors meeting of the Company were conducted by nine out of 12 Directors, excluding Mr. Motoya Okada, who concurrently serves as an officer of AEON, and Mr. Keiji Ohno and Mr. Hideki Hayami, who are from AEON. The resolution was unanimously approved by these nine Directors. Additionally, at this Board of Directors meeting, all two Audit & Supervisory Board Members, excluding Mr. Masato Nishimatsu, who concurrently serves as an advisor to AEON, and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama, who is from AEON, attended and expressed the opinion that they have no objections to the resolution.
Furthermore, considering that the Share Exchange constitutes a transaction that inherently involves issues of structural conflicts of interest and issues of information asymmetry, from the viewpoint of eliminating the risk of being affected by these issues, Mr. Motoya Okada, Mr. Keiji Ohno and Mr. Hideki Hayami, among the Company’s Directors, and Mr. Masato Nishimatsu and Mr. Kazuhiro Aoyama, among the Company’s Audit & Supervisory Board Members, did not participate in the deliberations and resolutions of the Board of Directors regarding the Share Exchange, including the aforementioned Board of Directors meeting, and did not engage in discussions or negotiations related to the Share Exchange from the Company’s standpoint.
(vi) | Ensuring opportunities for other potential acquirers’ competing acquisition proposals (market check) |
The Company and AEON have not entered into any agreements, including transaction protection clauses, that would prohibit the Company from engaging with potential acquirers other than AEON (“Competing Acquirers”) or restrict Competing Acquirers from contacting the Company.
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Additionally, the annual shareholders meeting of the Company to approve the Share Exchange Agreement is scheduled to be held on May 22, 2025, more than one month after the announcement of the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement. Considering that the execution of the MOU to begin discussions on the transaction was announced in advance on February 28, 2025, it cannot be said that opportunities for Competing Acquirers are insufficient compared to other corporate acquisitions.
While the Company has not conducted an active market check, it is recognized that an indirect market check has been conducted as described above. Furthermore, considering the other sufficient measures to ensure fairness described in points (i) through (v) above have been taken, the absence of an active market check does not, by itself, impair the fairness of the procedures in the transaction.
(2) | Matters for referral in regard to consideration |
1) | Provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of AEON CO., LTD. |
AEON’s Articles of Incorporation have been omitted from the paper-based documents delivered to shareholders who requested delivery of such documents (documents describing matters to be provided electronically) in accordance with laws and regulations and the provision of Article 15 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, but are posted on the Company’s website (https://www.aeonmall.com/ir/event/meeting/ (in Japanese)), General Meeting of Shareholders Materials Website (https://d.sokai.jp/8905/teiji/ (in Japanese)) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange website (https://www2.jpx.co.jp/tseHpFront/JJK010010Action.do?Show (in Japanese)).
* | The Articles of Incorporation of AEON CO., LTD. are available only in Japanese. |
2) | Matters regarding the conversion method of consideration for the exchange |
(i) | Market for trading consideration for the exchange |
AEON shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.
(ii) | Persons acting as an intermediary, agent or proxy for transactions of consideration for the exchange |
Financial instruments dealers (securities firms, etc.) nationwide act as intermediaries and agents in transactions involving AEON shares.
(iii) | Details of restrictions on transfer and other disposition of consideration for the exchange |
Not applicable.
3) | Matters regarding the market price of consideration for the exchange |
The average closing price of AEON shares (if there is a fraction less than ¥1, it will be rounded off) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market over the past one month, three months, and six months with the business day before the date when the conclusion of the Share Exchange Agreement was announced (April 11, 2025) as the base date is as follows.
One month | Three months | Six months |
¥3,807 | ¥3,741 | ¥3,722 |
Please see the Tokyo Stock Exchange website (https://www.jpx.co.jp/ (in Japanese)), etc. for the latest market price, etc. of AEON’s common stock.
4) | Details of balance sheets for AEON for each fiscal year ended in the past five years |
The details are omitted as AEON submitted a securities report for each fiscal year pursuant to Article 24, paragraph (1) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
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(3) | Matters regarding the appropriateness of provisions regarding stock acquisition rights regarding the Share Exchange |
The Company plans to acquire and cancel all stock acquisition rights it has issued that are not exercised by the day before the effective date of the Share Exchange from the holders of such rights without compensation. The Company has not issued any straight bonds with stock acquisition rights.
(4) | Details of nonconsolidated financial statements, etc. for the most recent business year of AEON CO., LTD. |
The details of nonconsolidated financial statements for AEON’s most recent business year (the year ended February 28, 2025) have been omitted from the paper-based documents delivered to shareholders who requested delivery of such documents (documents describing matters to be provided electronically) in accordance with laws and regulations and the provision of Article 15 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, but are posted on the Company’s website (https://www.aeonmall.com/ir/event/meeting/ (in Japanese)), General Meeting of Shareholders Materials Website (https://d.sokai.jp/8905/teiji/ (in Japanese)) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange website (https://www2.jpx.co.jp/tseHpFront/JJK010010Action.do?Show (in Japanese)).
(5) | Details of provisional nonconsolidated financial statements, etc. with a provisional closing date after the last day of the most recent business year of AEON CO., LTD. |
Not applicable.
(6) | Details of the disposal of important assets, the assumption of significant liabilities, and other events occurring after the last day of the most recent business year that have a significant impact on the status of company assets |
1) | The Company |
(i) | Conclusion of the Share Exchange Agreement |
The meeting of the Company’s Board of Directors held on April 11, 2025 resolved to conduct the Share Exchange with AEON and concluded the Share Exchange Agreement on the same date. An outline of the Share Exchange Agreement is as described above in 2. “Overview of the Content of the Share Exchange Agreement.”
(ii) | Cancellation of treasury stock |
Prior to the effective date of the Share Exchange, and by a resolution of the Board of Directors, the Company plans to cancel all of its treasury stock it holds as of the Record Time (including the shares acquired by the Company through the share purchase in response to dissenting shareholders’ exercise of the right to demand the repurchase of shares pursuant to the provisions of Article 785, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act in connection with the Share Exchange) effective as of the Record Time.
(iii) | Termination of shareholder benefit program |
The meeting of the Company’s Board of Directors held on April 11, 2025 resolved to terminate the shareholder benefit program effective as of the issuance of benefits vesting on February 28, 2025, subject to the completion of the Share Exchange.
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2) | AEON |
(i) | Conclusion of the Share Exchange Agreement |
AEON resolved to conduct the Share Exchange with the Company through a decision made by its Representative Executive Officers on April 11, 2025 and concluded the Share Exchange Agreement on the same date. An outline of the Share Exchange Agreement is as described above in 2. “Overview of the Content of the Share Exchange Agreement.”
(ii) | Business integration of Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd. and TSURUHA HOLDINGS INC. |
Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of AEON, has entered into a share exchange agreement on April 11, 2025, under which TSURUHA HOLDINGS Inc. is to become the wholly owning parent company and Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd. is to become a wholly owned subsidiary with an effective date of December 1, 2025. Pursuant to a decision made by its Representative Executive Officers on April 11, 2025, AEON has accordingly decided to acquire common stock of TSURUHA HOLDINGS INC. through a tender offer as outlined below.
• Commencement of the tender offer: | Around early December 2025 |
• Tender offer period: | 20 business days, in principle (scheduled) |
• Offer price: | ¥11,400 per common stock |
• Number of shares to be purchased: | 11,357,170 shares (Minimum number of shares to be purchased: None, maximum number of shares to be purchased: 11,357,170 shares) |
• Purchase price: | ¥129,471,738,000 (scheduled) |
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Agenda Item 2: Election of eight (8) Directors
The terms of office of all twelve (12) Directors will expire at the conclusion of this General Meeting of Shareholders.
Therefore, we request the election of eight (8) Directors, which represents a reduction of four (4) members, in order to implement management structure reforms and enable agile decision-making by the Board of Directors.
The candidates for Directors are as follows.
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Policies and procedures in the appointment of candidates for Directors:
In regard to the appointment of candidates for Directors, first the President proposes the appointment in accordance with the following standards, second, after passing through deliberation at a meeting of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, the appointment is resolved at a Board of Directors’ meeting to be an agenda item for the General Meeting of Shareholders, and finally the appointment is submitted at this meeting.
· | For Inside Directors, a candidate must possess ability, knowledge, experience, and actual results in the specialty field where they have strength, in addition to possessing a sense of balance and decisiveness that will allow them to carry out director activities while grasping overall business operations. |
· | For Outside Directors, a candidate must possess abundant experience and in-depth understanding in their field, be able to ensure an adequate amount of time to execute their duties as a director of the Company, and possess the qualities that would allow them to provide supervision and proposals from an independent standpoint that ensure the appropriateness and validity of decisions of the Board of Directors. |
Expertise and experience of candidates for Directors <skill matrix>
In selecting candidates for Director that will make up the Board of Directors, the goal is for the Board of Directors to be composed of personnel with the expertise and knowledge to be able to strengthen its management oversight function and to utilize the unique qualities of the Company’s business to advance growth policies.
* | The below skill matrix is intended to clarify the balance of skills of the Board of Directors and does not represent all of the expertise and experience possessed by each candidate. |
Candidate for Director | Corporate management | Internal control | Treasury, accounting and finance | Real estate | Diversity and work-style reform | Digital transformation | Sustainability | Global experience | Marketing branding | |
Planning and development | Operation | |||||||||
Keiji Ohno | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||
Mitsuhiro Fujiki | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Hideki Hayami | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Shinichiro Minami | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Daisuke Isobe | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Masayuki Tsuboya | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Motoya Okada | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Kunihiro Koshizuka (Outside) | ● | ● | ● |
39 |
40 |
41 |
42 |
43 |
44 |
(Notes) |
1. | The Company has entered into a limited liability agreement with Kunihiro Koshizuka pursuant to the provisions of Article 427, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act. If his reelection is approved, the Company intends to continue this agreement. The summary of details of the agreement is as follows: |
(i) | The maximum amount of liability for damages incurred due to negligence of duties by the Outside Director shall be up to the minimum amount as provided for by Article 425, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act. |
(ii) | The limitation of liability shall be accepted only if the Outside Director has acted in good faith and without gross negligence in performing his or her duties. |
2. | The Company notified the Tokyo Stock Exchange of the election of Kunihiro Koshizuka as Independent Officers pursuant to Regulations of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. If his reelection is approved, the Company intends to continue to notify the said Exchange of his election as an Independent Officer. |
3. | In order to support an aggressive management group to secure excellent human resources and growth, the Company has concluded a directors and officers liability insurance (“D&O insurance”) agreement with the following outline. Each candidate for Director to be reelected is already an insured person of the insurance agreement, and will continue to be insured after their reelection. |
When the agreement is renewed, the Company plans to renew the insurance agreement with said details.
Outline of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (“D&O Insurance”) Agreement
(1) | Scope of insureds |
Directors, Audit & Supervisory Board Members and other officers of the Company
(2) | Share of actual insurance premiums by insured persons |
The Company will bear all insurance expenses with no expenses borne by the insured persons.
(3) | Outline of insured events covered |
The insurance agreement covers any damages, legal costs, and other related expenses that may be incurred when insured Directors and officers become liable with regard to the execution of their duties or be claimed for damages with regard to the pursuit of such liability. However, there are some exemptions, such as the case where the insured person committed an act even though he/she had been aware that the act falls under the violation of laws and regulations.
(4) | Measures to ensure that the appropriateness of duties of Directors and officers is not impaired |
The insurance has a provision specifying the amount of exemption. Therefore, damages below the amount are not covered by the agreement.
(Reference) Independence Standards and Qualification for an Independent Outside Director
When electing Independent Outside Directors, in addition to following independence standards designated by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, candidates are selected from people with experience in various industries or in management who possess diverse perspectives, abundant experience, in-depth understanding, and specialized expertise, and candidates who can contribute to candid, active and constructive discussions at Board of Directors’ meetings are elected.
45 |
(Reference)
Business Report Summary
Financial highlights
Operating revenue | Operating income | |||
¥449,753 million Year on year 106.3% |
¥52,146 million Year on year 112.4% |
|||
Ordinary income | Net income attributable to owners of parent | |||
¥42,595 million Year on year 114.9% |
¥14,260 million Year on year 69.9% |
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Operating Results by Segment
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46 |
Key outcomes of activities in FY2024
* | Renovated malls selected here are only projects involving floor space expansion |
47 |
2030 Vision/Medium-Term Management Plan
2030 Vision
AEON MALL, Co-Creating With Our Communities |
Connecting all like-minded stakeholders and co-creating activities that lead to the future of sustainable communities |
48 |
Building Governance Structures for Supporting Growth
In addition to the Board of Directors and the Audit & Supervisory Board, which are supervisory bodies stipulated by laws and regulations, the Company has established a total of six advisory bodies (Nomination and Compensation Committee, Governance Committee, Management Strategy Advisory Committee, and Management Meeting (Risk Management Committee, Compliance Committee, and ESG Promotion Committee)) to strengthen corporate governance functions. Within each advisory body, specific matters to be deliberated, mainly by Outside Directors, are as follows, and the Company is working to improve competitiveness through prompt decision-making. The Management Strategy Advisory Committee is chaired by the President, since he takes the lead in advancing management policy and management strategy issues. Like other advisory committees, this Committee actively discusses, deliberates, and works to resolve the issues under the reporting and advice of Outside Directors and Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members.
Governance Committee | FY2024 Number of times held: 9 times (established in October 2021) | |||
Chair: |
Main roles | Composition of the Committee | ||
In order to appropriately reflect the opinions of minority shareholders in the Board of Directors, the Committee, consisting solely of Independent Outside Directors, discusses the rationality and appropriateness of transactions with the parent company, group companies, etc., on agenda items for the Board of Directors from a standpoint independent of management and controlling shareholders, and reports to the Board of Directors on the Committee’s approval or disapproval and a summary of reasons for its decision. | ||||
Five Independent Outside |
||||
Chair’s comment | ||||
In this Committee, members themselves set themes that contribute to improving the Company’s governance functions and strengthen their involvement through discussions, which I believe has increased the number of incident verifications and has served as an opportunity to raise awareness of governance when conducting transactions with Group companies. The Committee also makes recommendations to comply with documentation to confirm the rationality of transactions and appropriateness of transaction terms, verifies the selection process and contract conditions, and strives to improve the transparency of management decisions. | ||||
Nomination and Compensation Committee |
FY2024 Number of times held: 6 times (established in December 2018) | |||
Chair: |
Main roles | Composition of the Committee | ||
In accordance with the rules of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, the Committee discusses mainly “policies and standards for nomination of Director candidates” and “appropriateness of performance evaluations of each Director in determining basic and performance-based compensation for Directors” and reports to the Board of Directors as appropriate. | ||||
Five Independent Outside |
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Chair’s comment | ||||
In addition to playing an important role in governance by selecting and evaluating Directors, the Committee discusses “policies and plans for the development of successors, etc. for Director candidates” in relation to human resources who are likely to be Director candidates in the next fiscal year. It provides advice to help candidates enhance their management perspectives and advance as future managers. Through discussions at the Committee, consisting mainly of Independent Outside Directors, we strive to achieve sustainable growth, enhance corporate value, and improve the corporate governance structure of the Company. | ||||
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Management Strategy Advisory Committee |
FY2024 Number of times held: 5 times (established in May 2021) | |||
Chair: |
Main roles | Composition of the Committee | ||
With respect to initiatives and solutions for important policy and management strategy issues, the Committee promotes them based on the opinions and advice from Independent Outside Officers, and it provides advice and reports in consultation with the President. | ||||
Five Independent Outside Four Audit & Supervisory (Of which, two Independent Outside Audit & Six Inside Directors |
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Chair’s comment | ||||
Toward the realization of the Company’s long-term vision, the Committee held discussions from various perspectives on the creation of new value beyond existing businesses, the formulation of medium- to long-term management strategies and specific measures to resolve issues. While taking advantage of the diverse knowledge of the Independent Outside Officers, the Committee will continue to hold discussions not for the purpose of making resolutions, but as an opportunity for free discussion without being bound by formality and a place for new ideas to emerge. In order to further evolve ESG management, which we have been promoting as a growth measure, we will aim for sustainable growth by realizing “truly integrated ESG management” that creates economic, social, and environmental value for our stakeholders under the policies of “pursuing a regional shift in Japan and overseas” and “creating a platform for health and wellness.” |
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Business Report for Fiscal 2024
(March 1, 2024– February 28, 2025)
1. | Status of the corporate group |
(1) | Business operations during the fiscal year under review |
(i) | Progress and results of operations |
a. | Explanation of consolidated results of operations |
We recorded higher revenue and profit for the consolidated fiscal year ended February 28, 2025. Operating revenue amounted to ¥449,753 million (+6.3% year on year), while operating income amounted to ¥52,146 million (+12.4%), and ordinary income amounted to ¥42,595 million (+14.9%). We recorded ¥14,210 million in extraordinary losses, including ¥7,179 million in impairment loss and ¥5,148 million in provision for loss on store closings following the decision to terminate management and operation of Seisekisakuragaoka OPA (Tokyo) and Shinsaibashi OPA (Osaka), resulting in net income attributable to owners of parent of ¥14,260 million (-30.1% year on year).
By segment, business in Japan drove consolidated performance with high profit growth, recording operating revenue of ¥345,921 million (+3.7% year on year) and operating income of ¥42,791 million (+19.5%). In addition to proactive revitalization at existing malls, there was a clear recovery in the earning power of domestic malls due to customer attraction measures, implementation of major sales events, and growth in consumption among inbound tourists, and progress was made in building a business foundation to generate continuous cash flow in the future. In overseas business, Vietnam and Indonesia secured higher revenue and profit, but were unable to fully offset profit declines in China and Cambodia, resulting in operating revenue of ¥104,623 million (+16.2% year on year) and operating profit of ¥9,329 million (-11.7%).
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Operating Results by Segment
(Million yen)
Operating Revenue | Segment Income (Loss) | ||||||
Fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 | Fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 | Change [Year on year] |
Fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 | Fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 | Change [Year on year] | ||
China | 58,985 | 68,141 |
+9,155 [115.5%] |
6,537 | 4,746 |
(1,790) [72.6%] | |
Vietnam | 15,263 | 17,321 |
+2,057 [113.5%] |
3,901 | 4,235 |
+334 [108.6%] | |
Cambodia | 8,499 | 9,308 |
+809 [109.5%] |
411 | 105 |
(305) [25.7%] | |
Indonesia | 7,260 | 9,852 |
+2,591 [135.7%] |
(269) | 259 |
+529 [–] | |
Other | – | – | – | (14) | (18) |
(3) [–] | |
Overseas | 90,009 | 104,623 |
+14,614 [116.2%] |
10,565 | 9,329 |
(1,235) [88.3%] | |
Japan | 333,722 | 345,921 |
+12,198 [103.7%] |
35,821 | 42,791 |
+6,970 [119.5%] | |
Reconciliations | (563) | (791) |
(227) [–] |
25 | 25 |
– [100.0%] | |
Total | 423,168 | 449,753 |
+26,585 [106.3%] |
46,411 | 52,146 |
+5,734 [112.4%] |
The status of sales in each country is as described below. Business results for the fiscal year under review covers a cumulative period from January to December 2024 as the fiscal year-end for overseas companies is the end of December.
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Japan
▌Operating revenue |
¥345.9 billion |
▌Operating income |
¥42.7 billion |
At existing malls, renovations were performed at 11 malls during the fiscal year under review, including the floor space expansion and renovation of LakeTown OUTLET at AEON LakeTown (Saitama Prefecture) on March 29 and AEON Mall Ota (Gunma Prefecture) on April 19. As measures to attract more customers, numerous events during Golden Week, Black Friday, and the New Year holidays, and during the intense heat of summer throughout Japan, many events that entire families could enjoy inside our malls, such as summer festivals, mini fireworks shows, and water parks, were implemented so that members of the community could use our malls as places to cool off and have fun. Consumption from inbound tourism has also risen due to the yen being weak, and efforts to capture this demand primarily at malls near tourist spots and airports nearly doubled duty-free sales growth compared to the previous fiscal year. As a result, specialty store sales at existing malls for the fiscal year under review increased 5.4% year on year (92 malls).
Overseas (China)
▌Operating revenue |
¥68.1 billion |
▌Operating income |
¥4.7 billion |
Amid prolonged stagnation in the real estate market and a tough job market for young people in particular, consumer spending continued on a downward trend. At our malls, time-consumption businesses such as food and beverage and amusement performed steadily, with the number of visitors at existing malls increasing 8.2% year on year, while shopping for merchandise such as apparel and accessories declined. While the preference for low prices in daily consumption is expected to continue, spending for special occasions is stable, which is why we worked to expand sales by boosting events to attract customers and sales initiatives to stimulate consumer spending and encourage shopping throughout the mall. As a result, specialty store sales at existing malls for the fiscal year under review increased 1.7% year on year (21 malls).
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Overseas (Vietnam)
▌Operating revenue |
¥17.3 billion |
▌Operating income |
¥4.2 billion |
In southern Vietnam, consumption was affected by delayed improvements in working conditions for factory workers, and there was also impact from restrained consumer activities following the death of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in July, as well as temporary closures at some of our malls due to a major typhoon hitting the northern area in September, but overall consumption in Vietnam remained steady. At our malls, we worked to expand sales by implementing events in partnership with local governments and organizations, issuing coupons usable at specialty shops, and systematically implementing sales promotions and events to attract customers in time for anniversaries and seasonal events. As a result, specialty store sales at existing malls for the fiscal year under review increased 7.4% year on year (six malls).
Overseas (Cambodia)
▌Operating revenue |
¥9.3 billion |
▌Operating income |
¥100 million |
At AEON Mall Meanchey (Phnom Penh City), our third mall in Cambodia, we pushed forward with measures to attract more customers, including making progress on previously delayed road construction in the area surrounding the mall, advertising efforts using social media, and renovations to rest areas inside the mall. With the floor space expansion and renovation of AEON Mall Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh City), our first mall in Cambodia, in November of last year, the number of visitors at existing malls increased 5.2% year on year; however, consumption among foreign nationals did not recover due to decreased foreign investment in Cambodia, preventing a full recovery in sales. As a result, specialty store sales at existing malls for the fiscal year under review increased 1.4% year on year (three malls).
54 |
Overseas (Indonesia)
▌Operating revenue |
¥9.8 billion |
▌Operating income |
¥200 million |
We worked to attract more customers by continuously implementing sales promotions and local events at each mall, such as opening sales campaigns coordinated with existing malls when a new mall opened in March and promotions timed with Independence Day in August. Improvements to vacant spaces at existing malls, particularly at AEON Mall Tanjung Barat (South Jakarta), our fourth mall, increased rental income and contributed to higher profits. As a result, the number of visitors to existing malls for the fiscal year under review increased 7.4% year on year (4 malls).
55 |
Discover and Commercialize Business Opportunities in Overseas Growth Markets
Vietnam Strategy
We plan to find and secure property in areas with considerable growth potential and accelerate new mall openings.
In Vietnam, our most important area for new mall openings, we intend to promote the opening of area-dominant malls in the surrounding cities in the central area of the country, in addition to the south centered on Ho Chi Minh City and north centered on Hanoi.
Promotion of securing new properties |
In Vietnam, we have signed comprehensive memoranda of understanding on investment and business promotion for shopping mall development with local governments and are steadily securing a pipeline for new store openings. In September 2024, we opened AEON Mall Hue, our first mall in the central region. Hue City, where the mall is located, has a population of approximately 1.24 million, is an area expected to experience economic development, and continued population growth is anticipated.
Three mall openings have been confirmed for 2025 onward, and moving forward, we aim to secure an even deeper foundation for business in Vietnam, extending into regional cities, thus contributing to the sustainable development and urban planning of Vietnam as it undergoes significant economic growth.
• | Opened in September 2024: |
• | First mall in the central region |
AEON MALL Hue (Hue City)
56 |
China Strategy
In China, we will promote new store openings with a focus on the inland provinces of Hubei and Hunan Provinces, which have high growth potential.
With slumps in the real estate market leading to a slowdown in the Chinese economy, growth differences between areas have emerged at our malls as well. Competition has intensified, and the need for culling of commercial facilities has become apparent, so given this business environment, we will carefully assess trends in each area and consider redesigning our overall China business strategy.
Expanding store openings in high-growth inland China |
Since opening our first mall in Beijing in 2008, we have expanded to 24 malls across four areas in China: Beijing/Tianjin, Hubei Province, Jiangsu Province, and Guangdong Province (as of February 2025). In Wuhan City in Hubei Province, we have opened ahead of competitors to establish area branding and have gained strong support from customers. With its high growth potential, the inland region is positioned as a priority area for new store openings, with AEON MALL Wuhan Jiangxia, our fourth store in Hubei Province, opened in November 2023. In September 2024, we also opened AEON MALL Changsha Xingsha, our first mall in Hunan Province. We are planning to open AEON MALL Changsha Xiangjiangxinqu (Changsha City, Hunan Province), our second mall in Hunan Province, in 2025. Hunan Province is located in central China, and its capital city Changsha has maintained high economic growth in recent years, with population growth exceeding three million in the past decade. We will continue to open stores primarily in high-growth inland regions.
57 |
Pursue Business Model Innovation in Japan
In Japan, which has high growth potential, our external environment faces population decline and labor shortages due to low birth rates and an aging population, while our internal environment faces major issues of slow sales at specialty stores, especially those in the apparel business, and of lower investment efficiency due to rising construction costs. We see opportunities in this business environment that dramatically changes from day to day. We intend to pursue the innovation of the existing business model in order to address ever-changing local issues, adapt to customers’ values, and meet potential needs, thereby strengthening the ability to attract customers and improve the profitability of our business in Japan.
Effective use of existing assets to improve profitability |
To effectively use existing assets, we will create new business sites based on the actual occupancy rates of mall premises and parking lots to convert underutilized areas into new value. In March 2024, we added a two-story expansion wing to AEON LakeTown OUTLET and performed renovations to incorporate international brands and lifestyle concept brands. Along with this floor space expansion and renovation, a new bridge connecting to the Kaze wing was built to improve traffic throughout the facility. In April 2024, AEON MALL Ota underwent a floor space expansion and renovation, including adding a new two-story wing. With areas such as the Picnic Court in the food court where visitors can experience nature, it has transformed into a community hub for people of all ages, connecting people and cultures. We aim to further solidify our top position and grow our market share as shopping centers across Japan are being culled and strive to create facilities that local customers will continue to choose.
Implementation of drastic changes in our business structure |
We have been working to add depth to our existing businesses while our external environment and customers’ value are rapidly changing. Despite the effort, some of our facilities have been unable to fully keep up with these changes and, consequently, their ability to attract customers and profitability have decreased, reducing their capacity to create cash flows. We plan to boost our competitiveness in our market areas through investments for rejuvenation and other means, and to improve our operational efficiency. We are also launching initiatives with a view to making drastic structural changes by taking a real estate- and finance-oriented approach. We decided to terminate the management and operation of Seisekisakuragaoka OPA in August 2025 and end operations of Shinsaibashi OPA in January 2026.
Boosting earning power by renovating existing malls |
Renovations were performed at numerous existing malls in fiscal 2024. In addition to swapping specialty stores to make the malls feel fresher, we have worked to create comfortable spaces and environments in common areas to create a reason to visit as well as increase dwell time. Spaces such as Mokuiku Hiroba, a play area for children made with local natural wood, as well as outdoor terraces and parks have been developed so that visitors can spend time in comfort. Free play areas and comfortable spaces give people reasons to visit, and longer stays in malls lead to increased sales at specialty stores. We believe that, to attract customers, having customers visit regularly as fans of the mall is vital, and providing comfortable spaces and environments in common areas is essential to continuously attracting more customers. In strategically implementing floor expansions and renovations to increase the variety of functions, we are working to create facilities that business tenants and local customers will continue to choose.
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Create reasons to visit/increase dwell time |
► | Encourage shopping throughout the mall |
► | Boost specialty store sales | ► | Contribute to Company revenue and profit |
Support parenting families | Create comfortable environments | ||
▼ | ▼ |
Pursuing a regional shift and creating a platform for health and wellness
(ii) | Capital investment |
The total amount of capital investment for the current fiscal year was ¥90,009 million (including long-term prepaid expenses).
It consisted of ¥27,550 million (Japan), ¥29,822 million (China), ¥27,947 million (Vietnam), ¥1,627 million (Cambodia), ¥3,061 million (Indonesia), etc., in the Mall Business. In Japan, we invested in the floor space expansion and renovation of existing malls such as AEON MALL Ota and LakeTown OUTLET for AEON LakeTown. In China, we invested in the opening of new malls, AEON MALL Changsha Xingsha and AEON MALL Hangzhou Qiantang, and in facility costs for AEON MALL Changsha Xiangjiangxinqu slated to open in the next fiscal year. In Vietnam, we invested in the opening of AEON MALL Hue, and in Indonesia, investments were made for the opening of AEON MALL DELTAMAS and more.
(iii) | Financing |
In the fiscal year under review, the Company raised ¥33,569 million from current partner banks, etc. as long-term debt, and ¥50,000 million through issuance of bonds.
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(2) | Changes in assets and profit and loss |
(i) | Consolidated business results and assets |
Classification | 2021 (Fiscal year ended February 28, 2022) |
2022 (Fiscal year ended February 28, 2023) |
2023 (Fiscal year ended February 29, 2024) |
2024 (Current fiscal year) (Fiscal year ended February 28, 2025) |
Operating revenue (million yen) | 316,813 | 398,244 | 423,168 | 449,753 |
Ordinary income (million yen) | 32,540 | 36,409 | 37,086 | 42,595 |
Net income attributable to owners of parent (million yen) | 19,278 | 12,994 | 20,399 | 14,260 |
Net income per share (yen) | 84.72 | 57.10 | 89.64 | 62.66 |
Total assets (million yen) | 1,463,256 | 1,559,592 | 1,655,253 | 1,663,276 |
Net assets (million yen) | 426,931 | 451,711 | 476,226 | 511,094 |
Net assets per share (yen) | 1,830.21 | 1,935.77 | 2,040.33 | 2,192.52 |
Cash flows from operating activities (million yen) | 61,492 | 101,490 | 126,305 | 102,282 |
Cash flows from investing activities (million yen) | (122,382) | (103,276) | (101,743) | (96,580) |
Cash flows from financing activities (million yen) | 8,225 | 13,515 | (12,848) | (64,788) |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period (million yen) | 82,973 | 101,101 | 112,354 | 64,687 |
(Notes) | 1. | Net income per share is calculated based on the average total number of shares issued and outstanding during the period. |
2. | The status for fiscal 2024 (current fiscal year) is as described in (1) Business operations during the fiscal year under review, (i) Progress and results of operations. |
3. | The Company adopted Accounting Standard for Revenue Recognition (ASBJ Statement No. 29, March 31, 2020) as of the beginning of fiscal 2022. Figures for fiscal 2022 onward reflect the application of this accounting standard. |
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(ii) | Nonconsolidated business results and assets |
Classification | 2021 (Fiscal year ended February 28, 2022) |
2022 (Fiscal year ended February 28, 2023) |
2023 (Fiscal year ended February 29, 2024) |
2024 (Current fiscal year) (Fiscal year ended February 28, 2025) |
Operating revenue (million yen) | 247,951 | 306,540 | 318,287 | 330,298 |
Ordinary income (million yen) | 32,059 | 32,036 | 32,370 | 38,284 |
Net income (million yen) | 25,337 | 19,804 | 23,339 | 22,923 |
Net income per share (yen) | 111.35 | 87.03 | 102.56 | 100.73 |
Total assets (million yen) | 1,315,583 | 1,412,367 | 1,436,527 | 1,429,540 |
Net assets (million yen) | 446,649 | 453,991 | 465,606 | 477,241 |
Net assets per share (yen) | 1,962.75 | 1,994.96 | 2,045.95 | 2,096.98 |
(Notes) | 1. | Net income per share is calculated based on the average total number of shares issued and outstanding during the period. |
2. | The Company adopted Accounting Standard for Revenue Recognition (ASBJ Statement No. 29, March 31, 2020) as of the beginning of fiscal 2022. Figures for fiscal 2022 onward reflect the application of this accounting standard. |
3. | During fiscal 2021, the following AEON malls were newly opened on the dates shown: AEON MALL Shinrifu South Wing on March 5, 2021; AEON MALL Kawaguchi on June 8, 2021; AEON MALL Hakusan on July 19, 2021; and AEON MALL Nagoya Noritake Garden on October 27, 2021. |
4. | During fiscal 2022, THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU was newly opened on April 28, 2022, and AEON MALL Toki was newly opened on October 7, 2022. |
5. | During fiscal 2023, AEON MALL Toyokawa opened on April 4, 2023; THE OUTLETS SHONAN HIRATSUKA on April 28, 2023; JIYUGAOKA de aone on October 20, 2023; and CeeU Yokohama on December 15, 2023. |
(3) | Parent company and major subsidiaries |
(i) | Relationship with parent company |
The Company’s parent company is AEON CO., LTD., and 58.83% of the Company’s voting rights are held by AEON CO., LTD. and its subsidiaries, including 58.24% under its direct ownership.
The Company entrusts AEON CO., LTD to manage funds. With regard to the business conditions, the Company determines whether or not the business can be performed independently from the parent company in accordance with the internal rules established by the Board of Directors, based on the business conditions with financial institutions in general. Therefore, it is judged that the business does not harm the Company’s interests.
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(ii) | Major subsidiaries |
Name | Location | Common Stock | Voting Rights | Main Businesses |
AEON MALL (CHINA) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. | Beijing City, China | US$ 62,700 thousand | 100% | Mall Business |
AEON MALL (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD. | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | US$ 512,925 thousand | 100% | |
SUZHOU MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Jiangsu Province, China | US$ 162,000 thousand | 100% | |
PT. AEON MALL INDONESIA | Jakarta City, Indonesia | IDR 9,649,428 million | 93.8% | |
AEON MALL (GUANGDONG) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. | Guangdong Province, China | RMB 390,000 thousand | 100% | |
PT. AMSL INDONESIA | Banten Province, Indonesia | US$ 60,000 thousand | 66.9% | |
WUHAN MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Hubei Province, China | US$ 203,000 thousand | 100% | |
AEON MALL Long Bien Co., Ltd. | Hanoi City, Vietnam | US$ 200,000 thousand | 90.0% | |
AEON MALL VIETNAM CO., LTD. | Hanoi City, Vietnam | US$ 729,302 thousand | 100% | |
HANGZHOU YUHANG LIANGZHU MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Zhejiang Province, China | US$ 133,000 thousand | 100% | |
PT. AMSL DELTA MAS | West Java Province, Indonesia | US$ 64,730 thousand | 66.9% | |
AEON MALL (CHINA) CO., LTD. | Tianjin City, China | US$ 515,421 thousand | 100% | |
AEON MALL DIANYA (TIANJIN) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. | Tianjin City, China | RMB 322,000 thousand | 100% | |
YANTAI MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Shandong Province, China | US$ 164,000 thousand | 100% | |
CHANGSHA MALL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Hunan Province, China | US$ 137,000 thousand | 100% | |
HANGZHOU HANGDONG MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Zhejiang Province, China | US$ 152,000 thousand | 100% | |
CHANGSHA MALL XIANGJIANG NEW AREA COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Hunan Province, China | US$ 110,330 thousand | 100% | |
KUNSHAN MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. | Jiangsu Province, China | US$ 32,400 thousand | 100% | |
OPA Co., Ltd. | Chiba-shi, Chiba | ¥10 million | 100% | Urban Shopping Center Business |
(Note) | AEON MALL HIMLAM COMPANY LIMITED has changed its name to AEON MALL Long Bien Co., Ltd. as of May 30, 2024. |
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(4) | Main businesses (as of February 28, 2025) |
The Group consists of the Company, whose parent company is AEON CO., LTD., and 60 consolidated subsidiaries, including OPA Co., Ltd., six other subsidiaries in Japan, AEON MALL (CHINA) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., 41 other subsidiaries in China, three subsidiaries in Cambodia, two subsidiaries in Vietnam, three subsidiaries in Indonesia, one subsidiary in Singapore, two subsidiaries in Myanmar, and one equity-method company. The Company operates the Mall Business. Among consolidated subsidiaries, OPA Co., Ltd. and two other subsidiaries are engaged in Urban Shopping Center Business, while the remaining 57 subsidiaries are engaged in Mall Business, etc.
The Company is the central entity in the AEON Group responsible for the Shopping Center Development Business. The Company leases mall shop space to general tenants, as well as AEON Retail Co., Ltd. (general merchandise store operator) and other companies within the AEON Group.
(5) | Priorities |
We believe that not all the effects of social change present risks for our business, but we believe that we can also uncover many opportunities if we focus on each region. Rather than perceiving business in a uniform manner nationwide, we will anticipate the apparent issues that each region faces and the potential issues that will arise in the future, and work to transform responses to these issues into business.
AEON MALL’s primary course of action, goals, and what we do based on our materiality are as stated below.
Material issues facing AEON MALL (Materiality)
The Company analyzes materialities taking into account SDGs and social issues in Japan and overseas, and evaluates their importance for stakeholders and the Company, and as material issues from ESG perspectives, the Company has defined ten items consisting of five areas: environment; lifestyles; communities; people; and management infrastructure.
The Company has set specific action KPIs (interim targets) for the ten items set out in the materiality to be achieved by 2030 in line with the KGIs (final targets) set as the vision for how we want to be in 2050. By sharing issues company-wide and working together to resolve them, we will create social and economic value and contribute toward realizing a sustainable society.
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Broad | Sub | Materiality | Related SDGs | How we want to be in 2050 | Action KPIs (2030) |
E | Environ- ment |
Solution of environmental issues through business | ![]() |
• A society that has achieved decarbonization • A society where AEON MALL serves as a base for recycling waste into resources • A society that is environmentally friendly and in harmony with nature |
• Number of CO2-free malls using renewable energy*1 • Renewable energy self-sufficiency rate • Plastic and food waste recycling rate*2 • Volume of clothing articles collected from customers • Number of malls with environmental certifications*3 |
✓ Realization of a decarbonized society | |||||
✓ Establishment of circular malls | |||||
✓ Conservation of biodiversity | |||||
S | Life- styles |
Creation of health and wellness platforms | ![]() |
• A society where everyone can live lives of health and wellness in both body and mind • A society where community members can always feel safe, secure, and comfortable |
• Number of initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of customers and community members • Customer comfort at malls*4 • Percentage of disaster prevention agreements or equivalent agreements entered into with local governments • (1) Number of government services*6 available at locations*5/ (2) Number of locations with government services |
Building resilient community infrastructure
| |||||
Commu- nities |
Building deeper community partnerships | ![]() |
• A society where connections with the community resolve local concerns and anxieties | • Number of partnership agreements*7 with local governments • Create/increase opportunities for contact with community organizations: (1) Number of partnership agreements/ (2) Number of partnership initiatives • Create/increase opportunities for contact with educational institutions: (1) Number of partnership agreements/ (2) Number of partnership initiatives • Number of initiatives for creating, preserving, and passing down local culture • Number of initiatives that help build safety nets to address everyday anxiety and loneliness*8 | |
Development of regional culture and communities
| |||||
People | Respecting human rights | ![]() |
• A state where the human rights of all people involved in AEON MALL are respected • A state where all people working at AEON MALL are given equal opportunities regardless of individual attributes • A state where all people working at AEON MALL can work in good physical and mental health • A state where all people working at AEON MALL are given opportunities for education and self-realization |
• Establish and implement a human rights due diligence process • Raise awareness on and instill guidelines for sustainable dealings with business partners • Participation rate in internal human rights training • Ratio of female managers to total managers • Ratio of employees with disabilities • Ratio of mid-career hires as full-time employees • Ratio of employees with high stress • Paid leave usage rate • Training hours per person | |
Promotion of diversity, equity & inclusion | |||||
Achievement of health-oriented management | |||||
Human resource development
| |||||
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Broad | Sub | Materiality | Related SDGs | How we want to be in 2050 | Action KPIs (2030) |
G | Manage-ment infra-structure | Building a management infrastructure that supports regional co-creation | ![]() |
• A state where sustainable growth is achieved at AEON MALL | • Results of the assessment of the effectiveness of the Board of Directors • Education and awareness on prevention of bribery and corruption to ensure compliance with the Basic Rules for the Prevention of Bribery and anti-bribery clauses* (* clauses in the employment rules) • Identify and assess risks to prioritize as a Company • Discuss growth strategies (including portfolio transformation) at meetings on management policy |
*1 Including the use of non-fossil certificates, etc.
*2 Excluding thermal recycling
*3 Such as ABINC certification
*4 Quantitative evaluation of customer comfort began in fiscal 2024
*5 Locations including affiliates such as OPA Co., Ltd.
*6 | Public facilities deployed in tenant areas such as city halls and post offices, consultation windows for government services, polling stations, etc. |
*7 (Example) Comprehensive partnership agreements, agreements related to Cooling Shelters, etc.
*8 | Implementation of events related to multicultural coexistence, childcare support, senior support, poverty relief, support for people with disabilities, awareness promotion, and other community issues |
Please also refer to “Sustainability” on the Company website.
https://www.aeonmall.com/sustainability/ (in Japanese)
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(Realization of a decarbonized society) |
As part of our efforts toward decarbonization based on the AEON Decarbonization Vision, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions from our businesses in Japan to zero by 2040.
We have continuously promoted energy-saving activities, which include the installation of solar power generation facilities and EV chargers. In addition to these measures to reduce CO2 emissions, we will be promoting direct renewable energy contracts in each region. Our goal is to convert the electricity used in approximately 160 malls in Japan to renewable energy by the end of fiscal 2025. Then we are switching gradually from the procurement of effectively CO2 emission-free electricity through direct renewable energy contracts in each region to locally produced and renewable energy locally for local consumption (including PPA (Note)). By fiscal 2040, 100% of our directly managed malls will be operated under locally produced and renewable energy locally for local consumption.
We will include our overseas businesses to work toward the realization of a decarbonized society at a faster pace, with the aim of reducing total CO2 emissions from all our business activities to zero.
(Note) | PPA stands for “Power Purchase Agreement Model,” a business model in which a PPA operator uses the premises or roof of a power consumer to install a solar power generation system and sells the power generated by the system to the consumer. |
For more details, please see “AEON MALL Sustainability” on the Company’s website:
https://www.aeonmall.com/sustainability/ (in Japanese)
(Establishment of circular malls) |
We have incorporated the idea of a circular economy (Note) into our mall management to address the issues of waste disposal and resources. We plan to create a system for resource recycling to develop regional circular economy zones, aiming for “zero” waste, rather than “less.” To create a recycling-oriented society, we work with customers, local communities, our partner companies, and other stakeholders on plastic elimination, food recycling, and collection of used clothes, among others, as our efforts to establish “circular malls.”
(Note) | A circular economy refers to economic activities, in addition to the conventional “3Rs” (reduce, reuse, and recycle), to generate added value by creating services through the effective use of stock while curbing the use of resources and consumption. It aims to maximize the value of resources and products, minimize resource consumption, and reduce waste. |
(Conservation of biodiversity) |
We assess the impact of our overall business activities on ecosystems and work with stakeholders, including customers, government, and NGOs, to actively reduce the impact and engage in activities to preserve the ecosystems. In addition to the Aeon Hometown Forest Project, we also aim to conserve biodiversity through resource recycling initiatives and the promotion of green purchasing, thereby balancing the sustainability of natural resources and business growth.
In order to analyze the impact of its operations on nature and to address nature-related risks and opportunities, the Company participated in the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) (Note 1) Forum and conducted an analysis using the LEAP approach (Note 2) recommended by the TNFD. To disclose information in line with the TNFD, we also organize the results of the analysis and the Company’s initiatives in accordance with the final recommendations of the TNFD published in September 2023.
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(Notes) | 1. | A framework for companies to visualize their impact on nature, risks, opportunities, and biodiversity considerations through their operations and disclose this in their reports and on their websites. |
2. | An integrated approach developed by the TNFD for the assessment of nature-related issues, including contact with nature, dependencies on nature, impacts, risks, and opportunities. |
(Human capital management) |
The most important resource that enables sustainable growth towards the realization of our aim of fully integrated ESG-based management is human capital. Recognizing that the growth of our human resources will lead to a sustainable increase in our corporate value, we will promote our human resources strategy through human capital management linked to our management strategy.
(Promotion of diversity management)
The Company respects human rights and works to promote diversity management that enables each individual, regardless of gender or nationality, to achieve their full potential, with the aim of ensuring further diversity.
We make efforts to support the advancement of women, including the development of an on-site nursery, the AEON Yume-Mirai Nursery Schools, achieving a 100% paternity leave take-up rate for male employees for four consecutive years, and increasing training and other educational opportunities to foster the desire of women to take on the challenges of higher-level positions. As a result of these efforts, the Company received the Platinum Eruboshi certification as a company that actively promotes the advancement of women. Furthermore, with the goal of becoming a gender-equal and LGBTQ+-friendly company, we respect human rights and individuality and create a workplace where everyone can work comfortably, for example by applying a family benefits system for same-sex partner marriages and providing training to promote understanding of gender equality.
◆ Diversity KPI (nonconsolidated)
Category | KPI | FY2021 | FY2022 | FY2023 | FY2024 | ||
Ratio of female managers to total managers | 30.0% | 19.4% | 20.4% | 22.6% | 23.7% | ||
Paternity leave rate | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||
Paid leave usage rate | 60% | 55% | 60% | 55% | 52% | ||
Days of paid leave taken | – | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | ||
Percentage of employees with disabilities | 2.70% | 2.17% | 2.20% | 2.31% | 2.54% | ||
New employees (male/female) | – | 65 (30/35) | 74 (37/37) | 84 (39/45) | 98 (52/46) | ||
Voluntary separation rate | – | 3.9% | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
(Pursuit of health management)
We promote health management based on the belief that the well-being of our employees is the basis of our corporate activities and that healthy employees enable us to provide services that bring health and spiritual enrichment to our customers in local communities. In the 2025 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program, the Company was certified as a 2025 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization (Large Enterprise) for the sixth consecutive year in March 2025.
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(Human resource development)
Based on the Vision for Human Resources and Organization, we aim to develop human resources who can empathize with various partners and engage in regional co-creation to connect their ideas from the viewpoint of good for the customer, good for the community, and good for the future.
Based on the idea that education is the greatest welfare, we provide opportunities for skill development so that each individual can maximize his or her potential. For example, in education and training, besides new employee training and other year-specific and hierarchical training, emphasis is also placed on open-type training, where employees learn with the aim of being assigned to a desired position. We are working toward fostering a culture that allows us to take up challenges to grow in order to take an autonomous view of our careers and realize personal aspirations.
In our overseas operations, the driver behind our growth strategy, we believe a lot of human resources will be necessary in the future. We have a systematic approach to the training of human resources, including training programs such as the Global Human Resources Course and the Overseas Trainee System, as well as transfers from individual units to overseas locations. We have set up a consistent course for the personnel development, including the awareness of global perspectives and the acquisition of skills and languages, in order to develop and appropriately deploy globally minded human resources.
(Accountability in business) |
The Company respects human rights by following the AEON Basic Principles and AEON Human Rights Policy. We aim to establish ourselves as an organization that allows its employees to be involved in the development of the company regardless of gender and nationality, among others, and that provides the workplace in which all employees achieve their full potential. The Company regards addressing human rights risks as an important foundation for human resource development and the fulfilment of employees’ potential, promoting initiatives to address this issue.
Regarding human rights, the Company sees “respecting human rights” as a material issue of sustainability, and as such, the President takes the highest responsibility in promoting activities on that issue. The Company established the ESG Promotion Committee, a committee chaired by the President, and comprised of Inside Directors, as a subordinate organization of the Management Meeting as a promotion system that meets once every two months to discuss important policies, measures, and targets related to human rights, allowing it to support the prompt response to and resolution of issues. Discussions at the ESG Promotion Committee and its subcommittees are reported to the Board of Directors. The Risk Management Committee reports to the President on risk management and proposes policies, while each department responsible takes measures to deal with respective risks.
The AEON Human Rights Policy specifies the implementation of human rights due diligence, and in accordance with AEON guidelines, the Company started working on this in 2020. As indicated in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we will continue our efforts to build a sustainable value chain to ensure that we play a vital role to guarantee human rights.
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(6) | Major offices of the AEON MALL Group (as of February 28, 2025) |
(i) | Major business locations |
Headquarters of the Company: 1-5-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
Business and Name of Business Department | Number of Malls and Stores | Number of Commercial Facilities Under Management and Operation Contract |
Mall Business | ||
Business in Japan | ||
Tohoku & Hokkaido Business Department | 9 | 6 |
Kitakanto & Koshinetsu Business Department | 7 | 3 |
Shutoken Business Department | 11 | 5 |
Higashikanto Business Department | 7 | 6 |
Tokai Business Department | 5 | 7 |
Aichi Business Department | 9 | 5 |
Keiji & Hokuriku Business Department | 8 | 4 |
Higashikinki Business Department | 10 | 4 |
Nishikinki Business Department | 3 | 6 |
Chushikoku Business Department | 9 | 5 |
Kyusyu & Okinawa Business Department | 12 | 0 |
Outlet Business Department | 3 | 0 |
Overseas Business | ||
China | 24 | 0 |
ASEAN | 15 | 1 |
Subtotal | 132 | 52 |
Urban Shopping Center Business | 20 | 0 |
Total | 152 | 52 |
(Notes) | 1. | Hiwada Shopping Mall Co., Ltd.’s Shopping Mall FESTA in the Tohoku & Hokkaido Business Department closed temporarily at the end of August 2023 and is scheduled to be rebuilt as AEON MALL Koriyama in spring 2027. This is not included in the above list. |
2. | AEON MALL DELTAMAS (Indonesia) opened on March 22, 2024. |
3. | AEON MALL Hangzhou Qiantang (China) opened on June 1, 2024. |
4. | AEON MALL Changsha Xingsha (China) opened on September 12, 2024. |
5. | AEON MALL Hue (Vietnam) opened on September 21, 2024. |
6. | Qualite Prix Shinsapporo (Tohoku & Hokkaido Business Department) ended operations under Company management at the end of June 2024. This is not included in the above list. |
7. | SENDAI FORUS (Urban Shopping Center Business) has been temporarily closed since March 1, 2024 to conduct a deterioration survey of the building and facilities. This is included in the above list. |
8. | Seisekisakuragaoka OPA (Urban Shopping Center Business) will end operations under Company management at the end of August 2025. This is included in the above list. |
9. | Shinsaibashi OPA (Urban Shopping Center Business) will end operations on January 12, 2026. This is included in the above list. |
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(ii) | Business locations of major subsidiaries |
Business locations of major subsidiaries are as listed in “(ii) Major subsidiaries” of “(3) Parent company and major subsidiaries.”
(7) | Employees (as of February 28, 2025) |
(i) | The AEON MALL Group |
(Note) | The number of employees is the number of persons at work (which excludes those who are seconded from the Group to the outside, and includes those who are seconded from the outside to the Group). The figure shown in parentheses is the number of temporary employees [the number of contract employees and community employees is based on the year-end number and the number for part-time workers is the calculated average number for the year (calculated based on an eight-hour working day)]. |
(ii) | The Company (nonconsolidated) |
Number of Employees | Comparison to End of Previous Fiscal Year | Average Age | Average Service Years | |
Male | 1,180 (185) | Increase of 2 (Increase of 13) |
44 years and 2 months | 9 years and 4 months |
Female | 743 (1,404) | Increase of 52 (Increase of 49) |
38 years and 11 months | 8 years and 3 months |
Total | 1,923 (1,589) | Increase of 54 (Increase of 62) |
41 years and 11 months | 9 years and 0 months |
(Notes) | 1. | The number of employees is the number of persons at work (which excludes those who are seconded from the Company to the outside, and includes those who are seconded from the outside to the Company). The figure shown in parentheses is the number of temporary employees [the number of contract employees and community employees is based on the year-end number and the number for part-time workers is the calculated average number for the year (calculated based on an eight-hour working day)]. |
2. | The average service years for seconded employees is calculated from the first date of secondment. |
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(8) | Major lenders (as of February 28, 2025) |
Creditors | Amount (Million Yen) |
Development Bank of Japan Inc. | 27,096 |
Mizuho Bank, Ltd. | 14,722 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation | 8,735 |
MUFG Bank, Ltd. | 7,000 |
The Norinchukin Bank | 7,000 |
The Hiroshima Bank, Ltd. | 7,000 |
Shinkin Central Bank | 6,000 |
Mie Prefectural Credit Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives | 5,500 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited | 5,000 |
The Keiyo Bank, Ltd. | 5,000 |
The Toho Bank, Ltd. | 5,000 |
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2. | Shares (as of February 28, 2025) |
(1) | Number of shares authorized: | 320,000,000 shares | |
(2) | Number of shares issued: | 227,571,139 shares | |
(3) | Number of shareholders: | 315,863 |
(4) | Twelve largest shareholders: |
Name | Number of Shares Held (Thousands of Shares) | Ratio of Shares Held (%) |
AEON CO., LTD. | 132,351 | 58.15 |
The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) | 11,248 | 4.94 |
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) | 3,216 | 1.41 |
Goldman Sachs International | 2,117 | 0.93 |
UBS AG LONDON A/C IPB SEGREGATED CLIENT ACCOUNT | 1,763 | 0.77 |
AEON MALL Trading-Partner Shareholding Association | 1,434 | 0.63 |
CGML PB CLIENT ACCOUNT/COLLATERAL | 1,384 | 0.60 |
NOMURA PB NOMINEES LIMITED OMNIBUS-MARGIN (CASHPB) | 1,201 | 0.52 |
Japan Securities Finance Co., Ltd. | 1,105 | 0.48 |
Mizuho Bank, Ltd. | 1,100 | 0.48 |
The Norinchukin Bank | 1,100 | 0.48 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited | 1,100 | 0.48 |
(Notes) | 1. Number of shares held less than one thousand has been omitted. |
2. | Calculations of ratio of shares held exclude treasury shares (4,896 shares) and have been rounded down to two decimals. |
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3. | Stock acquisition rights |
(i) | Stock acquisition rights delivered as consideration for execution of duties, and held by the Company’s officers (excluding outside officers) as of the final day of the fiscal year under review |
(As of February 28, 2025)
Name (Issuance Resolution Date) | Exercise Period | Persons Holding the Rights | Number of Stock Acquisition Rights | Number of Shares Subject to the Rights | Number of Persons Holding the Rights | Issuing Price | Amount of Capital Contributed Upon Exercise |
No. 16 stock acquisition rights (May 10, 2023) | June 10, 2023 to June 9, 2038 | Directors | 11 | 1,100 shares | 1 | ¥1,515 per share | ¥1 per share |
No. 17 stock acquisition rights (May 10, 2024) | June 10, 2024 to June 9, 2039 | Directors | 21 | 2,100 shares | 3 | ¥1,499 per share | ¥1 per share |
(Notes) | 1. | Persons who are allocated stock acquisition rights must be in the position of Director or Audit & Supervisory Board Member of the Company when exercising their rights. However, even if a person retires from his/her position as Director or Audit & Supervisory Board Member of the Company, he/she may exercise those rights within a period of five years from the date of his/her retirement. |
2. | When exercising stock acquisition rights, the officer must exercise the entire number of the rights in his/her possession and may not exercise them in installments. |
3. | Other conditions are determined pursuant to the provisions of the share compensation-type stock option rules, agreements on allocation of stock acquisition rights, and detailed rules on stock acquisition rights, in accordance with the resolutions passed at the 96th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 17, 2007 and the resolution by the Board of Directors. |
4. | Of the above, stock acquisition rights held by one Director were granted prior to appointment as Director. |
(ii) | Stock acquisition rights delivered to employees, etc. as consideration for execution of duties during the fiscal year under review |
Name (Issuance Resolution Date) | Exercise Period | Number of Stock Acquisition Rights | Number of Shares Subject to the Rights | Number of Shareholders Issued To | Issuing Price | Amount of Capital Contributed Upon Exercise |
No. 17 stock acquisition rights (May 10, 2024) | June 10, 2024 to June 9, 2039 | 48 | 4,800 shares | 12 | ¥1,499 per share | ¥1 per share |
(Note) The conditions for exercising the stock acquisition rights are the same as (i) above.
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4. | Officers |
(1) | Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members (as of February 28, 2025) |
Position and Responsibility | Name | Significant Concurrent Position |
President and CEO | Keiji Ohno | |
Senior Managing Director (Executive General Manager of Administration Division) | Mitsuhiro Fujiki | |
Managing Director (Executive General Manager of Finance & Accounting Division) | Hideki Hayami | |
Director and Advisor | Motoya Okada |
Director, Chairman and Representative Executive Officer, AEON CO., LTD. Director and Advisor, AEON Retail Co., Ltd. Director and Advisor, United Super Markets Holdings Inc. Director, Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd. Outside Director, KUSURI NO AOKI HOLDINGS CO., LTD. |
Director (Executive General Manager of Development Division) | Shinichiro Minami | |
Director (Executive General Manager of Overseas Business Division) | Daisuke Isobe | |
Director (Executive General Manager of Customer Experience Creation Division) | Masayuki Tsuboya | |
Director | Kunihiro Koshizuka |
External Director, TOKYU CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. Outside Director, WILL GROUP, INC. Outside Director, F.C.C. Co., Ltd. Outside Director, MIC Co., Ltd. |
Director | Chisa Enomoto |
Independent Director, Member of Supervisory Committee, PERSOL HOLDINGS CO., LTD. Trustee and Member of Communication Strategy Committee, Meiji University Outside Director, JAPAN POST Co., Ltd. |
Director | Hironobu Kurosaki | |
Director | Junko Owada |
Advisor, Tokyo Ichiban Foods Co., Ltd. Assigned under Professional Contract of Human Resources Area, Hitachi, Ltd. Outside Director, Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. Outside Director, H.I.S. Co., Ltd. |
Director | Junko Taki |
Representative, Taki CPA Office Outside Director, Nihon Kagaku Sangyo Co., Ltd. Outside Director (Audit & Supervisory Committee member), Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. |
Full-time Audit & Supervisory Board Member | Kazuhiro Aoyama | |
Audit & Supervisory Board Member | Emi Torii | Partner, Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law |
Audit & Supervisory Board Member | Rumiko Tanabe |
Director, Tanabe Certified Public Accountant Office Outside Director (Audit & Supervisory Committee Member), TechnoPro Holdings, Inc. Outside Auditor, TSI HOLDINGS CO., LTD. |
Audit & Supervisory Board Member | Masato Nishimatsu |
Counselor, AEON CO., LTD. Audit & Supervisory Board Member, AEON Hokkaido Corporation Audit & Supervisory Board Member, FUJI CO., LTD. |
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(Notes) | 1. Directors Kunihiro Koshizuka, Chisa Enomoto, Hironobu Kurosaki, Junko Owada, and Junko Taki are Outside Directors. |
2. | Audit & Supervisory Board Members Kazuhiro Aoyama, Emi Torii, and Rumiko Tanabe are Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members. |
3. | Director Junko Taki is qualified as a certified public accountant, and possesses extensive financial and accounting knowledge. |
4. | Audit & Supervisory Board Member Emi Torii has been engaged in corporate legal affairs as an attorney, and has abundant expertise and experience. |
5. | Audit & Supervisory Board Member Rumiko Tanabe is qualified as a certified public accountant, and possesses extensive financial and accounting knowledge. |
6. | In accordance with the rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Company has submitted notification that Directors Kunihiro Koshizuka, Chisa Enomoto, Hironobu Kurosaki, Junko Owada and Junko Taki, and Audit & Supervisory Board Members Emi Torii and Rumiko Tanabe have been designated as Independent Officers as provided for by the aforementioned exchange. |
(2) | Outline of Contents of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Agreement, etc. |
The Company has entered into a directors and officers liability insurance (“D&O insurance”) policy as provided for in Article 430-3, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act with an insurance company.
Outline of D&O Insurance Agreement
(i) | Scope of insureds |
Directors, Audit & Supervisory Board Members, and other officers of the Company
(ii) | Share of actual insurance premiums by insured persons |
The Company will bear all insurance expenses with no expenses borne by the insured persons.
(iii) | Outline of insured events covered |
The insurance agreement covers any damages, legal costs, and other related expenses that may be incurred when insured Directors and officers become liable with regard to the execution of their duties or be claimed for damages with regard to the pursuit of such liability. However, there are some exemptions, such as the case where the insured person committed an act even though he/she had been aware that the act falls under the violation of laws and regulations.
(iv) | Measures to ensure that the appropriateness of duties of Directors and officers is not impaired |
The insurance has a provision specifying the amount of exemption. Therefore, damages below the amount are not covered by the agreement.
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(3) | Directors who retired during the fiscal year under review |
Name | Retirement Date | Reason for Retirement | Position in the Company at Time of Retirement | Areas of Responsibility in the Company, and Significant Concurrent Positions Outside the Company at Time of Retirement |
Yasutsugu Iwamura | May 23, 2024 | Expiration of the term of office | President and CEO | |
Masahiko Okamoto | May 23, 2024 | Expiration of the term of office | Managing Director, in charge of special missions | |
Hiroshi Yokoyama | May 23, 2024 | Expiration of the term of office | Director (part-time) |
(4) | Summary of limited liability agreements |
With regard to Kunihiro Koshizuka, Chisa Enomoto, Hironobu Kurosaki, Junko Owada, Junko Taki, Emi Torii, and Rumiko Tanabe, who have been notified as Independent Officers, the Company has entered into limited liability agreements which limit their liability pursuant to the provisions of Article 427, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, on the condition that they carry out their duties in good faith and without gross negligence. The agreements are to limit their liabilities for damages as set forth in Article 423, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act to the amount prescribed by laws and regulations.
(5) | Policy concerning decisions on the amounts of remuneration for officers and method of calculation thereof, and total amount of remuneration for Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members for the fiscal year under review |
(i) | Policy concerning decisions on the amounts of remuneration for officers and method of calculation thereof |
The Company has resolved its policy concerning decisions on the amounts of remuneration for officers at the Board of Directors meeting held on July 11, 2024. Prior to the resolution at the Board of Directors meeting, the matters to be resolved were consulted with the Nomination and Compensation Committee.
In addition, the Board of Directors has confirmed that the method of determining the remuneration for individual officers for the fiscal year under review and the content of the determined remuneration are consistent with the policy resolved by the Board of Directors and that deliberations of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, which comprises five Independent Outside Directors (as of February 28, 2025), is respected, and has also judged that they are in accordance with the policy.
The outline of contents of policy concerning decisions on the amounts of remuneration for officers or the method of calculation thereof is as follows.
a | Remuneration for Directors is designed to reflect performance in treatment based on fair standards according to the role of the Director, the degree to which they have achieved management goals, and efforts to improve medium-term corporate value. |
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b | Remuneration for Directors consists of “basic remuneration,” “performance-based remuneration” and “share compensation-type stock options.” |
i | Basic remuneration |
The amount is determined based on individual evaluation within the standard amount set for each position, and is paid on a monthly basis.
ii | Performance-based remuneration |
The weight of performance-based remuneration in total cash remuneration (basic remuneration + performance-based remuneration) is set at around 30%, with the weight increasing in accordance with responsibility.
The amount of performance-based remuneration paid to each Director (by individual) is calculated as “company performance-based remuneration” and “individual performance,” with company performance-based remuneration calculated using a coefficient based on the company’s performance budget achievement ratio, and the payment rate for individual performance evaluation determined based on the evaluation of individual achievement level of goals for the Medium-Term Management Plan.
The individual performance evaluation is performed by the President based on individual Director business reports and is determined by the Board of Directors after deliberation by the Nomination and Compensation Committee.
iii | Share compensation-type stock options |
Stock acquisition rights shall be allocated as share compensation-type stock options that reflect performance for the purpose of enhancing the morale and motivation to continuously improve performance and increase corporate value by strengthening the linkage between the stock price and performance with the remuneration, and by sharing with shareholders not only the benefits received when the stock price rises but also the risks when the stock price falls. The proportion of stock options in total remuneration is set at around 10%, with the weight increasing based on responsibility. The number of stock acquisition rights allocated is determined based on the standard number for each position, the company’s performance budget achievement ratio, and the evaluation of individual achievement level of goals for the Medium-Term Management Plan.
c | Outside Directors are paid only fixed remuneration and are not subject to either company-wide or individual performance evaluations. |
d | As Audit & Supervisory Board Members are in a position to supervise the execution of duties by Directors from an independent standpoint, only fixed remuneration is paid to them. The level of remuneration is set at the level necessary to secure personnel who are suitable to play an important role in the establishment and operation of good corporate governance. |
The policy concerning each remuneration of Audit & Supervisory Board Member is as follows.
i | Basic remuneration |
A fixed amount is paid to each Audit & Supervisory Board Member based on his or her experience, insight, and position, etc.
ii | Performance-based remuneration |
No performance-based remuneration is paid to Audit & Supervisory Board Members.
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iii | Share compensation-type stock options |
No stock-related compensation is paid to Audit & Supervisory Board Members.
(ii) | Total amount of remuneration for Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members |
Classification | Total Amount of Remuneration (Thousand Yen) | Total Amount of Remuneration by Type | Number of Eligible Officers | ||
Basic Remuneration (Thousand Yen) | Performance-Based Remuneration (Thousand Yen) | Stock Options (Thousand Yen) | |||
Director (Of which, Outside Directors) |
146,124 (36,630) |
97,980 (36,630) |
39,600 (–) |
8,544 (–) |
14 (5) |
Audit & Supervisory Board Member (Of which, Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members) |
24,000 (24,000) |
24,000 (24,000) |
– (–) |
– (–) |
3 (3) |
Total (Of which, outside officers) |
170,124 (60,630) |
121,980 (60,630) |
39,600 (–) |
8,544 (–) |
17 (8) |
(Notes) | 1. | The above data does not include one Director and one Audit & Supervisory Board Member to whom remuneration is not applicable. |
2. | The number of eligible persons for basic remuneration for Directors is 14, including Directors who were in office as of February 28, 2025, and retired at the 113th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 23, 2024. |
3. | The number of eligible persons for basic remuneration for Audit & Supervisory Board Members is three, including Audit & Supervisory Board Members who were in office as of February 28, 2025. |
4. | The amount of performance-based remuneration is the amount planned to be paid to six Directors in office as of February 28, 2025. |
5. | The amount of stock options is the amount granted to the five Directors in office as of February 29, 2024 during the fiscal year under review. |
6. The amount of remuneration, etc. for Directors was resolved at the 96th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 17, 2007 to be ¥600,000 thousand or less per year.
In addition, separate from such monetary remuneration, the maximum remuneration through stock options was resolved at said General Meeting of Shareholders to be ¥100,000 thousand or less per year.
The number of Directors at the time of the resolution was 20.
7. | The amount of remunerations for Audit & Supervisory Board Members was resolved, at the 91st Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 8, 2002, to be ¥50,000 thousand or less per year and is determined through consultation among Audit & Supervisory Board Members within the said extent. The number of Audit & Supervisory Board Members at the time of the resolution was four. |
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(6) | Matters concerning outside officers |
(i) | Significant concurrent positions at other organizations and relationships between the Company and such other organizations |
(Notes) | 1. | Director Hironobu Kurosaki and Audit & Supervisory Board Member Kazuhiro Aoyama hold no significant concurrent position. |
2. | The amount of the Company’s revenue from transactions with JAPAN POST Co., Ltd., at which Chisa Enomoto holds a concurrent position, is equivalent to 0.058% of the Company’s consolidated operating revenue. |
3. | The amount of the Company’s revenue from transactions with Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd., at which Junko Owada holds a concurrent position, is equivalent to 0.014% of the Company’s consolidated operating revenue. |
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4. | The amount of the Company’s revenue from transactions with H.I.S. Co., Ltd., at which Junko Owada holds a concurrent position, is equivalent to 0.018% of the Company’s consolidated operating revenue. |
(ii) | Family relationship with a business operator of the Company or a specified related business operator of the Company, or an officer who is not a business operator |
Not applicable.
(iii) | Attendance at Board of Directors meeting and Audit & Supervisory Board meeting |
Classification | Name | Board of Directors | Audit & Supervisory Board | ||
Attendances/ Meetings (Times) |
Attendance Rate (%) | Attendances/ Meetings (Times) |
Attendance Rate (%) | ||
Outside Directors | Kunihiro Koshizuka | 18/18 | 100 | – | – |
Chisa Enomoto | 17/18 | 94 | – | – | |
Hironobu Kurosaki | 18/18 | 100 | – | – | |
Junko Owada | 18/18 | 100 | – | – | |
Junko Taki | 17/18 | 94 | – | – | |
Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members | Kazuhiro Aoyama | 17/18 | 94 | 15/15 | 100 |
Emi Torii | 18/18 | 100 | 15/15 | 100 | |
Rumiko Tanabe | 18/18 | 100 | 14/15 | 93 |
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(iv) | Major activities of each outside officer for the fiscal year under review |
Classification | Name | Overview of Statements Made and Duties Performed in Relation to Expected Role |
Outside Directors | Kunihiro Koshizuka | Applying a high level of expertise and experience in digital and scientific technologies gained as an engineer, Kunihiro Koshizuka has been stating his opinions properly, such as the proposals related to creating new value (business models) for the enhancement of the Company’s corporate value over the medium and long term. Moreover, undertaking the role of a consensus builder for the Outside Directors as the leading independent Outside Director, he appoints and evaluates Directors as Chair of the Nomination and Compensation Committee. He also discusses the policies and plans for developing successors and other Director candidates in relation to human resources who are likely to be Director candidates in the next fiscal year, providing supervision and advice so that these candidates will achieve success as members of the management team. |
Chisa Enomoto | Chisa Enomoto has been stating her opinions properly, particularly with respect to enhancing the Company’s brand value and reputation, from a general perspective grounded upon her extensive knowledge and experience in public relations strategies that she gained as a public relations officer at multiple companies, including foreign corporations. Moreover, as Chair of the Governance Committee, she discusses the rationality and appropriateness of transactions with the parent company and group companies on board meeting agenda items and matters deemed necessary by the Committee as part of her effort to supervise management from the viewpoint of minority shareholders, and also offers advice intended to help the Company make the maximum use of the brand value. | |
Hironobu Kurosaki | Applying his management experience gained as an executive officer in charge of an overseas affiliated company, Hironobu Kurosaki has been providing appropriate supervision and advice needed to capture growing markets and realize highly profitable growth for such subjects as formulating medium-term management plans in overseas business, promoting plans for opening new stores, risk management at times of expanding stores, and the suitability of investment and profitability plans. | |
Junko Owada | Applying her experience and achievements from the human resources field and IT problem solving, Junko Owada has been providing appropriate supervision and advice to realize sustainable growth for the Company and for the enhancement of medium- to long-term corporate value, such as identifying points in the content of deliberation that requires further examination and making proposals relating to critical issues including human capital strategies, diversity, and specific KPIs and processes in evaluation systems. | |
Junko Taki | Applying her experience as an executive close to management in multiple companies as well as considerable knowledge she has developed as an accounting and corporate governance expert, Junko Taki has been stating her opinions on our medium- to long-term growth strategies and management issues in Japan and overseas as well as on our response to new lease accounting standards, adopting fairness and transparency as her perspectives, and also provides appropriate supervision and advice to improve the effectiveness of the Board of Directors. |
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Classification | Name | Overview of Statements Made and Duties Performed in Relation to Expected Role |
Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members | Kazuhiro Aoyama | Kazuhiro Aoyama leverages his extensive knowledge of management and sales strategies he fostered in the AEON Group and his experience as a director to conduct highly effective audits and supervise management, including pointing out the appropriateness of plans in line with business strategies and the state of internal controls, and supervising the status of business execution at important meetings. |
Emi Torii | Applying her expertise and experience as a lawyer in corporate legal affairs and compliance, Emi Torii has been providing supervision of management, such as offering necessary insights on appropriateness of transactions and improvements to the internal control system, from the perspectives of the Companies Act and of the protection of the interests of minority shareholders. | |
Rumiko Tanabe | With her expertise as a certified public accountant, Rumiko Tanabe leverages her professional knowledge and extensive experience as a specialist in finance and accounting, including audit work at an auditing firm, and she provides highly effective audits and supervises management, including making finance-related recommendations as well as supervising the execution of duties by Directors through interviews. |
(v) | Total amount of remuneration paid to officers from a parent company, etc. or its subsidiaries, etc. (except the Company) if they concurrently assume office as an officer thereof |
Number of Persons Paid | Total Amount of Remuneration Paid to Officers from a Parent Company, etc. or Its Subsidiaries, etc. | |
Total amount of remuneration paid to outside officers | 1 | ¥2,400 thousand |
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5. | Accounting auditor |
(1) | Name of accounting auditor |
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC
(2) | Amount of remunerations for accounting auditor for the fiscal year under review |
(i) | Amount of remunerations for services provided under Article 2, paragraph (1) (audit and attestation services) of the Certified Public Accountants Act (Act No. 103 of 1948) |
¥141 million
(ii) | Total cash and other remuneration paid by the Company and its subsidiaries |
¥144 million
(Note 1) Since the auditing services contract between the Company and the accounting auditor does not make a clear distinction between the amounts of remuneration payable to the accounting auditor with respect to auditing services rendered under the Companies Act and those amounts payable for auditing services rendered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and those amounts cannot be practically classified. Therefore, the amount of remuneration paid for audits under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act is included in amount (i).
(Note 2) The Audit & Supervisory Board reviewed the audit hours, basis and details for the calculation of the estimated amount of remuneration, such as its unit price, based on reports and materials obtained from the Finance & Accounting Unit and other internal relevant departments, the contents of audit plan explained by the accounting auditor, as well as the status of performance of duties in the previous fiscal year. As a result, we expressed agreement on the remuneration for the accounting auditor in accordance with Article 399, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act.
(3) | Description of non-auditing services |
Services related to the creation of comfort letters.
(4) | Policy regarding decisions to dismiss or not to reappoint the accounting auditor |
If the accounting auditor is deemed to fall under any of the provisions of the items of Article 340, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act, the Audit & Supervisory Board will dismiss the accounting auditor with the consent of all the Audit & Supervisory Board Members.
In addition, if the accounting auditor is deemed to have an issue regarding the quality of audit services, quality management, independence, and other related factors on the accounting auditor, leading to a substantial detriment to the performance of the audit, the Audit & Supervisory Board will determine the contents of proposal on the dismissal or non-reappointment of the accounting auditor, which are to be submitted to a General Meeting of Shareholders.
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Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheet (As of February 28, 2025) |
(Million yen) | ||
Item | Amount | Item | Amount |
Assets | Liabilities | ||
Current assets | 159,386 | Current liabilities | 274,173 |
Cash and deposits | 61,699 | Notes and accounts payable-trade | 14,278 |
Notes and accounts receivable-trade | 14,119 | Bonds due within one year | 63,000 |
Prepaid expenses | 4,738 | Current portion of long-term debt | 31,495 |
Deposits paid to affiliates | 29,000 | Lease obligations | 29,105 |
Other | 50,338 | Income taxes payable | 6,649 |
Allowance for doubtful receivables | (509) | Deposits received from specialty stores | 51,315 |
Fixed assets | 1,503,890 | Deposits received | 6,841 |
Property, plant, and equipment | 1,370,241 | Allowance for employee bonus | 2,029 |
Buildings and structures | 726,157 | Allowance for director and corporate auditor performance-based remuneration | 74 |
Machinery and transportation equipment | 3,000 | Provision for loss on store closing | 2,977 |
Furniture and fixtures | 13,197 | Notes payable-construction | 846 |
Land | 381,736 | Electronically recorded obligations-construction | 10,096 |
Right-of-use assets | 207,906 | Accounts payable-construction | 29,069 |
Construction in progress | 38,238 | Other | 26,392 |
Other | 4 | Long-term liabilities | 878,009 |
Intangible assets | 3,586 | Straight bonds | 392,000 |
Investments and other assets | 130,061 | Long-term debt | 183,409 |
Investment securities | 9,123 | Lease obligations | 117,066 |
Long-term loans | 0 | Deferred tax liabilities | 631 |
Long-term prepaid expenses | 50,028 | Accrued retirement benefits to employees | 99 |
Deferred tax assets | 15,243 | Asset retirement obligations | 19,127 |
Lease deposits paid | 53,280 | Lease deposits from lessees | 156,455 |
Retirement benefit asset | 1,367 | Provision for loss on store closing | 3,041 |
Other | 1,070 | Other | 6,178 |
Allowance for doubtful receivables | (51) | Total liabilities | 1,152,182 |
Net assets | |||
Shareholders’ equity | 412,274 | ||
Common stock | 42,389 | ||
Capital surplus | 40,708 | ||
Retained earnings | 329,184 | ||
Treasury stock, at cost | (8) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 86,671 | ||
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities | 784 | ||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 85,326 | ||
Remeasurements of defined benefit plans | 560 | ||
Stock acquisition rights | 38 | ||
Non-controlling interests | 12,110 | ||
Total net assets | 511,094 | ||
Total assets | 1,663,276 | Total liabilities and net assets | 1,663,276 |
(Note) | The amounts have been rounded down to the nearest unit. |
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Consolidated Statement of Income (March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025) |
(Million yen) | |
Item | Amount | |
Operating revenue | 449,753 | |
Operating costs | 360,075 | |
Gross profit | 89,678 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 37,531 | |
Operating income | 52,146 | |
Non-operating profits | ||
Interest income | 2,513 | |
Dividend income | 24 | |
Share of profit of entities accounted for using equity method | 846 | |
Compensation paid by departing tenants | 1,345 | |
Foreign exchange gains | 1,578 | |
Compensation income | 363 | |
Insurance income | 226 | |
Other | 423 | 7,321 |
Non-operating expenses | ||
Interest expenses | 14,459 | |
Loss on valuation of derivatives | 1,178 | |
Other | 1,234 | 16,872 |
Ordinary income | 42,595 | |
Extraordinary gains | ||
Gain on sale of fixed assets | 0 | |
Gain on lease modification | 726 | 726 |
Extraordinary losses | ||
Loss on sale of fixed assets | 61 | |
Loss on retirement of fixed assets | 1,403 | |
Impairment loss | 7,179 | |
Provision for loss on store closings | 5,148 | |
Other | 417 | 14,210 |
Income before income taxes | 29,111 | |
Income tax – current | 15,669 | |
Income tax – deferred | (561) | 15,108 |
Net income | 14,002 | |
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | 258 | |
Net income attributable to owners of parent | 14,260 |
(Note) | The amounts have been rounded down to the nearest unit. |
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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
|
(Million yen)
|
||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||
Common stock | Capital surplus | Retained earnings | Treasury stock | Total shareholders’ equity | |||||
Balance as of March 1, 2024 | 42,383 | 40,701 | 326,301 | (8) | 409,377 | ||||
Changes during period | |||||||||
Issue of new shares | 6 | 6 | 13 | ||||||
Cash dividends | (11,377) | (11,377) | |||||||
Net income attributable to owners of parent | 14,260 | 14,260 | |||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (0) | (0) | |||||||
Net change in items other than shareholders’ equity | |||||||||
Total of changes | 6 | 6 | 2,883 | (0) | 2,896 | ||||
Balance as of February 28, 2025 | 42,389 | 40,708 | 329,184 | (8) | 412,274 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | Stock acquisition rights | Non-controlling interests | Total net assets | ||||||
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities | Foreign currency translation adjustment | Remeasurements of defined benefit plans | Total accumulated other comprehensive income | ||||||
Balance as of March 1, 2024 | 763 | 54,193 | (42) | 54,914 | 35 | 11,898 | 476,226 | ||
Changes during period | |||||||||
Issue of new shares | 13 | ||||||||
Cash dividends | (11,377) | ||||||||
Net income attributable to owners of parent | 14,260 | ||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (0) | ||||||||
Net change in items other than shareholders’ equity | 20 | 31,133 | 603 | 31,757 | 2 | 211 | 31,971 | ||
Total of changes | 20 | 31,133 | 603 | 31,757 | 2 | 211 | 34,867 | ||
Balance as of February 28, 2025 | 784 | 85,326 | 560 | 86,671 | 38 | 12,110 | 511,094 | ||
(Note) | The amounts have been rounded down to the nearest unit. |
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Nonconsolidated Financial Statements
Nonconsolidated Balance Sheet (As of February 28, 2025) |
(Million yen) | ||
Item | Amount | Item | Amount |
Assets | Liabilities | ||
Current assets | 79,046 | Current liabilities | 226,909 |
Cash and deposits | 5,224 | Notes and accounts payable-trade | 10,795 |
Notes and accounts receivable-trade | 8,893 | Short-term debt from subsidiaries and associates | 17,705 |
Prepaid expenses | 3,359 | Bonds due within one year | 63,000 |
Short-term loans receivable from subsidiaries and associates | 8,100 | Current portion of long-term debt | 31,495 |
Deposits paid to affiliates | 29,000 | Accounts payable – other | 4,508 |
Accounts receivable-other | 23,831 | Accrued expenses | 3,133 |
Current portion of lease deposits | 26 | Income taxes payable | 5,044 |
Other | 684 | Advances received | 6,370 |
Allowance for doubtful receivables | (73) | Deposits received from specialty stores | 44,378 |
Fixed assets | 1,350,494 | Deposits received | 7,635 |
Property, plant, and equipment | 802,055 | Allowance for employee bonus | 1,947 |
Buildings | 429,879 | Allowance for director and corporate auditor performance-based remuneration | 63 |
Structures | 26,503 | Provision for loss on store closing | 833 |
Machinery and equipment | 2,508 | Notes payable-construction | 456 |
Vehicles and transportation equipment | 1 | Electronically recorded obligations-construction | 10,096 |
Furniture and fixtures | 9,292 | Accounts payable-construction | 18,063 |
Land | 314,356 | Other | 1,381 |
Construction in progress | 19,506 | Long-term liabilities | 725,389 |
Other | 4 | Straight bonds | 392,000 |
Intangible assets | 2,830 | Long-term debt | 183,409 |
Software | 2,368 | Provision for loss on store closing | 3,041 |
Right to use facilities | 444 | Asset retirement obligations | 17,761 |
Other | 17 | Lease deposits from lessees | 129,161 |
Investments and other assets | 545,608 | Other | 15 |
Investment securities | 1,532 | Total liabilities | 952,299 |
Stock of affiliates | 285,902 | Net assets | |
Investment in capital of affiliates | 142,940 | Shareholders’ equity | 476,365 |
Long-term loans | 0 | Common stock | 42,389 |
Long-term loans receivable from subsidiaries and associates | 34,492 | Capital surplus | 42,698 |
Long-term prepaid expenses | 16,547 | Legal capital surplus | 42,698 |
Deferred tax assets | 18,630 | Retained earnings | 391,285 |
Lease deposits paid | 44,745 | Legal retained earnings | 1,371 |
Prepaid pension costs | 540 | Other retained earnings | 389,914 |
Other | 275 | Reserve for advanced depreciation of fixed assets | 383 |
Allowance for doubtful receivables | (1) | Reserve for tax system to promote open innovation | 116 |
General reserve | 28,770 | ||
Retained earnings brought forward | 360,644 | ||
Treasury stock, at cost | (8) | ||
Valuation and translation adjustments | 838 | ||
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities | 838 | ||
Stock acquisition rights | 38 | ||
Total net assets | 477,241 | ||
Total assets | 1,429,540 | Total liabilities and net assets | 1,429,540 |
(Note) | The amounts have been rounded down to the nearest unit. |
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Nonconsolidated Statement of Income (March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025) |
(Million yen) | |
Item | Amount | |
Operating revenue | 330,298 | |
Operating costs | 259,446 | |
Gross profit | 70,851 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 28,916 | |
Operating income | 41,934 | |
Non-operating profits | ||
Interest income | 1,887 | |
Dividend income | 377 | |
Compensation paid by departing tenants | 817 | |
Foreign exchange gains | 194 | |
Compensation income | 211 | |
Insurance income | 161 | |
Other | 207 | 3,857 |
Non-operating expenses | ||
Interest expenses | 6,299 | |
Other | 1,209 | 7,508 |
Ordinary income | 38,284 | |
Extraordinary gains | ||
Gain on sale of fixed assets | 0 | 0 |
Extraordinary losses | ||
Loss on sale of fixed assets | 59 | |
Loss on retirement of fixed assets | 921 | |
Impairment loss | 531 | |
Provision for loss on store closings | 3,327 | |
Other | 84 | 4,924 |
Income before income taxes | 33,359 | |
Income tax – current | 11,042 | |
Income tax – deferred | (606) | 10,436 |
Net income | 22,923 |
(Note) | The amounts have been rounded down to the nearest unit. |
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Nonconsolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
|
(Million yen)
| ||||||
Shareholders’ equity | |||||||
Common stock | Capital surplus | Retained earnings | |||||
Legal capital surplus | Total capital surplus | Legal retained earnings | Other retained earnings | Total retained earnings | |||
Balance as of March 1, 2024 | 42,383 | 42,691 | 42,691 | 1,371 | 378,369 | 379,740 | |
Changes during period | |||||||
Issue of new shares | 6 | 6 | 6 | ||||
Cash dividends | (11,377) | (11,377) | |||||
Net income | 22,923 | 22,923 | |||||
Purchase of treasury stock | |||||||
Net change in items other than shareholders’ equity | |||||||
Total of changes | 6 | 6 | 6 | – | 11,545 | 11,545 | |
Balance as of February 28, 2025 | 42,389 | 42,698 | 42,698 | 1,371 | 389,914 | 391,285 | |
Shareholders’ equity | Valuation and translation adjustments | Stock acquisition rights | Total net assets | |||
Treasury stock | Total shareholders’ equity | Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities | Total valuation and translation adjustments | |||
Balance as of March 1, 2024 | (8) | 464,806 | 763 | 763 | 35 | 465,606 |
Changes during period | ||||||
Issue of new shares | 13 | 13 | ||||
Cash dividends | (11,377) | (11,377) | ||||
Net income | 22,923 | 22,923 | ||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (0) | (0) | (0) | |||
Net change in items other than shareholders’ equity | 74 | 74 | 2 | 76 | ||
Total of changes | (0) | 11,558 | 74 | 74 | 2 | 11,635 |
Balance as of February 28, 2025 | (8) | 476,365 | 838 | 838 | 38 | 477,241 |
(Note) | The amounts have been rounded down to the nearest unit. |
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Audit Report of the Audit & Supervisory Board
Audit Report
Based on the audit report prepared by each Audit & Supervisory Board Member with regard to the performance of duties by the Directors of AEON MALL Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) for the 114th fiscal year (from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025), the Audit & Supervisory Board of the Company prepares this audit report after deliberation and hereby report, by a unanimous show of hands, as follows:
1. Auditing methods used by Audit & Supervisory Board Members and the Audit & Supervisory Board, and details of audit
(1) | The Audit & Supervisory Board specified audit policies, division of duties, etc. and received reports from each Audit & Supervisory Board Member on the status of implementation and results of audit, and received reports from Directors, etc. and accounting auditor on the status of the performance of their duties and asked them for explanations as necessary. |
(2) | Based on the standards for audit & supervisory board members’ audit stipulated by the Audit & Supervisory Board and according to the audit policies, division of duties, etc. decided by the Audit & Supervisory Board, individual Audit & Supervisory Board Members communicated with Directors, Management Auditing Department, other employees, etc. by utilizing the Internet and other useful means to make efforts to collect information and improve audit environment, and perform the audit in accordance with the following procedures. |
(i) The Audit & Supervisory Board Members attended Board of Directors meetings and other notable meetings, received reports from Directors and employees, etc. on execution of their duties, sought requested explanations as necessary from Directors and employees, etc., reviewed important documents regarding significant decisions, and researched the status of business and finance at the head office and other significant offices. With respect to the subsidiaries of the Company, we have maintained good communications and exchanged information with directors, audit & supervisory board members and others of the subsidiaries and received reports on business conditions from the subsidiaries as needed.
(ii) The Audit & Supervisory Board Members received reports from Directors and employees, etc., requested explanations as necessary and expressed their opinions on the status of the establishment and operation regarding the contents of resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors regarding the establishment of a system for ensuring that the Directors’ duties, as stated in the business report, are executed in conformity with laws and regulations, and the Articles of Association of the Company, and the establishment of a system necessary to ensure proper business operations of the corporate group consisting of a stock company and its subsidiaries as set forth in Article 100, paragraphs (1) and (3) of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Companies Act, and regarding the system (internal control system) established in accordance with such resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.
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(iii) With respect to the points to remember stated in Article 118, Item 5(a) of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Companies Act, and the judgment and reason stated in (b) of the said Item, which are described in the business report, we examined the contents thereof by taking into account the state of deliberation by the Board of Directors and other bodies.
(iv) Audit & Supervisory Board Members monitored and verified whether the Accounting Auditor maintained its independence and implemented appropriate audits, and we received reports from the Accounting Auditor regarding the state of performance of their duties and sought explanations whenever necessity arose. In addition, we received notice from the Accounting Auditor that the “system for ensuring the proper performance of duties” (matters set forth in each Item of Article 131 of the Regulations on Corporate Accounting) is organized in accordance with the “Quality Control Standards for Audits” (Business Accounting Council) and other relevant standards, and sought explanations whenever necessity arose.
Based on the aforementioned methods, the Audit & Supervisory Board examined the business report, supporting schedules, and financial statements (the balance sheet, the statement of income, the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, significant accounting policies and other notes) and other related supplementary schedules, as well as the consolidated financial statements (the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of income, the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, the significant matters forming the basis for preparing consolidated financial statements and other notes) for the fiscal year under review.
2. Results of audit
(1) | Results of audit of business report and other relevant documents |
(i) In our opinion, the business report and supporting schedules fairly presents the state of the Company in accordance with the laws, regulations and Articles of Association.
(ii) In connection with the performance of duties by the Directors, no dishonest act or material fact of violation of laws, regulations, or the Articles of Association exists.
(iii) In our opinion, the contents of the resolution of the Board of Directors regarding the internal control system are fair and reasonable. In addition, we have found nothing to be pointed out in relation to the details described in the business report and the performance of duties by the Directors regarding the internal control system.
(iv) With regard to the business with the parent company, etc. described in the business report, we have found nothing to be pointed out in relation to the consideration made for such business so as not to harm the Company’s interests, as well as the judgment of the Board of Directors on whether or not the business harms the Company’s interests and reasons thereof.
(2) | Results of audit of financial statements and related supplementary schedule |
In our opinion, the methods and results of audit conducted by the Accounting Auditor, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC, are proper.
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(3) | Results of audit of consolidated financial statements |
In our opinion, the methods and results of audit conducted by the Accounting Auditor, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC, are proper.
April 8, 2025
The Audit & Supervisory Board, AEON MALL Co., Ltd.
Full-time Audit & Supervisory Board Member
(Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member)
Kazuhiro Aoyama (Seal)
Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member Emi Abe (Torii) (Seal)
Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member Rumiko Tanabe (Seal)
Audit & Supervisory Board Member Masato Nishimatsu (Seal)
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The business combination described in this document involve securities of a Japanese company. The business combination is subject to disclosure requirements of Japan that are different from those of the United States. Financial information included in this document, if any, was excerpted from financial statements prepared in accordance with foreign accounting standards that may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies.
It may be difficult for you to enforce your rights and any claim you may have arising under the U.S. federal securities laws, since the issuer is located in Japan and some or all of their officers and directors reside outside of the United States. You may not be able to sue a Japanese company or its officers or directors in a Japanese court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a Japanese company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court’s judgment.
You should be aware that the issuer may purchase securities otherwise than under the business combination, such as in the open market or through privately negotiated purchases.
Note: This document has been translated from a part of the Japanese original for reference purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy between this translated document and the Japanese original, the original shall prevail. |
Matters Not Included in
Paper-Based Documents
Delivered to Shareholders Who Requested the
Delivery of Such Documents Based on Laws and
Regulations and the Articles
of Incorporation for
Notice of the 114th Ordinary General Meeting of
Shareholders
System to ensure the appropriate operations
and
overview of its implementation
Notes to “Consolidated Financial Statements” and
“Nonconsolidated Financial Statements”
Details of nonconsolidated financial statements,
etc.
for the most recent business year of AEON CO., LTD.
Business year (114th term) |
(March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025) |
AEON MALL Co., Ltd.
In accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and Article 15 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the above matters are excluded from the paper-based documents delivered to shareholders who requested the delivery of documents stating matters for which measures for providing information in electronic format are to be taken.
System to ensure the appropriate operations and overview of its implementation
(1) | Decisions regarding system to ensure the appropriate operations |
(i) | System for retention and management of information on the execution of duties by Directors of the Company |
The Company prepares approval documents, meeting minutes, and other documents necessary for the execution of the duties by the director or employee, in accordance with the internal regulations of the Company.
Documents (including electronic media) that have been prepared are stored and managed in a secure, fully searchable format appropriate for each storage medium, and are maintained in a viewable form as necessary.
The management division specified in the Document Management Rules takes charge of the management of such records and prevents leakage to external parties.
(ii) | Regulations for controlling the risk of operating loss incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) and other systems |
The Company designates its President as the executive director of risk management and business unit heads as officers in charge of risk management. These individuals are tasked with developing a system and environment to ensure business continuity and the safety of human lives.
The Group has established Risk Management Regulations to prevent crises, respond promptly, and minimize damages in the event of a crisis, striving to reduce risk and mitigate any damages. We have designated management divisions to address risk management by category, and we strive to improve overall corporate value by managing risks of loss for the group as a whole.
In addition, for the Company to be able to protect and manage information assets from organizational, human, physical, and technical perspectives, the Company has established the Information Security Management Rules to clarify the responsibility hierarchies structures for information security, and strives to maintain and improve the information security level, as well as information systems of the Company and of the Group.
The Company has established the Risk Management Committee chaired by the Administration Manager to discuss issues and countermeasures related to the promotion of risk management for the entire Group, and report the proceedings to the Management Meeting. Also, we will report significant matters to the Board of Directors and notify them annually.
In order to enhance the effectiveness of risk management, the Department in charge of internal audits formulates an annual audit plan and conducts internal audits in accordance with the Internal Auditing Rules. The annual audit plan will be reported to the Board of Directors.
(iii) | System to ensure the efficiency of duties executed by Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, employees who execute business operations, personnel who execute duties as specified in Article 598, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act, and other persons equivalent to such personnel (“subsidiaries’ directors, etc.”) |
In addition to holding regular Board of Directors meetings at least once a month, the Company convenes extraordinary meetings of the Board of Directors. Decisions encompassing substantial risk threatening far-reaching impact on the Group are brought to the Management Meeting for discussion. These decisions are then approved by the President and/or by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Moreover, AEON MALL established a Management Strategy Advisory Committee as an advisory body to the President, which holds a meeting once a month in principle, sets themes out of important policies and management issues; discusses and exchanges opinions about the direction of its stance and initiatives, concrete plans, and progress to promote policy realization and management issue resolution based on opinions and advice from independent outside officers.
Regarding business execution, in order to strengthen the corporate governance system, an executive officer system has been established to separate the supervisory and business execution functions, speed up management decision-making, and ensure efficiency in the execution of duties. Further, management responsibilities are clarified by granting the authority required for the performance of duties according to the predetermined Rules for Organization Management, Rules for Segregation of Duties, and Rules of Jurisdiction, etc.
3 |
As a system to ensure the efficiency of the performance of duties of the subsidiaries’ directors, etc., the Board of Directors of the Company approves a Group Medium-term Management Plan, annual management goals, budget distribution, etc. that include subsidiaries, inspects the progress of business strategies and measures in line with such plan and goals on a quarterly basis, and receives reports on other important information.
(iv) | System to ensure compliance in the performance of duties by Directors and employees of the Company, and directors, etc. and employees of its subsidiaries with laws and regulations and the Articles of Association |
We emphasize compliance management to contribute toward the sustainable development of local communities and meet our social responsibilities. To prevent harassment, we have formulated the Rules for the Prevention of Harassment, and we implement education and awareness raising. Furthermore, to prevent bribery, we have set up internal systems in the Group and implement education based on the Basic Rules for the Prevention of Bribery.
The Company has established a Compliance Committee, chaired by the Administration Manager, for the purpose of raising individual awareness and establishing an education system to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal rules, and to identify compliance-related problems and discuss remedial measures, with its proceedings reported to the Management Meeting. Also, we will report significant matters to the Board of Directors and notify them annually.
As a contact point for reporting internal problems, the Company has established the helpline, AEON MALL Hotline (our labor union has launched a separate Union 110 Hotline). We will also install a similar helpline system at our subsidiaries. In addition to ensuring that the privacy of users of this helpline is protected and that they are not subjected to any disadvantageous treatment, in case any report or whistle-blowing is made, its content shall be examined, and if there is a violation, necessary measures shall be taken in accordance with the internal regulations, and then measures to prevent recurrence are formulated and implemented across the Company, and reported to the Compliance Committee.
(v) | System to ensure the appropriate operations of the corporate group, comprising the Company, its parent, and subsidiaries |
In the event that a Director conducts a transaction that may cause a substantial conflict of interest or a competitive relationship with the Company for themselves or for a third party such as the parent company, a subsidiary, or other company of the AEON Group, the Director shall discuss the matter at the Management Meeting and obtain the approval of the Board of Directors before conducting such transaction.
In the event of transactions with companies of the AEON Group, these shall be conducted under appropriate conditions based on market prices in accordance with Rules for Managing Related-Party Transactions. The rationality and appropriateness of the transactions shall be carefully examined by reporting to the Board of Directors once a year on the percentage change in annual transaction results with each trading partner involved.
In addition, the Governance Committee, consisting solely of Independent Outside Directors, has been established as an advisory body to the Board of Directors to deliberate on matters relating to organizational restructuring and important transactions with the parent company and AEON Group companies from the perspective of improving the Company’s corporate value, as well as the fairness and rationality of such transactions, and reports on its proceedings to the Board of Directors. When the Board of Directors deliberates, special interested parties are excluded from the resolution to ensure the fairness of the procedure.
Furthermore, the Group makes its decisions after confirming the fairness and reasonableness of the transaction.
4 |
As a system of reporting matters concerning the performance of duties by the subsidiaries’ directors, etc., the Company requires the subsidiaries to report to the Management Meeting based on Rules for Management of Affiliates established by the Company.
The department in charge of internal auditing performs audits of the Company and its subsidiaries according to the Internal Auditing Rules to ensure the appropriate operations of the Company and its subsidiaries and reports to the President and the full-time Audit & Supervisory Board Members by means of a written internal audit report. In addition, it regularly reports on the results of audit to the Board of Directors.
(vi) | Matters concerning employees who provide assistance with the duties of Audit & Supervisory Board Members of the Company (“Assistants”) when the Audit & Supervisory Board Members decide to hire such Assistants, matters concerning the independence of the Assistants from Directors of the Company, and matters related to ensuring the effectiveness of the instructions provided to the Assistants |
The Company selects and appoints Assistants for the Audit & Supervisory Board Members upon consultation with the Audit & Supervisory Board. The Assistants will not receive orders or instructions from the Directors or any other employees.
The personnel appraisal of Assistants is performed through consultation with the Audit & Supervisory Board Members, and personnel changes and reprimanding of Assistants require the advance agreement of the Audit and Supervisory Board Members.
(vii) | System of reporting to Audit & Supervisory Board Members of the Company |
Directors and employees of the Company, and directors, etc. and employees of its subsidiaries shall report on the situation of management, business operation, finances, progress of internal audits, risk management, and compliance at a meeting of the Board of Directors or the Management Meeting attended by the Audit & Supervisory Board Members.
If Directors or employees of the Company, or directors, etc. or employees of its subsidiaries discover matters that affect the operations or business performance of the Company or its subsidiaries, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues concerning legal compliance, which may cause serious damage to the Company or its subsidiaries, or these have been reported by any of such persons, they shall immediately report to Audit & Supervisory Board of the Company.
The Company and its subsidiaries prohibit treating the persons who have made such a report in a disadvantageous manner because they have made the report, and will ensure that this rule is clearly communicated to Directors and employees of the Company, and directors, etc., Audit & Supervisory Board Members, and employees of its subsidiaries.
(viii) | Matters concerning policies for the advance payment of expenses required for the performance of duties by Audit & Supervisory Board Members of the Company and reimbursement and other procedures for the treatment of expenses or obligations associated with the performance of such duties |
When the Company receives a request for the advance payment, etc. of expenses from Audit & Supervisory Board Members based on Article 388 of the Companies Act, the Company shall pay such expenses without delay based on the internal regulations. The responsible department takes measures regarding the budget required for such payment in every fiscal period.
(ix) | Other systems to ensure the effective auditing by Audit & Supervisory Board Members of the Company |
The department in charge of internal auditing works closely with the Audit & Supervisory Board by, for instance, discussing the details of internal audits with the Audit & Supervisory Board Members as appropriate, and performs audit operations in cooperation to contribute to efficient auditing by the Audit & Supervisory Board Members.
5 |
(2) | Overview of its implementation of system to ensure the appropriate operations |
The Company acknowledges that the internal control system is appropriately operated in accordance with “Decisions regarding system to ensure the appropriate operations,” which is described in the preceding paragraph.
The major operational status for the current fiscal year is as follows.
Regarding business execution, the executive officer system was introduced in May 2023 to separate the supervisory and business execution functions and strengthen the supervisory and monitoring functions of the Board of Directors. Further, for responses to transactions that may cause a conflict of interest between the Company and its parent or Group companies, we deliberate on the rationality of transactions and the appropriateness of the terms and conditions of the transactions in accordance with Rules for Managing Related-Party Transactions. For important proposals to be brought before the Board of Directors in particular, the Governance Committee, which consists solely of Independent Outside Directors, deliberates on the fairness and rationality of the relevant transactions and reports the findings to the Board of Directors. In addition, once a year, a report is submitted on the percentage increase or decrease in annual transactions with each of the related-party counterparties, and the rationality and reasonableness of the transactions are scrutinized.
Regarding our risk management systems, based on findings through a risk survey and its responses to serious incidents occurred and new business fields and environments, the Company divided risks according to their impact. The Company is building a more effective management system by assigning the intensive discussion of the details of initiatives taken by management divisions to the Risk Management Committee. The system is designed to quickly respond to changes in the business environment by reviewing risk level classifications on a regular basis each financial year and as necessary.
In addition to conducting risk surveys, the system for reviewing strategic management risks is reviewed, new risks associated with the launch of new businesses are examined and countermeasures taken, and training is provided to improve risk management skills and risk sensitivity in each department and employee, thereby further increasing the effectiveness of the risk management system.
The risk management systems of the Company’s subsidiaries OPA Co., Ltd., China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are autonomously promoted in accordance with the Company, and each has its own risk management committee to discuss risk responses in the same way as the Company. We are also working to improve the effectiveness of the Group-wide risk management system by updating it to the latest risks based on the most recent risk surveys conducted by each company.
Regarding our compliance systems, domestic subsidiaries and overseas corporations also participate in the Compliance Committee to develop systems to promote compliance globally. Also, training for directors and officers, executive training, and general training are conducted respectively to ensure that all employees are aware of compliance promotion.
Regarding our internal audit systems, the internal audit department manages the progress of improvements and semi-annually reports on the audit to the Management Meeting and the Board of Directors. The internal audit department holds meetings with full-time Audit & Supervisory Board Members once a month to coordinate their efforts.
-Initiatives for eliminating antisocial forces-
1. | Basic Stance |
From the perspectives of the strict implementation of compliance management and the protection of the Company, we are aware that it is one of our corporate social responsibilities to have no relations with antisocial forces, to take a firm attitude towards their unreasonable demands and to reject such demands.
6 |
2. | Readiness to Eliminate Antisocial Forces |
(i) | In the event of any unreasonable demand from any antisocial force, no individual staff members should deal with it on their own. We will give an organizational response, including the possibility of civil or penal legal action, after building close collaboration with outside experts and investigative authorities. |
(ii) | We are a member of the Bouryokudan Tsuiho Chiba Kenmin Kaigi (Chiba Prefectural Citizen Committee Against Organized Crime Groups). In close collaboration with the police, crime prevention associations and other organizations on a normal basis, we strive to gather information about antisocial forces and compile information from across the Company at the department in charge, including information collected from our individual business offices. We also undertake in-house activities to build awareness. |
(iii) | The Company investigates any involvement of its business partners with antisocial forces and ensures elimination of such forces based on the Transaction Management Rules. |
(3) | Policy regarding decisions on dividends of surplus |
The Company recognizes that returning profits to shareholders through improving earnings power is a key management priority. Our basic policy on income distribution emphasizes steady and continual dividend payments to shareholders, while using internal reserves to invest in structural business improvements, including investments in growth businesses, new businesses, and other areas that strengthen our operating foundation.
We issue dividends twice annually, in the interim and at the end of the fiscal year. In accordance with the provisions of Article 459, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act, we have stipulated in the Articles of Association that dividends paid from surplus are to be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. Our policy is that, having entered a stage where our overseas business has reached the cash flow-generating stage, we will maintain a consolidated dividend payout ratio of at least 30%, with long-term and continuous dividend increases commensurate with the stage of growth.
[Dividends of surplus for the fiscal year under review]
Pursuant to a resolution by the Board of Directors held on April 11, 2025, the year-end dividend payment from surplus for the fiscal year under review is an ordinary dividend of ¥25 per share. The total annual dividend for the fiscal year is ¥50 per share including the interim dividend of ¥25 per share.
The starting date for the year-end dividend payments (effective date) is Friday, May 2, 2025.
7 |
Notes to “Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Nonconsolidated Financial Statements”
Notes to significant matters for preparation of consolidated financial statements
1. | Matters concerning scope of consolidation |
Number of consolidated subsidiaries: 60
Names of major consolidated subsidiaries:
AEON MALL (CHINA) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., AEON MALL (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD., PT. AEON MALL INDONESIA, AEON MALL (GUANGDONG) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., PT. AMSL INDONESIA, AEON MALL Long Bien Co., Ltd., AEON MALL VIETNAM CO., LTD., PT. AMSL DELTA MAS, AEON MALL (CHINA) CO., LTD., AEON MALL DIANYA (TIANJIN) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., OPA Co., Ltd.
Please note that AEON MALL HIMLAM Company Limited changed its name to AEON MALL Long Bien Co., Ltd. on May 30, 2024.
AEON MALL (HUNAN) XIANGJIANG NEW AREA BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., Kunshan Mall Investment Limited, and KUNSHAN MALL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. were established during the current fiscal year. Accordingly, these entities have been included in the scope of consolidation.
2. | Matters concerning the application of the equity method |
Number of affiliates applying the equity method: 1
Name of company applying the equity method: Marimo Co., Ltd.
While the fiscal year for the affiliate accounted for by the equity method differs from the consolidated fiscal year, the equity method is applied based on the financial statements of the affiliate.
3. | Matters concerning fiscal years, etc. of consolidated subsidiary |
Of consolidated subsidiaries, AEON MALL (CHINA) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. and 51 other companies end their fiscal years on December 31. In preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the financial statements as of the said balance sheet date are used. In addition, AEON MALL MYANMAR CO., LTD and one other company end their fiscal years on March 31. We prepare our consolidated financial statements using the December 31 respective balance sheet dates of our consolidated subsidiaries. For consolidation purposes, the Company makes necessary adjustments to reflect any significant transactions occurring between January 1 and the consolidated balance sheet date.
4. | Matters concerning accounting policies |
(1) | Measurement policy and method of significant assets |
(i) | Securities |
Available-for-sale securities
Securities other than shares without market value
Stated at market value (all valuation gains and losses are treated as a component of net assets and the cost of securities sold is determined by the moving-average method.)
Shares without market value
Stated at cost determined by the moving-average method
(ii) | Derivatives |
Stated at market value
8 |
(2) | Method for depreciating and amortizing significant depreciable and amortizable assets |
(i) | Property, plant and equipment (excluding right-of-use assets) |
Depreciated using the straight-line method based on the economic useful life
The Company has adopted the following ranges of economic useful life for each asset category:
Buildings and structures | 2 to 39 years |
Machinery and transportation equipment | 3 to 17 years |
Furniture and fixtures | 2 to 20 years |
(ii) | Intangible assets |
Amortized using the straight-line method
Software used in-house is amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of five years for internal use.
(iii) | Right-of-use assets |
Amortized using the straight-line method
(iv) | Long-term prepaid expenses |
Amortized in equal installments based on contract periods and other factors (period of amortization: 2 to 50 years)
(3) | Accounting policy for deferred assets |
Bond issuance costs are treated as expenses when paid.
(4) | Accounting policy for significant allowances and provisions |
(i) | Allowance for doubtful receivables |
The Company has recorded the estimated unrecoverable amount as the provision for losses arising from bad debt of receivables such as notes and accounts receivable-trade after reviewing the recoverability of ordinary receivables based on the historical bad debt ratio, and the recoverability of certain receivables such as doubtful account receivables on an individual basis.
(ii) | Allowance for employee bonus |
The Company has recorded the estimated amount of payment incurring during the current fiscal year as allowance for bonuses to be paid to employees, including part-time employees.
(iii) | Allowance for director and corporate auditor performance-based remuneration |
The Company has recorded the estimated amount of payment incurring during the current fiscal year as allowance for performance-based remuneration for director and corporate auditor.
(iv) | Provision for loss on store closing |
The Company has recorded estimated losses on store closing, including early cancellation penalty charges, which are reasonably expected to incur due to store closures.
(5) | Accounting policy for significant revenue and expenses |
The following is a description of the major performance obligations in the Group principal businesses related to revenue from contracts with customers and the usual time at which such performance obligations are satisfied (usual time at which revenues are recognized). For major Group transactions involving performance obligations related to real estate lease transactions based on mall-opening contracts with customers, the Group recognizes in accordance with the “Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions” (ASBJ No.13, March 30, 2007).
Common area expense income based on store-opening contracts, etc.
9 |
As the manager of commercial facilities operated by the Group and based on store-opening contracts with customers, we are obligated to provide security, cleaning, greenery management and other facilities management services, maintenance and management services related to electricity, water, and other facilities. We are also obligated to provide effective sales promotion activities for the benefit of tenants. As these services are provided to tenants in satisfaction of these performance obligations, the Company recognizes revenues over the contract period with tenants, primarily based on the passage of time.
In addition, a variable income component is included for maintenance and management obligations related to facilities such as electricity and water on a pay-as-incurred basis. The terms of this variable income are related to the actual use of electricity, water, etc., by tenants, and the variable income is allocated to the performance obligations related to the variable income in its entirety after considering the performance obligation and payment terms in the contract.
Payments from tenants are usually received prior to the satisfaction of performance obligations, or are generally collected within approximately one month from the time the performance obligations are satisfied, and do not include a significant financial component.
PM Management Contract Fees
Under management contract agreements with customers, the Group is obligated to perform all services related to the operation of commercial facilities, including the creation of operating policies, facility management services such as security and cleaning, and tenant leasing services. As these services are provided to customers in satisfaction of performance obligations, the Company recognizes revenues over the contract period with tenants, primarily based on the passage of time.
In addition, management contract agreements include a variable income component based on the operating performance of the commercial facilities in question as an incentive fee. The terms of this variable income are related to the actual commercial facilities management results, and the variable income is allocated to the performance obligation related to the variable income in its entirety after considering the entirety of the performance obligation and payment terms in the contract.
Payments from customers are usually received within one month of the satisfaction of the performance obligation and do not include a significant financial component.
(6) | Accounting policy for translating significant foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities into Japanese yen |
Foreign currency-denominated monetary claims and obligations are translated into yen amounts at the rates of exchange in effect as of the consolidated balance sheet date. Differences are treated as a gain or loss. Assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries are translated into yen amounts at the rates of exchange in effect as of the balance sheet dates of each subsidiary in question. Revenues and expenses are translated into yen amounts at the average exchange rate during the period. Translation differences of overseas subsidiaries are included in foreign currency translation adjustment and non-controlling interests under net assets.
10 |
(7) | Significant accounting policy for hedging |
(i) | Accounting policy for hedging |
Deferred hedge accounting is used in principle. Special hedge accounting is applied to interest rate swaps that meet the criteria for the special hedge accounting.
(ii) | Hedging instruments and hedged items |
Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate swaps |
Hedged items: | Debts |
(iii) | Hedging policy |
Based on Group regulations, interest rate swaps are conducted for the purpose of hedging against the risk of fluctuations in interest rates.
The exceptional treatment prescribed in the Practical Solution on the Treatment of Hedge Accounting for Financial Instruments that Reference LIBOR (ASBJ PITF No.40, March 17, 2022) is applied to all hedging relationships above included in the scope of the Practical Solution. The details of hedging relationships to which the Practical Solution is applied are as follows.
Accounting policy for hedging: | Special hedge accounting is used. |
Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate swaps |
Hedged items: | Debts |
Type of hedge transactions: | Transactions conducted for the purpose of hedging against the risk of fluctuations in interest rates |
(iv) | Evaluation of hedging effectiveness |
The Company compares fluctuations in market prices or cash flows between hedged items and hedging instruments over their respective periods from the start of hedging to the time of the measurement of effectiveness. The fluctuations in these parameters are used as a benchmark for evaluating hedging effectiveness. However, the evaluation of hedging effectiveness for interest rate swaps accounted for under special hedge accounting is omitted.
(8) | Other significant matters concerning the preparation of consolidated financial statements |
Accounting method for retirement benefits
The Company has recorded retirement benefit obligations less pension assets at the end of the current fiscal year for the provision of retirement benefits for employees. In the calculation of retirement benefit obligations, the method of attributing estimated retirement benefits to terms up to the current fiscal year is in line with benefits calculation formula rules.
Actuarial differences are expensed from the following fiscal year using the straight-line method over a period not exceeding a certain period (10 years) of average remaining service period of employees when the actuarial differences are incurred.
Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are recorded in remeasurements of defined benefit plans as part of total other comprehensive income under net assets after adjusting for tax effects.
11 |
Notes to accounting estimates
Impairment of fixed assets
(1) | Amount recognized in consolidated financial statements for the current fiscal year |
Property, plant and equipment | ¥1,370,241 million | |||
Intangible assets | ¥3,586 million | |||
Long-term prepaid expenses | ¥50,028 million | |||
Impairment loss | ¥7,179 million |
(2) | Information that contributes to understanding of the content of accounting estimates |
(i) | Calculation method of amount recognized in consolidated financial statements for the current fiscal year |
The Group has defined individual stores in the Mall Business as the smallest unit for asset grouping, in principle, for the purpose of applying impairment accounting of its fixed assets. As for the Group’s domestic fixed assets, upon having identified any such asset or asset group as showing signs of impairment in accordance with the Accounting Standard for Impairment of Fixed Assets and other such standards, the carrying amount of such an asset or asset group is reduced to its recoverable amount and posted as an impairment loss if the sum total of undiscounted future cash flows derived from such an asset or asset group is less than the carrying amount. The recoverable amount is calculated as the higher of either the net realizable value or the value in use of the fixed assets.
Fixed assets of the overseas subsidiaries are to be accounted for in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and in accordance with the Practical Solution on Unification of Accounting Policies Applied to Foreign Subsidiaries, etc. for Consolidated Financial Statements (ASBJ PITF No. 18). Therefore, upon having identified any such asset or asset group as showing signs of impairment, the carrying amount of such an asset or asset group is reduced to its recoverable amount and posted as an impairment loss if the sum total of discounted future cash flows derived from such asset or asset group is less than the carrying amount. The recoverable amount is calculated as the higher of either the fair value less disposal costs or the value in use.
In estimating future cash flows for the sake of recognizing and measuring impairment losses on fixed assets, the Company uses forecast values calculated based on certain rates of growth and other such variables for periods extending beyond those of business plans, pursuant to business plans that have been approved by management. Operating revenue, which serves a major component of the business plans and mainly consists of fixed rent from tenants, variable rent, and other proceeds, is reflected in the business plans upon taking into account the likelihood of future volatility.
Moreover, discount rates used to estimate value in use are calculated based on available external data and enlist the advice of corporate valuation professionals when necessary. For details on discount rate values used in each business segment, please refer to “Notes to consolidated statement of income, 2. Impairment loss.” Net realizable value (Japan) and fair value less disposal costs (overseas subsidiaries) are calculated largely based on real estate appraisal values.
(ii) | Significant assumptions used to calculate the amount recognized in consolidated financial statements for the current fiscal year |
Significant assumptions enlisted in estimating future cash flows for individual assets and asset groups include forecasted rates of market growth, changes in the status of developing areas in the vicinity of store locations, effects of measures such as store renovations, attracting tenants, and sales promotions, changes in specialty store sales and rents, and wage levels, etc. Changes particularly with respect to rates of market growth and the status of developing areas in the vicinity of mall locations are estimated based on available external data and publicly available information. Effects of measures such as store renovations, attracting tenants, and sales promotions are estimated based on decisions made by the Company and contracts entered into with tenants and other parties. Changes in specialty store sales and rents are estimated based on factors that include past performance at other similar stores. Wage levels and related factors are estimated with consideration given to the status of labor-management negotiations and other relevant factors.
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(iii) | Impact on consolidated financial statements for the following fiscal year |
Impairment loss recognition and measurement are subject to estimates based on the aforementioned significant assumptions. As such, there is a possibility that the Company may incur impairment losses in the following fiscal year under a scenario of deteriorating profitability of respective stores due to situations such as downturns in rental income attributable to tenant departures and sluggish personal spending or a rise in expenses resulting from fluctuations in prices, etc., and an increase in the discount rate owing to changes in interest rate.
Notes to consolidated balance sheet
1. | The amount of receivables from contracts with customers in notes and accounts receivable-trade, and the amount of contract liability in other (current liabilities) are provided under “Notes on revenue recognition, 3. Information to understand the amount of revenue for the current fiscal year and for the following and subsequent fiscal years.” |
2. | Assets pledged as collateral |
(Millions of yen)
Buildings and structures | 5,342 | |||
Land | 2,331 | |||
Total | 7,674 |
Obligations backed by above collateral
(Millions of yen)
Current portion of long-term debt | 476 | |||
Long-term debt | 2,380 | |||
Total | 2,857 |
3. | Accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment ¥701,892 million |
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Notes to consolidated statement of income
1. | Losses on retirement of fixed assets consist of the following items. |
(Millions of yen)
Buildings and structures | 313 | |||
Furniture and fixtures | 15 | |||
Demolition and removal expenses | 1,063 | |||
Other | 10 | |||
Total | 1,403 |
2. | Impairment loss |
The Group recorded impairment losses on the following asset groups during the current fiscal year (March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025).
(Millions of yen)
Location | Use | Type | Amount | |||||
Osaka Prefecture | Store | Buildings, etc. | 531 | |||||
Miyagi Prefecture | Store | Buildings, etc. | 1,045 | |||||
Overseas (China) | Store | Right-of-use assets, etc. | 3,954 | |||||
Overseas (Vietnam) | Development property | Construction in progress | 1,104 | |||||
Overseas (Cambodia) | Warehouse | Buildings, etc. | 299 | |||||
Overseas (Myanmar) | Development property | Construction in progress | 243 | |||||
Total | 7,179 |
The Group has defined individual stores in the Mall Business as the smallest unit for asset grouping. Idle assets are grouped in the unit of the respective assets. Common-use assets are grouped in larger units that include groups contributing to the generation of future cash flows.
The carrying amounts of asset groups above were reduced to their respective recoverable amount due to a significant decline in their profitability and a change causing a substantial decrease in the recoverable amount. The write-down was posted as impairment loss under extraordinary losses.
The recoverable amounts are calculated based on either value in use, net realizable value, or fair value less disposal costs. No future cash flows are expected for value in use of certain facilities; therefore, the value in use has been measured as zero. The value in use for locations Overseas (China) is calculated by discounting future cash flows at 9.36%. The total impairment losses above include ¥1,798 million in buildings and structures, ¥2 million in machinery and transportation equipment, ¥30 million in furniture and fixtures, ¥3,034 million in right-of-use assets, ¥1,347 million in construction in progress, ¥962 million in long-term prepaid expenses, and ¥3 million in other. Net realizable value and fair value less disposal costs are calculated largely based on real estate appraisal values.
3. | A gain on lease modification was recorded for certain facilities due to changes in lease terms. |
4. | An impairment loss and provision for loss on store closing were recorded for certain facilities due to decisions such as the termination of management and operational services. |
14 |
Notes to consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity
1. | Matters concerning the type and total number of shares issued |
Type of shares | Number of shares at the beginning of the current fiscal year (shares) | Increase in shares (shares) | Decrease in shares (shares) | Number of shares at the end of the current fiscal year (shares) | Remarks | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued | Common stock | 227,560,939 | 10,200 | — | 227,571,139 | (Note 1) | ||||||||||||||||
Treasury stock | Common stock | 4,796 | 100 | — | 4,896 | (Note 2) |
(Notes)
1. | An increase of 10,200 shares issued and outstanding is due to the exercise of stock acquisition rights. |
2. | An increase in treasury stock is due to the Company’s purchase of 100 shares constituting less than one unit. |
2. | Matters concerning dividends |
(1) | Dividends paid |
Resolution | Type of shares | Total dividends (Millions of yen) | Dividend per share (yen) | Record date | Effective date | |||||||||||
Board of Directors meeting on April 9, 2024 | Common stock | 5,688 | 25.00 | February 29, 2024 | May 7, 2024 | |||||||||||
Board of Directors meeting on October 8, 2024 | Common stock | 5,688 | 25.00 | August 31, 2024 | October 22, 2024 |
(2) | Dividends whose record date is in the current fiscal year and whose effective date is in the following fiscal year |
The following resolutions are scheduled at the Board of Directors meeting to be held on April 11, 2025.
Type of shares | Total dividends (Millions of yen) | Source of dividends | Dividend per share (yen) | Record date | Effective date | |||||||||
Common stock | 5,689 | Retained earnings | 25.00 | February 28, 2025 | May 2, 2025 |
3. | Matters concerning stock acquisition rights |
Type and the number of shares underlying the stock acquisition rights at the end of the current fiscal year (excluding those for which the first date of exercise period has not come).
Common stock 27,400 shares
15 |
Notes to financial instruments
1. | Matters concerning the status of financial instruments |
(1) | Policy on financial instruments |
The Group operates the Mall Business while assuming the central role of Shopping Center Development Business for AEON and leases mall store spaces to general tenants, as well as general merchandise store operators, AEON Retail Co., Ltd. and the companies of the AEON Group. In conducting the respective businesses, funds are managed mainly through specific financial assets such as highly secured time deposits and deposits of funds with AEON CO., LTD., and financing is procured by means of indirect financing, including bank borrowings, as well as direct financing through the issuance of corporate bonds and commercial papers, and liquidation of receivables. Derivatives are not intended to be traded for speculative purposes under a policy with the aim of avoiding risks of interest or exchange rate fluctuations arising from fund procurement, or loans and borrowings with respect to overseas consolidated subsidiaries.
(2) | Contents and risks of financial instruments |
Notes and accounts receivable-trade, which are trade receivables, are exposed to the credit risk of customers.
Deposits paid to affiliates represent management trust deposits with AEON CO., LTD., the parent company, based on depositary agreements with the said company.
Investment securities mainly consist of stocks of companies that have business relationships with the Group and are exposed to market price fluctuation risk and credit risk.
Lease deposits paid, which are mostly related to leases of stores, are exposed to credit risk of lessees.
Notes and accounts payable-trade, which are trade payables, are mainly due within one year.
Short-term debt, commercial paper, lease obligations, long-term debt and straight bonds are mainly for financing for business transactions and capital investment, etc. Although they involve liquidity risks that prevent the payment from being made on the payment due date, the liquidity risks are systematically mitigated through diversification of the timings of repayment or redemption. In addition, some of the aforementioned financial instruments are exposed to the risk of fluctuations in interest rates that are variable; however, for new loans, interest rate swaps are used for hedging purposes.
Lease deposits from lessees are the deposits and security deposits made under tenant lease agreements, etc.
Derivative transactions involve interest rate swap transactions to mitigate interest rate fluctuation risks in long-term obligations, currency swap transactions to mitigate exchange rate fluctuation risks, and forward exchange contracts. In addition, matters concerning hedge accounting such as hedging instruments, hedging policies, and methods for evaluating the hedging effectiveness are described under “(7) Significant accounting policy for hedging, 4. Matters concerning accounting policies under Notes to significant matters for preparation of consolidated financial statements.”
(3) | Risk management systems relating to financial instruments |
(i) | Management of credit risks |
As for trade receivables such as notes and accounts receivable-trade, the Sales Division and the Finance & Accounting Division in accordance with the policies of the Group, regularly monitor the status of business partners, manage the payment term and the outstanding balance of each business partner, and work to quickly grasp concerns over the recovery of the trade receivables and to lower the risk of bad debts arising from deterioration in financial positions.
Among investment securities, the market value for shares with market value are determined on a quarterly basis, and the financial position of the issuer of shares without market value are grasped regularly.
16 |
Part of lease deposits paid is backed by collaterals, such as by establishing mortgages and right of pledges.
For the use of derivatives, credit risk is recognized to be minimal because all contracting parties are highly-credited financial institutions.
(ii) | Management of market risks |
The Group uses interest rate swap transactions to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings, currency swap transactions to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign exchange for loans and borrowings with respect to overseas consolidated subsidiaries, and forward exchange contracts. The derivative transactions are authorized on an individual basis following the internal settlement procedures for the executions of borrowings and loans. The Finance & Accounting Division executes and manages the transactions.
For investment securities, etc., market trends, market value, and financial position of the issuer (trade party) are regularly monitored and reported to management, and also the holding status of the investment securities is continuously reviewed.
(iii) | Management of liquidity risk relating to financing |
The Group manages liquidity risk by having the Finance & Accounting Division timely develop and update the funding plan based on reports from each of the departments and by maintaining short-term liquidity.
(4) | Supplemental explanation regarding matters concerning market value of financial instruments |
The market value of financial instruments is based on market prices, but if no market prices are available, their market value includes prices reasonably calculated. In calculating the relevant amount, certain premises and assumptions are adopted, and the use of different premises and assumptions may lead to changes in market value.
2. | Matters concerning market value of financial instruments |
The consolidated balance sheet amounts, the market values, and the difference between these amounts are as follows. Shares without market value are not included in the following table (Please refer to the note (*1)). In addition, information on “Cash and deposits,” “Notes and accounts receivable-trade,” “Deposits paid to affiliates,” “Notes and accounts payable–trade,” “Income taxes payable,” “Deposits received from specialty stores,” “Deposits received,” “Notes payable-construction,” “Electronically recorded obligations-construction” and “Accounts payable – construction” is omitted, because these items are cash, or settled in a short period of time, and therefore their market values approximate their carrying amounts.
(Millions of yen)
Consolidated balance sheet amount | Market value | Difference | ||||||||||
(1) Investment securities (*1) | 1,526 | 1,526 | — | |||||||||
(2) Lease deposits paid (including lease deposits paid recoverable within one year, reported in “Other” under current assets) | 53,306 | 45,818 | (7,487 | ) | ||||||||
Total assets | 54,833 | 47,345 | (7,487 | ) | ||||||||
(1) Straight bonds (including current portion) | (455,000 | ) | (437,061 | ) | 17,938 | |||||||
(2) Long-term debt (including current portion) | (214,905 | ) | (210,335 | ) | 4,569 | |||||||
(3) Lease obligations (current liabilities and long-term liabilities) | (146,172 | ) | (144,993 | ) | 1,179 | |||||||
(4) Lease deposits from lessees (including current portion under “Other” under current liabilities) | (156,462 | ) | (151,823 | ) | 4,639 | |||||||
Total liabilities | (972,540 | ) | (944,213 | ) | 28,326 | |||||||
Derivative transactions (*2) Hedge accounting is not applied | 142 | 142 | — |
17 |
(*1) | Shares without market value are not included in “Investment securities.” The consolidated balance sheet amount of these financial instruments is as follows. |
(Millions of yen)
Fiscal year ended February 28, 2025 | ||||
Investment securities (including “Other” under investments and other assets) | 7,599 | |||
Total | 7,599 |
(*2) | The liability items are in brackets ( ). Derivative assets and derivative liabilities arising from derivative transactions are shown in net amount, and the derivative liabilities are shown in blankets ( ). |
(Note 1) Amount of monetary claims that are to be collected after the consolidated balance sheet date
(Millions of yen)
Due within 1 year | Due after 1 year through 5 years | Due after 5 years through 10 years | Due after 10 years | |||||||||||||
Cash and deposits | 61,699 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Notes and accounts receivable-trade | 14,119 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Deposits paid to affiliates | 29,000 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Lease deposits paid (*) | 26 | — | — | 187 |
* | Lease deposits paid represents only those whose redemption schedule is certain, excluding those with the recovery date definitively indeterminable (¥53,092 million). |
(Note 2) Repayment schedules after consolidated balance sheet dates for straight bonds, long-term debt and other interest-bearing debt
(Millions of yen)
Due within 1 year | Due after 1 year through 5 years | Due after 5 years through 10 years | Due after 10 years | |||||||||||||
Straight bonds | 63,000 | 329,500 | 37,500 | 25,000 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 31,495 | 144,933 | 38,476 | — | ||||||||||||
Lease obligations | 29,105 | 74,753 | 40,955 | 1,357 | ||||||||||||
Lease deposits from lessees | 0 | — | — | — |
3. | Matters concerning the breakdown by level of market values of financial instruments, etc. |
Market values of financial instruments are classified into the following three levels depending on the observability and significance of inputs used to determine the market values.
Level 1 market value: | Market value determined based on quoted prices formed in an active market for the asset or liability that is subject to the market value measurement, of observable inputs for market value measurement |
Level 2 market value: | Market value determined using inputs for market value measurement other than Level 1 inputs, of observable inputs for market value measurement |
Level 3 market value: | Market value determined using unobservable inputs for market value measurement |
If multiple inputs that significantly affect market value measurement are used, the market value is classified into the lowest priority level in the market value measurement among the levels to which the inputs belong.
18 |
(1) Financial instruments recorded at market value in the consolidated balance sheet
(Millions of yen)
Classification | Market value | |||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Investment securities | ||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities | 1,526 | — | — | 1,526 | ||||||||||||
Derivative transactions | ||||||||||||||||
Currency-related | — | 142 | — | 142 | ||||||||||||
Total assets | 1,526 | 142 | — | 1,669 |
(2) Financial instruments other than financial instruments recorded at market value in the consolidated balance sheet
(Millions of yen)
Classification | Market value | |||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Lease deposits paid | — | 45,818 | — | 45,818 | ||||||||||||
Total assets | — | 45,818 | — | 45,818 | ||||||||||||
Straight bonds (including current portion) | — | 437,061 | — | 437,061 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) | — | 210,335 | — | 210,335 | ||||||||||||
Lease obligations (current liabilities and long-term liabilities) | — | 144,993 | — | 144,993 | ||||||||||||
Lease deposits from lessees (including current portion under “Other” under current liabilities) | — | 151,823 | — | 151,823 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities | — | 944,213 | — | 944,213 |
(Note 1) Explanation of valuation techniques used for market value measurement and inputs for market value measurement
Assets
Investment securities
Since the market values of listed shares are based on the prices on stock exchanges and they are traded in active markets, their market values are classified as Level 1 market value.
Lease deposits paid
The market values of lease deposits paid are determined by discounting future cash flows calculated based on the reasonably estimated redemption period at a risk-free rate, and are classified as Level 2 market value.
Derivative transactions
Because there are no quoted prices for derivative transactions, their market values are determined based on the prices presented by financial institutions with which we have transactions, and are classified as Level 2 market value.
19 |
Liabilities
Straight bonds (including current portion)
The market value of straight bonds issued by the Company is calculated based on market prices. Because straight bonds have market prices but are not necessarily traded in active markets, their market values are classified as Level 2 market value.
Long-term debt (including current portion) and Lease obligations (current liabilities and long-term liabilities)
Their market values are measured based on the aggregate amount of principal and interests, and the interest rate taking into account the remaining period and credit risk of the debt or obligation, using the discounted cash flow method, and are classified as Level 2 market value.
Lease deposits from lessees (including current portion under “Other” under current liabilities)
The market values of lease deposits from lessees are determined by discounting future cash flows calculated based on the reasonably estimated redemption period at a risk-free rate, and are classified as Level 2 market value.
20 |
Notes to asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations recorded on the consolidated balance sheet
1. | Outline of the asset retirement obligations |
Asset retirement obligations pertain to an obligation to restore to the original state, etc. in accordance with the real estate lease agreement on land for the malls.
2. | Method for calculating asset retirement obligations |
Asset retirement obligations are estimated using the estimated usage period of 10 to 39 years and the discount rate of 0.0% to 2.2%.
3. | Changes in asset retirement obligations during the current fiscal year |
(Millions of yen)
Balance at the beginning of the period | 18,910 | |||
Adjustments due to the elapse of time | 204 | |||
Increase (decrease) due to the change in estimates | 12 | |||
Balance at the end of the fiscal year (including the current portion to be fulfilled) | 19,127 |
Notes to rental and other investment property
The Company and certain consolidated subsidiaries own commercial leasing buildings in various regions nationwide as well as overseas (China and ASEAN region) for the purpose of generating profits from property leasing. Leasing profit related to rental properties, etc. (properties for lease owned by the Company and overseas master lease properties; malls under master lease in Japan and property management agreements are not included; the same applies hereinafter) amounted to ¥56,168 million for the current fiscal year (main leasing revenue was posted under operating revenue, while main leasing expenses were posted under operating expenses). Loss on sale of fixed assets amounted to ¥58 million (posted under extraordinary losses). Loss on retirement of fixed assets amounted to ¥751 million (posted under extraordinary losses) and impairment losses amounted to ¥6,787 million (posted under extraordinary losses).
The consolidated balance sheet amounts, changes during the period, and the market value related to property leasing are as follows.
(Millions of yen)
Consolidated balance sheet amount | ||||||||||||||
Use | Balance at the beginning of the period | Change during the period | Balance at the end of the period | Market value at the end of the current fiscal year | ||||||||||
Commercial leasing buildings | 1,301,231 | 30,815 | 1,332,046 | 1,781,427 |
(Notes)
1. | The balance sheet amount is stated at the acquisition price less the accumulated depreciation. |
2. | The major increases during the current fiscal year were property acquisitions (¥70,538 million) and foreign currency translation adjustments (¥44,010 million), while major decreases were disposal and sales of fixed assets (¥855 million), impairment losses (¥6,787 million), and depreciation expense (¥76,269 million). |
3. | The market value at the end of the current fiscal year is calculated based on appraisal reports and other information provided by an appraisal company. |
21 |
Notes on revenue recognition
1. | Revenue from contracts with customers |
(Millions of yen)
Japan | China | Vietnam | Cambodia | Indonesia | Other (Overseas) (Note 1) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ancillary income (Note 2) | 112,354 | 24,968 | 5,016 | 2,714 | 4,208 | — | 149,261 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (Note 3) | 8,617 | 19 | 357 | 60 | — | — | 9,055 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 120,971 | 24,987 | 5,374 | 2,774 | 4,208 | — | 158,316 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenue (Note 4) | 224,158 | 43,153 | 11,947 | 6,534 | 5,643 | — | 291,436 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue from external customers | 345,129 | 68,141 | 17,321 | 9,308 | 9,852 | — | 449,753 |
(Notes)
1. | Other (Overseas) represents Myanmar, etc. |
2. | Ancillary income mainly consists of common area expense income based on store-opening contracts with tenants. |
3. | Other income mainly consists of PM management contract fees. |
4. | Other revenue mainly consists of rental income based on store-opening contracts with tenants, which was recorded in accordance with the “Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions” (ASBJ No.13, March 30, 2007) and IFRS 16 “Leases.” |
2. | Information that serves as a basis for understanding revenue |
Information that serves as a basis for understanding revenue is as described in “4. Matters concerning accounting policies, (5) Accounting policy for significant revenue and expenses.”
3. | Information to understand the amount of revenue for the current fiscal year and for the following and subsequent fiscal years |
(1) | Balances of contract asset and contract liability, etc. |
Receivables from contracts with customers | ¥11,250 million |
Recorded in “Notes and accounts receivable-trade” on the consolidated balance sheet.
Contract liability | ¥5,249 million |
Recorded in “Other (current liabilities)” on the consolidated balance sheet.
(2) | Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations |
The performance obligations are common area expense income based on store-opening contracts with tenants, etc., and revenue is recognized according to the actual contract period.
22 |
Notes to per-share information
1. | Net assets per share | ¥2,192.52 |
2. | Net income per share | ¥62.66 |
3. | Diluted net income per share | ¥62.66 |
(Note) | Basis for the calculation |
Notes to significant subsequent events
At a meeting held on December 24, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company resolved that the Company would absorb its wholly owned specific subsidiary Yokohama Importmart Inc. in an absorption-type merger. The transaction in question took place on March 1, 2025.
1. | Transaction overview |
(1) | Company name and business lines at the time of combination |
Name of company subject to combination: | Yokohama Importmart Inc. |
Business lines: | Management, operations, and development of commerical failures |
(2) | Date of combination | March 1, 2025 |
(3) | Legal form of business combination |
The merger was an absorption-type merger, with the Company as the surviving company and Yokohama Importmart Inc. as the absorbed company.
(4) | Name of company after combination |
AEON MALL Co., Ltd.
(5) | Other matters related to the transaction |
The objective of this merger is to further streamline management and operational functions within our Group.
2. | Overview of accounting treatment |
We intend to adopt an accounting treatment reflecting a transaction under common control based on Accounting Standard for Business Combinations (ASBJ Statement No. 21, issued January 16, 2019) and Guidance on Accounting Standard for Business Combinations and Accounting Standard for Business Divestitures (ASBJ Guidance No. 10, issued January 16, 2019).
23 |
Notes to matters concerning significant accounting policies
1. | Measurement policy and method of assets |
(1) | Measurement policy and method of securities |
(i) | Stock of affiliates, and investment in capital of affiliates |
Stated at cost determined by the moving-average method
(ii) | Available-for-sale securities |
Securities other than shares without market value
Stated at market value (all valuation gains and losses are treated as a component of net assets and the cost of securities sold is determined by the moving-average method.)
Shares without market value
Stated at cost determined by the moving-average method
Investments in investment limited partnerships are carried at the net amount equivalent to the equity interest based on the latest financial statements obtainable according to the financial reporting data specified in the partnership agreement.
(2) | Measurement policy and method of derivatives |
Derivatives | Stated at market value |
2. | Method for depreciating and amortizing fixed assets |
(1) | Property, plant and equipment |
Depreciated using the straight-line method based on the economic useful life
The Company has adopted the following ranges of economic useful life for each asset category:
Buildings | 2 to 39 years |
Structures | 2 to 39 years |
Machinery and Equipment | 3 to 17 years |
Furniture and fixtures | 2 to 20 years |
(2) | Intangible assets |
Amortized using the straight-line method
Software used in-house is amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of five years for internal use.
(3) | Long-term prepaid expenses |
Amortized in equal installments based on contract periods and other factors (period of amortization: 2 to 50 years)
3. | Accounting policy for deferred assets |
Bond issuance costs are treated as expenses when paid.
4. | Accounting policy for allowances and provisions |
(1) | Allowance for doubtful receivables |
The Company has recorded the estimated unrecoverable amount as the provision for losses arising from bad debt of receivables such as notes and accounts receivable-trade after reviewing the recoverability of ordinary receivables based on the historical bad debt ratio, and the recoverability of certain receivables such as doubtful account receivables on an individual basis.
24 |
(2) | Allowance for employee bonus |
The Company has recorded the estimated amount of payment incurring during the current fiscal year as allowance for bonuses to be paid to employees, including part-time employees.
(3) | Allowance for director and corporate auditor performance-based remuneration |
The Company has recorded the estimated amount of payment incurring during the current fiscal year as allowance for performance-based remuneration for director and corporate auditor.
(4) | Provision for retirement benefits |
The Company has recorded retirement benefit obligations less pension assets at the end of the current fiscal year for the provision of retirement benefits for employees. In the calculation of retirement benefit obligations, the method of attributing estimated retirement benefits to terms up to the current fiscal year is in line with benefits calculation formula rules.
Actuarial differences are expensed from the following fiscal year using the straight-line method over a period not exceeding a certain period (10 years) of average remaining service period of employees when the actuarial differences are incurred.
(5) | Provision for loss on store closing |
The Company has recorded estimated losses on store closing, including early cancellation penalty charges, which are reasonably expected to incur due to store closures.
5. | Accounting policy for revenue and expenses |
The following is a description of the major performance obligations in the Company principal businesses related to revenue from contracts with customers and the usual time at which such performance obligations are satisfied (usual time at which revenues are recognized). For major Company transactions involving performance obligations related to real estate lease transactions based on mall-opening contracts with customers, the Company recognizes in accordance with the “Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions” (ASBJ No.13, March 30, 2007).
Common area expense income based on store-opening contracts, etc.
As the manager of commercial facilities operated by the Company and based on store-opening contracts with customers, we are obligated to provide security, cleaning, greenery management and other facilities management services, maintenance and management services related to electricity, water, and other facilities. We are also obligated to provide effective sales promotion activities for the benefit of tenants. As these services are provided to tenants in satisfaction of these performance obligations, the Company recognizes revenues over the contract period with tenants, primarily based on the passage of time.
In addition, a variable income component is included for maintenance and management obligations related to facilities such as electricity and water on a pay-as-incurred basis. The terms of this variable income are related to the actual use of electricity, water, etc., by tenants, and the variable income is allocated to the performance obligations related to the variable income in its entirety after considering the performance obligation and payment terms in the contract.
Payments from tenants are usually received prior to the satisfaction of performance obligations, or are generally collected within approximately one month from the time the performance obligations are satisfied, and do not include a significant financial component.
25 |
PM Management Contract Fees
Under management contract agreements with customers, the Company is obligated to perform all services related to the operation of commercial facilities, including the creation of operating policies, facility management services such as security and cleaning, and tenant leasing services. As these services are provided to customers in satisfaction of performance obligations, the Company recognizes revenues over the contract period with tenants, primarily based on the passage of time.
In addition, management contract agreements include a variable income component based on the operating performance of the commercial facilities in question as an incentive fee. The terms of this variable income are related to the actual commercial facilities management results, and the variable income is allocated to the performance obligation related to the variable income in its entirety after considering the entirety of the performance obligation and payment terms in the contract.
Payments from customers are usually received within one month of the satisfaction of the performance obligation and do not include a significant financial component.
6. | Accounting policy for translating significant foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities into Japanese yen |
Foreign currency-denominated monetary claims and obligations are translated into yen amounts at the rates of exchange in effect as of the balance sheet date. Differences are treated as a gain or loss.
7. | Accounting policy for hedging |
(1) | Accounting policy for hedging |
Deferred hedge accounting is used in principle. Moreover, special hedge accounting is applied to interest rate swaps that meet the criteria for special hedge accounting, and designated hedge accounting is applied to forward exchange contracts that meet the criteria for designated hedge accounting.
(2) | Hedging instruments and hedged items |
Hedging instruments | Interest rate swaps, forward exchange contracts |
Hedged items | Debts |
(3) | Hedging policy |
Based on the internal regulations, interest rate swaps are conducted for the purpose of hedging against the risk of fluctuations in interest rates and forward exchange contracts are conducted for the purpose of hedging against the risk of fluctuations in exchange rates.
(4) | Evaluation of hedging effectiveness |
The Company compares fluctuations in market prices or cash flows between hedged items and hedging instruments over their respective periods from the start of hedging to the time of the measurement of effectiveness. The fluctuations in these parameters are used as a benchmark for evaluating hedging effectiveness. However, the evaluation of hedging effectiveness for interest rate swaps accounted for under special hedge accounting and forward exchange contracts accounted for under designated hedge accounting is omitted.
8. | Other significant matters concerning the preparation of nonconsolidated financial statements |
Accounting treatment for retirement benefits
The accounting treatment for unrecognized actuarial gains and losses on retirement benefits is different from that applied in the consolidated financial statements.
26 |
Notes to accounting estimates
1. | Impairment of fixed assets |
(1) | Amount recognized in nonconsolidated financial statements for the current fiscal year |
Property, plant and equipment | ¥802,055 million | |||
Intangible assets | ¥2,830 million | |||
Long-term prepaid expenses | ¥16,547 million | |||
Impairment loss | ¥531 million |
(2) | Information that contributes to understanding of the content of accounting estimates |
This information is provided under “Notes to accounting estimates, Impairment of fixed assets, (2) Information that contributes to understanding of the content of accounting estimates” of the consolidated financial statements.
2. | Evaluation of stock of affiliates, and investment in capital of affiliates |
(1) | Amount recognized in nonconsolidated financial statements for the current fiscal year |
Stock of affiliates | ¥285,902 million | |
Investment in capital of affiliates | ¥142,940 million |
(2) | Information that contributes to understanding of the content of accounting estimates |
If the effective market value of stock of affiliates or investment in capital of affiliates has decreased by about 50% or more relative to the acquisition cost, then the Company writes down such stock of affiliates or investment in capital of affiliates to the effective market value, unless there is sufficient evidence supporting the prospect of recoverability otherwise. In principle, effective market value is to constitute net assets per share (equity interests) based on financial statements of the respective affiliates, multiplied by the number of shares held (equity interests). However, effective market value may be calculated based on business plans, etc. of the relevant company, upon management approval.
Significant assumptions enlisted in estimating effective market value based on business plans, etc. include forecasted rates of market growth and the number of new mall openings. Rates of market growth are estimated based on available external data and publicly available information. Moreover, the number of new mall openings is estimated based on decisions made by the Company.
Evaluation of stock affiliates and investment in capital of affiliates recorded in the financial statements of the following fiscal year could be significantly affected under a scenario where significant assumptions of business plans deviate from future business results.
27 |
Notes to balance sheet
1. | Assets pledged as collateral |
(Millions of yen)
Buildings and structures | 5,342 | |||
Land | 2,331 | |||
Total | 7,674 |
Obligations backed by above collateral
(Millions of yen)
Current portion of long-term debt | 476 | |||
Long-term debt | 2,380 | |||
Total | 2,857 |
2. | Accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment | ¥436,705 million |
3. | Loan commitment |
The Company has entered into a loan commitment agreement with the consolidated subsidiaries, AEON MALL Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. with the aim of making working capital and capital investment. The outstanding undrawn balance of the loan commitment at the end of the current fiscal year is as follows.
Total amount of loan commitment | ¥19,445 million | (US$ 130 million) | ||||
Outstanding balance of loan undrawn | ¥15,795 million | (US$ 105 million) | ||||
Difference | ¥3,650 million | (US$ 24 million) |
4. | Monetary claims from and monetary obligations to affiliates (excluding those presented separately) |
Short-term monetary claims | ¥859 million | |||
Long-term monetary claims | ¥1,064 million | |||
Short-term monetary obligations | ¥4,844 million | |||
Long-term monetary obligations | ¥495 million |
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Notes to statement of income
1. | Losses on retirement of fixed assets consist of the following items. |
(Millions of yen)
Buildings | 142 | |||
Furniture and fixtures | 15 | |||
Demolition and removal expenses | 763 | |||
Other | 0 | |||
Total | 921 |
2. | Amount of transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates |
Operating transactions | ||||
Operating revenue | ¥1,994 million | |||
Operating costs | ¥1,726 million | |||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | ¥5,908 million | |||
lNon-operating transactions | ¥2,811 million |
Notes to statement of changes in shareholders’ equity
1. | Breakdown of other retained earnings |
(Millions of yen)
Reserve for advanced depreciation of fixed assets | Reserve for tax system to promote open innovation | General reserve | Retained earnings brought forward | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 1, 2024 | 390 | 37 | 28,770 | 349,171 | 378,369 | |||||||||||||||
Changes during period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends | (11,377 | ) | (11,377 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | 22,923 | 22,923 | ||||||||||||||||||
Provision of reserve for advanced depreciation of fixed assets | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Reversal of reserve for advanced depreciation of fixed assets | (7 | ) | 7 | — | ||||||||||||||||
Provision of reserve for tax system to promote open innovation | 79 | (79 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Total of changes | (7 | ) | 79 | 11,473 | 11,545 | |||||||||||||||
Balance as of February 28, 2025 | 383 | 116 | 28,770 | 360,644 | 389,914 |
2. | Matters concerning the type and the number of treasury stock |
Type of shares | The number of shares at the beginning of the current fiscal year (shares) | Increase in shares (shares) | Decrease in shares (shares) | The number of shares at the end of the current fiscal year (shares) | Remarks | |||||||||||||||
Common stock | 4,796 | 100 | — | 4,896 | (Note) |
(Note) | An increase in treasury stock is due to the Company’s purchase of 100 shares constituting less than one unit. |
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Notes to tax-effect accounting
1. | Breakdown of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities by the cause of its occurrence |
(Millions of yen)
Deferred tax assets | ||||
Accrued business office tax | 354 | |||
Allowance for employee bonus | 594 | |||
Provision for loss on store closing | 1,181 | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 9,955 | |||
Asset retirement obligations | 5,417 | |||
Long-term prepaid expenses | 1,559 | |||
Stock of affiliates paid-in capital reduction | 2,110 | |||
Losses on valuation of stock of and investments in capital of affiliates | 2,366 | |||
Allowance for doubtful receivables | 22 | |||
Compensation | 45 | |||
Other | 1,981 | |||
Subtotal | 25,589 | |||
Valuation allowance | (3,283 | ) | ||
Total | 22,305 | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | ||||
Construction assistance fund receivables | 0 | |||
Retirement costs corresponding to asset retirement obligations | 2,947 | |||
Reserve for advanced depreciation of fixed assets | 168 | |||
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities | 367 | |||
Other | 191 | |||
Total | 3,675 | |||
Net deferred tax assets | 18,630 |
2. | Change in income tax rate after the balance sheet date |
Following the enactment of the Act for Partial Amendment of the Income Tax Act, etc. (Act No. 13 of 2025) by the National Diet on March 31, 2025, a new Special Defense Corporate Tax will be introduced starting from fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026.
As a result, the statutory effective tax rate used to calculate deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for temporary differences expected to reverse in fiscal years beginning on or after March 1, 2027 will be revised from 30.5% to 31.4%. If the revised statutory effective tax rate were applied at the end of the current fiscal year, the amount of deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities) would increase by ¥453 million, while the adjustment to income tax – deferred (debit) would decrease by ¥464 million and the net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (credit) would decrease by ¥10 million.
30 |
Notes to fixed assets used as lease
1. | Finance leases (as lessee) |
Not applicable.
2. | Operating leases |
The unexpired lease payment of the non-cancellable portion of operating lease transaction
(As lessee)
(Millions of yen)
Due within 1 year | 58,788 | |||
Due after 1 year | 277,073 | |||
Total | 335,861 |
(As lessor)
(Millions of yen)
Due within 1 year | 3,708 | |||
Due after 1 year | 18,411 | |||
Total | 22,120 |
Notes on revenue recognition
Information that serves as a basis for understanding revenue
Information that serves as a basis for understanding revenue is as described in “Notes to matters concerning significant accounting policies, 5. Accounting policy for revenue and expenses.”
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Notes to related-party transactions
1. | Parent company and major corporate shareholders, etc. |
Relationship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type | Name | Capital or investments (million yen) | Primary business or occupation | Ownership percentage of voting rights (%) | The number of Interlocking directors, etc. | Business relations | Transactions | Transaction amount (million yen) | Item | Balance at the end of the period (million yen) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent company | AEON CO., LTD. | 220,007 | Pure holding company | Direct 58.24 Indirect 0.59 | 1 | — | Entrustment of funds | Manage-ment of en-trusted funds | 20,143 | Deposits paid to affiliates | 29,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest receipt | 64 | Other under current assets (accrued income) | 31 |
2. | Subsidiaries and affiliates, etc. |
Relationship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type | Name | Capital or investments | Primary business or occupation | Ownership percentage of voting rights (%) | The number of Interlocking directors, etc. | Business relations | Transactions | Transaction amount (million yen) | Item | Balance at the end of the period (million yen) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | AEON MALL Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. | US$ 10 thousand | Mall Business | Direct 49.00
Closer parties or agreed parties 51.00 | — | — | Lending of funds | Lending of funds | — | Long-term loans receivable from subsidiaries and associates | 15,795 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest receipt | 575 | Other under current assets (accrued income) | 131 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | AEON MALL (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD. | US$ 512,925 thousand | Mall Business | 100 | 1 | — | Lending of funds | Repay-ment of funds | 4,300 | Long-term loans receivable from subsidiaries and associates | 18,697 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest receipt | 1,162 | Other under current assets (accrued income) | 162 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | AEON MALL (CHINA) CO., LTD. | US$ 515,421 thousand | Mall Business | 100 | 2 | — | Borrowing of funds | Borrowing and repayment of funds | 33,685 | Short-term debt from subsidiaries and associates | 17,705 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Payment of interest | 504 | Accrued expenses | 345 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | AEON MALL VIETNAM CO., LTD. | US$ 729,302 thousand | Mall Business | 100 | 1 | — | Underwriting of additional investments | 17,626 | – | — |
32 |
3. | Companies, etc. under the same parent company and the subsidiaries, etc. of other affiliates |
Relationship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type | Name | Capital or investments (million yen) | Primary business or occupation | Ownership ratio (%) | The number of Interlocking directors, etc. | Business relations | Transactions | Transaction amount (million yen) | Item | Balance at the end of the period (million yen) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary of the parent company | AEON Retail Co., Ltd. | 100 | General merchandise store | — | 1 | Store leasing and entrusted PM | Rental income, etc. | 38,487 | Notes and accounts receivable-trade | 1,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lease deposits from lessees | 10,138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary of the parent company | AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. | 45,698 | Financial services | 0.23 | — | Outsourcing of credit operations | Credit charges | 7,170 | Accounts receivable-other | 14,375 |
(Note) | Transaction conditions and decision policy thereof, etc. |
The interest rate on funds entrusted to AEON CO., LTD. for their management is determined by taking into account the market interest rate. The amount stated is the average balance during the period.
Interest rates on loans to AEON MALL Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. and AEON MALL (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD. are determined based on market interest rates.
Interest rates on borrowing of funds by AEON MALL (CHINA) CO., LTD. are determined based on market interest rates.
With regard to store leasing to AEON Retail Co., Ltd., rent is determined by revising each store lease agreement every three years by taking into account changes in economic conditions as well as taxes and public dues, etc. In addition, PM (Property Management) entrusted to the said company are determined by referring to general trading terms and conditions.
Credit operations outsourced to AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. are determined based on general trading terms and conditions.
Notes to per-share information
1. | Net assets per share | ¥2,096.98 |
2. | Net income per share | ¥100.73 |
3. | Diluted net income per share | ¥100.72 |
(Note) | Basis for the calculation |
Net income | ¥22,923 million | ||
Amounts not attributable to shareholders of common stock | ¥– million | ||
Net income regarding common stock | ¥22,923 million | ||
Average number of common stock outstanding during the period | 227,558,204 shares | ||
Increase in the number of common stock used in the calculation of diluted net income per share | 33,469 shares |
Notes to significant subsequent events
The Company was subject to a business combination whereby it absorbed Yokohama Importmart Inc. through an absorption-type merger on March 1, 2025. For details, please refer to the Notes to significant subsequent events in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
33 |
Details of nonconsolidated financial statements, etc. for the most recent business year of AEON CO., LTD.