M&A TODAY
ABE & PARTNERS Setting the Standard in Life Science and Healthcare Law
M&A Today - Global Awards – 2026 Life Science And Healthcare Law Firm Of The Year In Japan
Innovative Legal Strategies, Global Expertise, Unmatched Precision these principles define the ethos of ABE & PARTNERS, the recipient of the M&A Today - Global Awards – 2025 in the Life Science And Healthcare Law Firm Of The Year In Japan category Operating from its Osaka headquarters under the guidance of Managing Partner Takanori Abe, the firm has set a new benchmark for legal excellence, notably within the complex world of life sciences and healthcare
ABE & PARTNERS is distinguished by its unique combination of scientific knowledge and legal expertise This rare blend empowers the firm to not only understand the intricate technological nuances behind pharmaceutical and biotechnology breakthroughs, but also to craft bespoke legal strategies for large, multinational clients navigating the Japanese and global markets The firm’s expertise is especially pronounced in intellectual property litigation, where it has secured its reputation through landmark legal victories and rigorous deal support
One of the firm’s most celebrated achievements was its provision of critical IP due diligence services to Shireduring the monumental Takeda Pharmaceutical’s $62 billion acquisition of Shire, the largest pharmaceutical M&A in Japanese history This case underscores ABE & PARTNERS’ strength in managing high-stakes, cross-border M&A transactions and facilitating successful integration of valuable intellectual property portfolios Their meticulous approach ensured Shire’s IP assets were protected and strategically aligned post-acquisition, highlighting the firm’s role as a core architect of such transformative deals
ABE & PARTNERS’ legacy of excellence is further exemplified by its representation of Baxalta in Japan’s first-ever antibody patent infringement case This precedent-setting battle demanded not only technical depth in biopharmaceuticals but also advanced litigation skill, setting new standards for pharmaceutical patent law in Japan By combining cutting-edge scientific analysis with rigorous legal advocacy, the firm has become a trusted advisor to both large Western pharmaceutical companies and leading domestic firms facing the most challenging disputes and transactions in the sector.
EDITOR'S NOTE
WELCOME TO M&A TODAY - 2026
Welcome to the M&A Today - Annual Awards - 2026, where we celebrate the industry leaders who have set new standards in the dynamic world of business. We take immense pride in recognizing the exceptional firms and individuals from over 163 countries, highlighting those who have revolutionized their sector through their innovative and strategic achievements.
M&A Today's selection process is meticulously crafted, incorporating self-submissions and third-party nominations. This culminates in a comprehensive evaluation by an independent panel of judges, ensuring that only the most deserving receive our accolade.
Each winner is assessed on a broad spectrum of criteria, reflecting the depth, complexity, and significance of their transactions
Receiving an M&A Today award is a testament to the strategic vision and operational excellence of the winners It underscores your firm's commitment to setting benchmarks in the M&A industry
This recognition not only boosts your firm's prestige but also enhances its credibility, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients of the M&A Today - Annual Awards2024 Your dedication to excellence and innovation in mergers and acquisitions sets you apart as leaders in your field
With warm regards,
Richard Baker Editor-in-Chief
Richard Baker
The Subscription Economy 2.0: Owning Customers for Life
The subscription model is no longer a novelty, nor is it simply a financial strategy Its second evolution is reshaping how companies think about ownership, value, and competitive advantage Subscription Economy 10 was built on predictability, with monthly fees, recurring billing, and the promise of stable cash flows Subscription 20 goes much further It is about embedding a company so deeply into a customer’s life or operations that leaving becomes unlikely, even inconvenient In this environment, the most valuable companies are not those that sell the most, but those that are hardest to walk away from
In this new model, businesses aim to integrate themselves so deeply into a customer’s daily life or operations that leaving becomes difficult The relationship is ongoing, datadriven, and constantly optimized For dealmakers, this shift is fundamentally changing how companies are valued and how acquisitions are structured
The first wave of subscription businesses focused on access Customers paid for the ability to use a service, whether it was software, media, or curated products The second wave goes further by embedding itself into behavior. Companies now focus on personalization, ecosystem expansion, and continuous engagement. The product is no longer static. It evolves alongside the customer.
This evolution has made M&A a critical tool for growth. Building a fully integrated subscription ecosystem organically can take years, and in a competitive market, speed matters Acquisitions allow companies to accelerate this process by adding new capabilities, technologies, and customer segments almost instantly
One major driver of acquisition activity is the need to expand service offerings
Companies are no longer satisfied with a single subscription product Instead, they are building bundles that increase value and reduce churn By acquiring complementary businesses, they can create a more comprehensive offering that keeps customers within their ecosystem for longer periods.
Data has also become a central asset in subscription-driven M&A. The more a company understands its customers, the better it can tailor its services, pricing, and engagement strategies Acquiring businesses with strong data capabilities or unique datasets strengthens this advantage Over time, this creates a feedback loop where better data leads to better experiences, which in turn drives higher retention
Another key factor is distribution
Acquiring a company with an established user base provides immediate scale More importantly, it creates opportunities to cross-sell and integrate services across a wider audience In the subscription economy, growth is not just about adding users, but about deepening relationships with them
Retention is the ultimate metric in Subscription Economy 20 Unlike traditional models that prioritize customer acquisition, subscription businesses live or die by their ability to keep customers engaged over time. This has led to a shift in how deals are evaluated. Companies with strong retention rates, high lifetime value, and low churn command premium valuations, even if their short-term profits are modest
This dynamic is also changing integration strategies Acquired companies are often not left to operate independently Instead, their capabilities are woven into a broader platform Features are unified, user experiences are streamlined, and data systems are integrated The goal is to create a seamless journey that reinforces customer loyalty
Looking ahead, the subscription model is likely to expand even further into sectors such as healthcare, mobility, finance, and industrial services As this happens, M&A activity will continue to focus on building ecosystems that capture and retain customers across multiple touchpoints
In the end, Subscription Economy 20 is about more than recurring payments It is about creating lasting relationships that evolve over time Companies that succeed will be those that do not simply sell to customers, but become an integral part of their lives In this environment, ownership is no longer about products It is about the customer itself
At the same time, the competitive landscape is intensifying As more companies adopt subscription models, consumers are becoming selective about where they commit their time and money This increases the importance of differentiation Businesses must offer not just value, but convenience, personalization, and a sense of indispensability.
Ambridge Europe: Reclaiming Market Leadership in M&A
Transactional Risk
Ambridge Europe has once again ascended to the forefront of the transactional risk insurance market, earning recognition with the prestigious M&A Today - Global Awards 2026 Global 100 honour. With a legacy spanning 25 years as a managing general underwriter (MGA), Ambridge has shown enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustained growth within the highly specialised field of M&A and transactional risk insurance.
Headquartered in London and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Ambridge Europe is noted for its expertise in Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) insurance, specialty Tax, Contingency, and Intellectual Property (IP) insurance[3][4]. The company began in 2008 with a clear mission: to develop responsive underwriting solutions enabling clients to successfully complete challenging transactions. Its values of teamwork and cross-disciplinary expertise have enabled Ambridge to set new service benchmarks for the industry[3]
Over the past three years, Ambridge’s M&A and Tax insurance teams have undergone a significant restructuring and expansion The firm has rebuilt, grown, and now operates through offices in London, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Milan This strategic expansion has cemented Ambridge’s reputation as a market leader, inspiring confidence among both international brokers and leading global law firms. Brokers such as Marsh, Howden, AoN, WTW, Lockton, Gallagher, HWF Partners, BMS, LIVA, and MRH Trowe have recognised Ambridge’s renewed momentum and its ability to deliver excellent and innovative insurance solutions
By the end of 2025, Ambridge Europe Limited stood as an active private limited company, maintaining a solid financial position with turnover exceeding £13 million and assets valued at £59 million[1] With a team approaching 30 W&I and tax underwriters, the company is on track to achieve remarkable gross written premium growth of up to 90% year-on-year for its M&A division.
Distinguishing itself with a market-leading capacity, Ambridge offers limits of liability up to $/€/£125 million per risk, backed by strong partnerships with trusted capital providers and insurers The company is adept at underwriting complex and large-scale M&A transactions, including synthetic W&I solutions for targets with enterprise values exceeding €500 million, enabling clients to navigate risk efficiently with tailored insurance protection
The ability to handle high-value, intricate transactions and to continually innovate products has restored Ambridge’s former reputation for market excellence. Its enduring relationships with both clients and the world’s largest insurers, combined with the high calibre of its underwriting teams, underpin Ambridge’s rising success and recognition across Europe’s dynamic insurance landscape[2][3]
For more information about Ambridge Europe’s award-winning transactional risk insurance solutions: Website: https://ambridge-groupcom/ambridge-group/ambridge-europe-london Phone: 02038740050
Registered Office: C/O PKF Littlejohn, 15 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HD, United Kingdom
GRUPO ARTE: Liderazgo y
Excelencia en la Consultoría de la Empresa Familiar
Leisure Guard Security: Strengthening Communities with Trusted Protection
M&A Today
recognition as a Great Place To Work Certified™ business for two years running are testaments to the team’s relentless pursuit of client excellence and meaningful community engagement
Reventon: Championing Financial Futures and Community Impact in Australia
Reventon’s voice reaches far Chris Christofi is the author of the bestselling book Your Path to Wealth: Brick by Brick and host of the acclaimed podcast Relentless: Life on Your Terms The company has been featured in over 160 publications and honoured with more than 60 awards for business leadership and philanthropy
Leading with Integrity: Sydney Criminal Lawyers Triumph at the M&A Today Global Awards 2026
Sydney Criminal Lawyers has further cemented its position as Australia’s most decorated criminal law firm, earning the esteemed title of Best Criminal Law Firm at the M&A Today – Global Awards 2026 This benchmark recognition underscores the firm’s commitment to legal excellence, integrity, and its transformative impact on the national justice system
Drawing on 70 years of combined specialist experience, the firm is helmed by some of the country’s most respected criminal defence practitioners Over the past two decades, Sydney Criminal Lawyers (SCL) has represented clients in serious criminal trials and complex appeals throughout every tier of the Australian legal system from Local and District Courts up to the High Court of Australia Their consistent record of acquittals in matters such as murder, commercial drug supply, and corporate crime highlights the depth of expertise and strategic method that sets SCL apart in an often adversarial arena
SCL’s legacy goes beyond case outcomes The practice is distinguished by its community-first philosophy, offering free initial consultations, fixedfee arrangements for many services, and realistic cost estimates for complex matters This ensures transparency and accessibility for clients facing some of life’s most daunting challenges Their 24/7 legal hotline further demonstrates SCL’s unwavering commitment to responsive legal support when it matters most
Equally notable is Sydney Criminal Lawyers’ leadership in law reform and public legal education Through a comprehensive online platform, the firm publishes plain-English explanations of offences, penalties, and court processes, tallying millions of reads annually These resources empower both defendants and the wider public to understand their rights, demystify legal procedures, and promote informed, timely decision-making
Recognized year after year among elite peers including accolades from the Global Law Experts Awards, CorporateINTL Global Awards, and other prestigious industry bodies
SCL’s approach is defined by integrity, compassion, and the courage to champion fairness, transparency, and access to justice.
Their ideal audience extends from individuals directly facing charges and their families, to law students, journalists, and community advocates seeking deeper insight into Australia’s criminal justice landscape
Through this latest distinction from M&A Today –Global Awards 2026, Sydney Criminal Lawyers demonstrates that behind every legal case stands a person deserving respect, dignity, and a defence unyielding in its pursuit of justice.
Contact Details
Website: wwwsydneycriminallawyerscomau
Legal Hotline: 24/7 service available
Social: @sydneycriminallawyers
Swiss House of Brands: Empowering Swiss SMEs Through Integrated Transformation
M&A Today – Global Awards 2026
Winner: Best Management Consulting Company
Swiss House of Brands (SHB) stands at the forefront of a new era in strategic consultancy, recognized this year with the M&A Today – Global Awards 2026 trophy for Best Management Consulting Company. Based in Switzerland, SHB’s unique approach redefines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) create, transform, and scale for the future
At the heart of SHB’s offering is Bizzrand® by SHB the firm’s signature, integrated process. Describing itself as "Where Brands Build Businesses," Bizzrand® combines brand, strategy, digitalization, and sustainability into one cohesive methodology This holistic platform empowers Swiss SMEs to turn vision into measurable value by using a strong brand as the engine for transformation, growth, and longevity [1]
A Proven Integrated Approach
Unlike traditional consulting that relies on disjointed agencies or isolated experts, SHB delivers results through a multidisciplinary team Each consultant is Cambridge-certified in sustainability and skilled in brand development, new business models (including licensing and franchising), digital communication, and digital business engineering This synergy ensures clients benefit from a holistic, global vision with transformation that is faster, simpler, and more cost-effective [1]
Case Study Highlights
Case 1: Nuumooncom
SHB created and launched the Nuumooncom brand, enabling an innovative Swiss concept to expand internationally By establishing robust strategic and brand foundations, the firm unlocked rapid global growth opportunities using licensing and franchising
Case 2: Avescorent (with Frederici Special)
For the client Avescorent, SHB led a full-scale organizational and sustainable transformation, culminating in the world's first 40-tonne electric truck for construction and transport The project significantly raised the client’s European profile, enhanced competitiveness through sustainable business models, and improved both profitability and talent attraction
Empowering Business Across Industries
SHB’s process adapts to every business ambition, whether starting from the ground up (Bizzrand® Genesis), regenerating existing operations, expanding internationally, or preparing a business for sale The capability to deliver strategic clarity and measurable value is core to all engagements, offering SME founders and leaders a clear path forward no matter the level of uncertainty [6]
Award-Winning Excellence
SHB is praised for its integrated expertise across brand strategy, digital performance, and sustainable management The firm acts as a trusted partner, not only designing roadmaps for client objectives but also executing them with measurable, concrete results This next-generation consultancy is driving prosperity for Swiss SMEs by aligning business strategy with emerging global standards and ensuring clients stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets [8].
Contacts & Further Information
Website: https://shb.swiss/
LinkedIn: Swiss House of Brands
Instagram: @swiss house of brands
Headquarters: Place de la Gare 11, 1296 Coppet, Switzerland
YUASA AND HARA: Japan’s Premier Partner for Pharmaceutical Patent Excellence
Founded in 1902, YUASA AND HARA stands as one of Japan’s longest-established and most respected intellectual property firms, offering a century-long legacy of legal and technical excellence Its multidisciplinary structure comprising legal, patent, trademark & design, and accounting divisions has enabled the firm to remain a trusted advisor to both domestic and international innovators across complex and rapidly evolving industries
Among its most distinguished capabilities is the Life Science & Chemistry Group within the Patent Division, a team recognized for its deep scientific insight and extensive patent expertise across pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, food science, and biomass-related technologies The group includes numerous PhD-qualified patent attorneys whose technical fluency enables them to secure robust global protection through domestic filings, PCT applications, and direct prosecution in major jurisdictions including the United States, Europe, China, and Korea This specialized knowledge and international reach have made the group a trusted partner to biotech and pharmaceutical innovators worldwide
The firm’s track record in handling highcomplexity matters is reflected in its recent representation in two major invalidation trials In Invalidation Trial No 2024-800107 involving Japanese Patent No 5849947 B, the team successfully defended a pharmaceutical patent, with the Japan Patent Office ultimately deciding to uphold the patent a decision now under appeal before the Intellectual Property High Court In another significant case, Invalidation Trial No 2024-800105 concerning Japanese Patent No 6902076 B related to beverage products, the firm once again secured a favorable JPO decision, with the requester’s appeal deadline approaching at the end of January These examples underscore the group’s litigation acumen, particularly in patent validity disputes, post-grant proceedings, and patent term extension matters
YUASA AND HARA’s reputation in the life sciences is further reinforced by external assessments. Chambers Asia-Pacific notes the firm’s strong standing in handling both domestic and international patent matters, highlighting its notable performance in biotechnology-related litigation and its prompt, precise approach to complex cases Their attorneys are praised for deep expertise, strategic advisory capabilities, and reliable execution key factors that international clients consistently value
The Life Science & Chemistry Group’s professionals are also active contributors to the global legal and IP community, regularly delivering lectures and participating in international conferences This outward engagement enhances the firm’s visibility and strengthens collaborative ties with overseas law firms, research institutions, and technology transfer offices With its longstanding commitment to international cooperation and its expansive global network through alliances such as TerraLex and Unilaw, YUASA AND HARA continues to deliver comprehensive and globally coordinated support across all facets of IP protection
Awarded Best Pharmaceutical Patent Law Firm of the Year – Japan in the M&A Today Global Awards 2026, YUASA AND HARA’s Life Science & Chemistry Group solidifies its position as the topchoice Japanese associate for biotech and chemistry patent matters Its consistent performance, scientific sophistication, and steadfast commitment to safeguarding clients’ innovations make it a premier strategic partner not simply a filing agent, but a long-term ally in advancing cutting-edge technologies
Contact Details
Telephone: (81 3) 3270 6641
Fax: (81 3) 3246 0233
Email: patent@yuasa-haracojp
You Are Capital Named Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year – Spain 2026 by M&A Today Global Awards
In a year marked by complex cross-border transactions and fast-evolving capital markets, You Are Capital has emerged as a standout force earning the prestigious title of Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year in Spain 2026 from the M&A Today – Global Awards.
Headquartered in Madrid, with strategic offices across Europe including Barcelona, Paris, Milan, Lisbon, Düsseldorf, and Istanbul You Are Capital is a trusted advisor in high-stakes corporate finance Their core offerings span M&A, private equity advisory, fundraising, structured debt, pre-IPO and pre-P2P guidance, and private placements. But what sets them apart isn’t just the services it’s the calibre of execution
Led by Managing Partner Jean-François Alandry, a veteran with over 35 years’ experience and hundreds of closed deals under his belt, the firm is built on deep expertise, cross-border reach, and a fierce commitment to client success. Alandry, who also founded Eurohold, brings unrivalled insight from sectors like technology, life sciences, environment and renewables, and B2B services Fluent in French, Spanish, and English, he reflects the firm’s international DNA and tailored approach
What truly differentiates You Are Capital is its ability to connect strategic intent with real-world dealmaking fast, discreet, and precise With a network of over 20 global partners and a multisectoral team, the firm is able to consistently source and execute proprietary, off-market transactions Their recent advisory to European Digital Group (EDG) on its majority acquisition of Garaje de Ideas a UX and digital product studio shows the firm’s growing footprint in high-growth sectors and PE-backed roll-ups
You Are Capital’s clients range from multinational corporations and family offices to institutional investors, private equity firms, and growth-stage entrepreneurs For each client, they deliver tailored advisory rooted in market intelligence, long-term relationships, and international foresight. This award cements their position as a go-to advisory partner for complex, high-value transactions across Europe and beyond
To learn more, visit wwwyouarecapitalcom or follow their updates on LinkedIn
