Japan to consider economic security in M&A screenings

Deals creating high market share may be approved if they stabilize domestic supply

Imabari Shipbuilding's acquisition of Japan Marine United last year was approved even though it gave the company a market share of over 50%. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)

TOKYO -- Japanese authorities are moving to officially include benefits to economic security, including supply stability, when evaluating mergers and acquisitions by large corporations, looking to bolster the country's competitiveness in critical areas like naphtha and shipbuilding.