Dec. 07, 2020

SPARX Group Establishes the Japan Monozukuri Mirai FundInvesting in Japanese monozukuri (manufacturing)

SPARX Group Co., Ltd.
Toyota Motor Corporation
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

TOKYO―December 7, 2020―SPARX Group Co., Ltd. (SPARX; TSE1: 8739) announced today the establishment of the Japan Monozukuri Mirai Fund, based on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Toyota Motor Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), MUFG Bank, Ltd., and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., which was signed in November 2020.

The Fund will invest in Japanese monozukuri (manufacturing) companies with superior technology, human resources, and services to maintain Japan's advanced technology and skills and develop its future monozukuri capabilities. The Fund will also support these firms in implementing the Toyota Production System (TPS) and formulating management strategies. The Fund aims to contribute to society by developing Japanese monozukuri through its portfolio companies' sustainable growth.

Managed by general partner (GP) SPARX, the Japan Monozukuri Mirai Fund began operations in December with its initial total capital of JPY 12.3 billion financed through contributions from its limited partners (LPs). By October 31, 2021, the goal is to have gathered a total of JPY 20 billion in capital through additional contributions from investors that endorse the new Fund's objectives.

Japan Monozukuri Mirai Fund Overview

Fund name	Japan Monozukuri Mirai Investment Limited Partnership (Nickname: Japan Monozukuri Mirai Fund)
Founding principles	Helping companies with superior technology, human resources, and services to increase their corporate value Contributing to the development of Japanese monozukuri and human resources
Investments	Japanese monozukuri companies with superior technology, human resources, and services (Investments expected to target manufacturing companies including the automotive and related industries)
Support to portfolio companies	Helping TPS-based workplaces and management improvement Leveraging the financial and investment knowledge and expertise cultivated by SMBC, MUFG Bank, and Mizuho Bank Helping to establish and implement management strategies and midterm business plans
Investors	General partner SPARX Limited partners Toyota, SMBC, MUFG Bank, and Mizuho Bank
Fund size	JPY 12.3 billion (as of December 7, 2020)
Subscription target	Around JPY 20 billion
Additional subscription period	Through October 31, 2021 (scheduled)

Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.