Taiyo Pacific Partners L.P. Becomes Major Shareholder in Anicom Holdings, Inc. with Stake over 5%

Business Wire

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Taiyo Pacific Partners announced today that it has accumulated in excess of 5% in Anicom Holdings, Inc. (8715). Taiyo Pacific Partners is known for its cooperative investment style working with senior management to enhance shareholder value.

Brian K. Heywood, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Taiyo Pacific Partners, said, “Pets are increasingly important family members in the shrinking Japanese household, however, the penetration of pet insurance is much lower than in other developed markets. President Komori realized there was both a financial and emotional need that was not being adequately met and set out to change things. We believe that he and his team are well positioned to provide innovative products and grow their business. We fully expect to see strong sales growth and excellent shareholder returns in the years ahead.”

Michael A. King, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of Taiyo Pacific Partners, said, “Anicom is able to generate steady profit in the growing Japanese pet insurance business, and the company is positioned well to build a business platform which can create synergies and capture new business opportunities throughout a pets’ life span. We believe these factors are not appropriately accounted for in the current valuation.”

President Nobuaki Komori commented, “Since its inception, Anicom has focused on becoming a prevention-oriented insurance company that brings happiness to pet owners, and expanded its business to provide an infrastructure that comprehensively covers whole pet life. We greatly appreciate that Taiyo Pacific Partners understands our corporate philosophy and business strategy in a long-term perspective. We will make an effort to achieve transparent management, the enhancement of corporate value, and sustainable growth.”

Taiyo Pacific Partners, located in Kirkland, Washington, was founded in 2003 by Asia-focused professionals dedicated to friendly shareholder activism in Japan and other Asian countries. The firm currently manages over $2.4 billion in Japan-focused funds. All strategies employ a friendly activist approach.