Kurabo Industries has agreed to buy a 20.25% stake in in-vitro diagnostics maker TAUNS Laboratories for ¥13,340m (about US$84m) and form a capital and business alliance, the companies said on 12 November 2026.
Why Kurabo Industries Ltd. (Kurashiki Boseki) is buying TAUNS Laboratories, Inc. (20.25% stake)
Kurabo said its 'Accelerate'27' plan makes life science and technology a focus business. It expects to use TAUNS' sales network to medical institutions and laboratories, while TAUNS expects to draw on Kurabo's gene extraction and analysis technology to strengthen its research and development.
Deal terms and financing
Kurabo will acquire 21,600,000 shares from Trustar Capital Japan Partners III, TCJP III Co-Investment and TAUNS president Masaki Nonaka in an off-market deal. As long as Kurabo holds at least 15%, it can nominate one director, and TAUNS must obtain Kurabo's consent for certain actions, including share issues that would dilute it below 15% or any move to delist.
Regulatory approvals and timing
Completion, scheduled for 30 November 2026, is subject to merger-control clearance; the parties may close earlier if conditions are met sooner.
Market context
Trustar Capital, formerly CITIC Capital Japan, held 39.09% of TAUNS and Mr Nonaka 29.27% as of 30 June 2026. TAUNS, based in Izunokuni, Shizuoka, reported net sales of ¥14,369m in the year to June 2026.
