📖 Approx. 5 minutes ／ Updated May 5, 2026
1. Basics of EHR Transfer
Smooth if using the same vendor. Transitioning to a different vendor requires a 3-6 month project.
2. Appointment System & Patient Intake Forms
Cloud services are transferred to the acquiring party’s account. On-premise systems require equipment transfer.
3. Receptionist System Integration
Requires changes to the electronic receipt processing system settings, procedures for changing medical institution codes, etc.
4. Handling of Patient Data
Proper transfer in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information. Consent may be required in some cases.
5. Perspective of Medical DX
This is an opportunity to advance DX during M&A. It’s a good time to consider introducing the acquiring party’s latest systems.
6. M&A Medical’s Digital Transfer Support
Support is available, including collaboration with system vendors and project management.
Start with a Free Consultation
For consultations regarding medical business succession and M&A, please contact M&A Medical, specialists in the healthcare industry. Please take the first step through our contact form or our 60-second free preliminary appraisal. We are an M&A support institution certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, operate on a success fee basis (no upfront fees), offer nationwide service, and handle consultations with strict confidentiality.
Key Takeaways of This Article
Transferring electronic health records, appointment systems, and receptionist systems is smooth if using the same vendor; however, between different vendors, a data migration project is necessary. It is also an excellent opportunity to advance DX during M&A.
Latest Trends in the Medical M&A Industry
Since 2020, the number of business succession M&A deals in Japan’s healthcare industry has rapidly increased. According to a survey by the Japan Medical Association, the average age of practicing physicians exceeds 60, with an estimated successor shortage rate of around 40%. On the other hand, succession demand from medical corporations and corporate groups is also expanding, leading to a record high in matching opportunities for both sellers and buyers.
- Demand for Clinic Succession: Over 1,000 M&A and business succession cases occur annually (estimated).
- Trend Towards Medical Corporation Status: Increasing cases of succession after transitioning from private practice to a medical corporation.
- Diversification of Potential Buyers: Medical corporation groups, corporations, ambitious employed physicians, fund-related entities, etc.
- Impact of Regulatory Changes: Amendments to the Medical Care Act, extension of the certified medical corporation system, and revisions to medical fee schedules influence succession strategies.
Considering these industry trends, early information gathering, expert consultation, and timing are key to success.
Succession Preparation Checklist
To ensure a successful business succession or M&A, please prepare the following systematically:
- ☑ Determine desired retirement date (M&A takes 6-12 months).
- ☑ Organize financial data for the past 3 fiscal years (financial statements, tax returns).
- ☑ Create a list of medical equipment and facilities (including lease agreements).
- ☑ Organize staff structure and salary levels.
- ☑ Confirm real estate information (owned or leased).
- ☑ Clarify desired transfer conditions (price, staff treatment, handover period).
- ☑ Consider tax schemes (consult with your tax advisor).
- ☑ Gain agreement from family members and spouse.
- ☑ Select a reliable M&A advisor.
- ☑ Establish a system for signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Actual Support Examples
Examples of business succession and M&A cases supported by M&A Medical (partial, details omitted due to confidentiality agreements):
- Case A: Urban Clinic: A 70-year-old physician, facing a lack of successor, transferred to a medical corporation group. All staff retained employment, and patient care continued. The process from consultation to closing took approximately 8 months.
- Case B: Rural Clinic: The region’s sole clinic was transferred to a neighboring medical corporation, ensuring the continuation of local medical services. This was achieved through collaboration with a returning physician.
- Case C: Strategic Acquisition: An employed physician planning a new practice acquired an existing clinic with a favorable location, staff, and licenses. Medical services commenced within six months, saving approximately two years compared to starting a new practice.
In each case, we reconciled the desired conditions of both the seller and buyer, carefully addressing industry-specific issues such as continuity of care, licenses, and staff treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. I am considering selling my practice. What should I do first?
We recommend starting with a free consultation. We accept consultations anonymously and with strict confidentiality, proceeding step-by-step from a current situation assessment to a preliminary appraisal of the market value and matching with potential buyers. We also welcome consultations seeking only a general market understanding or exploring future options.
Q. Will my staff and patients find out about the M&A process?
Information leakage is a major risk. M&A Medical requires the signing of an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) from the initial stages and limits involvement to the minimum necessary parties. Notification to staff typically occurs after the Letter of Intent (LOI) or just before the final contract, with extreme care taken to ensure the on-site team remains unaware until the transaction is executed.
Q. How much does it cost?
M&A Medical operates on a complete success fee basis. Initial consultations, preliminary appraisals, and introductions to potential buyers are entirely free. Fees are only incurred upon successful completion of the sale, calculated as a percentage of the transaction value (3-5% using the Lehman formula). There are no upfront fees, monthly charges, or interim payments.
Related Articles & Services
Please also refer to the following articles in conjunction with this one:
- Complete Guide to Business Succession for Hospitals and Medical Corporations
- Complete Guide to Selling or Transferring a Clinic
- Solutions for Clinics Facing Successor Shortages
- How to Proceed with Medical M&A: 6 Steps
Information on Free Consultations & Preliminary Appraisals
For consultations regarding medical business succession and M&A, please feel free to contact M&A Medical, specialists in the healthcare industry. As an M&A support institution certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, we design M&A deals that create long-term value for both sellers and buyers.
- ✅ Certified M&A Support Institution by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency
- ✅ Healthcare Industry Specialists, Nationwide Service
- ✅ Fully Success-Based Fee (No Upfront, Monthly, or Interim Fees)
- ✅ Strict Confidentiality Assured with NDA
- ✅ Anonymous Consultations & Free Preliminary Appraisals Available
Please take the first step by contacting us through our Contact Form or our 60-Second Free Preliminary Appraisal.