Koyama Clinic in Shobara Closes, Ending 18

News Highlights

Koyama Clinic, which had been providing medical services for 18 years in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, closed at the end of March 2026. The news highlights that while closing a clinic can incur costs of several million yen, business succession typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 times the annual revenue. For clinics without inpatient facilities, the succession period generally ranges from 4 to 10 months from consultation to agreement. It is suggested that consulting before closure could potentially allow for both continued staff employment and patient care.

Perspective from M&A Medical Editorial Department

The closure of Koyama Clinic, a provider of regional healthcare in Shobara City, signifies more than just the end of a single clinic. The stated succession period of 4 to 10 months for clinics without inpatient facilities is particularly important. This suggests that if Koyama Clinic had considered succession, there would have been sufficient time to establish a business succession scheme utilizing an M&A intermediary within the period between the decision to close and its execution. The figures—several million yen in closure costs versus a succession price of 0.5 to 1.5 times annual revenue—provide concrete data for経営者 (business owners) to compare the economic rationality of “closure” versus “succession.” This news quietly but powerfully argues that early consultation with experts is essential before resorting to closure as a last resort, in order to balance the maintenance of regional healthcare with consideration for all stakeholders (staff and patients).

Points Raised by This News

• The risk of a healthcare vacuum in Shobara City and the need for alternative medical institutions.
• The importance of economically comparing closure costs (several million yen) with business succession value (0.5 to 1.5 times annual revenue).
• The potential for the business succession period for clinics without inpatient facilities (4-10 months) to serve as a consideration period before deciding on closure.
• The value of early consultation before closure to ensure continued staff employment and patient care.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• Are there other medical institutions available for consultations in Shobara City following the closure of Koyama Clinic?
• What specific costs comprise the several million yen in closure expenses?
• Can the staff of Koyama Clinic find re-employment in medical institutions after its closure?

If You Feel “Should I Consult Too?”

The closure of Koyama Clinic may serve as an opportunity to reflect on the future of regional healthcare and the future of your own clinic. If you are concerned about the lack of a successor or the continuity of your business operations, we recommend exploring business succession possibilities with experts before opting for closure. Considering the 4-10 month period from consultation to agreement, gathering information early is key to achieving a smooth succession that includes consideration for staff and patients.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) is an M&A support institution certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, providing support for the business succession of medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics on a full success fee basis. Consultations are accepted with strict confidentiality. Free consultations are available here.