Technology

EQT Consortium Raises Tender Offer Price for Kakaku.com to JPY 3,450 Per Share

Published

1 day ago

July 17, 2026

Increased tender offer price exceeds the JPY 3,384 price in the competing proposal and aims to reduce uncertainty and facilitate the timely completion of the transactionAmended tender offer price reflects the Consortium’s continued commitment to supporting Kakaku.com’s long-term growth and developmentThe Consortium has already obtained all necessary regulatory clearances required, further underscoring the certainty of the transaction for the Company and its shareholders.

TOKYO, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EQT today announced that Kamgras 1 K.K. (the “Offeror”), a member of the consortium led by BPEA Private Equity Fund IX (“BPEA IX” or “EQT”) and Digital Garage, Inc. (“Digital Garage”, and together with EQT, the “Consortium”), has decided to amend the terms and conditions of its ongoing tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) for the common shares of Kakaku.com, Inc. (“Kakaku.com” or the “Company”) (TSE: 2371), including raising the tender offer price from JPY 3,000 per share to JPY 3,450 per share (the “Revised Tender Offer Price”).

The Revised Tender Offer Price exceeds the JPY 3,384 per share price contained in the competing proposal announced on July 1, 2026.

The original tender offer price of JPY 3,000 per share represented a compelling offer for shareholders and reflected Kakaku.com’s intrinsic value and included a reasonable premium over Kakaku.com’s unaffected market share price prior to the publication of speculative media reports regarding the Tender Offer. Following developments in the process and further careful consideration, the Consortium decided to increase the tender offer price in order to further enhance execution certainty and reflect its continued conviction in the Company’s long-term potential.

The Revised Tender Offer Price is intended to facilitate the timely completion of the transaction and enable Kakaku.com to focus on long-term growth and value creation. The Consortium has already obtained all necessary regulatory clearances required, further underscoring the certainty of the transaction for the Company and its shareholders. In contrast, the competing proposal contemplates a tender offer only commencing in September 2026 at the earliest and remains subject to various conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Tetsuro Onitsuka, Partner in the EQT Private Capital Asia team, said: “Our proposal provides Kakaku.com shareholders with an attractive combination of value, certainty and timing. By combining EQT’s global digital and AI expertise with Kakaku’s strong brands and data assets, we believe Kakaku can accelerate platform development and pursue long-term value creation. We remain excited about Kakaku.com’s long-term potential and look forward to working alongside management and Digital Garage to support the Company’s next phase of growth and value creation.”

EQT brings long-term capital and global experience supporting digital and platform businesses. It has a track record of partnering with leading digital marketplace and classified businesses, including PropertyGuru, idealista and Casa.it, and working with management teams to support platform development, operational improvement and sustainable long-term growth. This experience, combined with Kakaku.com’s strong brands and data assets, would position it to support the continued development of the Company’s platforms and its next phase of growth.

Japan remains a strategically important market for EQT. Since establishing its Tokyo office in 2006, EQT has steadily expanded its presence and activity in the market, including through recent take-private transactions involving Fujitec, CareNet and Mamezo. This commitment is supported by the scale of EQT’s broader Asia Pacific platform. In April 2026, EQT closed BPEA IX with USD 15.6 billion in total commitments, making it Asia Pacific’s largest private equity fund to date. Together, EQT’s longstanding local presence, regional scale and global capabilities position it to continue partnering with leading Japanese companies to achieve their long-term growth ambitions.

For details regarding the amendment, please refer to the announcement issued by the Offeror today titled “Notice Regarding Amendment to the Terms and Conditions of the Tender Offer for Share Certificates, Etc. of Kakaku.com, Inc. (Securities Code: 2371)”.

The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or solicitation. Any offer or solicitation in respect of BPEA IX will be made only through a confidential private placement memorandum and related documents which will be furnished to qualified investors on a confidential basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of an offering document obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer and its management, as well as financial statements. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Regulations on Solicitation

This press release is intended to provide information relating to the Tender Offer to the public and has not been prepared for the purpose of soliciting the sale of shares. If shareholders wish to sell their shares, they should first carefully read the Tender Offer Explanation Statement concerning the Tender Offer and make their decision at their own discretion. This press release does not constitute, or form a part of, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities, and neither this press release (in whole or in part) nor its distribution will form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, an agreement related to the Tender Offer.

US Regulations

The Tender Offer will be conducted in accordance with the procedures and information disclosure standards provided in Japanese law, and those procedures and standards are not necessarily the same as the procedures and information disclosure standards applicable in the United States. In particular, Section 13(e) or Section 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Securities Exchange Act”) and the rules promulgated thereunder do not apply to the Tender Offer, and the Tender Offer does not conform to the procedures or standards therein. All financial information included or mentioned in this press release and the documents referenced herein is not based on U.S. accounting standards, and such accounting standards may not be equivalent to or comparable with financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. accounting standards. Because the tender offeror is a corporation established outside the United States and all or some of its directors and officers are not residents of the United States, it may be difficult to exercise rights or make claims against them that can be asserted based on U.S. securities-related laws. In addition, it may not be possible to initiate legal proceedings against a non-U.S. corporation and its officers in a non-U.S. court on the grounds of violation of U.S. securities laws. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that a non-U.S. corporation and its affiliates will be subject to the jurisdiction of a U.S. court.

The respective financial advisors of the tender offeror, the Company, Digital Garage, Inc. and KDDI Corporation, the tender offer agent, and their respective affiliates may, in the ordinary course of their business, to the extent permitted by the financial instruments exchange-related laws and regulations of Japan and other applicable laws and regulations, and in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5(b) under the Securities Exchange Act, purchase, or engage in activities directed at purchasing, shares of the Company for their own account or for the account of their clients, either prior to commencement of the Tender Offer or during the Tender Offer Period, outside the Tender Offer. If information concerning any such purchase is disclosed in Japan, disclosure will be made in English on the website of the person making such purchase (or in another manner).

Unless otherwise specified, all procedures relating to the Tender Offer will be conducted in the Japanese language. While some or all documents related to the Tender Offer may be prepared in English, the Japanese-language documents will prevail in the event of any discrepancies between the English and Japanese documents.

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Known or unknown risks, uncertainties, or other such factors could lead to outcomes that may differ markedly from the projections and other information explicitly or implicitly indicated in such forward-looking statements. Neither the tender offeror nor its affiliates guarantees that the projections and other information explicitly or implicitly indicated in such forward-looking statements will materialize. The forward-looking statements in this press release were prepared based on information in the possession of the tender offeror as of the date of this press release, and unless required by laws or regulations or the rules of a financial instruments exchange, neither the tender offeror, the Company, nor any of their respective affiliates will be obligated to change or revise such statements to reflect any future events or circumstances.

Other National Regulations

The release, issue or distribution of this press release may be subject to legal restrictions in certain countries or regions. In such cases, please be aware of and comply with any such restrictions. The release, issue or distribution of this press release does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell share certificates in connection with the Tender Offer and is to be deemed solely as the distribution of materials for informational purposes.

Contact:
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-consortium-raises-tender-offer-price-for-kakaku-com-to-jpy-3-450-per-share,c4375155

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4375155/4197448.pdf

260717 [Press Release] EQT Consortium Raises Tender Offer Price for Kakaku.com to JPY 3,450 Per Share

https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/eqt,c3553618

EQT

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/eqt-consortium-raises-tender-offer-price-for-kakakucom-to-jpy-3-450-per-share-302828367.html

SOURCE EQT

Technology

Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts

Published

43 minutes ago

July 18, 2026

NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.

Best AI Design Tools

CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.

Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio

The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.

The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.

An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.

Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams

The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.

For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.

Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.

Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0

For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.

This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.

The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.

Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams

AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.

For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.

Access and Getting Started

The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.

A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.

Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.

Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html

SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org

Technology

Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts

Published

43 minutes ago

July 18, 2026

Best AI Design Tools

CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.

Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio

Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams

Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0

Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams

Access and Getting Started

Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.

About CapCut

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html

SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org

Technology

Samsung Selects Chandigarh University Student as ‘Punjab AI State Topper’

Published

2 hours ago

July 18, 2026

CU Student Devesh Panwar Wins Rs 1 Lakh Award for Developing AI-Based Document Search System

CHANDIGARH, India, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) student of Chandigarh University, Devesh Panwar, has been named the “Punjab State Topper” in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI Program organised by Samsung in collaboration with Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) and training partner Focal Skill Development (Focalyt) to equip Indian youth with industry-relevant in-demand skills in AI, loT, Big Data, and Coding & Programming, preparing them for future careers.

A final-year student of Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at University Institute of Computing (UIC) of Chandigarh University, Devesh Panwar also won a cash award of Rs 1 lakh along with a laptop, and exclusive Samsung rewards for achieving this remarkable milestone under the Samsung Innovation Campus AI Program.

“Being named ‘AI State Topper’ was a moment of profound pride and validation for me. Hard work, intense technical training and a passion for AI culminated in the immense honor of the Punjab State Topper title. Besides getting access to state-of-the-art tools to fuel my future research and development endeavor, I gained world-class knowledge during the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI Program. It helped me in gaining hands-on experience and applied AI to solve real-world challenges, especially in aeronautical and technical domains,”

During Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI Program, Devesh and his team worked on innovative AI capstone project which was presented before the jury panel as part of the final assessment.

“Our team developed the advanced AI-powered system AI Research Agent, a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) platform designed for intelligent querying of private document collections. Organizations, researchers, legal professionals, and HR teams often work with large collections of documents. Traditional search methods rely heavily on keyword matching and require significant manual effort to locate relevant information. The project was developed to address the limitations of traditional document search systems, which often struggle with contextual understanding, retrieval accuracy, learning adaptability, and response speed,” said Devesh.

“The developed system demonstrated significant improvements over traditional document retrieval approaches with faster response generation with integration of modern AI techniques, full-stack development, database systems, and intelligent automation into a single practical solution. By combining modern RAG architecture with innovative retrieval and reasoning mechanisms, this system provides a fast, intelligent, and user-friendly solution for knowledge discovery and resume evaluation. This project not only enhanced our technical expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Full-Stack Development but also strengthened our problem-solving, teamwork, and professional communication skills. It stands as a significant achievement of our Samsung Innovation Campus 2025 journey and reflects our commitment to building impactful AI solutions for real-world challenges,” he added.

Congratulating Devesh Panwar for being named “Punjab State Topper” AI under the Samsung Innovation Campus Samsung Innovation Program, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University, said, “Devesh’s achievement reflects Chandigarh University’s focus on experiential learning and industry-academia collaboration. Through the Samsung Innovation Campus AI Program, CU students gain practical exposure to AI and building solutions for real-world challenges. This accomplishment reflects not only Devesh’s commitment to excellence but also the growing culture of innovation and industry-oriented learning at Chandigarh University,”.

“Since its inception, Chandigarh University has set benchmarks for world-class education with its dynamic hands-on experiential learning model, industry-aligned programs, dynamic fraternity, state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities and impeccable placements. Samsung Innovation Program is also part of our initiatives to develop a future-ready talent pool equipped with advanced capabilities in AI, loT, Big Data, and Coding and Programming. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, this collaboration helps in providing CU’s computer science and computing students exposure to cutting-edge and emerging technologies. CU’s this partnership with Samsung is focused on building future-ready talent equipped with industry-relevant skills in AI and emerging technologies,” Sandhu said.

He said Chandigarh University’s Institute of Computing (UIC) prepares students for a successful career in computing, to create and disseminate computing knowledge and technology. “Chandigarh University carries a vision of crafting next-gen IT professionals who can take up industry challenges effectively and our Institute of Computing (UIC) prepares students for a successful career in computing, to create and disseminate computing knowledge and technology. UIC’s hands-on approach paves the way for a smooth transition to the workforce after graduation. Our students are equipped with the best knowledge, skills and passion to succeed in any number of computing careers. CU’s Institute of Computing renders cutting-edge education ranging from the expertise in traditional software development -to- modern computing technologies. Fully-equipped industry-sponsored labs, industry-aligned curriculum, and accreditations and validations by top companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Google Android, Red Hat etc. give our students an exclusive edge over others,” the Chandigarh University CMD said.

Sandhu said the latest edition of QS World University Rankings has yet again reaffirmed Chandigarh University global standing as a top educational institution. “Continuing its remarkable rise among the world’s leading higher education institutions, Chandigarh University (CU) has made impressive strides in the latest edition of prestigious QS World University Rankings 2027 by securing an overall world rank of 526, an increase of 49 ranks as compared to 575th rank in QS’ 2026 Rankings. This is for the fifth consecutive year that Chandigarh University’s global rankings have witnessed an impressive surge with CU’s world rank going up by an impressive 274 ranks — from the 800th rank in 2023 to 526th in 2027’s Rankings,”.

“As per the latest QS World University Rankings, with All India Rank of 13 among all universities in the country as compared to 16th rank in 2026’s rankings, Chandigarh University now ranks among the top 1% of universities in India and the top 2% of universities in the World, underscoring its growing reputation as a leading institution of higher learning, both in India and globally,” he added.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

Photo: https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1885145/PRESS-PIC-001-SAMSUNG-CU-STUDENT.jpg?id=OA2769782&token=eyJhbGciOiJkaXIiLCJlbmMiOiJBMjU2R0NNIn0..tz96RqadDKMvzkEj.hSUhhTBdc9ZsrJjdBxEgY3wlJi0695tAGCi_yhGtBbdiThMARSwsYuRxoaEaAC1HccJGtnxglefy4fXZDdGfD-4OdjVgfOBZDHtwSaDWfS9i0sxsJ9uscOPXaiNP1iwN6to.iJaPyZAn7rk4NN9I54uvhg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/samsung-selects-chandigarh-university-student-as-punjab-ai-state-topper-302828991.html