Def Consulting

Basic Information

Stock Code
4833
Industry
Services
Category Detail
Mass Media
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
August 1987
Listing Year
March 2001
Official Website
https://success-holders.inc/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Regional Newspaper Co., Sainex, Town News Co., J Escom, PA, Atra G, RVH

Overview

Def Consulting is a comprehensive consulting firm founded in 1987 and based in Tokyo, primarily serving the services industry with operations ranging from free paper publishing to technology solutions.

Current Situation

In the fiscal year ended March 2023, Def Consulting recorded net sales of approximately 620 million yen while posting an operating loss of approximately 420 million yen. Employing 103 people, it is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, and has built its business model around free paper publishing within the services industry. In recent years, it has expanded its technology solutions business and is transitioning into a full-fledged comprehensive consulting firm. Its strategy focuses on bolstering digital initiatives and human resources dispatching, while improving its revenue structure through partial rights transfers and reorganization of the free paper operations. In 2024, it changed its trade name to revitalize its brand. Concurrently, by placing itself under the control of an asset management company, it is stabilizing its capital base and establishing growth foundations. Moving forward, it views new business development fusing consulting and technology as its primary growth engine. Amid fierce competition in the mass media sector, it aims to differentiate itself and boost competitiveness by integrating regional information dissemination with IT technologies.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Veteran firm founded in 1987 centered on free paper business.
  • Once achieved world's highest free magazine circulation.
  • Demonstrates strong era adaptability via repeated name changes and restructurings.
  • History as consolidated subsidiary of RIZAP Group.
  • Pioneer in online rebranding of local information magazines.
  • Revitalized portfolio through subsidiary share transfers.
  • Unique fusion of consulting and IT deployments.
  • Asset management company serves as controlling shareholder beyond parent.
  • Over 100 employees, akin to mid-tier IT services firm.
  • Rare decision to transfer regional magazine trademarks to rivals.
  • Focuses on IT engineer dispatch within talent market.
  • Frequent coverage of recruitment and HR strengthening.
  • Headquartered in Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
  • Experienced multiple franchise contracts and cancellations.
  • Pursues synergies across publishing and IT dual pillars.

Hidden Connections

  • Formerly RIZAP Group consolidated subsidiary with partnership background.
  • Deep regional embedding via franchise pacts with various local firms.
  • Reconstructed business through subsidiary sales/acquisitions amid name changes.
  • Transferred regional magazine trademarks to others, pivoting to new markets.
  • Exerts influence in talent services via IT dispatch subsidiary.
  • Proximate to business elite via Toranomon Hills base in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
  • Asset management firm as non-parent controlling shareholder.
  • Executed agile governance amid free paper industry turbulence.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • New customer gains from digitalization drive
  • IT dispatch market growth and surging demand
  • Sophistication and differentiation of regional services
  • Rising DX support needs among SMEs
  • Consulting diversification push
  • Ad revenue uplift from smartphone app user growth
  • Local media shift online
  • Efficiency gains from new tech intros
  • CSR expansion amid sustainability focus
  • Novel ventures via inter-industry alliances
  • Specialized talent demand rise in labor market
  • Growth platform reinforcement via capital stability

Strategic Goals

  • Shift from free papers to digital platform
  • Double IT solutions sales to approx. 1 billion yen
  • Market share gains in consulting
  • Contributions to sustainable regional economies
  • Nationwide talent dispatch expansion
  • Full internal DX and 100% paperless achievement
  • Inclusive workplace environment promotion
  • Scaled community partnership projects
  • 75%+ repeat rate via satisfaction improvements
  • Elevate new business sales to 30% of total

Business Segments

Regional Information Publishing Business

Overview
Supports regional information dissemination and maximization of ad effectiveness.
Competitiveness
Locally dense advertising network and editorial prowess
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Local companies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Regional chambers of commerce
Products
  • Free paper production
  • Advertising planning and sales
  • Regional brand building support

IT Solutions Business

Overview
Leverages IT technology to aid customer DX initiatives and operational efficiency.
Competitiveness
Flexible customization response and specialized personnel
Customers
  • Mid-sized companies
  • IT companies
  • Local governments
  • System development companies
Products
  • Business system development
  • IT engineer dispatch
  • Cloud service implementation support

Talent Dispatch and Human Services

Overview
Specialized personnel dispatch service responsive to diverse client needs.
Competitiveness
Industry-expert dispatch staff
Customers
  • IT industry companies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Startups
  • Large enterprises
Products
  • IT technician dispatch
  • Business support staff dispatch
  • Talent development programs

Digital Marketing Support

Overview
Supports client acquisition and promotional enhancement via digital channels.
Competitiveness
Linkage strength with regional information content
Customers
  • Advertisers
  • Regional businesses
  • E-commerce operators
  • Media companies
Products
  • Online advertising planning
  • SNS operations support
  • Data analysis services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Proven track record issuing locally rooted free information magazines
  • Aggressive shift toward digital business
  • One-stop delivery of diverse services
  • Talent cultivation and retention capabilities
  • Reliable base network centered in Tokyo's urban core

Competitive Advantages

  • High brand recognition in free paper sector
  • Proprietary services blending IT and regional info
  • Agile business reorganization and capital stability
  • Ownership of regionally focused ad network
  • Specialized expertise and client base in talent dispatch

Threats

  • Ongoing contraction in free paper market
  • Risk of customer shift to digital media
  • Competitors bolstering IT solutions
  • Ad investment cuts from economic volatility
  • Fierce talent acquisition competition
  • Regulatory impacts on dispatch business
  • Economic slowdowns from disasters or pandemics
  • Challenges adapting to diversifying regional info demands

Innovations

2021: Digital rebranding of regional magazine "Pado"

Overview
Launched as smartphone app "ARIFT™" to strengthen digital expansion.
Impact
Expanded user touchpoints via digitalization of regional information.

2020: Launch of IT talent dispatch service

Overview
Expanded into IT dispatch business via subsidiary acquisition of system developer P&P.
Impact
Successfully secured new revenue sources and broadened customer segments.

2022: Business reorganization through media division split

Overview
Concentrated resources on core business by selling media operations to Nakahiro.
Impact
Optimized management resources and fortified business foundation.

2023: Launch of consulting business

Overview
Promoted diversification by introducing new comprehensive consulting services.
Impact
Aided expansion of customer base and business diversification.

Sustainability

  • Internal paperless promotion and print reduction
  • Eco-conscious participation in regional events
  • Energy-efficient IT service operations
  • Environmental load reduction via employee workstyle reforms
  • Sustainable development support through regional community ties