Alpha Purchase

Basic Information

Stock Code
7115
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Consumer Products Wholesalers
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
November 2010
Listing Year
December 2022
Official Website
https://www.alphapurchase.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Alpha Purchase is a subsidiary of Askul, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, and was established in 2010. It is a wholesaler that engages in indirect materials sales and facility management services to support efficient corporate purchasing.

Current Situation

Alpha Purchase achieved consolidated net sales of approximately 56 billion yen and net profit of approximately 870 million yen for the fiscal year ending December 2024, with indirect materials purchasing systems and facility management services as its main businesses. The core MRO business handles a wide range of indirect materials, supporting purchasing efficiency for diverse customers. The FM business has expanded from comprehensive maintenance of store equipment to construction operations. As a consolidated subsidiary of Askul, it maintains financial stability with multiple bases across the country and a subsidiary in China. It has spun off its IT systems development division to leverage technology for operational efficiency improvements. In recent years, it has newly established a renovation business to strengthen its entry into the building materials market. Management focuses on sustainability and realizing optimal customer purchasing, aiming for stable performance growth. Moving forward, it plans to improve market competitiveness and expand its customer base through business diversification and service enhancements.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Originally launched as a Japan-originated indirect materials trading company backed by a U.S. investment fund.
  • Built purchasing systems in close collaboration with parent company Askul.
  • In-house development of system capabilities through subsidiary spin-off of IT division.
  • Established IT development subsidiary in China to advance international technical collaboration.
  • Became an independent entity via new split-off during corporate restructuring after the Lehman Shock.
  • Nationwide expansion with multiple bases including Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
  • Expanded business areas within the industry through entry into construction renovation.
  • Provider of solutions to streamline indirect materials purchasing for many major companies.

Hidden Connections

  • Serves as the core of the Askul Group's overall purchasing platform.
  • Realized linkage between overseas development expertise at Chinese subsidiary and Japan head office.
  • Consistent system from facility management to construction renovation through business diversification via subsidiaries.
  • Focuses on differentiation from major competitors in indirect materials wholesaling through IT enhancement.
  • Contributes to stable growth by expanding customer base through business flows with main shareholder Askul.
  • Inherits lineage from pre-1970s predecessor company, reorganized after Lehman Shock.
  • Expanded facility management business through business transfer from Sagawa Group.
  • Key player in nationwide office supplies wholesaling market with regional closeness and efficient intermediate distribution.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for advanced purchasing systems integrated with IT.
  • Ongoing expansion of corporate cost-reduction needs.
  • Sales diversification through construction renovation business.
  • Expanding facility management market.
  • Increasing demand for environmentally friendly products due to heightened environmental awareness.
  • Strengthening expansion into provincial cities and overseas markets.
  • Maximizing synergy effects with Askul Group.
  • Expectations for business efficiency improvements through DX promotion.

Strategic Goals

  • Enter top 3 domestic market share for indirect procurement solutions.
  • Achieve over 30% sales ratio from facility management.
  • Reach over 50% ratio of environmentally considerate products and services.
  • Complete strategic expansion of construction renovation business.
  • Improve customer satisfaction through utilization of next-generation IT technologies.

Business Segments

Indirect Materials Purchasing Support

Overview
Promotes procurement efficiency for indirect materials and supports cost reduction.
Competitiveness
Purchasing management efficiency through system integration
Customers
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Government Agencies
  • Financial Institutions
  • Logistics
Products
  • Office Supplies
  • Tools
  • Consumables
  • Safety Gear
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Workwear

Facility Management

Overview
Supports comprehensive facility management and operational efficiency.
Competitiveness
Abundant on-site experience and one-stop service
Customers
  • Commercial Facilities
  • Office Buildings
  • Logistics Centers
  • Store Chains
  • Schools
Products
  • Facility Maintenance Services
  • Equipment Inspections
  • Repair Management
  • Building Renovation
  • Cleaning Management

IT Solutions Provision

Overview
Promotes business efficiency and data utilization through IT technology.
Competitiveness
Enhanced development capabilities through collaboration with subsidiaries
Customers
  • Internal Management Departments
  • Logistics Companies
  • Manufacturing Sites
  • Sales Departments
Products
  • Purchasing Management System
  • Maintenance Management Software
  • Mobile Apps
  • Data Analysis Tools

Construction & Renovation Business

Overview
Conducts various construction works and store renewals.
Competitiveness
Construction management capabilities down to the finest details
Customers
  • Store Operators
  • Real Estate Management Companies
  • Corporate Offices
Products
  • Interior Construction
  • Renovation Work
  • Equipment Upgrades
  • Seismic Retrofits

Logistics & Delivery Support

Overview
Provides support for optimizing logistics efficiency.
Competitiveness
Integrated management through group collaboration
Customers
  • E-commerce Companies
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
Products
  • Delivery Arrangements
  • Warehouse Management
  • Inventory Management System

Cleaning & Environmental Services

Overview
Cleaning services aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Competitiveness
Provision of environmentally considerate services
Customers
  • Public Facilities
  • Educational Institutions
  • Offices
  • Commercial Facilities
Products
  • Regular Cleaning
  • Environmental Conservation Services
  • Waste Management

Hygiene Supplies Provision

Overview
Supply and management of necessary hygiene products.
Competitiveness
Rapid supply system
Customers
  • Medical Institutions
  • Welfare Facilities
  • Restaurants
  • Offices
Products
  • Masks
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Disposable Gloves

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Comprehensive support for bulk procurement of diverse indirect materials
  • Askul's capital and business collaboration
  • Strengthened customer contact through nationwide base expansion
  • In-house development of IT systems division
  • One-stop provision of multifaceted services
  • Rich expertise in facility management
  • Overseas base operations through global subsidiaries
  • Business diversification through launch of renovation business

Competitive Advantages

  • Utilizes strong procurement network within Askul Group
  • Improved convenience through integration of MRO and FM businesses
  • High purchasing management efficiency via IT system development
  • Rich product lineup capable of meeting diverse customer needs
  • Comprehensive services combining facility management and construction renovation
  • Rapid response capability and high customer satisfaction
  • Purchasing optimization proposals utilizing data analysis
  • Integrated operation of IT and local subsidiaries for Asian market expansion

Threats

  • Intensifying price competition from competitors
  • Decline in capital investment due to economic fluctuations
  • Decline in competitiveness from delays in new technology adoption
  • Impact on service quality from labor shortages
  • Changes in overseas procurement costs due to exchange rate fluctuations
  • Increased operational burden from stricter regulations
  • Progress in customers' in-house procurement
  • Disruptions in logistics and supply chains due to natural disasters

Innovations

2024: Strengthening Construction Business through Establishment of AP Renovations

Overview
Established a renovation business company via new split-off to expand construction operations.
Impact
Increased sales in construction sector and enhanced comprehensive service provision

2023: Strengthening Facility Management with IoT Utilization

Overview
Introduced IoT technology to achieve efficient operation and management of facility equipment.
Impact
Reduced maintenance costs and improved service quality

2022: Advanced Purchasing Management System

Overview
Renewed cloud-based purchasing management platform.
Impact
Promoted rationalization of customers' purchasing processes

2021: Establishment of IT Systems Base at Dalian Subsidiary in China

Overview
Established IT systems development and operations base in Dalian to strengthen global responsiveness.
Impact
Reduced development costs and secured technical talent

2020: Launch of Comprehensive Equipment Maintenance Services

Overview
Launched comprehensive maintenance business for store equipment to reduce customer burden.
Impact
Improved customer satisfaction and established stable revenue base

Sustainability

  • Building mechanisms for waste reduction and recycling promotion
  • Promotion and support for introduction of energy-saving equipment
  • Expansion of handling environmentally friendly building materials
  • Implementation of employee environmental awareness education
  • Support for environmental conservation activities through collaboration with local communities