Nissan Motor Co. has sold its Yokohama headquarters for 97 billion yen ($630 million) to a consortium led by Taiwanese autoparts maker Minth Group, as part of a wider plan to shore up its finances.
According to a Bloomberg exclusive, the move is a strategic step in Nissan’s ongoing restructuring as it faces its toughest financial period in more than two decades, with profits under strain and sales declining in key global markets.
The transaction, structured as a 20-year sale and leaseback, will allow Nissan to unlock capital while maintaining its operations at the same site.
Sale and leaseback to support cash flow
The acquisition will be managed by KJR Management, a Japanese real estate unit of KKR & Co., with Mizuho Real Estate Management also participating.
Minth Group is the primary investor in the 97 billion yen deal. Nissan expects to record a net gain of around 74 billion yen from the sale, funds that will be used to sustain critical investments and modernise internal systems.
The company confirmed, states Bloomberg, that operations and staffing at its Yokohama headquarters will remain unchanged.
According to Nissan, the move is part of a disciplined approach to capital efficiency that aims to unlock value from non-core assets and provide financial flexibility as it restructures its operations globally.
The company described the transaction as essential to “support transformation during challenging years” while balancing liquidity and future investment needs.
Cost-cutting measures amid weak demand
The sale of the headquarters forms part of Nissan’s broader cost-cutting programme, which includes job reductions and plant closures.
As per Bloomberg, Chief Executive Officer Ivan Espinosa earlier pledged to cut 20,000 jobs and reduce global manufacturing sites from 17 to 10.
The automaker has been grappling with declining sales in major markets such as the United States and China, compounded by an ageing product line and rising debt.
Last week, Nissan forecast an operating income loss of 275 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2026, marking its first outlook in several quarters.
The company had previously withheld financial guidance as it reassessed its turnaround strategy. The projected losses reflect the ongoing impact of weak demand, currency fluctuations, and intense competition in the global auto market.
Shares of Nissan rose as much as 3.9% in Tokyo after the news before trimming gains to 1.1%. Despite the uptick, the stock remains down roughly 27% this year. Minth Group’s Hong Kong-listed shares slipped 0.5% after a three-day rally.
Historic headquarters site remains operational
Nissan’s headquarters sale marks a significant moment for the automaker. The company’s original base was in Tokyo’s Ginza district before relocating to Yokohama in 2009, returning to its founding city.
The sale, which includes a 20-year leaseback arrangement, ensures that Nissan will continue operating from its existing premises while strengthening its financial position.
The headquarters, located along the Yokohama waterfront, symbolised Nissan’s revival during the late 2000s following earlier restructuring efforts.
Now, the sale of the same property reflects a renewed push to stabilise cash flow and focus on innovation-driven growth.
Focus on efficiency and long-term transformation
Nissan said, notes Bloomberg, proceeds from the transaction will fund technology upgrades, manufacturing modernisation, and ongoing investment in electric vehicles.
The deal also supports the company’s long-term goal of improving capital efficiency and maintaining liquidity for strategic expansion.
The automaker continues to face challenges, including leadership changes, declining global competitiveness, and evolving consumer preferences toward electric and hybrid vehicles.
However, the sale of the Yokohama headquarters underscores Nissan’s determination to strengthen its balance sheet while continuing its transformation plan.
Nissan is expected to provide additional details about its financial position and restructuring progress in its upcoming quarterly earnings announcement later this week.
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