$ITOCF

Itochu plans to invest several hundred billion yen by 2030 to build 10 data centers in Japan, targeting leases to U.S. tech companies. The investment aims to capitalize on growing demand for data infrastructure.

K-One Technology Bhd will sell its 100% stake in cloud provider G-AsiaPacific Sdn Bhd to Itochu Corp and Itochu Singapore for RM94m, via K2 Meta’s sale of 1m GAP shares. Itochu Singapore buys 60% for RM56.4m and Itochu buys 40% for RM37.6m. GAP contributed 58.2% of K-One revenue in FY25. K-One expects a RM47.6m gain and plans a special dividend up to RM75m; completion targeted Q4 2026, subject to approvals.

K-One Technology (KL:K1) plans to sell its cloud arm G-AsiaPacific Sdn Bhd (GAP) to Japan’s ITOCHU Corp and ITOCHU Singapore for RM94 million. ITOCHU Corp buys 40% and ITOCHU Singapore 60%. K-One expects a pro forma gain of RM47.6 million and a special dividend of RM75 million after completion, targeted for Q4 2026, subject to approvals.

Itochu and Daikin Industries said they will jointly launch a business to recover aluminum from used commercial air conditioners. The companies cited Japan’s goal to reduce dependence on imported critical resources amid Middle East-related supply chain disruptions. The initiative may affect their materials and recycling operations.

Peninsula and Itochu launched a joint venture, I&P Marine Ammonia Ltd. (IPMA), to develop ammonia bunkering infrastructure and supply chains in Europe and the Mediterranean. The partners said the JV initially targets major ports, building on a 2023 MoU and European Commission approval reported in May. Peninsula contributes its bunkering network, Itochu fuel production and supply chain expertise.

Akaysha Energy, with Itochu Corporation and Tokyo Century in a JV, has started construction of an 82MWh BESS in southern Japan, targeting completion in FY2027. The project is supported by a METI FY2024 subsidy covering up to about one-third of capex. PowerX will supply and integrate the system in Fukuoka.

Itochu, Itochu Techno-Solutions (CTC) and Mamezou signed an alliance to collaborate on “physical AI,” combining AI recognition/decision-making with robots. CTC will lead verification and tech collaboration (robot/equipment control software, cloud/AI/robotics integration), Itochu will pursue business opportunities via its customer network, and Mamezou will provide robotics and AI/embedded development. Focus areas include sales, talent development, end-to-end systems and new business development.

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At what will be his last annual meeting as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett shared a story that succinctly demonstrated his unique ability to spot value in unexpected places, like a small Japanese handbook he could barely read.

Warren Buffett in 2020 got Berkshire Hathaway BRKBRK to borrow yen at roughly 0.5 percent, bought five Japanese blue-chip trading houses paying total shareholder yields of 7-8 percent, and turned it into what investment fund manager Mohnish Pabrai describes as a 'no-brainer' with 'infinite return.'