KKR Leads $610M Bid for Nissan Yokohama HQ Sale

KKR & Co., through its Japanese real estate unit KJR Management, has emerged as the leading bidder to acquire Nissan Motor's global headquarters in Yokohama for approximately $610 million. The proposed deal includes a 10-year leaseback arrangement allowing Nissan to continue occupying the 22-story building, though financing discussions are ongoing and the sale is not yet finalized. Nissan is pursuing this sale as part of a broader effort to stabilize its finances amid significant challenges, including $5.6 billion in debt due next year, forecasted operating losses, and intense competition from China's electric vehicle market. The automaker's turnaround plan involves cutting 20,000 jobs and reducing manufacturing sites from 17 to 10. KKR's interest in the deal highlights its growing presence in Japan, following a recent $4.4 billion acquisition of Fuji Soft Inc. The potential sale lifted Nissan's shares in Tokyo, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s cash-raising strategy.