About us

  • Founding History

    Founded in 2002, Cornwall Capital is a New York-based investment company established by James A. Mai (Jamie Mai). The initial capital was provided by Vincent Mai, Jamie’s father, who is the Founder and Chairman of The Cranemere Group, a private equity firm in the United States. In addition to his role at Cranemere, Vincent Mai also serves as an advisor to Cornwall Capital.

  • Investment Philosophy

    We prioritize long-term value creation over short-term gains. Regardless of industry, we respect the history and unique value that companies have built over the years and seek partners to create the future together. Built on trust and credibility, we value long-term relationships and are committed to growing alongside our partners.

  • Experience in Japan

    Cornwall has a long track record in Japan as a patient, value-added investor, including the privatization of Uniden Holdings and the seeding of the core business of Aizawa Asset Management. We benefit from an extensive network that comprises Japanese business leaders, former government officials, and prominent academics.

Our Value Proposition

We offer a solution to the key obstacles affecting Japanese companies in need of a change of ownership

Flexible Business Succession

We provide comprehensive support for founders and family-owned businesses facing succession challenges, ensuring a smooth transition while fostering long-term stability.

Globalization Opportunities

Our team assists companies in expanding into international markets and building global networks, empowering them to enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.

Enhanced Governance Structure

We drive improvements in governance structures, promoting transparency and efficiency. These reforms strengthen risk management and build greater trust among investors and stakeholders.

Best-Practice Managerial Processes

By implementing best practices in financial reporting, treasury management, and human resources, we help companies build a solid operational foundation.

High Quality Talent

We attract globally competitive talent, inspiring companies to elevate their aspirations and achieve new heights.

Our Strengths

With years of experience working alongside Japanese management teams, we are committed to ongoing, constructive dialogue for the long term
Over a decade of experience working with Japanese chief executives, understanding their needs

Cornwall has pursued priority control transactions in Japan for over a decade, often via building large minority stakes in listed companies as a first step to working with management teams.
Through lots of trial and error, we have developed a nuanced understanding of the key obstacles Japanese executives face in selling their businesses and how to work with them most productively to create value for all stakeholders.

A strong track record of achievement in working with Japanese management teams

Our privatization of Uniden Holdings, was, we believe, the first privatization in Japan by a foreign fund that was fully supported by the company’s management and board.
Cornwall’s working partnership with management teams, often involving analytical support for value-creating strategies and introductions to partners in our network, often draws praise from senior management.

Experience managing complex businesses as well as business turnarounds

Uniden’s core business is complex, with operations in the US, Australia, and Japan, a Japan-based real estate portfolio, and fully owned factories in Vietnam and South Korea.
After achieving control, the Cornwall team effectuated a dramatic turnaround of Keweenaw Land Association, a US-based timber company, leading to much improved outcomes for all stakeholders. Cornwall still owns the company after two decades.

A strong reputation in Japan as a long-term, value-added investor

Cornwall has a large ecosystem of prominent supporters in Japanese industry and academia, as well as former government officials, who work with us because of our reputation as a constructive, long-term investor in Japan.

Our Platform Partners