David George Shirt

Royce & Associates LP, dba Royce Investment Partners (Royce), is a SEC-registered investment advisor headquartered in New York City. The firm was founded by Charles Royce in 1972 and is a subsidiary of Legg Mason Royce Holdings LLC, which is ultimately owned by Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN). Royce offers investment advisory services to US registered investment companies, non-US investment companies, collective investment trusts, two separate series of a privately offered limited liability company, and institutional separate accounts managed for a pension plan and a charitable organization.

Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. (NSC) is a wholly-owned brokerage subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, Inc. (TSE: 8604; NYSE: NMR). Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm was founded in 1925. NSC places a strong emphasis on research, both fundamental and quantitative. In addition to stock and bond underwriting, their activities include IPO and M&A advisory, wealth management, separately managed accounts, fund wrap services, prime brokerage and structured equity finance. Their clients include institutions, hedge funds, private banks and private equity funds as well as corporate clients and retail investors.

Platinum Investment Management Ltd., trading as Platinum Asset Management (Platinum), is an alternative investment management firm headquartered in Sydney, Australia. The firm was founded in 1994 and is wholly owned by Platinum Asset Pty Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Platinum Asset Management Ltd. (ASX: PTM). Platinum provides investment management services to corporations/business entities, high-net worth individuals, pooled investment vehicles and other investment advisers.

Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. (Burgundy) is a Canadian fund management firm headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The firm was founded in 1990 and is a subsidiary of Laucam Holdings Ltd. Burgundy offers discretionary investment management services to institutions (foundations, endowments and pension funds) and private individuals through separately managed accounts and commingled funds.

Citigroup Global Markets Japan, Inc. (CGM-JP) is a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Citigroup Japan Holdings GK, ultimately held by Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE: C) in the US. Previously known as Nikko Citigroup Ltd., the firm was founded in 1999 as a joint venture between US-based Citigroup and Nikko Securities, based in Japan. Headquartered in Tokyo, CGM-JP provides brokerage services to governmental institutions, financial institutions, multinational corporations and institutional investors. Their sales and trading, distribution and research capabilities span a broad range of asset classes, currencies, sectors and products including equities, commodities, credit, futures, foreign exchange (FX), emerging markets, G10 rates, municipals, prime finance and securitized markets.

Credit Suisse Securities Japan Ltd. (CSS Japan) is the Japanese securities brokerage subsidiary of Credit Suisse AG, which is owned by Credit Suisse Group AG (SWX: CSGN; NYSE: CS) in Switzerland. The firm was founded in 1985 as First Boston Securities Tokyo. It subsequently became CS First Boston Securities in 1989 and Credit Suisse First Boston in 1996. In 2006, they began operating as Credit Suisse Securities Japan Ltd. Headquartered in Tokyo, CSS Japan performs underwriting, research, sales and trading of government and corporate bonds, foreign exchange, securitized products and real estate-related assets for institutional clients, corporations and government bodies. In addition, the firm offers sales, trading, research, financing, prime brokerage and market-making in Japanese and international equity and equity-related securities, options, futures, risk management and hedging products.

Founded in 2001, Macquarie Capital (USA), Inc. is a registered broker/dealer located in New York City. The firm is a subsidiary of Macquarie Bank Ltd. (ASX: MBL). They provide coverage of the following industries: resources, healthcare, security/defense, transportation, financial services, retail/consumer products, TMET (telecommunications, media, entertainment and technology), oil & gas, diversified manufacturing/distribution and infrastructure/utilities. Macquarie Capital (USA), Inc. is a member of FINRA.

BofA Securities Japan Co., Ltd. (BofA Securities Japan) is the wholly-owned Japanese brokerage subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International, Inc., which is ultimately owned by Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC). Founded in 1998, the firm was formerly known as Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd. (MLJS) and changed their name to BofA Securities Co., Ltd. in line with grobal re-branding from BofA Merrill Lynch to BofA in 2020. They subsequently became BofA Securities Japan Co., Ltd. Headquartered in Tokyo, BofA Securities Japan provides stock and bond trading, capital markets, investment banking and other advisory services to corporate clients, financial institutions and government agencies.

Part of Barclays PLC, Barclays Securities Japan Ltd. is a brokerage company based in Tokyo, Japan. Barclays Securities Japan provides brokerage services. The Japanese company was founded in 1987. Kentaro Kiso has been the CEO of the company since 2014.

Part of BNP Paribas SA, BNP Paribas Securities Japan Ltd. is a security brokers, dealers, and Japanese flotation company. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan. The company was founded in 1987. The CEO is Philippe Avril.

Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd. (GSJCL) is the Japan-based broker-dealer subsidiary of Goldman Sachs (Japan) Ltd., ultimately held by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) in the US. The firm originated in 1974 and was formally founded in 1983. Headquartered in Tokyo, GSJCL offers Internet-based transaction services covering equity, debt, commodities and derivatives to a substantial and diversified client base, which includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals.

Part of Daiwa Securities Group, Inc., Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd. conducts economic research and provides financial and investment advisory services. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese company was founded in 2008. Yoriyuki Kusaki has been the CEO of the company since 2016.

Kanematsu USA, Inc. operates as a trading company. It engages in the trading of electronics and devices, foods and grain, steel and materials and motor vehicles and aerospace products. The firm is a subsidiary of Kanematsu Corp. The company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Arlington Heights, IL.

Jefferies (Japan) Ltd. (JJ) is the Tokyo branch and subsidiary of US-based Jefferies Asia Holdings II Pte Ltd., ultimately held by Leucadia National Corp. (NYSE: LUK) in the US. Established in 1996, the firm focuses on Asian markets and provides brokerage and investment banking services to institutional and corporate clients located primarily in Asia and the Middle East. Their activities include sales and trading of Japanese equity, equity-linked and structured products, the distribution of equity research and execution services in cooperation with US and European offices and the provision of electronic connectivity throughout Asia. They issue equity shares through GDRs and ADRs, and are a leading issuer of convertible bonds, high-yield in particular. In-house research covers a variety of industries including the maritime sector, infrastructure, logistics, outsourcing, technology and IT. In addition to Japan, JJ focuses on countries such as China and India, providing a range of services to Chinese and Indian companies, including access to international equity and debt capital markets, securities underwriting, US public and private offerings and cross-border M&A advisory. They also cooperate with private equity and venture capital firms focused on the Chinese and Indian markets.

Macquarie Capital Ltd. is the Hong Kong-based securities brokerage arm of Macquarie Group Ltd. (ASX: MQG), a global financial services group headquartered in Australia. Macquarie Capital offers brokerage services to various investors.

JPMorgan Securities Japan Co. Ltd. (JPMS-J) is the brokerage subsidiary of JPMorgan International Finance Ltd., itself a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) in the US. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, JPMS-J provides investment banking services, intermediary of Global Custody service and other asset servicing business provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and its group companies.

Deutsche Securities, Inc. (DSI) is the Japanese brokerage subsidiary of Deutsche Bank Holdings (Luxembourg) SARL, itself a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG (NYSE: DB) in Germany. The firm was established in 1986 as Deutsche Bank Capital Markets (Asia) Ltd. and became Deutsche Securities Inc. in 2006. Located in Tokyo, DSI is the investment banking platform for the Deutsche Bank group in Japan. The firm provides services including research, sales and trading of bonds and equities, capital raising and M&A advisory for corporate and institutional clients. They have particular expertise in sectors such as automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, energy, financials, media, telecommunications, technology, transportation and trading companies. The M&A division is in a leadership position in Japan, and structures deals including overseas investments by manufacturers, asset sales for restructuring corporations, and domestic mergers and acquisitions. DSI's activities include products and services related to fixed-income, equities and commodities as well as real estate investments and financing. Activities related to foreign exchange and money market are primarily operated by the Tokyo branch of Deutsche Bank.

Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co., Ltd. is the Japanese broker-dealer subsidiary of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) in the US. Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm was founded in 1984 and provides investment banking, sales & trading, real estate and investment management products and services. It offers securities services including global sales and trading in fixed income and equities, debt and equities financing and investment research. The firm is a provider of products and services in fixed income, equities, global capital markets and investment research to corporations and institutional clients in Japan.

Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd. (MUMSS) is an independent securities brokerage firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm was founded in 1948 through a joint venture between Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Holdings Co. Ltd. and Morgan Stanley Japan Holdings Co. Ltd. MUMSS offers domestic retail brokerage services to corporate and institutional clients.

CLSA Securities Japan Co., Ltd. (CLSA Japan) is the Japan-based brokerage subsidiary of CLSA Ltd., itself a subsidiary of CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. (SH: 600030; HK: 6030; PK: CIIHY) in China. The firm was established in 2004 as Calyon Securites Ltd. They subsequently became Credit Agricole Securities Asia B.V., Tokyo Branch and changed their name to CLSA Securities Japan Co., Ltd. in 2013 when they merged with CLSA Japan Co. Headquartered in Hong Kong, CLSA Japan provides brokerage services including Japanese & Asian research and European equities. The CLSA Japan team works closely with the global sales teams in London, NY, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Nezu Asia Capital Management Ltd. (Nezu HK) is the alternative investment management subsidiary of Nezu Group S.A.R.L., itself owned by Nezu Group LP in the US. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Nezu HK was founded in 2004 and they provide discretionary investment advisory services to separately managed accounts and a private investment fund, which is open only to certain financially sophisticated and high-net worth individuals and entities.

Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd. (Broker) (Mizuho Securities-Broker) is the brokerage division of Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd., ultimately owned by Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (TYO: 8411; NYSE: MFG) in Japan. The firm was originally founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Tokyo with a network of offices throughout Japan as well as overseas representation through Mizuho entities or strategic partners (in Great Britain, Switzerland, the US, Hong Kong, Mainland China, South Korea, Singapore and India). Mizuho Securities-Broker provides enhanced equity and fixed income execution services for their clients who includes private individuals in Japan, domestic and foreign institutions, non-financial companies, financial institutions and public corporations in the securities and investment banking fields.

GaveKal Research Ltd. provides investment research. The private company is based in Hong Kong, HK. and has subsidiaries in United States. The Chinese company was founded in 2002 by Charles Gave, Louis-Vincent Gave. Louis-Vincent Gave has been the CEO since 2002.

Part of Haitong Securities Co., Ltd., Haitong International Japaninvest KK is a financial services company based in Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese company provides fundamental coverage of over 400 companies across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Peoples' Republic of China, via their 'connect' coverage, and South Korea. The company also provides investors with a quantitative multi-factor screening of the parent company's rated universe of over 750 stocks, looking for financial strength and earnings reliability. The company conducts extensive 'corporate access' activities, connecting investors to the region's corporates, via conferences, events, field trips, and round tables, in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US. The company has research sales offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and London, and complement those in New York and San Francisco. The company was founded by Rupert J. Eastwood.

Rogers Investment Advisors KK is an independent Asia-focused alternative investment asset management and advisory group headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm was founded by Edward J. Rogers in 2006. Rogers Investment Advisors provides access to “Best in Class” local and Asia-focused Private Equity and Hedge Fund investment opportunities across multiple, non-correlated strategies and asset classes.

Kanematsu GmbH is an exporter of steel, electronic devices, and chemical products. It is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Fitch Ratings Japan Ltd. is the Japanese investment research arm of Fitch Ratings Ltd., ultimately owned by The Hearst Family Trust in the US. Headquartered in Japan, Fitch Ratings Japan provides credit ratings, commentary and research.

Haitong International Research Ltd. (HTIRL) is an investment research firm headquartered in Hong Kong. The firm is a subsidiary of Haitong International Securities Group Ltd. (HKG: 0665), itself owned by Haitong Securities Co. Ltd. (SHA: 600837) in China. HTIRL provides fundamental research and analysis to retail, institutional and high net-worth clients. They aim to provide timely, value-added research on listed companies. The Haitong Research team covers around 25 companies from the Banking, Telecoms, IT, Media, Gaming and Retail sectors.

Credit Suisse Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. provides banking services. The private company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Part of Kanematsu Corp., Kanematsu Europe Plc was founded in 1989 and is based in London, UK. As the British core company of Kanematsu Group in Germany, Kanematsu GmbH has been creating business with customers since 1957. Kanematsu Corporation is a general trading company that develops and supplies varied products and services in a wide range of businesses such as electronics & devices, foods, meat & grain, steel, materials & plant, motor vehicles & aerospace. With a pioneering spirit and aggressive creative imagination and ingenuity as its guidelines, Kanematsu expanded its business into a variety of areas over time and developed into a specialized corporation. Currently, Kanematsu provides a broad array of products and services in areas including electronics & devices, foods & grain, steel, materials & plant, and motor vehicles & aerospace. The company aims to become a "value creator" by continuing to build new business together with their customers.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd. (Investment Management) (SuMi TRUST) is the investment management division of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. (TYO: 8309) in Japan. Founded in 1925, the firm changed their name in 2012 when Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co Ltd. merged Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking Co Ltd. and Chuo Mitsui Asset Trust & Banking Co Ltd. to create Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Ltd. Headquartered in Tokyo, SuMi TRUST manages a broad spectrum of Japanese as well as Asian equity products suite for corporate and governmental pension funds.