Gradco Japan Co., Ltd. and Wellness Hanshin Co., Ltd. announced an agreement to transfer the Japanese Dippin' Dots ice cream business.

Gradco Japan has been a tax advisory client of Yanagisawa International Tax & Accounting Office. Our group company, Yanagisawa Research Institute Co., Ltd., acted as seller-side financial adviser, providing one-stop group support from ongoing tax advice through exit by business sale. Strike Co., Ltd. acted as buyer-side financial adviser.

For details, Wellness Hanshin Co., Ltd. Press Release Please see The announcement published by Hankyu Hanshin Holdings (PDF) is also available.

Subsequent developments (addendum)

The Dippin' Dots ice cream business has continued under Wellness Hanshin after the transfer. According to its official history, directly operated stores opened at Panasonic Stadium Suita in February 2018 and at Tennoji Zoo's FooZoo in March 2021.

In March 2023, it also launched the Dippin' Dots food truck. Appearances at Osaka Castle Park, university festivals, and J.League venues are also described. The brand has continued after the transfer and expanded into new sales locations.