In a bold move to stabilize its finances, Nissan is parting ways with its Yokohama headquarters — and the price tag is turning heads.
Nissan has decided to sell its headquarters building in Yokohama to a consortium led by Taiwan’s Minth Group for an estimated 97 billion yen (roughly $660 million). The sale isn’t just a real estate transaction — it’s a lifeline. The Japanese automaker has been struggling with mounting losses and is seeking ways to reinforce its financial position.
The purchase is being handled by investment giant KKR & Co. through its Japanese affiliate, KJR Management. Once the deal closes, property management will be overseen by Mizuho Real Estate Management. Despite the sale, Nissan won’t be moving out — the company has signed a 20-year leaseback agreement that will allow it to stay in the building as a tenant.
Following the announcement, Nissan’s stock initially climbed nearly 4% before retreating later in the session. Over the past year, the automaker’s share price has dropped about 27%. Meanwhile, Minth Group shares dipped slightly after three straight days of gains.
The sale comes as part of Nissan’s broader cost-cutting plan, which includes factory closures, workforce reductions, and asset optimization. The company is forecasting an operating loss of 275 billion yen (about $1.87 billion) by March 2026. Proceeds from the headquarters sale are expected to help offset the deficit and fund key investments, including upgrades to production and internal processes.
Nissan has stressed that the transaction will not affect day-to-day operations or staffing levels. Executives describe the move as a strategic step toward better capital efficiency and the divestment of non-core assets — a necessity in a tough financial climate.
Nissan relocated its headquarters from Tokyo’s Ginza district to Yokohama in 2009, a city often regarded as the brand’s historical home.
In recent years, the automaker has been grappling with declining sales in the U.S. and China, frequent leadership changes, and an aging vehicle lineup — all of which have eroded profits and driven up debt. Earlier this year, Nissan announced plans to lay off 20,000 workers and shut down several manufacturing plants worldwide.