The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC; Governor: HAYASHI Nobumitsu) signed on March 31 loan agreements with Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), a U.S. subsidiary of MC, amounting to approximately USD1,560 million and approximately USD815 million (JBIC portion), respectively. The loans are co-financed with private financial institutions, including MUFG Bank, Ltd.
The loans are intended to finance part of the funds necessary for MC to acquire Aethon III LLC, Aethon United LP, and related entities, which are engaged in the development, production, and sale of natural gas in the United States.
The Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, approved by the Japanese Cabinet in February 2025, positions natural gas as an important energy source among fossil fuels, given its low greenhouse gas emissions and its expected central role as a balancing power source for renewable energy. As a practical means to support the energy transition, natural gas continues to draw attention. Against this backdrop, MC has long worked to ensure a stable energy supply to Japan and Asia, with natural gas and LNG as one of its core businesses. In recent years, the company has strengthened its gas business, including midstream and downstream operations, by positioning the U.S. as a strategic region. Through this acquisition, MC aims not only to strengthen the earnings base of its natural gas and LNG businesses, but also to build an integrated value chain extending from upstream gas development in the U.S.
These loans are an important initiative for Japan’s energy security and, through providing financial support for MC’s overseas M&A activities, contribute toward securing the long-term stable supply of LNG, which is an important energy resource for Japan, and diversifying LNG supply sources. By supporting MC’s overseas business expansion based on its gas value chain strategy, the loans also help maintain and enhance the international competitiveness of Japanese companies.
JBIC will continue to actively support Japanese companies in the development of energy resources and provide financing to help secure a stable supply of energy for Japan.
