Notice of Equity Participation in Agricultural Fund

Hitachi Capital invested today equity in Japan's first agricultural fund (Ehime Gaiya Fund) that was jointly established by The Ehime Bank, Ltd. and Himegin Sogo Lease K.K.

Agribusiness is one of the core businesses of our company, and this new business model is anticipated to further advance our agricultural-related sales with attention to local needs.

1. Name of the fund
   Ehime Gaiya Fund (Ehime Gaiya Fund Investment Limited Liability Union)

   Note:"Gaiya" is a dialect of the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture meaning "great."

2. Purpose of the fund
   The purpose of the fund is to support and nurture agriculture, forestry, and marine industries, which constitute the economic foundation of Shikoku, and related industries. Through this community-oriented fund that takes advantage of the local characteristics, we will cultivate resources unique to the region and also contribute to revitalizing the local economy.
3. Amount of equity participation (total of ¥500 million)
   

   Union member category	Union member	Amount of capital participation
   Limited liability	Hitachi Capital Corporation	¥50 million
   Unlimited liability	Himegin Sogo Lease K.K.	¥5 million
   Limited liability	The Ehime Bank, Ltd.	¥195 million
   Limited liability	Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan	¥250 million

   Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Finance Corporation will support the project by assigning personnel.

1. Engage in a broad range of businesses from agricultural production channels to companies involved in food processing by building a high value-added agribusiness model.
2. Reinforce relationship with other member companies including The Ehime Bank, Ltd.
3. Acquire the business know-how of agricultural fund (Hitachi Capital will assign personnel to the fund).