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This morning, Sony announced in a press release that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Japanese entertainment conglomerate Bandai Namco. Sony agreed to purchase 16 million shares of Bandai Namco for approximately 68 billion yen (around $465 million), thereby gaining control of 2.5% of the company’s total shares.
Nobuhiko Momoi, Executive Vice President at Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., expressed excitement about the potential collaboration in a statement:
“The Bandai Namco Group promotes an ‘IP axis strategy’ aimed at maximizing IP value by leveraging the appeal and worldview of IP to provide optimal products and services at the right time in the right regions. We are excited about combining Sony Group’s strengths and technological capabilities across various entertainment fields with our IP axis strategy. Through this collaboration, we aim to connect with IP fans worldwide, co-create the future together, and realize our Purpose, ‘Fun for All into the Future,’ and Mid- to Long-term Vision, ‘Connect with Fans.'”
Toshimoto Mitomo, Chief Strategy Officer and Representative Corporate Executive Officer at Sony Group Corporation, added:
“Through this partnership, we aim to create an array of content and experiences that exceed expectations and deliver Kando (emotion) to fans. This collaboration will leverage Bandai Namco’s outstanding capacity for multidirectional expansion of diverse IP and deep connections with fans at real touchpoints, both domestically and internationally. By combining the strengths of both companies in entertainment, we will further accelerate our efforts to maximize IP value and realize Sony’s long-term vision, ‘Creative Entertainment Vision.'”
The press release highlights that Sony plans to produce and distribute anime and “other video content” based on Bandai Namco’s intellectual properties. The collaboration could potentially extend to areas like games and music. However, it is highly unlikely that Bandai Namco’s games will become exclusive to PlayStation consoles due to the small share percentage.
In late 2024, Sony became the largest shareholder of Kadokawa Corporation (the parent company of FromSoftware) with a 10% stake. A few months ago, Tencent also increased its shares in Kadokawa up to nearly 8%, almost matching Sony’s holdings.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
What percentage of Bandai Namco's total shares does Sony now own after the purchase?
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