A significant strategic alliance has been formed between Bandai Namco and Sony Group, which is expected to have a profound impact on the global entertainment industry. Sony will acquire 16 million shares of Bandai Namco for approximately 68 billion yen (roughly $430 million), gaining a 2.5% stake in the company.
The partnership aims to expand global fan communities and enhance engagement with intellectual properties (IPs), particularly in the anime sector. By combining their strengths, both companies seek to create innovative experiences for fans and maximize the value of cherished IPs.
With a history of collaboration in gaming, anime, and music, Bandai Namco and Sony will work together on developing products and services based on Bandai Namco’s IPs, leveraging Sony’s expertise in content production and distribution. They will discuss joint IP development, immersive experiences, and supporting creators through shared technologies and services focused on fan engagement.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Bandai Namco Group promotes an ‘IP axis strategy’ that aims to maximize IP value by leveraging the appeal and worldview of IP, providing the optimal products and services at the optimal timing in the optimal regions. We are filled with excitement about the potential to create new entertainment by combining Sony Group’s strengths and technological capabilities across various entertainment fields with Bandai Namco’s 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.’”
Nobuhiko Momoi, Executive Vice President, Bandai Namco Holdings
“Through this partnership, we aim to co-create an array of content and experiences that exceed expectations and deliver Kando (emotion) to even more fans, alongside Bandai Namco Group, with its 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 the field of entertainment and unlocking the potential of compelling IP, we will further accelerate our efforts to maximize IP value and realize Sony’s long-term vision, ‘Creative Entertainment Vision.’”
Toshimoto Mitomo, Chief Strategy Officer, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Sony Group Corporation
