Sony has acquired 16 million shares (~2.5% of issued shares) in Bandai Namco for 68 billion yen, or $464 million. The pair also agreed on a strategic business alliance to expand the “fan community for IP such as anime and manga around the world and strengthening engagement, particularly in the anime field where rapid market growth is anticipated.“
This strategic business alliance follows Sony and Bandai Namco’s recent involvement to jointly invest in and work with the blockchain company Gaudiy, which owns MyAnimeList. They’ll use the blockchain as a model for attracting investment and fan participation in Japanese works. Sony will use MyAnimeList and Crunchyroll to promote its IP, which it has long been seeking to increase (leading to a recent strategic alliance with KADOKAWA). Bandai Namco will work with Gaudiy for research and develop generative AI technology.
Source: Sony
