Sony has entered into a deal with Bandai Namco to acquire a 2.5% stake in the company, valued at 16 million shares in the publisher behind games such as Elden Ring.

In a statement from Sony, they said that this expanded partnership will “focus on expanding the fan community for IP such as anime and manga around the world.” And said that they plan to ” implement initiatives including the expansion of works as well as products and services based on IP developed by Bandai Namco.”

There’s a significant focus on anime and manga in the statement, as well as how Sony will help leverage these areas within the Bandai Namco portfolio globally.

Nobuhiko Momoi, Executive Vice President, Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., said the following:

“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 realise our Purpose, “Fun for All into the Future,” and Mid- to Long-term Vision, “Connect with Fans.”

Sony has been slowly expanding and adding many other companies to their family and portfolio over the years. The ones they currently own some shares in include Epic Games, FromSoftware, and even Devolver Digital. They also acquired the anime streaming service Crunchyroll in 2021.

And Toshimoto Mitomo, Chief Strategy Officer, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Sony Group Corporation, said the following:

“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”.”

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