Sony to Take Stake in Bandai Namco in Anime Deal

Sony Group Corp. will take a 2.5% stake in major Japanese toymaker Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for 68 billion yen ($464 million) as the two companies join forces in the anime business, Mainichi Japan reported.

Bandai Namco—known for the popular anime franchise Mobile Suit Gundam—will benefit from Sony’s expertise in the production and distribution of anime and other video content. (Image: Bandai Namco)

The Japanese tech conglomerate plans to expand anime works and products based on intellectual property copyrighted by Bandai Namco through the partnership.

Bandai Namco—known for the popular anime franchise Mobile Suit Gundam—will benefit from Sony’s expertise in the production and distribution of anime and other video content, the companies said in a joint release.

"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," said Sony Chief Strategy Officer Toshimoto Mitomo in the release.

The companies also said they are considering collaboration in other areas, such as experiential entertainment technology and related services.