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Bandai Namco, Sony Sign Strategic Business Partnership

Bandai Namco Holdings announced on Thursday that it has signed a strategic business alliance agreement with Sony Group Corporation, aimed at strengthening engagement among anime and manga fans. Sony also agreed to acquire 16 million Bandai Namco shares held by existing shareholders for approximately 68 billion yen (about US$464.5 million), making Sony a shareholder holding approximately 2.5% of the total issued shares of Bandai Namco.

Bandai Namco stated the alliance will focus on expanding the fan community of anime and manga Intellectual Properties (IP) around the world, and strengthening engagement, especially in the anime field. The two companies plan to merge their strengths to create new and emotionally moving experiences for fans, thus maximizing the value of IP. The companies also intend to implement initiatives including the expansion of works and products and services based on IP developed by Bandai Namco, and making use of Sony's strengths in the areas of anime production and distribution, as well as merchandising. Additionally, the companies have plans of a technical collaboration on experiential entertainment; exploring opportunities to support creators by jointly developing and operating entertainment-related technologies and services; and engage in joint investments and business alliances in fan engagement areas.

Earlier in May, Sony Group Corporation and Bandai Namco Holdings jointly invested 10 billion yen (about US$68.3 million) in Tokyo-based Web3 and AI company Gaudiy, to begin a strategic entertainment and technology partnership.

Established in 2018, Gaudiy uses blockchain and generative AI in its aim to create what it terms as "fan nations," or online venues where fans can connect and express their fandom. Gaudiy operates the Gaudiy Fanlink platform, a blockchain- and NFT-focused fan platform, which includes Sony Music Group, Bandai Namco, Sanrio, Aniplex, Shueisha, TOHO, and ComicSmart, Inc. as its partners. Gaudiy also operates the Gaudiy Financial Labs company, which is focused on providing Web3-based financial services, including NFTs and cryptocurrency partnerships. Gaudiy bought the MyAnimeList site from e-book distributor Media Do Holdings in May.

Source: Bandai Namco Holdings (link 2) via DenFamiNicoGamer

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Disclosure: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., is a non-controlling, minority shareholder in Anime News Network Inc.