Namco and Bandai Deal Spawns Japanese Entertainment Behemoth
Latest deal sees colossal new force emerge.
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In news breaking overnight in Japan, it has emerged that Namco and Bandai are slated to merge in a completely unexpected deal that will spawn one of the largest entertainment companies in Japan.
Bandai, Japan’s leading toy manufacturer, and major game developer Namco stated at close of business in Japan that they would integrate their businesses, setting up a joint holding company, Bandai Namco Holding Inc., on September 29, 2005.
The move is thought to be aimed at loosening Sega Sammy Holdings’ ever-tightening grip on mainstream entertainment in Japan, with the pachinko giant now the largest game maker in the region.
No changes have been announced at either company, although in the statement issued to Japanese financial press, the two firms stated a shared program of restructure, with specific divisions being set up to manage the firms’ diverse catalogue of operations.
A share-for-share exchange scheme was outlined, with each Namco share to be exchanged for one holding company share, and each Bandai share for 1.5 holding company shares. Bandai President Takeo Takasu, 59, will become the president of the holding company, while Namco Vice Chairman Kyushiro Takagi, 61, will assume the chairmanship, in a deal Sega executives will no doubt be eyeing with no small amount of envy.
At its shareholders meeting slated for June 29, Bandai is expected to announce Takasu-san’s chairmanship, while general manager Kazunori Ueno, 51, will be promoted to president.
We’ll bring you updates on how this impacts on the two companies’ future development plans as they break.
Bandai, Japan’s leading toy manufacturer, and major game developer Namco stated at close of business in Japan that they would integrate their businesses, setting up a joint holding company, Bandai Namco Holding Inc., on September 29, 2005.
The move is thought to be aimed at loosening Sega Sammy Holdings’ ever-tightening grip on mainstream entertainment in Japan, with the pachinko giant now the largest game maker in the region.
No changes have been announced at either company, although in the statement issued to Japanese financial press, the two firms stated a shared program of restructure, with specific divisions being set up to manage the firms’ diverse catalogue of operations.
A share-for-share exchange scheme was outlined, with each Namco share to be exchanged for one holding company share, and each Bandai share for 1.5 holding company shares. Bandai President Takeo Takasu, 59, will become the president of the holding company, while Namco Vice Chairman Kyushiro Takagi, 61, will assume the chairmanship, in a deal Sega executives will no doubt be eyeing with no small amount of envy.
At its shareholders meeting slated for June 29, Bandai is expected to announce Takasu-san’s chairmanship, while general manager Kazunori Ueno, 51, will be promoted to president.
We’ll bring you updates on how this impacts on the two companies’ future development plans as they break.
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Comments
acidviper 3 May 2005 22:59
1/8
MEGA-NOTTTTT
SPInGSPOnG 4 May 2005 07:33
2/8
So, Banco or Namdai?
I like BanamCodai.
I like BanamCodai.
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Ditto 4 May 2005 08:15
3/8
Well, I wasn't expecting that one.
I wonder if Nintendo will try to jump into bed as well.
I wonder if Nintendo will try to jump into bed as well.
Joji 4 May 2005 11:52
4/8
Good that you ask that question Adam because Nintendo own shares in both Bandai and Namco. With both of them now merged as one Nintendo still own shares and should be at that share holders meeting in June.
This can only bode well for all parties involved since they have all worked together before too. I'm now wondering what games will come of it all.
This can only bode well for all parties involved since they have all worked together before too. I'm now wondering what games will come of it all.
Ditto 4 May 2005 12:42
5/8
Joji wrote:
Good that you ask that question Adam because Nintendo own shares in both Bandai and Namco. With both of them now merged as one Nintendo still own shares and should be at that share holders meeting in June.
Yeah, that's what I was thinking.
Anyone (Nik, prehaps?) know the number of shares Nintendo has in Bandai and Namco? I think that they own a few percent of Bandai, not sure about Namco.
I'll be watching this with interest, especially as Nintendo has been getting closer to Namco (Donkey Konga, Star Fox) recently, and has always shown an interest in Bandai.
Joji 4 May 2005 15:28
6/8
Nintendo own 17% of Namco and 25% of Bandai.
Come on, I'd love to see Namco vs Capcom . Soul Calibur and Tekken series on GC DS, or Revolution.
Come on, I'd love to see Namco vs Capcom . Soul Calibur and Tekken series on GC DS, or Revolution.
Ditto 4 May 2005 16:53
7/8
That's a lot of shares - surely Ninty will be one of the major shareholders in the new company?
Could get really interesting!
Could get really interesting!
OptimusP 4 May 2005 18:06
8/8
Not too enthusiastic, Nintendo owns 2.7% of Bandai, not a quarter.
If combined N would still own about 10% of the Namco Badai Holding. If they have their status sorted out right they could demand a place in the board or have a guy (advisory function or stuff like that) very close to the board.
If combined N would still own about 10% of the Namco Badai Holding. If they have their status sorted out right they could demand a place in the board or have a guy (advisory function or stuff like that) very close to the board.