Konami & Capcom Next For More Mergers? News
Jon Wilcox
16/09/2005
US financial news outlet suggests that two of the big Japanese publishers may be the next in line to enter the merger market...
US financial news service Bloomberg has today reported on speculation that Japanese developer/publisher Konami may be about to re-enter market for further acquisitions. The company, publisher of a range of high profile franchises including Metal Gear Solid and Winning Eleven (Pro Evolution Soccer), bought rival producer Hudson Soft back in April as well as a stake in Japanese developer Genki. Speaking to Bloomberg, analyst Yuuta Sakurai, of Nomura Research Institute Ltd. in Tokyo said âKonami, which took a break after three years of aggressive expansion, is now back into attack mode, possibly reviving their acquisition plansâ¦Consolidation is gaining pace and music, movie, broadcasting companies, and Internet portals are possible partners.â
At the same time Bloomberg reports that Resident Evil, Killer7 and Street Fighter publisher (amongst other series) Capcom may be ripe for a merger, with one analyst pointing out SEGA-SAMMY as one potential party:
âCapcom is probably the most likely candidate for acquisition or merger out of the remaining large companies. The company is in a difficult situation financially,â said Hiromu Takada, an analyst at Cosmo Securities Co. in Tokyo. âThe most effective of possible combinations for Capcom would be if Sega Sammy bought the company.â
Although a spokesperson commented to the financial outlet that Capcom hadnât been involved in a any merger or acquisitions in its history, it doesnât appear that any move was made to deny the speculation.
Weâll have more news shortlyâ¦