Rumour: Kadokawa employees would like to merge with Sony due to dissatisfaction with current management
The well-known Japanese publisher Kadokawa, which owns FromSoftware, confirmed Sony Group's intentions to buy it out on 20 November, causing a significant response in the entertainment industry. Although no decisions have been announced yet, opinions on the potential deal are divided.
Here's What We Know
Economic analyst Takahiro Suzuki said in an interview with Bunshun that while Sony's entertainment division would benefit from access to Kadokawa's intellectual property, the company itself may not benefit from the deal. He noted that Kadokawa would lose its independence and face stricter management, which could make it difficult for the business to develop freely.
However, there is some optimism among Kadokawa employees about a possible acquisition by Sony. One of the company's veterans said that many employees are dissatisfied with the current management under Takeshi Natsuni, especially after the company did not hold a press conference following the leak of personal information in a cyber attack. Employees hope that if Sony acquires the company, it will lead to a change in leadership.
The former chairman of the company, Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, spoke positively about the possible deal, although he recently resigned due to bribery charges related to the Olympic Games.
Negotiations between Sony and Kadokawa are ongoing.
Source: Automaton
