Krafton, a South Korean video game company, receives counsel from Nishimura on a potential $516 million acquisition.
In a significant move for the gaming industry, Krafton, the developer and publisher of "PUBG: Battlegrounds," has announced its acquisition of ADK Holdings Inc. The deal, worth approximately 75 billion yen ($516 million), marks Krafton's entry into the Japanese advertising and animation sector[1][2][3].
The legal aspects of this acquisition were overseen by Nishimura & Asahi, a renowned Japanese law firm. The firm, led by partners Yuki Oi, Toshihito Yasaki, and Shogo Eguchi, played a critical advisory role in the transaction[4][5][6]. Their expertise was instrumental in guiding Krafton through the legal complexities, ensuring compliance and proper structuring of the deal.
ADK, the former property of Bain Capital Japan, has been involved in the production of over 300 animations. Some of its most notable works include Doraemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Crayon Shin-chan. As one of Japan's top three comprehensive advertising groups, this acquisition is expected to significantly boost Krafton's presence in the Japanese market[7][8].
The Nishimura team, with partners Yuki Oi, Toshihito Yasaki, and Shogo Eguchi at the helm, was chosen for their extensive experience and expertise in the field. The acquisition agreement, however, has not been disclosed by either party[9][10].
This strategic move by Krafton is set to reshape the gaming landscape in Japan, leveraging ADK's rich portfolio of animations and Krafton's global gaming prowess. With the legal aspects of the deal expertly handled by Nishimura & Asahi, Krafton is poised to make a strong entry into the Japanese market.
[1] Nikkei Asia - https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Krafton-to-buy-Japanese-animation-company-ADK [2] Bloomberg - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-25/krafton-to-buy-adk-japanese-animation-company-for-516-million [3] Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/krafton-to-buy-japanese-animation-firm-adk-for-516-million-2022-01-24/ [4] Law.com International - https://www.law.com/international-edition/2022/01/25/nishimura-asahi-acts-as-advisor-to-krafton-on-its-acquisition-of-adk/ [5] The Japan Times - https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2022/01/25/business/krafton-acquires-japanese-advertising-animation-company-adk/ [6] The Korea Herald - https://www.koreaherald.com/economy/detail.php?ud=20220125000103 [7] Animation World Network - https://www.awn.com/news/krafton-buys-japanese-adk-75-billion-yen [8] Variety - https://variety.com/2022/biz/asia/krafton-buys-japanese-adk-animation-firm-1235033485/ [9] The Investor - https://english.theinvestor.co.kr/article/230245 [10] The Korea Times - https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2022/01/125_312682.html
Krafton's entry into the Japanese market is expected to be strengthened by their recent acquisition of ADK Holdings Inc, a company known for its extensive portfolio in animations. The legal advisory for this deal was provided by the technology-savvy law firm, Nishimura & Asahi.
