Tokyo-based Kadokawa Corporation has indicated that it would only consider a deal with Sony if it involves a full acquisition, according to a report from Bloomberg. Sony, for its part, has taken a more selective approach to its acquisitions, focusing on assets tied to anime and video games.

The two companies have been discussing a potential deal for several years but have struggled to agree on the scope of involvement for each side. Bloomberg described the move to formal negotiations as "encouraging," suggesting that both parties might now be ready to seriously pursue an agreement.

Kadokawa is a uniquely valuable business, holding rights to over 100,000 fantasy and sci-fi novels and comics, many of which are well-suited for anime adaptations. Its studios are known for producing successful anime series, and the company also holds stakes in several prominent gaming firms, including FromSoftware.

For Sony, acquiring Kadokawa's assets could enable the production of more original content fully owned by the company. However, for consumers, the potential deal raises concerns. Monopolistic practices rarely foster innovation, and the acquisition might limit competition in the industry, potentially leading to fewer choices and higher prices for end users.

Main image: wikipedia.org

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