Sojitz Corp. Invests in A.D.Vision
A.D.Vision Inc. announced a substantial investment in the company today (June 27, 2006) by Japanese Contents Investment LPS (JCI), an investor group led by Sojitz Corp., in exchange for a minority equity stake. Additionally, was made by ARM Corp., a subsidiary of JCI, made a separate capital commitment for the acquisition of new filmed content.
Through its home video, broadcast, licensing, theatrical and publishing divisions, Houston-based A.D.Vision is the leading producer/distributor of Japanese animation and anime-related content outside Japan.
Sojitz Corp. is a publicly listed Japanese holding company with more than $48 billion in annual sales. As a major producer/distributor of filmed content, including anime, Sojitz access to anime and other filmed content will enhance A.D.Visions position as a leading home media distributor. A.D.Vision will leverage Sojitz expertise and resources in this segment to expand ADV's wireless and new media (WNM) offerings.
Shinichi Uchiyama, svp of Sojitz new business development group, said, Anime has become a global phenomenon, and the North American and European markets are slated for sustained growth. As the market leader, A.D.Vision is the best partner to realize that growth.
This is a perfect marriage, said A.D.Vision president John Ledford. Sojitz gains ADVs specialized knowledge in the packaging and distribution of anime content for the North American and European markets. We gain Sojitzs global network and expertise in wireless and new media, which for anime-related content is a particularly strong growth area.
In the 14 years since its inception, ADV Films (www.advfilms.com) has become the leading producer/distributor of Japanese animation for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the U.K. Parent company, A.D. Vision Inc. encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan.
Sojitz Corp. formed JCI in cooperation with the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and KlockWorx Co. Ltd.
ARM Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese Contents Investment LPC (JCI), was established to support the overseas licensing and distribution of Japanese anime.
Sojitz is engaged the investment in content creation, with a focus on Japanese animation, and its export and sale in overseas markets. The company handles more than 100 anime titles in more than 30 markets worldwide. DBJ has been enthusiastically engaged in supporting Japans filmed content industry. Its investment in ARM is part of a broad effort to strengthen Japans audiovisual industry through strategic investments and new financing facilities. KlockWorx is a leading distributor of overseas filmed content in Japan and intends to expand its business in North America.