Sony's Proposed Acquisition of Kadokawa: Employee Enthusiasm Despite Potential Loss of Independence
Sony's confirmed bid to acquire Japanese conglomerate Kadokawa has been met with surprising optimism from Kadokawa employees, despite the potential loss of independence. While negotiations continue, the reaction highlights underlying dissatisfaction with current management and a belief that Sony's resources could benefit the company.
A Strategic Move for Sony, but Uncertain for Kadokawa?
Economic analyst Takahiro Suzuki, in an interview with Weekly Bunshun, suggests the acquisition is more advantageous for Sony than for Kadokawa. Sony's shift towards entertainment necessitates a stronger IP portfolio, a weakness Kadokawa readily addresses with its extensive catalog, including titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring. However, this acquisition would place Kadokawa under Sony's direct control, potentially stifling its creative freedom. As noted by Automaton West, the loss of independence and stricter management could hinder the development of projects not directly contributing to IP creation.
Employee Optimism Amidst Management Dissatisfaction
Despite the potential drawbacks, Weekly Bunshun reports a positive employee response to the proposed acquisition. Many interviewed expressed a lack of objection, even welcoming Sony's involvement. This sentiment stems largely from dissatisfaction with the current Natsuno administration, particularly its handling of a June cyberattack by the BlackSuit hacking group. The attack resulted in the theft of over 1.5 terabytes of data, including sensitive employee information. The perceived inadequate response from President and CEO Takeshi Natsuno has fueled employee discontent, leading many to believe a change in leadership under Sony's ownership would be beneficial. The prevailing feeling is that if a change of ownership is inevitable, Sony is a preferable choice.
