Regardless of whether or not Microsoft manages to close the purchase of Activision, at Sony they are very clear that a new battle has started that will have great repercussions in the future: that of the acquisitions. Although the Japanese do not have the muscle of their rival, that has not prevented them from making strategic purchases to reinforce, mainly, the PlayStation video game division.
However, at Sony they have a rather ambitious plan that would allow them to obtain more resources to face future purchases in the world of entertainment. It is well known that this sector is one of the most lucrative for them —especially due to the success of PlayStation—, which is why they plan to redouble their efforts in the matter of purchases.
“To expand our growth in the medium and long term, we need to have the ability to invest in image sensors and the entertainment business at a whole new level,” said Hiroki Totoki, president of Sony (via Financial Times).
The most interesting thing is how they plan to do it. The manager acknowledged that are considering separating their financial services unit into a stand-alone entity. This, in addition, could be listed on the stock market to obtain its own investments.
Before continuing, it is necessary to explain the following: what is the financial services unit of Sony? Believe it or not, the market for this company goes beyond technology and entertainment. sony financial group, as that division is known, offers insurance of various types, online banking and even manages venture capital funds. In other words, it is something similar to a bank.
Well, the Japanese believe that Sony Financial Group can be separated from the parent company (Sony Group Corporation) and operate almost independently. I say “almost” because Totoki made it clear that the intention would be to keep a 20% stake in the new company.
How could this benefit PlayStation and other entertainment businesses? Sony Financial Group would become an additional arm to receive investment – through the sale of shares. The money raised would therefore be used to make further acquisitions or mergers..
Sony intends to make more purchases to benefit PlayStation
David Gibson, analyst at Financial TimesHe commented that this move, if it comes to fruition, will allow Sony to be more aggressive in terms of acquisitions. Gibson calls it an “excellent” move because it makes it easier to tackle buying opportunities in the entertainment market.
Over the past few years we have seen Sony make strategic purchases to bolster PlayStation Studios’ staff and intellectual property. Insomniac Games, Housemarque, Firesprite, Bluepoint Games, Valkyrie Entertainment, Nixxes Software, Heaven Studio, Firewalk Studio, and Bungie are the latest.
However, it is clear that PlayStation managers do not close the door to more acquisitions. Especially now that it has become clear that Microsoft is willing to do anything for Xbox to return to its glory years. If the Japanese implement the spin-off of Sony Financial Group, there is no doubt that PlayStation will benefit especially.