Twin Engine and Bandai Form Strategic Partnership, Plan Up to $25.5 Million Investment in New IP Business

Twin Engine and Bandai announced on August 5 that they have formed a strategic partnership to jointly create intellectual properties. Under the partnership, the companies will launch a joint project covering the entire process from original manga development and anime adaptation to licensed merchandise. They plan to invest up to ¥4 billion, approximately $25.5 million, in total to create new IP businesses.

Partnership Aims to Develop Manga Based IP for Global Markets

In recent years, the global IP business has expanded significantly, with original manga serving as the foundation for anime and other video content, as well as a wide range of products and services.

Alongside the continued creation of compelling source material, it has become increasingly important to establish systems capable of developing works from a long term perspective, with both screen adaptations and subsequent business opportunities in mind.

However, when source material development, video production, and subsequent business expansion are handled under separate structures, it can be difficult to create a consistent growth strategy for an IP as a whole.

In response to this challenge, Twin Engine and Bandai will collaborate from the earliest planning stages, combining their respective expertise and business foundations to develop manga based IP over the long term.

Twin Engine and Bandai Combine Their Respective Strengths

Twin Engine is a production company that handles animation planning, production, producing, promotion, and distribution within an integrated framework.

Its strengths include a production network comprising 18 animation studios and creative units within the group, IP development that draws on the individuality of creators, and video production expertise. The company has delivered a diverse range of works to audiences in Japan and overseas.

Bandai has accumulated extensive expertise and experience in planning, product development, marketing, and licensing through its long standing character IP businesses.

The company operates across a wide range of fields, including toys, capsule toys, cards, confectionery and food products, apparel, and everyday goods. By maximizing the value of IP, Bandai has created opportunities to connect with a broad range of fans in Japan and around the world.

Up to ¥4 Billion to Be Invested in Manga and Anime Production

The project will combine the strengths of both companies to jointly oversee the entire process, from planning and developing original manga intended for anime adaptations through to animation production.

To accelerate the initiative, Twin Engine and Bandai have decided to invest up to ¥4 billion in total in source material development and animation production.

Beyond licensed merchandise, the companies also plan to expand the resulting properties into various other fields, creating new appeal and value. Their goal is to develop IP that will remain beloved by fans around the world for years to come.

Specific initiatives under the project are expected to be announced in the near future.

Source : ORICON NEWS