Comcast NBCUniversal, owner of Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, has agreed to purchase a majority shareholding in Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
The acquisition, for $1.5 billion, shows strong commitment by Comcast NBCUniversal to grow and evolve Universal Studios Japan which reported record high attendance figures in the last financial year. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in July 2014 with its flagship 3D attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which uses state-of-the-art 4K technology.
USJ’s current CEO, Glenn Gumpel, will step down once the sale has completed. Universal Parks & Resorts has named Jean-Louis Bonnier as his successor.
“Universal Studios Japan will continue to progress along with its basic policies such as the successful marketing strategy which has boosted the attendance these recent years and look forward to even further growth utilizing a financial strength and a great platform Comcast NBCUniversal will give, ” reported Gumpel.
Comcast NBCUniversal has recently announced plans for a theme park in Beijing and an indoor theme park to be developed as part of the Galactica Park project in Moscow.
