NBCUniversal, owned by American media and telecomms giant Comcast is tobuythe remaining 49% it doesn't currently ownin Universal Studios Japan for $2.3 billion.
Bloomberg reports that NBC bought the remaining stake in the theme park from Goldman Sachs, former Universal Studios Japan Chief Executive Officer Glenn Gumpel, private-equity firm MBK Partners and U.S. hedge fund Owl Creek Asset Management. The deal values the theme park at $7.4 billion, including the assumption of net debt, according to a statement released on Tuesday.In 2015, NBCUniversal bought for a 51% stake in USJ Co. (the operating company of the Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka)for$1.5 billion.
Universal Studios Japan opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in 2014 and recently announced it would open a Dragon Quest attraction and a Minion-themed zone in the parklater this year.
Comcast has been growingits theme park business in Asia. Itis also building a theme park destination in Beijing and licenses another leading Asiantheme park, Universal Singapore.
The transaction willclose in April.
Comcast to Buy Rest of Universal Studios Japan for $2.3 Billion - Bloomberg
Charles Read
Charles is co-founder and creative director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.
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