Sony Music Masterworks Acquires Majority Stake in Black Sky Creative

Blackstone Acquires Majority Stake in Sony Payment Services

December 22, 2023

Payments & Fintech

Private equity funds managed by Blackstone signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority (reported ~80%) stake in Sony Payment Services Inc. from Sony Bank (part of Sony Group), with Sony Bank retaining a minority roll‑over. The deal — reported at roughly $280 million for an 80% stake — marks Blackstone's first investment in Japan's fintech/payments sector as it seeks to expand its Japan private equity portfolio and support SPSV's growth through technology and talent investment.

Sony Music Publishing Acquires Hipgnosis Songs Group

June 9, 2025

Media & Entertainment

Sony Music Publishing has acquired Hipgnosis Songs Group (the former Big Deal Music Group), including its publishing-administration business and roughly 4,400 songs/copyright interests, from Recognition Music Group. Under the deal, Sony will own and administer the Hipgnosis Songs Group catalog and serve as full-service publisher for its roster, while Recognition Music Group retains its broader catalogue and investment business.

Schireson Associates Acquires Stun Creative and Blackbird to Form Known

February 5, 2020

Marketing & Advertising

Schireson Associates acquired creative agencies Stun Creative and Blackbird and combined them with its data and strategy capabilities to form Known, a full-service marketing company. The transactions—supported by capital from funds managed by Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)—bring together creative, brand strategy and data science to offer end-to-end marketing solutions.

Sony Interactive Entertainment Acquires Bluepoint Games

September 30, 2021

Media & Entertainment

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bluepoint Games, a long-time PlayStation partner known for high-quality remasters and remakes. Bluepoint, based in Austin, Texas, will join PlayStation Studios and continue operating under its current management; financial terms were not disclosed.

Deluxe Acquires Sony New Media Solutions (Sony NMS)

April 1, 2021

Media & Entertainment

Deluxe has acquired Sony New Media Solutions (Sony NMS), a subsidiary of Sony Electronics Inc., in a transaction to combine digital media supply chain platforms and capabilities. Terms were not disclosed; Deluxe — backed by Platinum Equity — will integrate NMS into its portfolio to expand distribution, localization and cloud-based media services for studios and streaming platforms.

Sony Acquires 2.5% Stake in Bandai Namco Holdings

July 31, 2025

Media & Entertainment

Sony Group Corporation agreed to buy 16 million shares of Bandai Namco Holdings for about ¥68 billion (roughly $430 million), taking a 2.5% stake in the company. The investment formalizes a strategic alliance to expand global fan communities and develop IP-driven experiences across gaming, anime and music.