Sony Music Masterworks Acquires Majority Stake in Black Sky Creative

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.

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.

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.

Partners Group and Kohlberg & Company Acquire BluSky Restoration Contractors

October 19, 2021

Environmental Services

Partners Group and Kohlberg & Company jointly acquired BluSky Restoration Contractors from majority owner Dominus Capital, which retained a minority stake; BluSky management also retains a meaningful ownership position. Denver-based BluSky is a national restoration, remediation, environmental, and roofing services provider with more than 900 employees and 40 branches; the new owners plan to expand branches, national accounts, capabilities, and pursue add-on acquisitions.

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.

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.