ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Business deals

Sony acquires US anime-streaming service Crunchyroll for $1.175bn

Deal with AT&T gives Japanese company access to 90m customers around the world

Sony will make Crunchyroll a fully owned subsidiary by purchasing all its shares from parent AT&T. (Photo by Akira Kodaka) 

TOKYO -- Sony will acquire U.S. anime-streaming service Crunchyroll for $1.175 billion from AT&T, the Japanese electronics company said Thursday, gaining access to Crunchyroll's 90 million-plus members around the world.

The move represents an attempt by Sony to develop its subscription business while also strengthening its ability to create original content. The company is behind hot-selling anime like "Kimetsu no Yaiba" ("Demon Slayer") and licenses such content to streaming services.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more