CHINESE video site Bilibili will receive US$400 mil equity investment from Sony Corp America, Bilibili said yesterday, as the two companies seek to further collaborate in entertainment to attract China’s Gen Z.
SCA, wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corp, will subscribe for 17,310,696 newly issued Class Z ordinary shares of Bilibili at US$23.1071 per share, Bilibili said.
Upon closing, SCA will beneficially own approximately 4.98% of Bilibili’s total issued shares, with a lock-up period of six months, it added.
Bilibili and Sony will further collaborate in the entertainment business in China, including in anime and video games, Bilibili said.
“Sony’s investment further aligns us with the world’s leader in entertainment and technology, which will enhance our capability to bring high-quality content and services to our growing community,” the company said.
Starting out as an animation site popular among teenagers, Bilibili is expanding into other areas such as documentary, esports, and music videos, attracting more than 130 million monthly active users.
Backed by tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, it signed a three-year contract worth 800 million yuan (US$113 mil) to broadcast League of Legends domestically as esports rapidly gain traction with the affluent younger generation. – April 10, 2020, Reuters
