YUKE’s announced the company will acquire Utawarerumono and ToHeart developer Aquaplus from Pole to Win Holdings for 783.52 million yen. The acquisition of Aquaplus includes the subsidiary FIXRECORDS, and it’s expected to be finalized by September, according to the disclosure from YUKE’S (English).
According to YUKE’S, the acquisition of Aquaplus presents an opportunity to combine its console development capabilities with Aquaplus’ intellectual property and brand planning know-how to develop games in new genres and from a different approach. YUKE’S also expects the company to optimize resources and stabilize operations in its contract development line by bringing some of Aquaplus’ development projects into the group.
The company also noted that it aims to expand its development genres, reach new audiences, and implement cross-selling strategies by incorporating Aquaplus’ expertise in bishojo adventure game. YUKE’S also wants to accelerate the global expansion of Aquaplus IPs by leveraging its own localization, multi-platform support, and overseas publishing collaboration know-how.
Previously, Pole to Win Holdings announced its plans to withdraw from media and content business, and as a result, the company will be selling and transfer all shares of Aquaplus to an outside company. Aquaplus was a direct subsidiary of Pole to Win Holdings’ HIKE Group, and PTW has agreed to a management buyout offer by HIKE’s current management.
The result will be a new HIKE Holdings company that spins off HIKE’s assets from PTW, except for Aquaplus. Going forward, PTW will continue to have a business partnership with HIKE and Aquaplus.
