Japan conglomerate Kinoshita Group acquires Copyrights Asia from RM Holdings, adding licensing to its growing TV and film distribution and movie-related book publishing businesses, says Copyrights’ David Buckley, who will remain President under the new ownership. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Copyrights Asia and its 13 employees will remain based in Tokyo and continue to represent Paddington Bear, Betty Boop, Popeye, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Charlie Chaplin, among others, in Japan. It also recently signed agreements to represent the UK’s National Gallery, Pippi Longstocking, author Virginia Lee Burton (The Little House, outside North America) and House of Turnowsky. Vivendi, which acquired London-based The Copyrights Group and Paddington & Co. in 2016, will continue work with Copyrights Asia for the Japan market, says Buckley.

Copyrights Asia previously worked with Kinoshita’s Kino Films production and distribution business on promotion and merchandising in Japan for the two Paddington Bear films.

The deal also comes as Raymond Mok (RM) and his wife, Connie Mok, retire from the business. Global Brands purchased Mok’s Hong Kong office several years ago, and Mok formed a separate holding company to maintain the Copyrights business in Japan.

Kinoshita, whose other businesses include construction and management of senior care facilities, has expanded its reach into entertainment and publishing through a series of acquisitions during the past 10 years.

Kinoshita’s interest in Copyrights “goes well beyond” the Paddington films and will be a “great benefit to existing and future property owners,” says Buckley, noting that Copyrights is already receiving “support and investment” from the new owner.  The acquisition of Copyrights is another step toward Kinoshita “becoming a full-service entertainment provider,” he adds.

Contact:

Copyrights Asia, David Buckley, President, +81 3 3377 8300, buckley@copyrights.co.jp