Bandai Namco acquires distributor Nippon Imports (Bluefin Corp. in North America) and will inject $27 million into newly formed subsidiary Bandai Namco Collectibles as it seeks to expand its collectibles business, the company said.

The terms of the purchase weren’t disclosed. But Bandai will own 80 percent of Nippon Imports. Bandai Namco Collectibles, which will be based in Anaheim, CA, will do business as Bluefin in North America and be headed by CEO Steve Fujimara. Bandai Namco Collectibles will formally start operations in January.

Prior to the sale, Bluefin was best known as the North American importer/distributor of licensed action figures from Bandai’s Tamashii Nations (Dragonball Z, Joker, Antman and others) as well independent developers such as Storm Collectibles (Mortal Kombat, Mike Tyson, Tekken 7) and Flame Toys (Transformers). Bluefin also handled distribution for Power Rangers action figures. Bandai’s sales of those figures end this year, with Hasbro’s acquisition of Saban Brands. In addition to distribution, Bandai will use Bluefin’s network to organize fan events, the company said.

Contact:

Bluefin, Shin Ueno, Brand Development Dir., 949-553-8800 x120, shin@bluefincorp.com