Sony has now successfully acquired full distribution control of PlayStation hardware in Chinese markets, having purchased the remaining 51% shares in Oriental Pearl.
The PlayStation console manufacturer entered into a joint venture with the company back in May 2014, but following the acquisition of the remaining shares, Sony is now fully in control of PlayStation in China and thus strengthening its position in the region. The firm has bee renamed Wanzhanpiwu Cultural Entertainment as a result of the acquisition.
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Prior to this, Sony China and Oriental Pearl held a 49% and 51% share, respectively, with the home console business primarily carried out by the former in China. Now that Sony has snapped up the remaining shares, there’s no middleman in regards to the distribution of its hardware, with Sony in full control of the business.
China is a major territory for the production of video game hardware, and been massively affected by the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Last week, a report from the CTA warned that the tariffs could result in a major price hike for video game consoles in the US, with hardware rocketing by as much as 69%.
[Source – Inf.news via IconEra]