Anime News

Nikkatsu Sale Halted by Union
Date: 8/16/2005
Worker's Union Saves Namco Anime Studio


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Nikkatsu, Japan's oldest and once largest movie studio and theater operator, was recently saved from a corporate acquisition by the union representing its workers.

Nikkatsu, which is now a subsidiary of the Namco game company, was to be sold to USEN, a large Japanese ISP. USEN was to use Nikkatsu to reinforce it's existing movie subsidiary, Gaga Communications. USEN was also going to look to Nikkatsu substantial catalog of titles for material to create online content.

However due to resistance from Nikkatsu union, which objected to differences in business strategies between the two companies, USEN has stated that they will not purchase the studio.
Source: Anime News Network