Notification on Merger of ADK Emotions Inc. and d-rights Inc. and
New Trade Name for North American Subsidiary
August 16, 2019
Notification on Merger of ADK Emotions Inc. and d-rights Inc. and
New Trade Name for North American Subsidiary
ADK Emotions Inc. (head office: Minato Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takahiro Noda; “ADK EM” below) has decided to merge with d-rights Inc. (head office: Minato Ward, Tokyo; President: Shuji Wada) on October 1, 2019.
1.Purpose of the Merger
When Asatsu-DK Inc. transitioned to a holding company structure, ADK Emotions was established in January 2019 to take over Asatsu-DK’s contents business, as well as to act more independently and with a greater degree of specialization.
Meanwhile, d-rights was established in 1988. In 2014, ADK took a 51% stake in the company and in 2018 acquired all stock to turn d-rights into a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company produces a wide range of content, performing everything from content planning to production for original characters, cartoons, video games, the web and more. In addition, in the North American market, Sunrights Inc. (head office: New York City; CEO: Shuji Wada), a wholly-owned subsidiary, operates a business focused on the popular “Beyblade” franchise.
Since its establishment, ADK Emotions has been working to expand a business founded on developing new IP, stronger rollouts overseas, and developing new business with a digital focus. The merger is a part of this strategy. By combining with d-rights’ production and sales network, which is largely overseas, we will accelerate the growth of our contents business.
2.Date of Merger
October 1, 2019
3. Method of Merger
Merger by acquisition, with ADK Emotions as the surviving company
4.Overview of Companies Involved in Merger
5.Post-Merger Status
6.New Trade Name for North American Subsidiary
In conjunction with the merger, Sunrights Inc. (head office: New York City; CEO: Shuji Wada), a wholly-owned subsidiary of d-rights Inc., will change its trade name to ADK Emotions NY Inc. as of October 1, 2019.