Avex exits Sanrio JV, deepens strategic partnership for global IP expansion

Avex Inc. announced its decision to transfer all shares of SANRIO SOUTHEAST ASIA PTE. LTD. (SSEA), its equity-method affiliate, to Sanrio Co., Ltd. for $10,700,000. This transaction, anticipated to conclude between December 2025 and January 2026, will result in Avex recognizing an extraordinary gain of approximately JPY 1.0 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.

Concurrently, Avex and Sanrio have reached a basic agreement to form a strategic partnership, deepening their collaboration. This partnership will focus on various areas, including music production (music videos), events, merchandising and sales distribution, and personnel exchange, aiming to further accelerate the global deployment of intellectual property.

SSEA, a joint venture established in 2020 by Sanrio and Avex’s subsidiary, Avex South East Asia Pte. Ltd., has successfully expanded Sanrio’s licensing business in Southeast Asia, with sales growing tenfold in yen since December 2021. This growth reflects the effective synergy between Sanrio's character brand strength and Avex's local business expertise.