As part of its strategy to increase expertise in Western content development, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe SAS (BNEE) announced today that, subject to compliance with customary terms of sale, including applicable Canadian regulatory approvals, BNEE will acquire Reflector Entertainment Ltd. (Reflector Entertainment) and its subsidiary Reflector Interactive Productions Ltd. by Lune Rouge Innovation Inc. (Lune Rouge). This acquisition agreement continues BNEE’s strategy to develop 50% of its content outside Japan.
“Designing and developing the content that we will publish and distribute is the foundation of our strategy“, commented Arnaud Müller, COO of BNEE. “Reflector Entertainment’s creative vision and development capabilities will support BNEE in creating breathtaking experiences over the years. We look forward to working with such an accomplished team and welcoming them to the BNEE family”.
This first strategic move in Montreal’s talented developer community highlights BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment’s Medium Term Plan which aims to strengthen the autonomy of the regional headquarters for greater expansion into global markets.
Founded in 2016 by Alexandre Amancio and from the Lune Rouge group, Reflector Entertainment is focused on building Storyworlds that people can interact with across a variety of media, including video games, novels, podcasts, movies, and more.
Its Unknown 9 franchise, developed by its 120 talented employees, including industry veterans who have worked on some of the best AAA video games produced in Canadian studios, has been revealed to the public with, for the moment, the release of the first book in a trilogy of novels written by bestselling author Layton GREEN, several podcast episodes, comic book series, and most recently the highly anticipated video game Unknown 9: Awakening.
“Reaching a global audience and the endless entertainment possibilities offered by synergies with BNEE and the rest of the Group will ensure an important long-term perspective for the team here in Montreal“, commented Alexandre Amancio.
“We believe this acquisition will allow Reflector Entertainment to deepen its transmedia vision to build incredible journeys while expanding on the work already done on the franchise. Unknown 9 and other projects,” he said Robert Blain, President of Lune Rouge. “BNEE has an amazing team whose skills and industry knowledge will ensure Reflector Entertainment has a bright future”.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. Upon completion of this acquisition, Alexandre Amancio will become Chief Creative Officer of Reflector Entertainment and will work alongside Herve Hoerdt, Vice President of Content, Marketing and Digital at BNEEwho will manage the transition as CEO.
