Back in 2015, $1.5 billion was paid for a 51 percent stake in Universal Studios Japan, but now Comcast is shelling out $2.3 billion for the remaining stake of the theme park in Osaka, Japan. Universal Studios Japan was previously a joint venture between Osaka and a group of private companies and licensed the NBCUniversal properties.
Universal Studios Japan has been a big hit with the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2014, and will open up Minion Park and Super Nintendo World in the future. Universal Studios films have played very well in Asian markets over the past couple years, so it makes complete sense for Comcast to finally take full ownership of the park to capitalize on their popularity.
The full deal is expected to be finalized in April.
(h/t – Bloomberg)
