Blackstone set to acquire majority stake in Japan’s Sony Payment Services

  • Blackstone, a global alternative asset manager, is acquiring a majority stake in Sony Payment Services Inc. (SPSV) from Sony Bank.
  • This marks Blackstone’s first investment in Japan’s fintech sector.
  • Sony Bank will retain a minority stake in SPSV and roll over a portion of its equity as part of the deal.
  • SPSV, established by Sony Group in 1995, provides payment infrastructure for online payments for consumers and businesses.
  • Steve Schwarzman, Blackstone’s chairman and CEO, highlights the longstanding partnership with Sony, dating back almost 40 years.
  • The deal aims to deepen Blackstone’s presence in Japan, considered a key market for the company.
  • Keiji Minami, president and CEO of Sony Bank, notes SPSV’s steady growth and customer trust in its services.
  • With the increasing shift towards cashless payments, Sony sees Blackstone as the ideal partner, offering a global perspective and expertise in the payment business.
  • Hidehiko Nakamura, president and CEO of Sony Payment Services, anticipates the partnership will enhance SPSV’s capabilities through investments in IT and talent, fostering growth in Japan’s electronic payment industry.
Laura M
Laura is a financial reporter, editor, and researcher with a particular interest in fintech innovation, capital markets, and the evolving global banking landscape.