Blackstone acquires majority stake in Japan’s Sony Payment Services

Blackstone’s Private Equity funds have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Sony Payment Services Inc. (SPSV), a payment service provider in Japan, from Sony Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group. This acquisition marks Blackstone’s first foray into the fintech sector in Japan. Sony Bank will retain a portion of its equity in SPSV, continuing as a minority investor and supporting the company’s future growth. Established by Sony Group in 1995 and becoming an independent entity in 2006, SPSV has grown to be one of Japan’s top payment service providers. The company offers a secure and high-speed infrastructure for processing online payments, catering to both customers and businesses. Blackstone’s investment in SPSV follows its significant acquisitions in Japan, including Alinamin Pharmaceutical and AYUMI Pharmaceutical.