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Looks like the mighty publisher behind some of the video game industry’s most memorable franchises is now up for purchase in the market, as shareholders of the Japanese gaming company CapCom have decided not to renew their “Takeover Defense” policy—used as a countermeasure to prevent any hostile takeovers and to keep the company as an independent entity—and a buyout is now possible by any interested parties.

The decision opens up shares and stock of CapCom to be bought, allowing major companies the opportunity to move in on one of the most recognizable third-party video game developers of all time.

This is a possible and major turning point in the company’s history, as anybody who purchases a major stake can have the authority to shift or retain the direction it goes.


CapCom open for sale after non-renewal of 'Takeover Defense'
By TIM G. VILLASORJune 19, 2014 12:40pm



Looks like the mighty publisher behind some of the video game industry’s most memorable franchises is now up for purchase in the market, as shareholders of the Japanese gaming company CapCom have decided not to renew their “Takeover Defense” policy—used as a countermeasure to prevent any hostile takeovers and to keep the company as an independent entity—and a buyout is now possible by any interested parties.

The decision opens up shares and stock of CapCom to be bought, allowing major companies the opportunity to move in on one of the most recognizable third-party video game developers of all time.

This is a possible and major turning point in the company’s history, as anybody who purchases a major stake can have the authority to shift or retain the direction it goes.

CapCom's official statement reads:




The 35th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of CapCom Co., Ltd. was held today, June 16, 2014. At this meeting, the shareholders did not approve our third proposal: Renewal of Countermeasures in response to a Large-Scale Purchase of Shares of the Company (Takeover Defense). CapCom made an announcement concerning this proposal in a press release dated May 16, 2014.

1. Result of voting

The takeover defense proposal was not approved because this proposal did not receive majority of voting rights as required.

2. Upcoming actions

Despite of non-approval of Renewal of Takeover Defense at the 35th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, CapCom will continue to focus on further preserving and enhancing corporate value and common interests of its shareholders. If there is any large-scale purchaser of CapCom stock, we will react to make necessary measures within the admissible limits of applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we will react to take steps to ensure disclosure of the position of the board of directors and other information and that there is sufficient time for shareholders to examine the proposed large-scale purchase and reach a decision.



Known for publishing and releasing major gaming titles and franchises such as the Street Fighter, Megaman, Monster Hunter, and the Resident Evil series, CapCom was founded in 1983, and has gone on to become one of the leading brands and enterprises related to the gaming industry.

The name is a portmanteau of “Capsule Computers”, coming from the arcade machines the company manufactured and made during its early years to designate themselves away from personal computers.

Since then, the company has not only continued to develop video games, but has also branched out and created other forms of entertainment and media, ranging from books to toys and even films based on their properties, such as the 1994 Street Fighter film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil films.

The news comes just as CapCom’s presence was surprisingly and somewhat mysteriously low-key at this month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. With only a few titles and new DLC content announced for next-generation consoles and no major announcements made for their popular franchises, one can only wonder what is going on behind-the-scenes in one of the most recognizable brands of video game popular culture.

Some speculate that it is the end of CapCom as we know it, while others are hopeful that the potential buyout may be the new direction the company needs. We can only wait and see how this develops over time. — TJD, GMA News