GENDA Co. agreed to buy amusement facility operator U-ing from Japanese retailer Heiwado Co., adding 13 entertainment centers and 86 capsule toy locations to its portfolio.
The Tokyo-based arcade operator will purchase all shares of U-ing on May 8, according to a statement released Thursday. Financial terms weren’t disclosed, citing confidentiality agreements.
U-ing operates indoor amusement parks, bowling alleys branded as “Laputa Bowl,” and children’s play areas called “KiDS PARADISE” primarily in Japan’s Chubu and Kansai regions. The company also manages “Gacha Gacha City” capsule toy vending machine locations.
GENDA expects the acquisition to generate operational efficiencies by sharing human resources and digital transformation expertise across its expanded network. The company anticipates strengthening its market position by introducing exclusive items from its “GiGO PRIZE” brand to U-ing locations while increasing purchasing power for arcade machines and prize merchandise.
The deal continues GENDA’s aggressive expansion strategy through mergers and acquisitions since its founding in 2018. The Tokyo-listed company has previously acquired multiple amusement businesses in Japan and recently expanded into the U.S. market as Japanese anime-themed content gains popularity globally.
