Genda Inc. plans to acquire U.S.-based Player One Amusement Group for 26 billion yen ($173 million) through its subsidiary Kiddleton, expanding its footprint in the North American amusement market.
The all-cash deal, expected to close July 1, will be funded through a combination of existing cash and debt, the Tokyo-based company said Wednesday. The acquisition comes just months after Kiddleton purchased Claw Holdings, which operates National Entertainment Network with approximately 10,000 mini-location sites across the U.S.
Player One, founded in 1975 and previously owned by Canadian entertainment company Cineplex Inc. until its 2024 acquisition by private equity firm Open Gate Capital, operates 104 arcade centers and about 2,000 mini-locations. The company specializes in larger entertainment venues including movie theaters and family entertainment centers.
Genda plans to introduce its Japanese-style “kawaii” prize games and anime-themed merchandise across Player One’s network, replicating a strategy that has already tripled average sales at locations where it implemented similar changes with National Entertainment Network.
The company expects Player One’s adjusted EBITDA to rise from $8 million to $35 million in the medium term through operational synergies and integration of maintenance networks. With this acquisition, Genda projects its North American sales will reach approximately $300 million by 2027, representing about 25% of its global business.
