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Market Chatter: Itochu Eyes 40% Stake in US Licensing Startup Octas to Tap Anime Merchandise Demand

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Itochu (TYO:8001) is eyeing a 40% stake in Octas, a San Francisco-based startup focused on character licensing, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.

After the investment, Octas will license Japanese characters and partner with North American manufacturers and retailers on product development, the publication said, citing people familiar with the private discussions.

Itochu has already worked with Octas to bring popular figures like "Opanchu Usagi" to global markets, the report said.

The company now plans to use Octas' network of North American producers and stores to build a durable market presence beyond isolated successes, it added.

Itochu did not reply to MTNewswire's query at press time.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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