Nintendo / Bandai Speculation Continues

Rumours are continuing to emanate from Japan concerning a suggested takeover of Bandai by Nintendo. The purchase of 1.28 million shares by Nintendo in September this year has apparently led to considerable in-fighting on the Bandai board – worried that Nintendo may become the majority share holder. Although the video games giant purchased what amounts to only 2.7% of the company’s stock the current majority shareholder (the son of the company founder, Makoto Yamashina) holds just 5.2%. Yamashina is apparently concerned that a closer bond with Nintendo will damage the company’s more lucrative relationship with Sony. However most of the rest of the board are thought to approve of Nintendo’s interest, with CEO and president Takeo Takasu allegedly being involved in negotiations for the September sale.