Brands
Yu-Gi-Oh deals its hand to gen alpha readers
MUMBAI: Talk about a power play, Yu-Gi-Oh is turning the page. Konami Cross Media NY has struck two heavyweight publishing deals to draw in gen alpha readers, proving that the 25-year-old anime juggernaut isn’t ready to fold any time soon.
Announced at the Brand Licensing Europe show in London, the agreements bring Random House Children’s Books and Panini Group into the fold, giving Yu-Gi-Oh a shiny new shelf life in classrooms, kiosks and bookfairs worldwide.
“As the largest publisher in the world, Random House Children’s Books is leading the charge by expanding its anime portfolio with Yu-Gi-Oh,” said Konami’s SVP of marketing and licensing Jennifer Coleman. Expect child-friendly titles, activity formats, and collectables that will pop up across the US, Canada and even military bases overseas.
Panini, meanwhile, is rolling out Yu-Gi-Oh sticker and activity books in France and French-speaking Belgium, with ambitions stretching into Latin America and across Europe. Known for its sticker albums and unmatched distribution network, Panini sees Yu-Gi-Oh as a perfect fit for younger fans who want to “play, peel and collect” before diving into the trading card game or anime.
“Gen alpha is the first generation raised on tech from day one,” noted Panini’s senior licensing manager Licia Dallolio. “We’re excited to create experiences that feel natural to their world.”
It’s all part of Konami’s long game: hook the kids early, then let them graduate into the anime, trading card battles and digital titles that keep the franchise booming. With over 1,000 anime episodes, countless card sets, and fans spanning three decades, Yu-Gi-Oh isn’t just shuffling the deck, it’s stacking it for the future.
Brands
Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
