PE-backed Universal Studios Japan targets IPO - report

According to The Wall Street Journal, the company could list as early as next summer, but no final decision has been made. The size of the IPO is still unclear.

Established in 1994, the USG operates Universal Studios in Osaka, which opened in 2001. The company made its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Mothers market for start-up companies the same year the park opened.

Goldman Sachs invested $180 million in 2005 and USJ delisted four years later when Goldman Sachs returned to lead a consortium - which included MBK, Owl Creek and Glenn Gumpel, the chairman and CEO of USJ - acquired a majority stake at an enterprise valuation of $1.4 billion. PAG then invested $250 million in USJ in December last year.

In 2012, the park had its 100 millionth visitor, with around 10.5 million people visiting in the 2013 fiscal year. The park's attractions are arranged in nine themed areas. The company has just completed developing a 10th attraction - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - at the cost of JPY45 billion.

USJ currently has JPY50 billion ($493 million) in capital, according to its website. The company was previously reported to bidding for a license to build a Casino complex in Osaka should a law legalizing casinos in Japan be passed.

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• Topics
• North Asia
• Consumer
• Exits
• Japan
• Consumer
• Exit
• IPO
• MBK Partners
• Goldman Sachs
• PAG