WOWOW sets up four-step deal to control Lemino with NTT Docomo
WOWOW plans to set up a new company on June 17, have NTT Docomo move Lemino into it via an absorption-type split, then buy 51% of the vehicle so it becomes a joint venture from Oct. 1. In parallel, WOWOW will issue 815,800 new shares to Docomo for gross proceeds of about ¥841.1m, while saying the 51% purchase itself will be funded with WOWOW cash. The structure matters because Docomo will end up both as a 49% partner inside the venture and a direct shareholder in WOWOW outside it. The catch is that the split consideration can still be adjusted, the assets and liabilities moving with Lemino are not yet fixed, and WOWOW says the effect on the year ending March 2027 is still being assessed.