Over the Top
2005.03.26 5:27

Nippon Broadcasting System used to hold 22.51% of shares of Fuji TV Network - that's what Livedoor wanted. Livedoor wants to control not Nippon Broadcasting System but Fuji TV Network. This 22.51% share is called 'crown jewelley', because it's an excellent asset.
NBS already had sold 8.66% shares to Daiwa SMBC Bank and this time NBS sold 13.88% shares to Softbank Investment - 'a white knight' appeared in the last moment. Softbank Group is 29 times as large as Livedoor. Finally IT giant showed up.
Softbank bought professional baseball team last year located in Fukuoka here. Fukuoka Dome changed its name to Yahoo Dome. Softbank runs yahoo in Japan.
Both Livedoor and Softbank are an IT industry. Fuji TV chose to affiliate with Softbank rather than Livedoor. Considering the size of these companies, it stands to reason they chose much bigger and long-trusted company like Softbank, but whichever they chose, they have to go in harmony with IT industry - Time flies.
Mr Kitao(54), CEO of Softbank Investment will meet with chairman of Livedoor, Mr Horie(32) next Monday (28th of March).
It is likely all those concerned meet and discuss soon and go together in harmony. Mr Son(47), chairman of Softbank Group, is looking into whereabouts and what's going on. He sometimes moved first, which was in the case of baseball team, he sometimes moved last, which might be in this case. Whenever he moved, he has been always acquired what he wants.