Kadokawa to Merge ASCII and MediaWorks

Kadokawa Group Holdings has revealed plans (PDF) for the consolidation of 2 of its affiliates, ASCII and MediaWorks. The merger is slated for April 1st, 2008.

No details have been decided yet, but the merged company will be called "ASCII Media Works Inc." The reason cited for the merger is to "consolidate resources, streamline the management structure and to become competitive." Also, it was mentioned that Kadokawa GHD decided to not include Enterbrain (another entertainment magazine publisher under Kadokawa who put out Comic Beam) in the merger with MediaWorks.

MediaWorks publishes entertainment magazines, including the "Dengeki" series of manga anthologies, while ASCII publishes IT-related books and magazines, and also operate e-commerce sites and "solution businesses."

Source: RBB Today