Lotte Holdings Invests in Small Planet to Enhance Content IP Business

Introduction

Lotte Holdings, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced a significant step towards enhancing its content Intellectual Property (IP) business. As of September 1, 2026, the company will acquire 20% of Small Planet, headquartered in Hachioji, Tokyo, through a third-party capital increase. This move aims to solidify their collaboration initiated earlier this year.

Strategic Partnership

In January 2026, Lotte and Small Planet formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the feasibility of a strategic partnership. The focus areas included expanding operations in Asia, jointly promoting new merchandise and experiential events, and developing high-value business models. During this exploration, both companies initiated cross-group projects that showcased their strengths and potential for synergy, ultimately leading to this investment decision.

Accelerating Business Expansion

With this capital partnership, Lotte's robust business foundation in Japan and Korea will merge with Small Planet's extensive expertise in the content IP business, covering the entire value chain from upstream to downstream. This collaboration is set to accelerate the speed at which both companies can expand their operations domestically and internationally, furthering their goals of global content development and event planning. This partnership also aims to provide fans of various characters worldwide with new experiences and value.

Collaboration Examples

1. Powerpuff Girls and Chiba Lotte Marines

As part of the Black Summer Week event in May 2026, the Chiba Lotte Marines began offering collaboration items featuring the globally beloved IP, the Powerpuff Girls. Small Planet led the partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, managing everything from contract negotiations to design, resulting in successful merchandise that enhances the event's appeal.