Viz Media emerges from merger

The merger of manga publisher Viz and anime licensor ShoPro Entertainment -- it's more like a realignment, really, since they share a parent company -- is complete, with Viz announcing the formation of Viz Media.

ShoPro Entertainment is an affiliate of ShoPro Japan, which is a subsidiary of Shogakukan Inc., one of Japan's largest publishing companies. Viz is a subsidiary of Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc.

"We are excited to continue expanding our business by developing entertainment content across all available mediums for people of all ages on a worldwide basis," Hidemi Fukuhara, president and CEO of Viz Media, said in a press release. "Having the support and leveraging the combined assets of three of Japan's largest and most respected content creators provides Viz Media with a significant competitive advantage and will create unlimited new opportunities for our company."