As part of Bandai Namco Holdings' 3-year roadmap through March 2018, the company announced on Thursday it will spin off a new production company, Bandai Namco Pictures, from the animation studio Sunrise. The new company will be established in April 2015 and headed by current Sunrise chief executive Yasuo Miyagawa.

This move is part of plans by Bandai Namco to strengthen its capacity in generating intellectual property (IP), focusing on the creation of IP products and services. Sunrise, along with Bandai Visual, will continue to be responsible for the Mobile Suit Gundam series. Meanwhile, Bandai Namco Pictures will focus on content such as Aikatsu! which are oriented toward families and children.

Bandai Namco has made aggressive plans to expand its production business overseas. It will also strengthen its live event production (including live viewings and video content) and sales of related goods.

Source: Bandai Namco Holdings press release