Mobile game developer Cygames announced on Thursday that it has reached an agreement to acquire all the shares of Kusanagi, a company specializing in background art for animation and video games. Effective June 2, 2016, Kusanagi becomes a subsidiary of Cygames according to the share transfer agreement.

Kusanagi was founded in 1990 by Youji Nakaza, who remains as representative director following the acquisition. According to a press release published by Cygames, Kusanagi had been searching for a business partner to enhance the quality of production content, and the two companies found that they have matching needs. Kusanagi is based in Tokyo's Nerima ward and currently employs 37 people according to its website.

In the current spring anime season, Kusanagi is responsible for background art in Beyblade Burst, Bungou Stray Dogs, and Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge. Nakaza stated that the company intends to further explore the use of 3D computer-generated designs which can be incorporated into its 2D background art. Cygames president Kouichi Watanabe also stated that the two companies will leverage on each other's strengths and strive toward the creation of new content.

The acquisition comes at a time when Cygames is aggressively expanding into the animation business. Earlier this year, the company established its animation production subsidiary CygamesPictures.

Source: Anime! Anime!