What companies does Sony own? This question often comes up when exploring one of the world’s most diverse tech and entertainment giants. Sony Corporation, known for its innovative products and dominance in the entertainment sector, owns an impressive range of companies. These span across gaming, music, film, electronics, and financial services. From iconic gaming studios to motion picture empires, Sony’s ownership footprint reflects its commitment to content creation and technology innovation.
Sony Company Profile
Sony Group Corporation is one of the world’s largest and most diversified multinational conglomerates. Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Sony operates across a broad range of industries including electronics, gaming, entertainment, financial services, and semiconductors. The company is globally recognized for its innovation, technological expertise, and influence in popular culture, especially through the PlayStation brand, Sony Pictures, and Sony Music.
Company Details
- Name: Sony Group Corporation
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Founded: May 7, 1946
- Industry: Conglomerate (Electronics, Gaming, Film, Music, Financial Services)
- Stock Listings: Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 6758), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SONY)
- Employees: Over 110,000 (as of 2025)
Sony is structured as a holding company with several core businesses operating under its umbrella. These include Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Sony Financial Group. The company is known for combining cutting-edge technology with storytelling, media production, and customer experiences.
Founders
Sony was founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita. The company began as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation).
- Masaru Ibuka was an engineer who envisioned rebuilding Japan through innovation after World War II.
- Akio Morita, a physicist and entrepreneur, brought global vision and marketing acumen to the company. He played a major role in taking Sony global, especially in the American market.
The name “Sony” was adopted in 1958, derived from the Latin word sonus (sound) and “sonny,” a colloquial term for a young boy, reflecting a youthful and energetic brand identity.
Major Milestones
- 1946: Sony is founded as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo.
- 1950: Launches Japan’s first tape recorder, the Type-G.
- 1955: Releases Japan’s first transistor radio, TR-55.
- 1958: Officially adopts the Sony brand name.
- 1979: Launches the Walkman, changing personal audio forever.
- 1982: Releases the world’s first CD player, the CDP-101.
- 1989: Acquires Columbia Pictures, marking a major entry into Hollywood.
- 1994: Launches the first PlayStation console, revolutionizing home gaming.
- 2001: Forms a joint venture with Ericsson to produce mobile phones (Sony Ericsson).
- 2009: Buys out Ericsson’s share, forming Sony Mobile Communications.
- 2012: Acquires EMI Music Publishing (partial stake), expanding its music business.
- 2020: Becomes full owner of Sony Financial Group.
- 2021: Rebrands as Sony Group Corporation to reflect its structure as a holding company.
- 2022: Acquires Bungie, adding major live-service gaming IP to its portfolio.
These milestones show Sony’s consistent evolution from a post-war electronics firm into a global leader in entertainment, gaming, technology, and finance.
Who Owns Sony: Top Shareholders
Sony Group Corporation is a publicly traded company with a diverse shareholder base. It is listed on both the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols TYO: 6758 and NYSE: SONY respectively. As of 2025, Sony does not have a single majority shareholder. Instead, it is owned by a combination of Japanese trust banks, international investment firms, and other institutional and retail investors.
Here’s a list of the major shareholders of Sony as of July 2025:
| Shareholder Name | Stake (Approx.) | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. | 13.8% | Japanese trust bank | Holds shares on behalf of institutional and pension clients |
| Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. | 6.5% | Japanese custody bank | Serves as custodian for various institutions |
| BlackRock, Inc. | 4.3% | US-based asset manager | Owns shares via global mutual funds and ETFs |
| The Vanguard Group, Inc. | 2.7% | US-based investment firm | Holds shares through index and mutual funds |
| Norges Bank Investment Management | 1.6% | Norwegian sovereign wealth fund | Invests in Sony for long-term, stable global exposure |
| Other foreign institutional investors | ~14.1% | International entities | Includes European, US, and Asian institutions |
| Retail Investors (Japan & International) | ~56.8% | Individual shareholders | Combined, they make up the remaining free float of publicly traded shares |
The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.
The Master Trust Bank of Japan is Sony’s largest shareholder in 2025, holding approximately 13.8% of the company’s outstanding shares. This trust bank manages retirement and investment portfolios for numerous Japanese institutions. While it holds shares on behalf of clients, it does not exercise direct control over Sony.
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd.
Custody Bank of Japan owns roughly 6.5% of Sony’s shares. Like Master Trust Bank, it is a trust bank that acts as a custodian for various institutional investors. It is considered one of the key shareholders by volume but not in terms of voting control.
BlackRock, Inc.
BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, holds about 4.3% of Sony shares as of July 2025. This stake is distributed across its global mutual funds and ETFs. BlackRock supports Sony as a long-term investment due to its strong brand portfolio and cash flow.
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Vanguard Group owns around 2.7% of Sony. As one of the world’s top index fund providers, Vanguard’s ownership is largely passive and spread across its portfolios. Like BlackRock, it invests in Sony for stability and growth.
Norges Bank Investment Management
Norges Bank, the manager of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, holds about 1.6% of Sony as of 2025. This position reflects the fund’s strategy of investing in stable, innovative, and globally relevant companies.
Insider and Executive Ownership
Executive and insider ownership of Sony remains relatively low. No single executive, including the CEO, holds a substantial percentage of shares. Their influence is primarily operational, not through ownership.
Retail Investors
Retail investors in Japan and internationally also own a small but notable portion of Sony stock. These are individual investors who buy shares through brokerage accounts. While their combined ownership is significant, they don’t hold voting power large enough to impact decision-making.
Foreign Ownership
As of 2025, approximately 36% of Sony’s total shares are held by foreign investors. This includes institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Sony’s listing on the NYSE contributes to its high level of global investor participation.
No Majority Shareholder
It’s important to note that Sony has no single majority or controlling shareholder. Its shareholder structure ensures that decisions are made through a board of directors and executive management, rather than being dictated by any one entity.
This widely distributed ownership helps maintain corporate stability and governance while allowing strategic freedom to operate globally across various sectors.
List of Major Companies Owned by Sony in 2025
Sony’s portfolio spans a wide range of industries. Here’s a breakdown of the major brands and companies owned by Sony Group as of July 2025:
| Company/Brand Name | Ownership (%) | Operated Under | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Manages PlayStation hardware, software, and online services. |
| Bungie Inc. | 100% | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Acquired in 2022; operates independently; known for Destiny and live-service games. |
| Insomniac Games | 100% | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Acquired in 2019; developer of Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank. |
| Housemarque | 100% | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Finnish studio behind Returnal; acquired in 2021. |
| Bluepoint Games | 100% | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Known for Demon’s Souls remake; joined PlayStation Studios in 2021. |
| Firesprite | 100% | Sony Interactive Entertainment | VR-focused game studio based in the UK. |
| Nixxes Software | 100% | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Specializes in PC game ports; acquired in 2021. |
| Savage Game Studios | 100% | PlayStation Studios Mobile | Mobile game developer; acquired in 2022 to expand Sony’s mobile gaming. |
| Sony Music Entertainment | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Major global music label with Columbia, RCA, Epic, and Arista. |
| Sony Music Publishing | 100% | Sony Music Entertainment | Largest music publishing company; acquired full EMI Publishing by 2018. |
| EMI Music Publishing | 100% | Sony Music Publishing | Acquired in two stages (2012, 2018); expanded Sony’s publishing rights. |
| Aniplex | 100% | Sony Music Japan | Anime production and music; owns Demon Slayer. |
| Crunchyroll | 100% | Sony Pictures / Aniplex | Acquired in 2021; merged with Funimation into world’s largest anime platform. |
| Funimation (merged brand) | 100% | Sony Pictures / Aniplex | Acquired in 2017; now fully merged with Crunchyroll. |
| Right Stuf | 100% | Crunchyroll | Anime merchandise and distribution; acquired in 2022 and integrated. |
| Sony Pictures Entertainment | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Produces and distributes films, TV shows, and anime globally. |
| Columbia Pictures | 100% | Sony Pictures Entertainment | Acquired in 1989; major film studio with blockbuster franchises. |
| TriStar Pictures | 100% | Sony Pictures Entertainment | Film production studio acquired with Columbia. |
| Sony Pictures Animation | 100% | Sony Pictures Entertainment | Creates animated films like Spider-Verse. |
| Sony Pictures Television | 100% | Sony Pictures Entertainment | Produces and licenses global TV content. |
| Sony Financial Group | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Includes Sony Life, Sony Bank, Sony Assurance; fully owned since 2020. |
| Sony Semiconductor Solutions | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | World leader in CMOS image sensors for phones, cameras, and vehicles. |
| Sony Electronics | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Consumer devices including TVs, smartphones, cameras, and audio systems. |
| Sony AI | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Develops AI in gaming, imaging, and food tech. |
| Sony Innovation Fund | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Venture capital arm investing in emerging tech startups globally. |
| Altair Semiconductor | 100% | Sony Semiconductor | Acquired in 2016; focuses on LTE modem chipsets and IoT connectivity. |
| Softkinetic Systems | 100% | Sony Semiconductor | Acquired in 2015; 3D vision tech for gesture sensing and depth cameras. |
| Micronics Japan Co., Ltd. | 100% | Sony Group Corporation | Acquired in 2020; focuses on medical diagnostics and testing technology. |
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is Sony’s video game and digital entertainment division. It manages the entire PlayStation ecosystem including consoles, software, and network services. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, SIE operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony. It also oversees the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Plus, and PlayStation Studios.
SIE’s importance grew in 2025 with increasing user engagement on the PlayStation Network and rising demand for exclusive games.
Bungie Inc.
Bungie, acquired by Sony in 2022, is a high-profile game developer best known for the Destiny franchise. Bungie remains an independent subsidiary under SIE but is 100% owned by Sony Group. It continues to publish its games independently while benefiting from Sony’s resources and technology.
Bungie strengthens Sony’s foothold in the live-service and cross-platform gaming markets.
Naughty Dog
Naughty Dog is a first-party game development studio under Sony Interactive Entertainment. Known for the Uncharted and The Last of Us series, Naughty Dog is a crown jewel in Sony’s gaming empire. The studio plays a critical role in developing high-quality, narrative-driven exclusives for PlayStation consoles.
Insomniac Games
Sony acquired Insomniac Games in 2019. It is the developer of hit franchises such as Ratchet & Clank, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Insomniac is a key studio under PlayStation Studios and is fully owned by Sony. The studio continues to work on blockbuster exclusives for the PlayStation platform.
Guerrilla Games
Guerrilla Games is a Dutch video game developer best known for Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. It is a wholly owned studio within Sony Interactive Entertainment. Guerrilla is also responsible for developing the Decima engine used by other PlayStation studios.
Polyphony Digital
Polyphony Digital is the studio behind the Gran Turismo racing series. It is a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment and focuses exclusively on racing simulation. The Gran Turismo franchise continues to be a long-standing and profitable exclusive for PlayStation.
Sucker Punch Productions
Sucker Punch is a first-party studio owned by Sony. It developed the Infamous series and more recently Ghost of Tsushima, which was a commercial and critical hit. The studio is fully integrated into PlayStation Studios.
Bluepoint Games
Acquired in 2021, Bluepoint Games is known for high-quality remakes and remasters of iconic games, including Demon’s Souls (PS5), Shadow of the Colossus, and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. The studio became part of Sony to continue developing both remakes and new, original IPs.
Housemarque
Sony acquired Housemarque in 2021. The Finnish studio gained global recognition after releasing Returnal for PlayStation 5, a critically acclaimed third-person roguelike shooter. Housemarque’s expertise in arcade-style gameplay and innovation adds diversity to Sony’s first-party portfolio. It is now a fully integrated studio under PlayStation Studios.
Firesprite
Firesprite, a UK-based studio, was acquired by Sony in 2021. It has worked on several VR titles and became central to the development of games for PlayStation VR2. Firesprite’s experience in immersive technologies helps Sony expand into next-gen gaming experiences beyond traditional consoles.
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music is one of the three largest global music companies. It operates multiple labels, including:
- Columbia Records
- RCA Records
- Epic Records
- Arista Records
- Sony Classical.
Sony Music also owns music publishing rights through Sony Music Publishing, which includes catalogs from The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Queen. The company operates in over 60 countries and holds full ownership of its music division.
Sony Music Publishing
Sony Music Publishing is the largest music publisher in the world. It holds rights to over 5 million songs and compositions. The company manages publishing for thousands of songwriters and owns some of the most valuable music catalogs.
Aniplex
Aniplex is a subsidiary of Sony Music Japan. It produces and distributes anime content, including titles like Demon Slayer, Fate, and Sword Art Online. Aniplex also develops games and runs events related to anime and pop culture. It plays a vital role in Sony’s content ecosystem.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a global anime streaming platform acquired by Sony in 2021. It merged with Funimation to consolidate Sony’s anime presence. As of 2025, Crunchyroll offers anime streaming in over 200 countries and has more than 13 million paying subscribers.
The platform operates under Sony Pictures and Sony Music’s Aniplex division and produces original anime content.
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures includes various film and TV production companies, such as:
- Columbia Pictures
- TriStar Pictures
- Sony Pictures Animation
- Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures also operates TV channels and distribution networks globally. It owns the rights to major film franchises like Spider-Man (in partnership with Marvel), Jumanji, Hotel Transylvania, and Ghostbusters.
Sony Pictures Television
This is the television production arm of Sony Pictures. It produces scripted and unscripted content for major streaming platforms and broadcast networks. Shows like Breaking Bad, The Boys, and Wheel of Fortune have ties to this division.
Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces animated films such as The Emoji Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse franchise. It operates as a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment and competes with Pixar and DreamWorks.
Funimation (Now Part of Crunchyroll)
Funimation was originally Sony’s first major step into anime. In 2022, it was merged with Crunchyroll to streamline Sony’s anime streaming business under a single brand. The Funimation brand has been mostly phased out but its library remains accessible through Crunchyroll.
Sony Financial Group
Sony Financial Group includes:
- Sony Life Insurance
- Sony Assurance (Insurance)
- Sony Bank
This group is fully owned by Sony and operates primarily in Japan. It contributes stable income through insurance premiums, banking services, and investment management.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions
Sony Semiconductor Solutions designs and manufactures image sensors. It is the global leader in CMOS image sensors used in iPhones, flagship Android phones, and DSLR cameras. This division is fully owned and is a critical supplier to global tech giants.
Sony Electronics
Sony Electronics develops and sells consumer products like:
- Bravia TVs
- Xperia smartphones
- Alpha cameras
- Audio devices like headphones and soundbars
It also manages product sales and service across North America, Europe, and Asia. Sony continues to lead in imaging, audio, and display technologies.
Sony AI
Sony AI was established in 2020 and focuses on artificial intelligence applications in gaming, imaging, gastronomy, and entertainment. It collaborates with other Sony divisions to develop smart experiences, such as AI-driven opponents in video games.
Sony Innovation Fund
This venture capital arm invests in tech startups in areas like robotics, fintech, health tech, and next-generation entertainment. It’s an important vehicle for expanding Sony’s future-facing initiatives and emerging markets.
Nixxes Software
Sony acquired Nixxes Software in 2021 to support PlayStation games on PC platforms. Based in the Netherlands, Nixxes specializes in game optimization, porting, and performance tuning. This move allowed Sony to bring titles like Spider-Man Remastered and Horizon Zero Dawn to the PC market.
Savage Game Studios
In 2022, Sony acquired Savage Game Studios to form the foundation of its PlayStation Studios Mobile Division. The studio focuses on creating high-quality mobile games based on new and existing PlayStation IPs. The acquisition supports Sony’s efforts to reach new audiences through mobile gaming.
Right Stuf
In 2022, Crunchyroll (under Sony) acquired Right Stuf, a major distributor of anime and merchandise. This acquisition expanded Sony’s e-commerce capabilities in the anime space, allowing it to offer collectibles, DVDs, and manga directly to consumers. Right Stuf was later integrated into Crunchyroll’s shop.
EMI Music Publishing
Sony acquired a controlling stake in EMI Music Publishing in 2012 and purchased the remaining 60% in 2018 for $2.3 billion. EMI held rights to over two million songs, including those by The Beatles, Kanye West, and Beyoncé. By absorbing EMI, Sony Music Publishing became the world’s largest music publisher, greatly enhancing its control over global music IP.
Columbia Pictures
Sony purchased Columbia Pictures in 1989 as part of a major move into the Hollywood film industry. The acquisition cost $3.4 billion and included Columbia’s extensive film library and production capabilities. Today, Columbia remains Sony’s flagship film studio, producing major franchises like Spider-Man, Jumanji, and Men in Black.
TriStar Pictures
Acquired along with Columbia Pictures in 1989, TriStar Pictures continues to operate as a film label under Sony Pictures Entertainment. It produces and distributes a range of theatrical and television films, contributing to Sony’s broad content portfolio.
Altair Semiconductor
In 2016, Sony acquired Altair Semiconductor, an Israeli company specializing in LTE modem chipsets, for $212 million. The acquisition supported Sony’s efforts in Internet of Things (IoT) technology and mobile communications, particularly for wearable and low-power devices.
Softkinetic Systems
Sony acquired Softkinetic Systems in 2015. This Belgian company specializes in 3D motion-sensing and time-of-flight sensors, used in gesture control and depth-sensing cameras. Its technology is now embedded in Sony’s imaging solutions, helping power features in cameras, smartphones, and game hardware.
Micronics
Micronics, a Japanese company focused on medical diagnostic devices, was acquired by Sony in 2020. This acquisition marked Sony’s entrance into the healthcare and diagnostics sector, particularly point-of-care testing and imaging technologies.
Sony Financial Holdings
In 2020, Sony acquired all outstanding shares of Sony Financial Holdings for $3.7 billion, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The financial division includes Sony Life, Sony Bank, and Sony Assurance. It contributes stable revenue and profits to the company, especially from Japan, and acts as a buffer during downturns in consumer electronics or entertainment.
Who is the CEO of Sony?
Hiroki Totoki – President and CEO (effective April 1, 2025)
As of 2025, Hiroki Totoki serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Group Corporation. He took over the CEO role on April 1, 2025, succeeding Kenichiro Yoshida, who transitioned to Executive Chairman.
Background and Career at Sony
Hiroki Totoki joined Sony in April 1987 after graduating from Waseda University. Over nearly four decades, he held roles across multiple divisions, including network communications, mobile, finance, and strategic planning.
By 2018, Totoki became Sony’s CFO. In April 2023, he took on the roles of President, COO, and CFO simultaneously, further integrating operational and financial oversight.
He also served as interim CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment starting April 2024 and became its Chairman in October of the same year.
Leadership Vision and Focus
Totoki was praised for steering Sony’s growth in entertainment and semiconductors. He helped shape the company’s “Creative Entertainment Vision”—a long-term strategy to challenge competitors by blending technology and content.
He emphasized the power of emotional storytelling—what Sony refers to as “Kando”—and promoted synergy across Sony’s creative divisions.
Transition from Kenichiro Yoshida
Kenichiro Yoshida, who had served as Sony’s CEO since 2018, proposed Totoki’s promotion. Yoshida remains Executive Chairman and continues to support the new leadership team.
New Management Structure
With Totoki’s elevation, Sony implemented a refreshed structure:
- Business CEOs oversee core divisions like Music, Pictures, and Gaming.
- Chief Officers manage overarching roles such as Strategy and Finance.
- Corporate Executives support headquarters functions.
Market Response
Investors responded positively—Sony’s share price rose around 3–4% following the CEO’s announcement, reflecting confidence in leadership continuity and the company’s entertainment-first strategy.
Sony Annual Revenue and Net Worth
In 2025, Sony combined its legacy strength in gaming and entertainment with robust profit growth. Despite a dip in revenue, it achieved all-time profit highs while maintaining a strong market valuation.
Here’s a quick summary of the financials as of July 2025:
| Metric | 2025 Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Revenue | ¥12.96 T / $85.5 B |
| Year-over-Year Revenue Change | –4 to –6 % |
| Net Profit | ¥1.14 T / $7.8 B (+18 %) |
| Market Cap (Net Worth) | $150–155 B (+42 % YoY) |
| Enterprise Value | ~ $170 B |
2025 Revenue
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, Sony Group Corporation generated an annual revenue of approximately ¥12.96 trillion, which translates to about $85.5 billion. This represented a modest decline of around 4–5% compared to the previous fiscal year (2024), where revenue had reached $89.8 billion.
The decline was largely attributed to:
- Softer hardware sales in the PlayStation segment due to market saturation.
- Lower consumer electronics sales in regions affected by inflation.
- Slower growth in imaging solutions and TVs.
Despite this, Sony continued to lead in content-driven revenue, including game services, subscription platforms, and media distribution.
Segment Contributions
- Sony operates through several business segments. Here’s how each contributed to the total revenue in 2025:
- Game & Network Services: ~27%
Driven by PlayStation 5 sales, digital downloads, and PlayStation Plus subscriptions. - Music: ~14%
Growth in music streaming, global publishing rights, and strong artist rosters across Columbia, RCA, and Epic. - Pictures: ~12%
Strong box office releases, streaming content licensing, and Crunchyroll anime distribution. - Imaging & Sensing Solutions: ~16%
Sony remains the global leader in image sensors used in smartphones and cameras. - Electronics (Products & Solutions): ~18%
Revenue from TVs, smartphones, cameras, and audio equipment. - Financial Services: ~9%
Stable income from Sony Life, Sony Assurance, and Sony Bank.
Record Profit in 2025
Despite a slight drop in revenue, Sony posted a record net profit of ¥1.14 trillion ($7.8 billion) in 2025. This was an 18% increase from the prior year. The profit boost came from:
- Better returns from investment arms and reduced operating costs.
- Higher margins in software and entertainment.
- Improved efficiency in game development and licensing.
Market Capitalization (Net Worth)
Sony’s net worth, measured by its market capitalization, stood at approximately $152 billion by July 2025. This marked a 42% year-over-year increase, driven by strong investor confidence and growing profitability.
The company ranks among the top 100 global corporations by market value and remains one of the most valuable companies in Japan.
In addition to market capitalization, Sony’s enterprise value—which includes debt and minority interest—reached approximately $170 billion in 2025. This value highlights Sony’s full market worth from an acquisition perspective, reflecting its strong financial position.
Here is a detailed overview of Sony Group Corporation’s annual revenue and net worth (market capitalization) from 2016 to 2025:
| Fiscal Year (Ending March) | Annual Revenue (USD Billion) | Net Worth / Market Cap (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 85.5 | 152 |
| 2024 | 89.8 | 125 |
| 2023 | 87.8 | 115 |
| 2022 | 84.9 | 110 |
| 2021 | 84.4 | 110 |
| 2020 | 80.6 | 90 |
| 2019 | 78.1 | 70 |
| 2018 | 76.9 | 65 |
| 2017 | 70.6 | 50 |
| 2016 | 67.3 | 45 |
Final Words
Sony owns a broad and diverse portfolio of companies across entertainment, technology, and finance. From PlayStation to music labels and anime streaming, it has created a powerful ecosystem. What companies does Sony own?
The answer spans industries and continents, reflecting a global strategy built on creativity and technology. Under the leadership of Kenichiro Yoshida, Sony continues to grow its influence in the digital age.
FAQs
What are the major companies owned by Sony Entertainment?
Sony Entertainment includes several subsidiaries under Sony Pictures and Sony Music. Major companies include:
- Sony Pictures Entertainment (films & TV): Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Television
- Sony Music Entertainment (music labels): Columbia Records, RCA Records, Epic Records, Arista Records
- Aniplex and Crunchyroll (anime)
- EMI Music Publishing (music publishing rights)
These companies create and distribute global content in film, TV, anime, and music.
Which country owns Sony?
Sony is a Japanese company. It is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is publicly traded on both the Tokyo and New York Stock Exchanges. No single country owns Sony, but its corporate nationality is Japanese.
Is PlayStation owned by Sony?
Yes, PlayStation is owned by Sony. It is operated by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a fully owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.
Is VAIO owned by Sony?
No, Sony no longer owns VAIO. It sold its PC business and the VAIO brand in 2014 to an independent company named VAIO Corporation. Sony retains a small minority stake but does not manage or control it.
Is Dolby owned by Sony?
No, Dolby Laboratories is an independent company and is not owned by Sony. However, Sony licenses Dolby’s technologies for use in its TVs, cameras, and audio products.
Are all studios owned by Sony?
Sony owns several major film, TV, music, and game studios, but not all studios. It owns:
- Over a dozen first-party PlayStation Studios (e.g., Naughty Dog, Insomniac, Bungie)
- Film studios like Columbia and TriStar
- TV production and anime studios under Sony Pictures and Aniplex
However, many studios globally are not owned by Sony.
How many companies are owned by Sony?
Sony owns and operates over 40 major companies and subsidiaries, spanning industries like:
- Gaming
- Music
- Film & TV
- Anime streaming
- Semiconductors
- Financial services
- Consumer electronics
These include both fully owned and acquired businesses under different Sony divisions.
What company does Sony belong to?
Sony does not belong to another company. It is a publicly traded parent company itself—Sony Group Corporation—and operates independently.
Is Sony owned by Disney?
No, Sony is not owned by Disney. The two companies are completely separate entertainment giants and, at times, even business rivals (e.g., in the Marvel franchise space).
How many labels does Sony own?
Sony Music Entertainment owns over 30 music labels worldwide. Major ones include:
- Columbia Records
- RCA Records
- Epic Records
- Arista Records
- Sony Classical
- Syco Music (former joint venture)
- Provident Label Group (Christian music)
- Legacy Recordings (catalog division)
It also owns Sony Music Publishing, the largest music publisher globally.
What franchises does Sony own?
Sony owns several major entertainment franchises, including:
- Spider-Man (film rights)
- Uncharted
- The Last of Us
- God of War
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Gran Turismo
- Jumanji (film rights)
- Venom and the Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU)
- Demon Slayer (via Aniplex)
These franchises span gaming, film, music, and anime.
Is Sony owned by Michael Jackson?
No, Sony is not owned by Michael Jackson. However, Michael Jackson previously held a 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing (now Sony Music Publishing) through a joint venture. After his passing, Sony acquired full control of that publishing business.
Does Sony own Drake?
Sony does not own Drake, but he has been signed to Sony Music labels via licensing and distribution deals. Drake is primarily associated with Universal Music Group (UMG), not Sony, though collaborations and publishing rights may vary.
Does Sony own Spider-Man?
Sony owns the film rights to Spider-Man, including characters related to the Spider-Man universe. These rights were licensed from Marvel (now owned by Disney). Sony produces Spider-Man and Venom movies under the Sony Pictures banner.
Does Sony own Eminem?
No, Sony does not own Eminem. He is signed to Shady/Aftermath/Interscope, which are part of Universal Music Group, not Sony.
Does Sony own 100% of Spider-Man?
Sony owns 100% of the film and distribution rights to Spider-Man in perpetuity, based on the agreement with Marvel before Disney’s acquisition. Marvel/Disney still owns the character’s IP, but Sony controls movie production and profits.
How many companies does Sony own?
Sony owns 40–50 major subsidiaries and acquired companies globally, across diverse sectors like gaming, music, entertainment, imaging, semiconductors, and financial services.
What companies does Sony own worldwide?
Globally, Sony owns companies like:
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (gaming)
- Sony Music Entertainment
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Crunchyroll & Aniplex (anime)
- Columbia Pictures & TriStar
- EMI Music Publishing
- Altair Semiconductor
- Sony Financial Holdings
Sony has operations in over 200 countries, with subsidiaries in the US, Japan, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
What are the game companies owned by Sony?
Sony owns multiple game studios under PlayStation Studios, including:
- Bungie
- Insomniac Games
- Naughty Dog
- Sucker Punch Productions
- Santa Monica Studio
- Guerrilla Games
- Polyphony Digital
- Bluepoint Games
- Housemarque
- Firesprite
- Savage Game Studios
- Nixxes Software
These studios create exclusive titles for the PlayStation platform.
Does Sony own Paramount?
No, Sony does not own Paramount. Paramount is owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), a separate entertainment conglomerate.
Does Sony own PlayStation?
Yes, Sony owns PlayStation entirely. It is operated by Sony Interactive Entertainment, which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.
Does Sony own Crunchyroll and Funimation?
Yes, Sony owns both Crunchyroll and Funimation. The two services have been merged under the Crunchyroll brand after Sony acquired Crunchyroll in 2021.
Is Sony a Japanese or American company?
Sony is a Japanese multinational company headquartered in Tokyo. It operates globally but is incorporated in Japan.
Does Sony own Columbia Pictures?
Yes, Sony acquired Columbia Pictures in 1989. It is now part of Sony Pictures Entertainment.