Monotype Announces Acquisition of Renowned Japanese Font Company Fontworks

Monotype Announces Acquisition of Renowned Japanese Font Company Fontworks

Monotype has officially announced the acquisition of Tokyo-based font company Fontworks from Japan's SB Technology. Fontworks is one of the most well-known Japanese font manufacturers. SB Technology, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, also announced the acquisition today. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.

This is Monotype's first acquisition in Japan. According to the terms of the transaction, Fontworks' 73 employees (including designers, engineers, sales, and administrative staff) and related intellectual property, technology, and services (LETS, mojimo, FONTPLUS) will be integrated into Monotype. Thanks to Fontworks' extensive font library, comprehensive services, and outstanding team expertise, Monotype will meet the broad demand for high-quality Japanese fonts from global creative professionals and brand clients. At the same time, Monotype's widely recognized fonts (such as Helvetica Now, Neue Frutiger, Gotham, FF DIN, and Avenir) will meet the active demand in the Japanese market with their comprehensive multilingual support.

I didn't know before that creating fonts could become a professional font company, with 73 employees, and even be acquired by an international company! China has many calligraphers and artists, so why haven't we seen good, professional companies like this?