Square Enix has officially denied reports that it is considering a move to go private. The statement was released by the Japanese publisher in response to claims made in the Japanese business magazine Sentaku, which suggested the company was exploring privatization and had attracted interest from foreign investment funds. These reports had previously caused Square Enix's stock value to rise on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
In its official statement, Square Enix clarified that the information published in Sentaku's September issue was not announced by the company and that "No consideration is currently being given within the Company to taking the Company private." The company has also noted that the speculation may have been influenced by its major shareholder, 3D Investment Partners, which holds approximately 18.5 percent of Square Enix's shares and has previously criticized the company's management strategy.
This denial comes after a period of corporate restructuring for Square Enix, which included layoffs and the sale of its Western studios, Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal, to Embracer Group in 2022. The company has since focused on consolidating its development and publishing efforts in Japan.