Sony is investing significantly more than a mere sum to acquire a controlling interest in the beloved Peanuts franchise created by Charles M. Schulz, which features iconic characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) have announced that they have finalized an agreement with Canadian media company WildBrain to directly purchase the 41% stake that WildBrain holds in Peanuts Holdings LLC.
The acquisition will cost Sony approximately CAN $630 million, translating to around $457 million USD. The completion of this deal is contingent upon certain closing conditions, including necessary regulatory approvals.
Ownership Transition
This transaction means that SMEJ and Sony Pictures entertainment, along with SMEJ’s existing nearly 39% share, will collectively own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC. Meanwhile, the family of Charles M. Schulz will retain ownership of the remaining 20%.The rights management for “Peanuts” and its business operations will continue under Peanuts Worldwide, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peanuts Holdings LLC.
With Sony now holding an 80% stake, Peanuts Holdings LLC (including Peanuts Worldwide) will become a consolidated entity within the Sony Group. SMEJ is set to take charge in managing Peanuts Holdings LLC alongside SPE.
“Since joining forces in 2018,SMEJ has been honored to contribute to ‘Peanuts,’ an iconic global entertainment brand with a legacy spanning over 75 years,” stated Shunsuke Muramatsu,president and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan). “This increased ownership allows us to further enhance the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by leveraging the extensive global network and expertise within the Sony Group.”
Since acquiring an interest in Peanuts Holdings back in 2018, SMEJ has focused on expanding its intellectual property while nurturing strong ties with the schulz family. The company aims to utilize its expertise within character development—alongside resources from across the vast Sony network—to drive further growth for the “Peanuts” brand.
Ravi Ahuja, president and CEO of sony Pictures Entertainment remarked on this collaboration: ”‘Peanuts’ stands as both enduring and iconic. We value our deep partnership with our colleagues at SMEJ as we look forward to enhancing their meaningful collaboration with WildBrain and continuing our relationship with the Schulz family. Our combined strengths present us unique capabilities as well as unparalleled opportunities for safeguarding these cherished characters for future generations.”
Josh Scherba, president and CEO of WildBrain expressed confidence in this transition: “Sony has been an exceptional partner for several years regarding ‘Peanuts,’ ensuring that Charlie Brown, Snoopy—and all their friends—are entrusted into capable hands. We extend our gratitude towards both Peanuts Worldwide team members and also Charles Schulz’s family for their invaluable cooperation; we eagerly anticipate collaborating further alongside them at Sony moving forward.”
The world was first introduced to Charlie Brown,Snoopy,and othre members from “Peanut” when Charles M.Schulz launched his comic strip on October2nd1950 across seven newspapers.The franchise has as evolved into a worldwide phenomenon encompassing not only shows but also merchandise amusement parks,cultural events,social media presence,and comic strips available through various formats including Apple TV specials.
This deal enables WildBrain not only eliminate all debt but also provides financial flexibility allowing them focus on developing other beloved franchises such Strawberry Shortcake or Teletubbies while investing into premium digital content networks via platforms like YouTube FAST AVOD among others driving innovation.
The agreement ensures continued multi-year partnerships between wildbrain & peanuts covering key services such distribution channels related specifically towards wildbrain produced content along managing snoopy’s youtube channel.Additionally they’ll serve exclusive licensing agents through agency wildbrain CPLG targeting consumer products throughout Europe Middle East China Asia Pacific excluding Japan Australia New Zealand.
A dedicated production studio operated by wildbrain shall create fresh content based off peanuts including previously announced animated feature film under partnerships established recently renewed until2030with apple tv
.