Acquisition of Iconix Brand Group’s entertainment arm significantly boosts DHX’s kids IP portfolio.
DHX Media has acquired the entertainment arm of Iconix Brand Group – a deal which includes an 80% controlling interest in Peanuts and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake.
The $345 million deal significantly bolsters DHX Media’s portfolio of children’s IP.
The transaction is expected to close on or around June 30, 2017, with the remaining 20% interest in Peanuts continuing to be held by members of the family of Charles M Schulz.
“Peanuts is one of the world’s greatest entertainment brands, with a tremendous global legacy of comics, animated content and consumer products reaching back almost 70 years,” said Dana Landry, ceo of DHX Media. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to welcome Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the entire Peanuts gang into our family of leading kids’ properties.”
Jean Schulz, widow of Charles M. Schulz, added: “DHX Media feels like a perfect fit for Peanuts. We respect their innovative and rich history with developing children’s shows and brands, and we look forward to working with Dana and his team to steward Peanuts in the future.”
Dana continued: “Peanuts and Strawberry Shortcake have widespread, evergreen appeal that make them ideal for layering onto this platform, complementing our 450-title library, and significantly increasing our scale in consumer products.
“These brands are expected to drive meaningful growth across multiple revenue streams, and we look forward to extending their reach to new generations of kids worldwide.”
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