Overview
- Sony signed an agreement to purchase WildBrain’s 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings, positioning Sony to own 80% upon closing while the Schulz family retains 20%.
- Peanuts Holdings and Peanuts Worldwide will be consolidated within Sony Group, with Sony Music Entertainment Japan leading management in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
- Reporting on the purchase price diverges, with Deadline citing $630 million and TheWrap reporting $457 million.
- WildBrain remains the exclusive licensing agent in most territories outside Japan and ANZ, the exclusive production studio for new Peanuts content, the distributor of its Peanuts titles, and the manager of the Snoopy YouTube channel.
- Apple TV continues as the exclusive streaming home for Peanuts, with coverage noting a recent extension through 2030 that includes new series, specials, and a previously announced animated feature.