Sony Invests $460 Million in Peanuts Franchise & Characters

Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Peanuts Franchise

Sony has made headlines with the announcement of its acquisition of a majority stake in the beloved Peanuts franchise, which includes iconic characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown. The acquisition, valued at approximately $460 million, involves purchasing the 41% stake held by Canadian media company WildBrain.

Details of the Deal

The deal will elevate Sony's total ownership of Peanuts Holdings LLC to 80%, as it previously held 39%. Following the transfer, Peanuts will be officially recognized as a consolidated subsidiary of Sony. The Schulz family, creators of the Peanuts legacy, will maintain ownership of the remaining 20%.

Shunsuke Muramatsu, President and Group CEO of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), expressed excitement about the acquisition, describing Peanuts as a “world-class IP.” He emphasized the company's commitment to honoring the legacy of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts.

A Promising Future

Muramatsu stated that with this increased ownership, Sony aims to leverage its extensive global network to enhance the Peanuts brand's value. Collaborating with Sony Pictures Entertainment and backed by WildBrain’s partnership, they plan to keep Peanuts relevant across generations, reaching new audiences while preserving its timeless charm.

The Legacy of Peanuts

Since its debut in 1950, the Peanuts comic strip has captivated audiences through various U.S. newspapers. Today, the franchise thrives with animated shows available on Apple TV, and a dedicated Snoopy YouTube channel boasting 750,000 subscribers. The animated film "The Peanuts Movie" (2015), marking the first movie in 35 years, grossed over $246 million worldwide. Furthermore, a new Peanuts film was recently announced, set for exclusive release on Apple TV.

With this acquisition, Sony is poised to carry forward the legacy of Peanuts, ensuring that cherished characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy continue to delight fans for years to come.

Source: IGN