HALIFAX, NS (CelebrityAccess) – DHX Media has closed its previously announced sale of a minority stake in the iconic Peanuts brand to Sony Music Entertainment Japan for a reported C$235.6 million (US$179 million) in cash, subject to certain adjustments proposed in the original deal.
According to a statement, DHX Media now owns 41% of Peanuts, SMEJ owns 39%, and the members of the family of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz retain their 20% interest.
DHX Media and SMEJ have also completed their agreement to extend the duration of the current Licensing and Syndication Agency agreement with SMEJ’s consumer products division, Sony Creative Products Inc. (“SCP”) in Japan, where SCP has successfully grown the Peanuts business by over 200% as its agent since 2010.
Michael Donovan, Executive Chair and CEO, DHX Media, said: “Through this transaction, we have reduced our debt, while retaining control of Peanuts and strengthening our relationship with a world-leading entertainment and consumer products company. Peanuts is enormously popular around the world, and we look forward to working with Sony to continue driving growth for Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.”
