Sony Pictures and Music have signed a deal to acquire Canadian animation company WildBrain’s 41 percent stake in the ownership of Peanuts. Combined with Sony’s current 39 percent stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC, it grants the conglomerate the majority of control of the rights to the classic comic strip, with the remaining 20 percent still owned by the family of creator Charles M. Schulz. WildBrain shares the deal was made for $630 million (457.14 US) cash, eliminating all debt the company had, while leaving over $40 million in surplus.
Josh Scherba, President and CEO of WildBrain, said in a statement, “Sony has been an excellent partner on the Peanuts brand for many years, and we’re confident that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang are in good hands with them. We’d like to thank the Peanuts Worldwide team, as well as the Schulz family, for their incredible collaboration, and we look forward to working with them and Sony going forward to continue driving global success for Peanuts.”
Sony first bought its stake in Peanuts in 2018, a year after WildBrain (then known as DHX Media) acquired most of the rights from Iconix Brand Group. WildBrain states that under the new deal, they will remain a key partner for the franchise in various areas, including licensing for consumer products in Europe, the Middle East, and China; producing new Peanuts media for Apple TV; and continued management of the Snoopy YouTube channel.
Peanuts, which celebrated its 75th anniversary earlier this year, continues to be in rude health, with new specials, shorts and series releasing frequently on Apple TV, and a new video game, Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club. The Apple deal is set to continue until at least 2030, and will include a new feature film. (The 2015 Peanuts Movie was produced by Blue Sky Studios, meaning it will remain a Disney property.) However, with Sony’s newfound control of the property, don’t be surprised if future Peanuts projects are produced by Sony Pictures Animation (the home of the Spider-Verse films, KPop Demon Hunters, and more), and Sony Pictures Television Kids instead.
“Peanuts, which celebrated its 75th anniversary earlier this year, continues to be in rude health…”
Maybe a transcription error for “good health”, there?