Sony is purchasing Peanuts. They aren’t spending peanuts on this purchase, however. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) announced that they are purchasing the franchise that was created by Charles M. Schulz and includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and others. Sony announced that it had agreed with WildBrain to indirectly acquire the 41% stake that is currently held by WildBrain in Peanuts Holdings LLC. Sony will purchase the stake in Peanuts from WildBrain for approximately $457 million. This is subject to regulatory conditions and other closing conditions.
When the deal is concluded, the two divisions of Sony will own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC, cumulatively. The family of Charles M. Schulz will continue to own 20% of the company. Peanuts Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts Holding LLC, will continue to hold ownership rights to “Peanuts” and also manage the business. This deal will also make Peanuts Holding LLC a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) will take the lead on managing the new subsidiary.
“Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘Peanuts,’ an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide,” Shunsuke Muramatsu, president and group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), said in a statement. “With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise.
He added, “We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family. Together with SPE, and backed by WildBrain’s continued partnership, we will continue to embrace new opportunities to ensure that ‘Peanuts’ remains a relevant and beloved presence across generations—reaching new audiences and sharing the timeless charm of the ‘Peanuts’ gang for years ahead.”
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) first acquired a stake in the Peanuts in 2018. Since then, they have been working to expand the “Peanuts” IP. At the same time, they have also worked to not just maintain, but also build a positive relationship with the Shulz family. The company said that moving forward, it will continue to use its experience in the character business and the full Sony Group’s extensive network to “drive further growth of the Peanuts IP business and enhance the brand’s value.”
Ravi Ahuja, president and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said, “‘Peanuts’ is enduring and iconic. We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to building on their meaningful partnership with WildBrain and the Schulz family. With our combined strengths, we have the unique capability and extraordinary opportunity to protect and shape the future of these beloved characters for generations to come.”
Josh Scherba, president and CEO of WildBrain, commented, “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’”
The deal will free WildBrain from its heavy debt load and allow it to focus on building its other franchises and endeavors. The deal also allows for WildBrain to continue with its agreement as a multiyear partner with Peanuts for several key services. This includes acting as a distributor for the WildBrain-produced Peanuts content. It will also continue to manage the Snoopy YouTube channel. The company will also serve as the exclusive licensing agent through its WildBrain CPLG for consumer products in current territories across Europe, the Middle East, China, and the Asia Pacific. It excludes Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. WildBrain will also continue to operate an exclusive production studio to make new Peanuts content. This includes the previously announced animated feature film that is part of a partnership with Apple TV that was recently renewed through 2030.
The Peanuts were first introduced by Charles M. Schulz on October 2, 1950. This is when the first comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, the franchise has grown in popularity and is beloved by millions. Currently, shows and specials that have been made through the decades can be found on Apple TV. The Peanuts can also be found in amusement parks, stores, at cultural events, social events, on social media, and in comic strips.
What do you think about Sony purchasing the Peanuts? Will this be good for the brand? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
