TOHO has recently acquired GKIDS, a prominent North American animation distributor known for working with Studio Ghibli titles and various anime shows from outside of Japan. The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed to the public. Following this acquisition, GKIDS will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TOHO International, marking a significant move in TOHO’s efforts to expand its presence in the animation distribution market.
The founder and CEO of GKIDS, Eric Beckman, along with GKIDS President Dave Jesteadt, have expressed their excitement about the acquisition. They stated that GKIDS will continue its operations with the same team, passion, and mission, but now with the support of TOHO, a renowned parent company with a rich history in the entertainment industry. The partnership aims to bring a wider range of exceptional films to audiences in North America and beyond, while championing animation as a unique art form.
TOHO’s President and CEO, Hiro Matsuoka, highlighted the strategic alignment between TOHO and GKIDS, emphasizing GKIDS’ strong position in the US market and its compatibility with TOHO’s goals of expanding international markets and supporting IP creation. This collaboration will enable both companies to deliver high-quality Japanese and animated content to a global audience, further solidifying their presence in the industry.
The acquisition of GKIDS comes on the heels of TOHO’s purchase of all shares of Science SARU, showcasing TOHO’s commitment to investing in animation and expanding its portfolio of offerings. The partnership between TOHO and GKIDS has previously resulted in successful collaborations on projects such as “Weathering with You,” indicating a strong foundation for future endeavors.
Various financial and legal advisors, including Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., Nishimura & Asahi, ACF Investment Bank, and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, played key roles in facilitating the acquisition between TOHO and GKIDS, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership.
Overall, this acquisition marks a significant milestone for both TOHO and GKIDS, paving the way for new opportunities in the animation distribution market. The partnership between these two industry leaders is poised to bring diverse and innovative content to audiences worldwide, further solidifying their position as key players in the animation industry.
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